La-p. I feel we are very prone that way.
Lav. The sons of Adam.
La-p. Now, here then rests the state o'th' question;
Whether we yield our bodies for a dinner
To a sound dog-whip, for I promise ye,
If men be given to correction,
We can expect no less; or quietly
Take a hard Egg or two, and ten mile hence
Bait in a ditch, this we may do securely;
For, to stay hereabout will be all one,
If once our moral mischiefs come in memory.
Mal. But pray ye hear me, is not this the day
The Virgin Lady doth elect her Husband?
Lav. The dinner is to that end.
Mal. Very well then, say we all stay, and say we all scape this whipping, and be well entertained, and one of us carry the Lady.
La-p. 'Tis a seemly saying, I must confess, but if we stay, how fitly
We may apply it to our selves (i'th' end)
Will ask a Christian fear; I cannot see,
If I say true, what special ornaments
Of Art or Nature, (lay aside our lying
Whoring and drinking, which are no great virtues)
We are endued withal, to win this Lady.
Mal. Yet Women go not by the best parts ever; that I have found directly.
Lav. Why should we fear then? they choose men
As they feed; sometimes they settle
Upon a White broth'd face, a sweet smooth gallant,
And him they make an end of in a night;
Sometimes a Goose, sometimes a grosser meat,
A rump of Beef will serve 'em at some season,
And fill their bellies too, though without doubt
They are great devourers: Stock-fish is a dish,
If it be well drest, for the tuffness sake
Will make the proud'st of 'em long and leap for't.
They'll run mad for a Pudding, e'r they'll starve.
La-p. For my own part I care not, come what can come,
If I be whipt, why so be it; if cudgell'd,
I hope I shall out-live it, I am sure
'Tis not the hundredth time I have been serv'd so,
And yet I thank [God] I am here.