Mod. Cousin, I’ll tell you, if you’ll only hear me,
I loved no woman while I was at college—
Save one, and her I fancied ere I went there.
Helen. Indeed! Now I’ll retreat, if he’s advancing.
Comes he not on! O what a stock’s the man!
Well, cousin?
Mod. Well! What more wouldst have me say?
I think I’ve said enough.
Helen. And so think I.
I did but jest with you. You are not angry?
Shake hands! Why, cousin, do you squeeze me so?
Mod. [Letting her go.] I swear I squeezed you not.
Helen. You did not?
Mod. No. I’ll die if I did!
Helen. Why then you did not, cousin,
So let’s shake hands again—
[He takes her hand as before.] O go and now
Read Ovid! Cousin, will you tell me one thing:
Wore lovers ruffs in Master Ovid’s time?
Behoved him teach them, then, to put them on;—
And that you have to learn. Hold up your head!
Why, cousin, how you blush! Plague on the ruff!
I cannot give’t a set. You’re blushing still!
Why do you blush, dear cousin? So!—’twill beat me!
I’ll give it up.
Mod. Nay, prithee, don’t—try on!
Helen. And if I do, I fear you’ll think me bold.