ks, and rises; Mrs_ BRAIN.
_rises from under the Bed in a fright._
_Wood._ So! here's a fine business! my whole seraglio up in arms!
_Saint._ So, so; if Providence had not sent me hither, what folly had
been this day committed!
_Trick._ Oh the old woman in the oven! we both overheard your pious
documents: Did we not, Mrs Brainsick?
_Mrs Brain._ Yes, we did overhear her; and we will both testify
against her.
_Wood._ I have nothing to say for her. Nay, I told her her own; you
can both bear me witness. If a sober man cannot be quiet in his own
chamber for her--
_Trick._ For, you know, sir, when Mrs Brainsick and I over-heard her
coming, having been before acquainted with her wicked purpose, we both
agreed to trap her in it.
_Mrs Brain._ And now she would 'scape herself, by accusing us! but let
us both conclude to cast an infamy upon her house, and leave it.
_Saint._ Sweet Mr Woodall, intercede for me, or I shall be ruined.
_Wood._ Well, for once I'll be good-natured, and try my interest.--
Pray, ladies, for my sake, let this business go no farther.
_Trick. and Mrs Brain._ You may command us.
_Wood._ For, look you, the offence was properly to my person; and
charity has taught me to forgive my enemies. I hope, Mrs Saintly, this
will be a warning to you, to amend your life: I speak like a
Christian, as one that tenders the welfare of your soul.
_Saint._ Verily, I will consider.
_Wood._ Why, that is well said.--[_Aside._] Gad, and so must I too;
for my people is dissatisfied, and my government in danger: But this
is no place for meditation.--Ladies, I wait on you. [_Exeunt._
ACT IV.--SCENE I.
_Enter_ ALDO _and_ GEOFFERY.
_Aldo._ Despatch, Geoffery, despatch: The outlying punks will be upon
us, ere I am in a readiness to give audience. Is the office well
provided?
_Geoff._ The stores are very low, sir: Some dolly petticoats, and
manteaus we have; and half a dozen pair of laced shoes, bought from
court at second hand.
_Aldo._ Before George, there is not enough to rig out a mournival of
whores: They'll think me grown a mere curmudgeon. Mercy on me, how
will this glorious trade be carried on, with such a miserable stock!
_Geoff._ I hear a coach already stopping at the door.
_Aldo._ Well, somewhat in ornament for the body, somewhat in counsel
for the mind; one thing must help out another, in this bad world:
Whoring must go on.
_Enter Mrs_ OVERD
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