Ab. Do so: farewel. My Lady, with my fellow,
So earnest in discourse! what e'r it be
I'll second it.
Vel. He is such a noble Husband,
In every circumstance so truly loving,
That I might say, and without flattery, Madam
The Sun sees not a Lady but your self
That can deserve him.
Abd. Of all men I say
That dare (for 'tis a desperate adventure)
Wear on their free necks the sweet yoak of woman,
(For they that do repine, are no true husbands)
Give me a Soldier.
Ori. Why, are they more loving
Than other men?
Abd. And love too with more judgement;
For, but observe, your Courtier is more curious
To set himself forth richly than his Lady;
His baths, perfumes, nay paintings too, more costly
Than his frugality will allow to her,
His clothes as chargeable; and grant him but
A thing without a beard, and he may pass
At all times for a woman, and with some
Have better welcome: Now, your man of Lands
For the most part is careful to manure them,
But leaves his Lady fallow; your great Merchant
Breaks oftner for the debt he owes his wife,
Than with his creditors; and that's the reason
She looks elsewhere for payment: Now your Soldier—
Vel. I marry do him right.
Abd. First, who has one,
Has a perpetual guard upon her honor;
For while he wears a sword, slander her self
Dares not bark at it: next, she sits at home
Like a great Queen, and sends him forth to fetch in
Her tribute from all parts; which being brought home,
He laies it at her feet, and seeks no further
For his reward, than what she may give freely,
And with delight too, from her own Exchequer
Which he finds ever open.
Ori. Be more modest.
Abd. Why, we may speak of that we are glad to taste of,
Among our selves I mean.
Ori. Thou talkst of nothing.