Mask. Yes, but she was in haste, and bid me wait her hereabouts when she returned.
Bel. Then you have discovered nothing more?
Mask. Only, in general, that Donna Theodosia is engaged elsewhere; so that all your courtship will be to no purpose—But for your mistress, sir, [To Wild.] she is waded out of her depth in love to you already.
Wild. That's very hard, when I am scarce knee-deep with her: 'Tis true, I have given her hold of my heart; but, if she take not heed, it will slip through her fingers.
Bel. You are prince of the soil, sir, and may take your pleasure when you please; but I am the eve to your holiday, and must fast for being joined to you.
Wild. Were I as thou art, I would content myself with having but one fair flight at her, without wearying myself on the wing for a retrieve; for, when all is done, the quarry is but a woman.
Bel. Thank you, sir, you would fly them both yourself; and while I turn tail, we should have you come, gingling with your bells in the neck of my partridge. Do you remember who encouraged me to love, and promised me his assistance?
Wild. Ay, while there was hope, Frank! while there was hope! but there's no contending with one's destiny.
Bel. Nay, it may be I care as little for her as another man; but, while she flies before me, I must follow: I can love a woman first with ease; but if she begins to fly before me, I grow opiniatre as the devil.
Wild. What a secret have you found out? Why, 'tis the nature of all mankind: We love to get our mistresses, and purr over them, as cats do over mice, and let them go a little way; and all the pleasure is, to pat them back again: But yours, I take it, Frank, is gone too far. Pr'ythee, how long dost thou intend to love at this rate?