Fred. Do you speak well of my friend Love, and I'll try to speak well of your friend Devotion.

Luc. I can never speak well of love: 'Twas to avoid it that I entered here.

Fred. Then, madam, you have met your man; for, to confess the truth to you, I have but counterfeited love, to try you; for I never yet could love any woman: and, since I have seen you, and do not, I am certain now I shall 'scape for ever.

Luc. You are the best man in the world, if you continue this resolution. Pray, then, let us vow solemnly these two things: the first, to esteem each other better than we do all the world besides; the next, never to change our amity to love.

Fred. Agreed, madam. Shall I kiss your hand on it?

Luc. That is too like a lover; or if it were not, the narrowness of the grate will excuse the ceremony.

Hip. No, but it will not, to my knowledge: I have tried every bar many a fair time over; and at last have found out one, where a hand may get through, and be gallanted.

Luc. [giving her hand.] There, sir, 'tis a true one.

Fred. [kissing it.] This, then, is a seal to our perpetual friendship, and defiance to all love.

Luc. That seducer of virtue.