_Aldo._ I have taken some care of her education, and placed her here with Mrs Saintly, as her daughter, to avoid her being blown upon by fops, and younger brothers. So now, son, I hope I have matched your concealment with my discovery; there is hit for hit, ere I cross the cudgels.

_Wood._ I dare not against you, madam: I am sure you will worst me at all weapons. All I can say is, I do not now begin to love you.

The Works of John Dryden, Vol. 6 (of 18) — Part 66

_Aldo._ Let me speak for thee: Thou shalt be used, little Pleasance, like a sovereign princess: Thou shalt not touch a bit of butchers' meat in a twelve-month; and thou shall be treated--

The Works of John Dryden, Vol. 6 (of 18) — Part 66

_Pleas._ Not with _ballum rankum_ every night, I hope!

The Works of John Dryden, Vol. 6 (of 18) — Part 66

_Aldo._ Well, thou art a wag; no more of that. Thou shall want neither man's meat, nor woman's meat, as far as his provision will hold out.

_Pleas._ But I fear he is so horribly given to go a house-warming abroad, that the least part of the provision will come to my share at home.

_Wood._ You will find me so much employment in my own family, that I shall have little need to look out for journey-work.

_Aldo._ Before George, he shall do thee reason, ere thou sleepest.

_Pleas._ No; he shall have an honourable truce for one day at least; for it is not fair to put a fresh enemy upon him.

_Mrs Brain._ [_To_ PLEAS.] I beseech you, madam, discover nothing betwixt him and me.

_Pleas._ [_To her._] I am contented to cancel the old score; but take heed of bringing me an after-reckoning.

_Gerv._ Save you, gentlemen; and you, my _quondam_ master: You are welcome all, as I may say.

_Aldo._ How now, sirrah? what is the matter?

_Gerv._ Give good words, while you live, sir; your landlord, and Mr Saintly, if you please.

_Wood._ Oh, I understand the business; he is married to the widow.

_Saint._ Verily the good work is accomplished.

_Gerv._ When a man is married to his betters, it is but decency to take her name. A pretty house, a pretty situation, and prettily furnished! I have been unlawfully labouring at hard duty; but a parson has soldered up the matter: Thank your worship, Mr Woodall--How? Giles here!

_Wood._ This business is out, and I am now Aldo. My father has forgiven me, and we are friends.

_Gerv._ When will Giles, with his honesty, come to this?