-it must be so--and why did you not
find me out, to tell me this before, sot?

SET. Sir, I was pimping for Mr. Bellmour.

SHARP. You were well employed: I think there is no objection to the
excuse.

VAIN. Pox of my saucy credulity--if I have lost her, I deserve it. But
if confession and repentance be of force, I'll win her, or weary her into
a forgiveness.

SHARP. Methinks I long to see Bellmour come forth.

SCENE V.

SHARPER, BELLMOUR, SETTER.

SET. Talk of the devil: see where he comes.

SHARP. Hugging himself in his prosperous mischief--no real fanatic can
look better pleased after a successful sermon of sedition.

BELL. Sharper! Fortify thy spleen: such a jest! Speak when thou art
ready.

SHARP. Now, were I ill-natured would I utterly disappoint thy mirth:
hear thee tell thy mighty jest with as much gravity as a bishop hears
venereal causes in the spiritual court. Not so much as wrinkle my face
with one smile; but let thee look simply, and laugh by thyself.

BELL. Pshaw, no; I have a better opinion of thy wit. Gad, I defy thee.

SHARP. Were it not loss of time you should make the experiment. But
honest Setter, here, overheard you with Lucy, and has told me all.

BELL. Nay, then, I thank thee for not putting me out of countenance.
But, to tell you something you don't know. I got an opportunity after I
had married 'em, of discovering the cheat to Sylvia. She took it at
first, as another woman would the like disappointment; but my promise to
make her amends quickly with another husband somewhat pacified her.

SHARP. But how the devil do you think to acquit yourself of your
promise? Will you marry her yourself?

BELL. I have no such intentions at present. Prithee, wilt thou think a
little for me? I am sure the ingenious Mr. Setter will assist.

SET. O Lord, sir!

BELL. I'll leave him with you, and go shift my habit.

SCENE VI.

SHARPER, SETTER, SIR JOSEPH, and BLUFFE.

SHARP. Heh! Sure fortune has sent this fool hither on purpose. Setter,
stand close; seem not to observe 'em; and, hark ye. [_Whispers_.]

BLUFF. Fear him not. I am prepared for him now, and he shall find he
might have safer roused a sleeping lion.

SIR JO. Hush, hush! don't you see him?

BLUFF. Show him to me. Where is he?

SIR JO. Nay, don't speak so loud. I don't jest as I did a little while
ago. Look yonder! Agad, if he should hear the lion roar, he'd cudgel
him into an a