Brain. I’ll enter, and find the reason of this tumult.

Mrs Brain. [Holding him.] Not for the world:  there may be a thief there; and should I put ’nown dear in danger of his life?—­What shall I do? betwixt the jealousy of my love, and fear of this fool, I am distracted:  I must not venture them together, whatever comes on it. [Aside.] Why Judith, I say! come forth, damsel.

Wood. [Within.] The danger’s over; I may come out safely.

Jud. [Within.] Are you mad? you shall not.

Mrs Brain. [Aside.] So, now I’m ruined unavoidably.

Brain. Whoever thou art, I have pronounced thy doom; the dreadful Brainsick bares his brawny arm in tearing terror; kneeling queens in vain should beg thy being.—­Sa, sa, there.

Mrs Brain. [Aside.] Though I believe he dares not venture in, yet I must not put it to the trial.  Why Judith, come out, come out, huswife.

  Enter JUDITH, trembling.

What villain have you hid within?

Jud. O Lord, madam, what shall I say?

Mrs Brain. How should I know what you should say?  Mr Brainsick has heard a man’s voice within; if you know what he makes there, confess the truth; I am almost dead with fear, and he stands shaking.

Brain. Terror, I! ’tis indignation shakes me.  With this sabre I’ll slice him as small as atoms; he shall be doomed by the judge, and damned upon the gibbet.

Jud. [Kneeling.] My master’s so outrageous! sweet madam, do you intercede for me, and I’ll tell you all in private. [Whispers. If I say it is a thief, he’ll call up help; I know not what of the sudden to invent.

Mrs Brain. Let me alone.—­And is this all?  Why would you not confess it before, Judith? when you know I am an indulgent mistress.
          
                                                  [Laughs.

Brain. What has she confessed?

Mrs Brain. A venial love-trespass, dear:  ’tis a sweetheart of hers; one that is to marry her; and she was unwilling I should know it, so she hid him in her chamber.

  Enter ALDO.

Aldo. What’s the matter trow? what, in martial posture, son Brainsick?

Jud. Pray, father Aldo, do you beg my pardon of my master.  I have committed a fault; I have hidden a gentleman in my chamber, who is to marry me without his friends’ consent, and therefore came in private to me.

Aldo. That thou should’st think to keep this secret! why, I know it as well as he that made thee.

Mrs Brain. [Aside.] Heaven be praised, for this knower of all things!  Now will he lie three or four rapping volunteers, rather than be thought ignorant in any thing.

Brain. Do you know his friends, father Aldo?