691CrostillI suppose they are wittols†gg1897 men aware of their wives' infidelity then.

693CrostillAn excellent policy!

694LovelyYou know the Lady Thrivewell?

695CrostillAnd her old husband, and his riotous kinsman*n2100 Crostill wittily repeats Lovely's use of 'riotous kindred' from above, so that the parallel between Lovely's description and Lord Thrivewell is clear. too.

696LovelyYou will hear more hereafter. But now to him again for whom I am spokesman.

697CrostillIn a strange way, methinks.

698LovelyHe is sent for far and near on those occasions, he is of so sweet a composure and such sure-taking mettle†gs243 sexual vigour; semen that he employs my care to have him well bestowed before he begins to waste.

699CrostillIs’t possible he has done so much and says so little?

701BellamyMy lord?

702LovelyI have made your love known to this lady.

703BellamyMy love, my lord?

704LovelyAnd have begun your suit; follow’t yourself.

705BellamyMy suit, my lord, to her? I never moved†gs244 asked, provoked your lordship to’t, though I presume she may be a happy fortune to one of my condition, a poor and younger brother, only made rich and happy in your lordship’s service and overflowing favours.

706LovelyWhich I’ll take off o’ you if you slight†gg1900 (v) disregard, treat with disrespect my care in seeking your preferment to this lady, of beauty equal with her fair estate, in both which she is great, and her achievement*n2101 i.e. your achievement of her (as your wife) will be the crown and the continuance of all my favours to you. You are lost if you pursue it not. I would†gs241 wish thy old uncle Bellamy saw thy bashfulness.

707CrostillYour lordship seems now to woo for me, not him. However I am bound in thanks to your nobleness, in your fair proportion; I hope I shall not be so poor to require an advocate when I shall yield to have a husband. But your mirth becomes your honour, and the young gentleman’s reservedness him. Ha, ha, ha!

708LovelyHow mean you, Mistress Crostill?

709CrostillI do commend your mirth, my lord, for the lusty strain you spoke him in, that he had yet five children in one week, wherein I may presume you thought you had moved to my liking. Ha, ha, ha!

710LovelyI am glad I have made you merry, but you will wish, if you reject him —

711CrostillIf I reject one that tenders†gg1901 offers (for acceptance) not himself! Yet I commend his caution.

712LovelyAs how, I pray?

714LovelyCome now, he shall have none of you.

715CrostillI’ll hear him say he will not first, by your lordship’s leave†gg1479 permission .

716LovelySpirit of contradiction!

717Crostill   [To BELLAMY]   Stay, sir, would you be content to have me?

718BellamyYou heard my lord say I should not.

719CrostillBut say he say again you shall? Speak, will you have me?

720Lovely   [Aside to BELLAMY]   Say no —   [Aside]   I find her now —   [Aside to Bellamy]   that is the way to win her.

721CrostillWithout instructions, good my lord.

731SaveallThe humblest of your lordship’s servants*n2107 presumably accompanied with a bow .

732Lovely   [Conversing aside with SAVEALL]   What gentleman*n2106 ] Gentlemen is that you bring with you?

733SaveallIt is the nephew of the good knight Sir Oliver Thrivewell, of which Sir Oliver I have procured unto your lordship the sum which you desired by your servant, Master Bellamy.

734LovelyFor that I thank him and you, but I could wish you had not brought that nephew hither†gg1268 here (to this place) now.

735SaveallCertes†gg1038 certainly , my lord, I am sorry.

736LovelyMy reason is I have entered†gg1909 introduced Bellamy a†gg1908 as a suitor to the widow.

737SaveallHe also comes a suitor.

738LovelyAnd is in deep discourse with her already. I’ll see fair play.

739CarelessBut you shall hear me, widow, and that to the point and purpose.

740LovelyLady, at my request, do this gentleman — who made the first approach — the favour to be heard and answered first.

741CarelessAs his approach was first, my lord, she has heard him first already, and my request is to be heard now, and then let her answer both him, or me, or neither — what care I?

742LovelyYour name is Careless*n2108 Lovely drily puns on Careless's use of 'care' in the previous line. , I take it?

743CarelessI came to talk with this gentlewoman.

744Crostill   [To LOVELY]   Pray, my lord, forbear him and let him speak.   [To CARELESS]   What do you say, sir?

745CarelessI say I love you, do resolve to marry you, and then to use†gs154 treat, deal with you as I list†gg1119 wish, please .

746Crostill   To BELLAMY*n2109 The octavo prints this direction at the end of the line, but it has been moved to the beginning in accordance with modern editorial practice.    I say I love you, do resolve to marry you, and then to use you as I list.

747BellamyThis to me, lady? I’ll take you at your word.

748CrostillStay†gs238 wait , I do but tell you what he says.

749CarelessTake her at her word again, sir, and I shall take you by the lugs†gg1813 ears (OED n2. 2a) .   [To CROSTILL]   I say again, you shall have none but me.

750Crostill   To BELLAMY   I say again, you shall have none but me.

751CarelessWhat, do you fool me, or him, yourself, or all?

752Crostill   [To BELLAMY]   Pray, sir, how old are you?

753CarelessAre you good at that?   To BELLAMY   Pray, sir, how old are you?

754LovelyYou press†gg1910 push insistently, advance with eagerness, intrude beyond your privilege, which is only to speak to the gentlewoman.

755CarelessMy lord, I am a gentleman.

756LovelyYou may tell her so.

757SaveallLet me*n2110 ] we beseech your lordship.

759CrostillWhat gentleman’s that you speak of?

760CarelessThe man that speaks it: I am he.

761Crostill   [To BELLAMY]*n2115 Given Careless's response to these lines of Crostill, it seems most likely that she addresses them to Bellamy, since Careless criticises her choice of addressee.    All this, sir, in effect, and more of my affection, can I speak to you.

762CarelessOons†gg1913 exclamation or oath, derived from 'zounds' (OED) , but you shall not; you mistake the person to whom you are or ought to direct your affection; you mistake strangely.

764CarelessWhat can I say now? ’Slife†gg1915 abbreviation for 'God's life' used as an oath or exclamation , if that anger you after the error found and confessed, I’ll write worse to you, and in earnest.

765CrostillMaster Bellamy, some other time I shall be glad to see you.

766Careless   [Aside]   She means that to me now, but I’ll take no notice.   [Aloud]   I’ll find as good a widow in a tavern chimney*n2118 i.e. implying that he could find as good a person to marry sitting in an inglenook of the fireplace in the local pub. Is Careless trying to imply that Crostill is a) unattractive and b) an alcoholic? Williams notes the 'chimney-corner' as being 'a place for the idle as well as the infirm; hence making the conventional link between lust and idleness'. .   [Aside]   Oh, she’s a dainty†gg355 valuable, excellent; rare widow!

767Crostill   [Aside]   He looks with scorn at me. I must not lose him, yet dare not stay for fear I tell him so.

768LovelyLet your will guide you.

769CrostillMaster Saveall, I thank you for my suitor.

770CarelessNay, but lady —*n2254 During the workshop of this scene it transpired that Crostill's line to Saveall was a farewell as she prepared to leave. Therefore, Careless's line is an interruption designed to prevent her exit (verbally or physically), hence Crostill's comment that Careless attempts to dictate her movements within her own house.

771CrostillYes, you shall control me in my own housen2119 Among the options for staging Crostill's exit there are two contrasting readings: one leaves the exit direction in place, so that Careless delivers his line to Crostill's retreating back or to the audience ; the other moves the exit one line down, so that Crostill and Careless exchange their lines eye to eye . The former reading demands Crostill to deliver her line sarcastically, while the latter option makes for a more sexually charged exit, also demonstrating Crostill's perverse desire to be treated badly by her male partners. .Exit.

772CarelessYes, yes, I mean so too, but you shall woo me hard first.

773Lovely’Tis a mad widow. Which of these two now think you has the better on’t†gg776 of it ?

774SaveallI think he shall in the end have the best, my lord, that can slight†gg1900 (v) disregard, treat with disrespect her most.

775Lovely’Tis my opinion too, and hear me.   [LOVELY and SAVEALL talk] aside.   

776CarelessSir, I have seen you but†gs29 only twice, and it has been at places where I cannot allow of your resorts†gg1916 visits : first at my aunt’s, and now here at my widow’s.

777BellamyYour widow, sir! I thought she had been the widow of one deceased.

778CarelessThou art a witty, pretty child. But do†gs247 if you here use your wit out of the smell-reach of your lord’s perfumed gloves*n2120 Leather gloves could be perfumed sweetly with expensive ingredients (often with the scent of civet). Careless threatens that while Bellamy is far enough away from Lord Lovely (so as not to be able to smell the perfumed gloves, and therefore not under his protection) he could be vulnerable to Careless's physical persuasions. , and I shall take you by the nose.

779BellamyForbear, sir, I have a handkerchief*n2121 Careless has threatened to pinch Bellamy's nose in order to intimidate him into giving up his suit to Crostill; however Bellamy cleverly rejects this intimidation, suggesting that Careless was offering to wipe Bellamy's nose, and explaining that he already has the means to do this for himself. .

780CarelessAnd let me find you there no more nor here*n2122 i.e. at either Careless's aunt's house, or the widow's , I charge you.

781BellamyI hear your charge, sir, but you must leave it to my discretion to obey it or not.

782CarelessTrust to your discretion!

783Lovely   [Aloud]   And so commend me to my Lady Thrivewell. Come, Bellamy, away. What’s your discourse?

784BellamyAll fair and friendly, my lord.

785CarelessVery good.

786LovelySo should it be with rivals. Fare you well, Master Careless.[LOVELY and BELLAMY exit.]

787CarelessYour lordship’s — with a whewn2123 Several staging options have presented themselves during workshops and readings of this scene. These include performing the 'whew' as a) a discourteous sound, such as blowing a raspberry; b) in relief or exhaustion after Lovely's departure ; c) with suggestion that Bellamy is Lovely's gay companion (for which the dash needs removing) ; d) with a contemptuous gesture to Lovely's retreating back . Parra presents 'With a whew' as a stage direction, describing a 'whew' as a disgusted whistle. .

788SaveallWill you walk homewards?

789CarelessExcuse me, sir, I pray.

790SaveallIt will not be convenient to return this day unto the widow*n2124 This line could also be delivered as a question, i.e. 'It will not be convenient to return this day unto the widow?' .

791CarelessFear it not, sir; I like her not so well now.

792SaveallDo your pleasure.Exit.

793CarelessHa’ you cross tricks*n2126 'Cross' can mean 'contrary' or 'perverse' and it is this sense which Careless uses here, rather than 'irritable'. 'Trick' can refer to a person's characteristic way of acting (OED n. 7), a skillful prank, and a sexual act (OED n. a). Careless is therefore referring to Crostill's peculiar temperament and love of witty banter, as well as her unusual enjoyment of being treated badly. , Mistress Crostill? Well, I will go drink your crotchets†gg1917 perverse fancies or peculiar notions (usually held in opposition to common opinion (OED n1. 9a) out of my pate†gg904 head , then home, and do that which mine aunt and I must only know. This is her night of grace†gs248 sexual favour , if she keep touch†gg1918 keep an appointment, with sexual purpose with me. Exit.*n2125 ] Exeunt Omnes. Careless is the only character left onstage, so there is no need for the plural form.

794LadyIn truth your story is pitiful, but your own folly has brought your scourge†gg1919 whip; divine judgement upon you.

795Phoebe’Twas through the blindness of my love and my credulity, madam, wrought by his strong temptations.

796LadyWell, for this once I’ll strain a point of honour for you, chiefly indeed in answer of his rude unnatural*n2128 i.e. against nature (because she is his aunt); coupled with barbarous lust and Careless's 'beastly purpose' we are informed of Lady Thrivewell's true feelings regarding this proposition. presumption in attempting me*n2127 i.e. proposing to have sex with me . That a villain can still be so barbarously lustfull! If in this way I fit†gg1616 (v) punish accordingly (OED v1. 12) him not, and cause him to desist his beastly purpose, I will discover†gg1416 reveal the truth about, report or give evidence against all to his undoing. Closet, you know my mind and full directions for the conveyance of our design.

797ClosetYes, madam, doubt not. Though I have but a naughty head*n2130 i.e. bad memory, 'naughty' meaning 'worthless' or 'poor' (OED a. 4a) at most other matters, I dare*n2129 ] dare not (octavo). The octavo's inclusion of 'not' makes little sense in Closet's assertion that she will remember the message. Spove explains that Walley and Wilson unsatisfactorily suggest Closet has written down the instructions (which is a possibility in performance despite there being no textual evidence), and therefore retains 'not'. This edition follows Parra in deleting it as a printer's error. trust it for a sure one at such conveyances.

798LadyI presume, to further the matter, he’ll come home drunk, by his not coming to supper.

799ClosetThen he may forget what he so much expected, or sleep away his expectation.

800PhoebeNo, he will then be the more vehement till his desire be over.

801LadyYou know his humour best it seems. Away, away, my husband comes.CLOSET [and] PHOEBE exit.*n2131 The women should make a fairly slow exit, since Lord Thrivewell sees them and asks about the woman with Closet.

802ThrivewellWell, Wat, for this discovery I’ll make thy reward worth ten such masters’ services.[WAT exits.]

   [To LADY Thrivewell]   Sweetheart, I have a suit to you — But first, what woman’s that with Nurse?

803LadyA kinswoman of hers whom she would prefer†gg1920 advance, promote, favour to me, but I have answered her I will not charge your purse with more attendants, only I have given her leave to entertain and lodge her this night.

804ThrivewellThat’s my good girl.

805LadyNow what’s your suit, sir — as you are pleased to call it — which I would have to be your free command?

806Thrivewell’Tis for my absence from thee to accompany Master Saveall to bring†gg1921 accompany, conduct a dear friend on his way to Gravesend tonight, who is suddenly to depart the land.

807LadyThese sudden departures of friends out of the land are so frequent; and that I may believe you intend really, and no feigned excuse; nor*n2132 ] now will I think, as long as you have good and substantial made-work†gg1923 i.e. home-made, therefore, good quality at home, that you will seek abroad for any more slight sale-ware†gg1922 inferior quality goods that are ready-made rather than home-made (OED sale n2. 4a) .

808ThrivewellNo more o’ that, sweetheart. Farewell. Expect me early in the morning.Exit.

809LadyI am glad of his absence tonight, lest there should happen some combustion†gg1924 disorder, commotion (OED 5b) in the house by his unruly nephew, in case he*n2133 i.e. Careless should discover my deceit in beguiling†gg1925 cheating, deceiving him with his own wench instead of me. I do even†gg1926 (adv) even now (OED 6a), just now tremble to think upon the unnatural villain that would offer so to wrong his uncle. I thought I had schooled him sufficiently and beaten him off at his first attempt, and he to assail me again with more forcible temptations urging me to a promise.

810ClosetThe young gentleman is come in, madam, and, as you foresaw, very high-flown†gg1927 intoxicated (with alcohol) , but not so drunk as to forget your promise! He’s going to bed in expectation of your approach.

811LadyAnd have you put his damsel*n2134 i.e. Phoebe into her night-attire?

812ClosetMost lady-like, I assure you, madam.

813LadyAnd let her be sure to steal from†gg1928 depart from secretly or quietly (OED, steal, v1. 8) him before day.

814ClosetYes, with all silence, madam, she has promised.Exit.

816SalewareNay, but look you, Master Bellamy, it is not I protest that I am jealous. I make this inquiry for my wife. I, jealous? I an asinego†gg388 little ass; fool then! I am as confident of my wife as that she is in this house, howe’er you deny her to me.

817BellamyByr’lady*n2135 ] Why Lady (emended following Parra and Spove, which seems a more sensible reading) †gg138 contraction of 'by our Lady'; an oath or expletive (OED) , you are not jealous now? If you were not, you would believe me she is not here.

818SalewareWithout equivocation, Master Bellamy, she is not here, indeed, under your foot, but she’s here in the house, and under somebody for aught†gg1226 anything whatever anybody knows but myself that do confide in her, as I say and will know no such matter. And so my lord’s will be done*n2136 This line echoes part of the Lord's prayer: 'thy will be done'. with her, I hope I shall see her well tomorrow and at her own house.

819BellamyCan such language proceed out of any but a jealous mouth?

820SalewareWhat an asinego’s this! I say again, I do confide in her, nor will I be dashed or bashed at what any man says of or against her. And therefore methinks ’tis very strange that you should deny her to me, that comes not to molest her.

821BellamyThere you are again. But since no denial will serve your turn, indeed she is here in this house, and in bed by this time.

822SalewareAway, away, you mock, i’faith, you are a wag†gg1300 mischievous boy; fellow; joker . She’s no more here than I am. If she were here, can I think you would tell?

823BellamyHow came you to think or dream she was in this house at all?

824SalewareI neither thought it or dreamt it, I. Butn2137 ] it. I but
This interpretation of the octavo reading uses the 'I' as an emphatic end to Saleware's first line . Saleware uses a similar speech pattern in his next speech: 'speak with you, Master Bellamy...'. Several options for modernising this line were suggested when workshopping the scene, but the current decision results from unanimous agreement amongst actors and editors (though this is not to say that other possibilities are not dramatically functional). Another option (as chosen by Parra) retains placement of the octavo's punctuation, but alters the spelling and meaning of 'I': 'I neither thought it or dreamt it. Ay, but, sir...' sir, a waterman brought me a letter in haste from one Master Anonymous, intimating that my Ally*n2251 An affectionate name for Alicia. was with a private friend at this house, and to lie here all night — a very likely matter! What private friend has she but my lord, and that in a right honourable way? I confide in ’em both for that. But at this house is such a thing — my lord having divers†gg406 several (OED 3) lodgings and she a house of her own at his dispose and command — that is such a thing to be thought or dreamt on!n2281 The repetitious quality of Saleware's speech patterns are clear here. The necessary emphasis on 'that' refers back to 'this house' as Saleware expresses surprise at his wife's need to meet Lovely away from either of their residences. The repetition of 'such a thing' in Saleware's own speech is noted by Bellamy and used in his response. Saleware also repeats variations of Bellamy's 'think or dream' in the first and last lines of his speech. The above points are exemplified in the following video clip .

825BellamyWhy came you to enquire then of such a thing?

826SalewareWhy sir, this ‘Anonymous’ writ that I should come hastily hither†gg1268 here (to this place) and ask to speak with you, Master Bellamy, an*n2252 ] and †gg1312 if I should know further. Hither I came, here I find you, you deny she is here, and what do I enquire any further?

827BellamyYou hear me say again she is here.

828SalewareGo, you are a wag again! She here? Is my lord here? Or any private friend? Alas, alas, you are too young Master Bellamy, and may as well persuade me I am jealous.

829BellamyWell, sir, to put you out of all jealousy and doubt (if you be in any), I was the Anonymous that sent you the letter to draw you hither and declare myself your friend, which shall instantly be manifest to you if now you have a mind to lie with your own wife before any other man.

830SalewareThen she is here indeed, belike†gg1929 perhaps ?

831BellamyPray, come with me into the next chamber.

832SalewareThis is some waggery†gg1930 plot, practical joke plotted by my wife; I smell it.[BELLAMY and SALEWARE] exit.

833BellamyBut you must be sure to say, when she discovers you, that you came of your own accord, unsent for, as inspired or possessed by some dream or vision, to find her here.

834SalewareWell, if this be not my wife’s waggery in a main proof of her chastity, I am not here. I will do so, sir.

835BellamySo then, obscure yourself a while, while I approach her.

836AliciaWho’s there?

837Bellamy’Tis I, your servant, lady.

838AliciaSweet Bellamy, why come you not to bed?

839Saleware   [Aside]   Good.

840AliciaDoes the love that was so hot and the desire that was so fervent begin to cool in you?

841Saleware   [Aside]   Good again. As if he, an asinego, had ever made love to her fine waggery!

842AliciaHas my mere consent to satisfy you cloyed†gg1931 satisfied, satiated (OED v1. 8a) you?

843Saleware   [Aside]   Consent to my lord’s man? A likely matter!

844AliciaOr did you court me to a promise only to try†gg1932 test my fidelity to your lord, and then betray me?

845BellamyDear lady, think not so, but that I am struck into stone with wonder and amazement at the most unexpected accident that ever crossed a lover.

846Saleware   [Aside]   Dainty†gg646 fine, handsome; excellent; pleasant, delightful (OED adj. 1); having a palate for fine food (OED adj. 3) waggery, this! What little mad rogues are these to plot this to make me jealous!

847AliciaPray, are you serious? What is the accident?

848BellamyI will not be so crossed, but kill him rather. To enjoy such a mistress, who would not kill a horned beast*n2140 wild animal; but also a reference to Saleware as the horned cuckold ? Yet blood is such a horror —

849Saleware   [Aside]   Very pretty!

850AliciaWill you not tell me?

851BellamySpeak lower, gentle lady.

852AliciaWhy, prithee? Who can hear us?

853BellamyI know not by what magic your jealous husband has made discovery of our being here; he wrought†gs249 worked; created (magic or means) , sure, with the devil!

854AliciaI am undone then. He will tell my lord.

855SalewareI shall undo myself then, friend. No, Sapientia mea mihi. Be not dashed nor ’bashed for that, good friend, if there were any such matter. But this is waggery, fine waggery, plotted betwixt you to tempt my jealousy. But never the sooner for a hasty word, I warrant you. Master Bellamy, that my wife is here, I thank you. But how I came to know it you shall never know from me. You sent not for me; I am sure you were not the Anonymous. Indeed, it should have been Anomina*n2141 i.e. the female version of 'Anonymous' , friend-wife, for it was thy act, I dare swear. However, you do not hear me say I was sent or writ for at all, more than by a dream or vision. But here I am, and mean to remain tonight. I hope the house can afford†gg939 supply or furnish from its own resources; give what is asked for you another bed in’t, Master Bellamy, and you to leave me to my own friend-wife.   [To ALICIA]   I like the lodging most curiously†gg1933 excellently , sweet friend, and, I prithee, let’s try heartily what luck*n2142 i.e. luck in conceiving a child we may have in a strange place. I would so fain†gg715 gladly, willingly, eagerly have a little one like thee.

856BellamyI’ll leave you to your wishes. A good night to you.

857AliciaPray, sir, a word first. Husband, be farther.

858SalewareFaces about†gg1934 turn around, face in the opposite direction , Tom Saleware, and march forwards.

859AliciaYou told me, sir, of a hundred pound that your sweet Lady Thrivewell sent me.

860Bellamy’Tis true, I have it for you.

861AliciaBut she has since countermanded you to keep it, has she, and to mock my expectation of that and you? Why have you fooled me thus?

862BellamyI rather should suspect your craft in this prevention*n2144 i.e. Bellamy could easily suspect that Alicia has something to do with her husband's sudden arrival and disruption of their illicit plans. . But love forbids me, and I must conclude ’tis witchcraft in your husband.

863AliciaCome, let’s kiss friends*n2143 kiss as friends, make up , and, sweet, tomorrow night I will prevent his witchcraft in the full enjoyment of our free pleasures. Be you true†gg787 loyal, faithful to me.

864BellamyMay all that’s man in me forsake me else.

865AliciaAnother kiss and then good night.   [They kiss.]   

866SalewareAre you still whispering? No matter, let ’em whisper*n2145 ] whiswer .

867BellamyGood night.Exit.

868AliciaNow may the spirits of all injured women be added to mine own for my revenge, which I this night will dream of, slighted and mocked, he and his like shall know,

869SalewareOh, he’s gone. Ally, friend, I would say, and now I prithee tell me how or why thou cam’st hither.

870AliciaWill you pardon me?

871SalewareYes, faith, I were no friend else.

872Alicia’Twas but to try if I could make thee jealous.

873SalewareIn waggery! Did not I say so? When do my prophecies fail?

874AliciaBut what brought you hither, think you?

875SalewareA letter from one Anonymous, but I’ll eat spiders and break*n2146 The OED records that 'to swallow a spider' is to go bankrupt (n. 1d) but this seems more the equivalent of 'I'll eat my hat'. if you sent it not.

876AliciaGive me the letter.

877SalewareWhere is it? Fegs†gg1935 exclamation of astonishment , I ha’ lost it!

878Alicia’Twas I indeed that sent it.

879SalewareDid not I say so too? And that it should ha’ been Anonima*n2149 Presumably Saleware is both ignorant and knowledgeable of words and language, recognising the female form of a word, but not realising the irony of its meaning, 'unknown or no name'. ? Sapientia mea mihi, when do my prophecies fail? I’ll to bed instantly while the prophetic spirit*n2148 Saleware puns on his (apparent) ability of predicting what will happen by making a reference to his generative semen, and his desire for them to make a child together. is in me, and get†gg726 beget; gain a small prophet or a soothsayer*n2147 ] South-sayer .

880AliciaNo, I’ll have no bed-fellow†gg1937 one who shares a bed with another tonight.

881SalewareNe’er the less for a hasty word, I hope, friend.

882AliciaI am at a word†gg1936 at once (OED, word, n. 13a) for that.

883SalewareI’ll lie upon thy feet then.

884AliciaWell, you may draw the curtains and sleep by me.

885SalewareSapientia mea mihi, stultitia tua tibi.   Puts*n2150 i.e. pushes the bed offstage, perhaps through the discovery space (either done by Saleware or stage hands). in the bed.   [SALEWARE and ALICIA] exit.

886CarelessMadam, madam, sweet madam, ’twill not be day these three hours. Stay but three minutes longer, but a touch†gs250 little bit, with pun on the physical sense more — She’s whipped into her chamber.    [Searching for the door]   Could I but find the door — I know my uncle’s from†gs237 away from home. Oh, she returns with light: that’s well.

887LadyWhat ail you? Are you mad?

888CarelessWould not any man be mad for losing such a bed-fellow? Sweet madam, let us retire without any noise.

889LadyWhat an insatiate beast are you? Would you undo forever both me and yourself?

890CarelessNot with one do†gs251 the sexual act more, I warrant you. Come away, madam. [Knock] Madam, somebody knocks mainly at the gate, and I believe it is my master returned before his time!

891LadyI cannot think ’tis he.

892Careless’Tis the rogue my man, I warrant, drunk, and has forgot I turned him away. But he shall spoil no sport†gs252 fun, i.e. sex . Come away, madam.

893LadyCloset, go your ways down, and hark before you—*n2154 This edition follows Parra in inserting a stage direction for whispering, so that the long dashes in the octavo are interpreted as signifying secret conversation between Lady Thrivewell and the nurse.    [Whispers to CLOSET]   

894ClosetI will, madam.Exit.

895CarelessSo now come, madam, I commend you in the charge you have given your watch-woman.

896LadyWhat charge do you guess?

897CarelessWhy, to tell my uncle (if he be come) that he must not come near you, that you have had no rest tonight till just now you are fallen asleep, and so forth.

898LadyGo, you are a wicked fellow. I am sorry for any the least favour I have done thee. And do thou dare to attempt me once more, I’ll ha’ thee turned headlong out of my doors.

899Careless   [Aside]   I have got her with child tonight with a spark of mine own spirit, and longs*n2155 i.e. the supposed child longs. Parra inserts 'he' before longs, but the sense of the line is clear enough without this emendation. already to do me mischief. The boy will be like me, therefore ’tis pity to knock’t o’the head.   [Aloud]   But come, madam, tother†gg1195 other (of two) crash†gg1938 colliding of bodies, i.e. sexual act and good night. Must I drag you to’t?

900LadyTouch me but with a finger and I’ll raise†gg1939 wake up, cause to get out of bed (OED v1. 4a) the house.

901CarelessYou dare not, sure, and now take heed you vex me not. Have you not been my whore?

902LadyYou dare not say so, for†gs253 for fear of spoiling your fortune.

903CarelessFaith, but I dare, and if you will not obey me in a course of further pleasure tonight, fetch me a hundred pieces to take a course abroad*n2156 i.e. find and buy sex outside the house (out and about). withal. Do ye look? I’ll make you fetch me hundred after hundred, huswife†gg1940 a pejorative term for a hussy or worthless woman (OED housewife n. 2) , when I want it or shall be pleased to call for’t. All comes out else: the gates of your fame flies open, lady. I will proclaim our act†gg1941 sexual act .

904LadyDare you forfeit your own reputation so?

905CarelessI shall gain reputation by’t in the company I keep abroad, and if the cuckold, my uncle, come to the knowledge of it at home, I shall possess†gg1942 provide with knowledge, inform (OED v. 11) him that you lustfully tempted me to it.

906LadyCanst thou be so villainously impudent to destroy thine own fortune*n2157 ] forrune to ruin me?

907CarelessYou may conceal all then, and so will I, and mend my fortune by yours. I will live bravely†gg141 worthily; fearlessly; splendidly, handsomely (OED) upon your fortune, and the heir which I have got†gg1531 begotten, conceived tonight shall inherit it, my uncle’s estate. And therefore, indeed, I would have all concealed for my child’s good, or rather for mine own. For it shall go hard†gg1943 (with a person) be to their disadvantage (OED, hard, adv. 2c) if I put him not into a course in his minority to consume†gg1944 use up, spend, waste the estate upon me before he come to age†gs254 maturity .

908LadyI am undone†gg1946 ruined, destroyed .

909CarelessAnd oh, that ever I did†gg1945 had sex with it!

910LadyThou, villain, hast undone me.

And so near to be even with ye as to let you know what some wife might perhaps ha’ done, being so moved. It was my plot indeed to strain†gs255 force you hither to this false-fire†gg1949 deceptive (as night signal) discovery, for which I’ll give you reasons.

922ThrivewellOh gross dissimulation†gg1950 hypocrisy !

923LadyMaster Saveall, you have done many fair offices for his nephew. Do this for me: entreat him*n2163 i.e. Thrivewell, who seems to be ignoring his wife to a conference a few minutes in my chamber. If I clear not myself in his and your opinion, and that by witnesses, let me be found the shame of all my sex.

924Saveall   [To THRIVEWELL]    Sir, my counsels have been prevalent with your judgement, let me persuade you.

925ThrivewellBut I will have that friend thrust out of door first.

926LadyI would not that you should, nor give a look or word to him till you have heard me; then exercise your justice†gg1951 judgement, moral ruling .

927Saveall   [To THRIVEWELL]   Sir, be induced†gg1953 persuaded to it.

928ThrivewellYou have prevailed.

929LadyGo to your bed again, George, and sleep. Be not afraid of bugbears†gg1952 imaginary terrors .[LADY, THRIVEWELL and SAVEALL] exit.

930CarelessHow’s this? She’s come about†gs256 come round, changed tack again and has patched*n2166 i.e. settled or repaired, but also with a bawdy pun on 'patch', suggesting that Lady Thrivewell might use sexual favours to persuade her husband (ironically, in order to repair the damage of her supposed infidelity). all up already. I hope she’ll work mine uncle to reward me for my night work, and bring him in time to hold my stirrup*n2164 i.e. facilitate Careless's sexual encounters with Thrivewell's wife. From this point on, Careless likens women to horses; the mounting and riding of them refers to the sexual act, as does the 'course'. while his George mounts her. She’s a delicate well-going beast! I know but one to match her in a course, just the same pace and speed as if I had only had the breaking and managing of her myself. But the mark goes out of Phoebe’s mouth*n2165 Williams explains that the 'mark of mouth' is a sign of vitality found in a horse's mouth before the incisor tooth has been ground down, but used in literature to refer to a person's sexual prime. So Careless is saying he will reject Phoebe in favour of his aunt. now, and I’ll play my aunt against all the town. But how she thought to fright me with “villain” and “impudent”.