Wild. ’Tis just the thing I mean!
Con. [Furiously.] The thing you mean!
Now pray you, neighbour, tell me that again,
And think before you speak; for much I doubt
You know what you are saying. Do you mean
To ask me to be bridemaid?
Wild. Even so.
Con. Bridemaid?
Wild. Ay, bridemaid!—It is coming fast
Unto a head. [Aside.]
Con. And ’tis for me you wait
To fix the day? It shall be doomsday, then!
Wild. Be doomsday?
Con. Doomsday!
Wild. Wherefore doomsday?
Con. Wherefore!—[Boxes him.]
Go ask your bride, and give her that from me.
Look, neighbour Wildrake! you may think this strange,
But don’t misconstrue it! For you are vain, sir!
And may put down for love what comes from hate.
I should not wonder, thought you I was jealous;
But I’m not jealous, sir!—would scorn to be so
Where it was worth my while—I pray henceforth
We may be strangers, sir—you will oblige me
By going out of town. I should not like
To meet you on the street, sir. Marry, sir!
Marry to-day! The sooner, sir, the better!
And may you find you have made a bargain, sir.
As for the lady!—much I wish her joy.
I pray you send me no bridecake, sir!
Nor gloves—If you do, I’ll give them to my maid!
Or throw them into the kennel—or the fire.
I am your most obedient servant, sir!