Ant. Of the Order of Benedictines.
Mag. Indeed? What did Paula and Eustochium do? Did not they converse with the holy Scriptures?
Ant. Ay, but this is a rare Thing now.
Mag. So was a blockheaded Abbot in old Time; but now nothing is more common. In old Times Princes and Emperors were as eminent for Learning as for their Governments: And after all, it is not so great a Rarity as you think it. There are both in Spain and Italy not a few Women, that are able to vye with the Men, and there are the Morites in England, and the Bilibald-duks and Blaureticks in Germany. So that unless you take Care of yourselves it will come to that Pass, that we shall be Divinity-Professors in the Schools, and preach in the Churches, and take Possession of your Mitres.
Ant. God forbid.
Mag. Nay it is your Business to forbid it. For if you hold on as you have begun, even Geese themselves will preach before they'll endure you a Parcel of dumb Teachers. You see the World is turn'd up-Side down, and you must either lay aside your Dress, or perform your Part.
Ant. How came I to fall into this Woman's Company? If you'll come to see me, I'll treat you more pleasantly.
Mag. After what Manner?
Ant. Why, we'll dance, and drink heartily, and hunt and play, and laugh.
Mag. I can hardly forbear laughing now.