Ros. That's nothing,
I have known a Cobler do it, a poor thin Cobler;
A Cobler out of mouldy Cheese perform it,
Cabbage, and coarse black Bread; methinks a Gentleman
Should take foul scorn to have an awl outname him.
Two at a Birth? why, every house-Dove has it:
That man that feeds well, promises as well too,
I should expect indeed something of worth from.
Ye talk of two?
Mir. She would have me get two dozen,
Like Buttons, at a Birth.
Ros. You love to brag, Sir.
If you proclaim these offers at your Marriage,
You are a pretty timber'd man, take heed.
They may be taken hold of, and expected,
Yes, if not hoped for at a higher rate too.
Mir. I will take heed, and thank ye for your counsel:
Father, what think you?
La-C. 'Tis a merry Gentlewoman;
Will make, no doubt, a good wife.
Mir. Not for me:
I marry her, and happily get nothing;
In what a state am I then? Father, I shall suffer
For any thing I hear to the contrary, more majorum,
I were as sure to be a Cuckold, Father,
A Gentleman of Antler.
La-C. Away, away, fool.
Mir. As I am sure to fail her expectation,
I had rather get the Pox than get her Babies.
La-C. Ye are much to blame; if this do not affect ye,
'Pray try the other; she's of a more demure way.
Bel. That I had but the audacity to talk thus!
I love that plain-spoken Gentlewoman admirably,
And certain I could go as near to please her,
If down-right doing—she has a per'lous Countenance,
If I could meet one that would believe me,
And take my honest meaning without circumstance.