Wood The gentleman was not so dull, but he understood the favour, and was presuming enough to try if she were mortal.  He advanced with more assurance, and took her fair hands:  was he not too bold, madam? and would not you have drawn back yours, had you been in the sultana’s place?

Trick. If the sultana liked him well enough to come down into the garden to him, I suppose she came not thither to gather nosegays.

Wood. Give me leave, madam, to thank you, in my friend’s behalf, for your favourable judgment. [Kisses her hand.] He kissed her hand with an exceeding transport; and finding that she prest his at the same instant, he proceeded with a greater eagerness to her lips—­but, madam, the story would be without life, unless you give me leave to act the circumstances. [Kisses her.

Trick. Well, I’ll swear you are the most natural historian!

Wood. But now, madam, my heart beats with joy, when I come to tell you the sweetest part of his adventure:  opportunity was favourable, and love was on his side; he told her, the chamber was more private, and a fitter scene for pleasure.  Then, looking on her eyes, he found them languishing; he saw her cheeks blushing, and heard her voice faultering in a half-denial:  he seized her hand with an amorous ecstacy, and—­ [Takes her hand.

Trick. Hold, sir, you act your part too far.  Your friend was unconscionable, if he desired more favours at the first interview.

Wood. He both desired and obtained them, madam, and so will—­

Trick. [A noise within.] Heavens!  I hear Mr Limberham’s voice:  he’s returned from Barnet.

Wood. I’ll avoid him.

Trick. That’s impossible; he’ll meet you.  Let me think a moment:—­Mrs Saintly is abroad, and cannot discover you:  have any of the servants seen you?

Wood. None.

Trick. Then you shall pass for my Italian merchant of essences:  here’s a little box of them just ready.

Wood. But I speak no Italian; only a few broken scraps, which I picked from Scaramouch and Harlequin at Paris.

Trick. You must venture that:  When we are rid of Limberham, ’tis but slipping into your chamber, throwing off your black perriwig, and riding suit, and you come out an Englishman.  No more; he’s here.

  Enter LIMBERHAM.

Limb. Why, how now, Pug?  Nay, I must lay you over the lips, to take hansel of them, for my welcome.

Trick. [Putting him back.] Foh! how you smell of sweat, dear!

Limb. I have put myself into this same unsavoury heat, out of my violent affection to see thee, Pug.  Before George, as father Aldo says, I could not live without thee; thou art the purest bed-fellow, though I say it, that I did nothing but dream of thee all night; and then I was so troublesome to father Aldo, (for you must know he and I were lodged together) that, in my conscience, I did so kiss him, and so hug him in my sleep!