Pa. Yes, I am.
Ma. Pray by what Auguries do you prognosticate all this? What, hath the Night Owl appear'd luckily?
Pa. She flies for Fools.
Ma. Did you see a pair of Pigeons on your right Hand?
Pa. Nothing of all this. But have for some Years been satisfy'd of the Honesty of your Father and Mother; and in the first Place, that's no bad Sign. Nor am I ignorant how modestly and religiously you have been brought up by them, and it is a greater Advantage to be honestly educated, than honourably born. And then there's another good Circumstance besides, that as my Parents are none of the worst, so yours and mine have been very intimate for many Years, and you and I have known one another from our very Childhood, as they use to say; and besides all this, our Humours agree very well together. Our Age, Fortunes, Quality, and Parentage are pretty equal. And last of all, that which is the chief Thing in Friendship, your Temper seems to agree very well with mine. There are some Things that may be very good in themselves that may not agree with others. How acceptable my Temper may be to yours, I don't know. These are the Auguries, my Dear, that make me prognosticate that a Marriage between you and me would be happy, lasting, comfortable and pleasant, unless you shall prevent it by a Denial.
Ma. What would you have me say?
Pa. I will sing I am thine first, and you shall sing I am thine after me.
Ma. That indeed is but a short Song, but it has a long Chorus.
Pa. What signifies it how long it is, so it be a merry one.
Ma. I have that Respect for you, I would not have you do what you should repent of when done.