Arch. Why, I han't half done!—The whole howd'ye was about half an hour long; so I happened to misplace two syllables, and was turned off, and rendered incapable.
Dor. [Aside to Mrs. Sullen.] The pleasantest fellow, sister, I ever saw!—[To Archer.] But, friend, if your master be married, I presume you still serve a lady?
Arch. No, madam, I take care never to come into a married family; the commands of the master and mistress are always so contrary, that 'tis impossible to please both. [203]
Dor. There's a main point gained: my lord is not married, I find. [Aside.
Mrs. Sul. But I wonder, friend, that in so many good services, you had not a better provision made for you.
Arch. I don't know how, madam. I had a lieutenancy offered me three or four times; but that is not bread, madam—I live much better as I do. [211]
Scrub. Madam, he sings rarely! I was thought to do pretty well here in the country till he came; but alack a day, I 'm nothing to my brother Martin!
Dor. Does he?—Pray, sir, will you oblige us with a song?
Arch. Are you for passion or humour?
Scrub. Oh le! he has the purest ballad about a trifle—