Lucy. They only barter one sort of prohibited goods for another, madam.
Mel. Has any of them been bartering with you, Mrs. Pert, that you talk so like a trader?
Lucy. One would imagine, madam, by your concern for Worthy's absence, that you should use him better when he's with you.
Mel. Who told you, pray, that I was concerned for his absence? I'm only vexed that I have had nothing said to me these two days: as one may love the treason and hate the traitor. Oh! here comes another captain, and a rogue that has the confidence to make love to me; but indeed, I don't wonder at that, when he has the assurance to fancy himself a fine gentleman.
Lucy. If he should speak o' th' assignation I should be ruined! [Aside.
Enter Brazen.
Brazen. True to the touch, 'faith! [Aside.] Madam, I am your humble servant, and all that, madam. A fine river, this same Severn—Do you love fishing, madam?
Mel. 'Tis a pretty melancholy amusement for lovers.
Brazen. I'll go and buy hooks and lines presently; for you must know, madam, that I have served in Flanders against the French, in Hungary against the Turks, and in Tangier against the Moors, and I was never so much in love before; and split me, madam, in all the campaigns I ever made, I have not seen so fine a woman as your ladyship.
Mel. And from all the men I ever saw, I never had so fine a compliment: but you soldiers are the best bred men, that we must allow.