Abi. Well, we will bring them to the gallows, and then, like kind virgins,[252] beg their lives; and after live at our pleasures, and this bridle shall still rein them.
Tha. Faith, if we were disposed, we might sin[253] as safe as if we had the broad seal to warrant it; but that night’s work will stick by me this forty weeks. Come, shall we go visit the discontented Lady Lentulus, whom the Lord Mendoza has confess’d to his chirurgion he would have robb’d? I thought great men would but have robb’d the poor, yet he the rich. 33
Abi. He thought that the richer purchase, though with the worse conscience; but we’ll to comfort her, and then go hear our husband’s lamentations. They say mine has compiled an ungodly volume of satires against women, and calls his book The Snarl.
Tha. But he’s in hope his book will save him.
Abi. God defend that it should, or any that snarl in that fashion! 41
Tha. Well, wench, if I could be metamorphosed into thy shape, I should have my husband pliant to me in
his life, and soon rid of him; for being weary with his continual motion, he’d die of a consumption.
Abi. Make much of him, for all our wanton prize;
Follow the proverb, “Merry be and wise.”
[Exeunt.
[251] There was a game at cards called noddy.