Elder Lo. Nay but conceive me, the intent of oaths is ever understood: Admit I should protest to such a friend, to see him at his Lodging to morrow: Divines would never hold me perjur'd if I were struck blind, or he hid him where my diligent search could not find him: so there were no cross act of mine own in't. Can it be imagined I mean to force you to Marriage, and to have you whether you will or no?
Lady. Alas you need not. I make already tender of my self, and then you are forsworn.
Elder Lo. Some sin I see indeed must necessarily fall upon me, as whosoever deals with Women shall never utterly avoid it: yet I would chuse the least ill; which is to forsake you, that have done me all the abuses of a malignant Woman, contemn'd my service, and would have held me prating about Marriage, till I had been past getting of Children: then her that hath forsaken her Family, and put her tender body in my hand, upon my word—
Lady. Which of us swore you first to?
Elder Lo. Why to you.
Lady. Which oath is to be kept then?
Elder Lo. I prethee do not urge my sins unto me, Without I could amend 'em.
Lady. Why you may by wedding me.
Elder Lo. How will that satisfie my word to her?
Lady. 'Tis not to be kept, and needs no satisfaction, 'Tis an error fit for repentance only.