Mal. Wilt thou? O heavens, that a Christian should
be found in a buff-jerkin! Captain Conscience, I love thee, captain. We attend.
[Exit Captain.
And what hope hast thou of this duchess’ easiness?
Maq. ’Twill go hard, she was a cold creature ever; she hated monkeys, fools, jesters, and gentlemen-ushers extremely; she had the vile trick on’t, not only to be truly modestly honourable in her own conscience, but she would avoid the least wanton carriage that might incur suspect; as, God bless me, she had almost brought bed-pressing out of fashion; I could scarce get a fine for the lease of a lady’s favour once in a fortnight. 92
Mal. Now, in the name of immodesty, how many maidenheads has thou brought to the block?
Maq. Let me see: heaven forgive us our misdeeds!—Here’s the duchess.
Enter Maria with Captain.
Mal. God bless thee, lady!
Maria. Out of thy company!