_Wood._ Nay, do not insult too much, good Mr Saintly: Thou wert but my deputy; thou knowest the widow intended it to me.
_Gerv._ But I am satisfied she performed it with me, sir. Well, there is much good will in these precise old women; they are the most zealous bed-fellows! Look, an' she does not blush now! you see there is grace in her.
_Wood._ Mr Limberham, where are you? Come, cheer up, man! How go matters on your side of the country? Cry him, Gervase.
_Gerv._ Mr Limberham, Mr Limberham, make your appearance in the court, and save your recognizance.
_Wood._ Sir, I should now make a speech to you in my own defence; but the short of all is this: If you can forgive what is past, your hand, and I'll endeavour to make up the breach betwixt you and your mistress: If not, I am ready to give you the satisfaction of a gentleman.
_Limb._ Sir, I am a peaceable man, and a good Christian, though I say it, and desire no satisfaction from any man. Pug and I are partly agreed upon the point already; and therefore lay thy hand upon thy heart, Pug, and, if thou canst, from the bottom of thy soul, defy mankind, naming no body, I'll forgive thy past enormities; and, to give good example to all Christian keepers, will take thee to be my wedded wife; and thy four hundred a-year shall be settled upon thee, for separate maintenance.
_Trick._ Why, now I can consent with honour.
_Aldo._ This is the first business that was ever made up without me.
_Limb._ You may spare your breath, sir, if you please; I desire none from you. It is true, I am satisfied of her virtue, in spite of slander; but, to silence calumny, I shall civilly desire you henceforth, not to make a chapel-of-ease of Pug's closet.
_Pleas._ [_Aside._] I'll take care of false worship, I'll warrant him. He shall have no more to do with Bel and the Dragon.
_Brain._ Come hither, wedlock, and let me seal my lasting love upon thy lips. Saintly has been seduced, and so has Tricksy; but thou alone art kind and constant. Hitherto I have not valued modesty, according to its merit; but hereafter, Memphis shall not boast a monument more firm than my affection.
_Wood._ A most excellent reformation, and at a most seasonable time! The moral of it is pleasant, if well considered. Now, let us to dinner.--Mrs Saintly, lead the way, as becomes you, in your own house. [_The rest going off._