L. Des. Thou hit’st the zealous Twang right; sure thou hast been acquainted with some of ’em.
Free. Damn ’em, no; what honest Man wou’d keep ’em Company, where harmless Wit and Mirth’s a Sin, laughing scandalous, and a merry Glass Abomination?
L. Des. Yes, if you drink Healths, my wicked Brother: otherwise, to be silently drunk, to be as abusive and satirical as you please, upon the Heroicks, is allowable—for laughing, ’tis not indeed so well; but the precise Sneer and Grin is lawful; no swearing indeed, but lying and dissimulation in abundance. I’ll assure you, they drink as deep, and entertain themselves as well with this silent way of leud Debauchery, as you with all your Wit and Mirth, your Healths of the Royal Family.
Free. Nay, I confess, ’tis a great Pleasure to cheat the World.
L. Des. ’Tis Power, as divine Hobbes calls it.
Free. But what’s all this to Love? Where shall we meet anon?
L. Des. I’ll tell you, what will please you as well—Your Friend is within with her Highness that shall be, if the Devil and her Husband’s Politicks agree about the matter.
Free. Ha, has my cautious Railer manag’d matters so slyly?
L. Des. No, no, the matter was manag’d to his Hand; you see how Heav’n brings things about, for the Good of your Party; this Business will be worth to him at least a thousand Pound a year, or two, well manag’d—But see, my Lady’s Woman.
Gil. Oh, Madam, my Lord— [Running cross the Stage into her Lady’s Chamber.