st man in the world, if you continue this
resolution. Pray, then, let us vow solemnly these two things: the
first, to esteem each other better than we do all the world besides;
the next, never to change our amity to love.

_Fred._ Agreed, madam. Shall I kiss your hand on it?

_Luc._ That is too like a lover; or if it were not, the narrowness of
the grate will excuse the ceremony.

_Hip._ No, but it will not, to my knowledge: I have tried every bar
many a fair time over; and at last have found out one, where a hand
may get through, and be gallanted.

_Luc._ [_giving her hand._] There, sir, 'tis a true one.

_Fred._ [_kissing it._] This, then, is a seal to our perpetual
friendship, and defiance to all love.

_Luc._ That seducer of virtue.

_Fred._ That disturber of quiet.

_Luc._ That madness of youth.

_Fred._ That dotage of old age.

_Luc._ That enemy to good humour.

_Fred._ And, to conclude all, that reason of all unreasonable actions.

_Asca._ This doctrine is abominable; do not believe it, sister.

_Hip._ No; if I do, brother, may I never have comfort from sweet youth
at my extremity.

_Luc._ But remember one article of our friendship, that though we
banish love, we do not mirth, nor gallantly; for I declare, I am for
all extravagancies, but just loving.

_Fred._ Just my own humour; for I hate gravity and melancholy next to
love.

_Asca._ Now it comes into my head, the duke of Mantua makes an
entertainment to night in masquerade: If you love extravagancy so
well, madam, I'll put you into the head of one; lay by your nunship
for an hour or two, and come amongst us in disguise.

_Fred._ My boy is in the right, madam. Will you venture? I'll furnish
you with masking-habits.

_Hip._ O my dear sister, never refuse it; I keep the keys, you know:
I'll warrant you we will return before we are missed. I do so long to
have one fling into the sweet world again, before I die. Hang it, at
worst, it is but one sin more, and then we will repent for all
together.

_Asca._ But if I catch you in the world, sister, I'll make you have a
better opinion of the flesh and the devil for ever after.

_Luc._ If it were known, I were lost for ever.

_Fred._ How should it be known? You have her on your side, there, that
keeps the keys: And, put the worst, that you are taken in the world,
the world is a good world to stay in; and there are certain occasions
of waking in a morning, that may be more pleasant to you than