Sir Tim. Yes, ask my Maids. [Aside.
Dia. So civil.
Sir Tim. Yes, to my Neighbours Wives. [Aside.] But so, Madam, I find by this high Commendation of my Nephew, your Ladyship has a very slender opinion of your devoted Servant the while: or else, Madam, with this not disagreeable Face and Shape of mine, six thousand Pound a year, and other Virtues and Commodities that shall be nameless, I see no reason why I shou’d not beget an Heir of my own Body, had I the helping hand of a certain victorious Person in the World, that shall be nameless. [Bowing and smirking.
Dia. Meaning me, I am sure; if I shou’d marry him now, and disappoint my dear Inconstant with an Heir of his own begetting, ‘twou’d be a most wicked Revenge for past Kindnesses. [Aside.
Sir Tim. I know your Ladyship is studying now who this victorious
Person shou’d be, whom I dare not name: but let it suffice, she is,
Madam, within a Mile of an Oak.
Dia. No, Sir, I was considering, if what you say be true, How unadvisedly I have lov’d your Nephew, Who swore to me he was to be your Heir.
Sir Tim. My Heir, Madam! am I so visibly old to be so desperate?
No, I’m in my years of desires and discretion,
And I have thoughts, durst I but utter ‘em;
But modestly say, Mum—
Dia. I took him for the hopefullest Gentleman—
Sir Tim. Let him hope on, so will I; and yet, Madam, in consideration of your Love to him, and because he is my Nephew, young, handsome, witty, and so forth, I am content to be so much a Parent to him, as if Heaven please,—to see him fairly hang’d.
Dia. How, Sir! [In amaze.