Trap. This is the end of the first act, sir.
Fust. I cannot but observe, Mr Trapwit, how nicely you have opposed squire Tankard to colonel Promise; neither of whom have yet uttered one syllable.
Trap. Why, you would not have every man a speaker, would you? One of a side is sufficient; and let me tell you, sir, one is full enough to utter all that the party has to say for itself.
Fust. Methinks, sir, you should let the audience know they can speak, if it were but an ay or a no.
Trap. Sir, the audience must know that already; for if they could not say ay and no, they would not be qualified for candidates.
Fust. Oh! your humble servant, I am answered; but pray, sir, what is the action of this play?
Trap. The action, sir?
Fust. Yes, sir, the fable, the design?
Trap. Oh! you ask who is to be married? Why, sir, I have a marriage; I hope you think I understand the laws of comedy better than to write without marrying somebody.
Fust. But is that the main design to which everything conduces?