Wood. There you have hit me.  I am the most loving soul, and shall be conformable to all of you.

Saint. And to me especially.  Then, I hope, you are no keeper of late hours.

Wood. No, no, my hours are very early; betwixt three and four in the morning, commonly.

Saint. That must be amended; but, to remedy the inconvenience, I will myself sit up for you.  I hope, you would not offer violence to me?

Wood. I think I should not, if I were sober.

Saint. Then, if you were overtaken, and should offer violence, and I consent not, you may do your filthy part, and I am blameless.

Wood. [Aside.] I think the devil’s in her; she has given me the hint again.—­Well, it shall go hard, but I will offer violence sometimes; will that content you?

Saint. I have a cup of cordial water in my closet, which will help to strengthen nature, and to carry off a debauch:  I do not invite you thither; but the house will be safe a-bed, and scandal will be avoided.

Wood. Hang scandal; I am above it at those times.

Saint. But scandal is the greatest part of the offence; you must be secret.  And I must warn you of another thing; there are, besides myself, two more young women in my house.

Wood. [Aside.] That, besides herself, is a cooling card.—­Pray, how young are they?

Saint. About my age:  some eighteen, or twenty, or thereabouts.

Wood. Oh, very good!  Two more young women besides yourself, and both handsome?

Saint. No, verily, they are painted outsides; you must not cast your eyes upon them, nor listen to their conversation:  You are already chosen for a better work.

Wood. I warrant you, let me alone:  I am chosen, I.

Saint. They are a couple of alluring wanton minxes.

Wood. Are they very alluring, say you? very wanton?

Saint. You appear exalted, when I mention those pit-falls of iniquity.

Wood. Who, I exalted?  Good faith, I am as sober, a melancholy poor soul!—­

Saint. I see this abominable sin of swearing is rooted in you.  Tear it out; oh, tear it out! it will destroy your precious soul.

Wood. I find we two shall scarce agree:  I must not come to your closet when I have got a bottle; for, at such a time, I am horribly given to it.

Saint. Verily, a little swearing may be then allowable:  You may swear you love me, it is a lawful oath; but then, you must not look on harlots.

Wood. I must wheedle her, and whet my courage first on her; as a good musician always preludes before a tune.  Come, here is my first oath. [Embracing her.

  Enter ALDO.

Aldo. How now, Mrs Saintly! what work have we here towards?