so supple, that methinks I mould them as they pass through
mine: nay, in my conscience, though it be nonsense to say it, your
hand feels white too.

_Lau._ Methinks yours is not very hard, for a serving-man's. But
where, in the name of wonder, have you learned to talk so courtly? You
are a strange _valet de chambre_.

_Aur._ And you are as strange a waiting-woman: You have so stabbed me
with your repartees to-night, that I should be glad to change the
weapon, to be revenged on you.

_Lau._ These, I suppose, are fragments, which you learned from your
wild master, Aurelian: many a poor woman has passed through his hands
with these very words. You treat me just like a serving-man, with the
cold meat which comes from your master's table.

_Aur._ You could never have suspected me for using my master's wit, if
you had not been guilty of purloining from your lady. I am told, that
Laura, your mistress's sister, has wit enough to confound a hundred
Aurelians.

_Lau._ I shall do your commendations to Laura for your compliment.

_Aur._ And I shall not fair to revenge myself, by informing Aurelian
of yours.

_Enter_ BENITO _with a Guitar._

_Ben._ The poor souls shall not lose by the bargain, though my foolish
gadding masters have disappointed them. That ladder of ropes was
doubtless left there by the young lady in hope of them.

_Vio._ Hark, I hear a noise in the garden.

_Lau._ I fear we are betrayed.

_Cam._ Fear nothing, madam, but stand close.

_Ben._ Now, Benito, is the time to hold forth thy talent, and to set
up for thyself. Yes, ladies, you shall be serenaded, and when I have
displayed my gifts, I'll retire in triumph over the wall, and hug
myself for the adventure. [_He fums on the Guitar._

_Vio._ Let us make haste, sister, and get into covert; this music will
raise the house upon us immediately.

_Lau._ Alas, we cannot; the damn'd musician stands just in the door
where we should pass.

_Ben._ singing.
_Eveillez vous, belles endormies;
Eveillez vous: car il est jour:
Mettez la tete a la fenestre,
Vous entendrez parler d'amour._

_Aur._ [_aside to_ CAM.] Camillo, this is my incorrigible rogue; and I
dare not call him, Benito, for fear of discovering myself not to be
Benito.

_Cam._ The alarm is already given through the house. Ladies, you must
be quick: Secure yourselves and leave us to shift. [_Exeunt Women._

_Within._ This way, this way.

_Aur._ I hear the