Brom. A received opinion, snivel-guts! I'll be judged by all the married women of this town, if any one of them has received it. The devil take the physicians for meddling in our matters! If a husband will be ruled by them, there are five weeks of abstinence in dog-days too; for fear a child, that was got in August, should be born just nine months after, and be blear-eyed, like a May kitten.
Sos. Let the physicians alone; they are honest men, whatever the world says of them. But, for a certain reason, that I best know, I am glad that matter ended so fairly and peaceably betwixt us.
Brom. Yes, 'twas very fair and peaceably; to strike a woman down, and beat her most outrageously.
Sos. Is't possible that I drubbed thee?
Brom. I find your drift; you would fain be provoking me to a new trial now: but, i'faith, you shall bring me to no more handy-blows; I shall make bold to trust to my tongue hereafter. You never durst have offered to hold up a finger against me, till you went a trooping.
Sos. Then I am a conqueror; and I laud my own courage: this renown I have atchieved by soldier-ship and stratagem. Know your duty, spouse, hence-forward, to your supreme commander. [Strutting.
Enter Jupiter and Phædra,
attended by Musicians and Dancers.
Phæd. Indeed I wondered at your quick return.
Jup. Even so almighty love will have it, Phædra;
And the stern goddess of sweet-bitter cares,