Dor. Nay, I know y' are willing enough to get together; but y' are a couple of helpless Things, Heaven knows.
Euph. Our Stars, thou see'st, are bent to Opposition.
Dor. Stars!—I'd fain see the Stars hinder me from running away with a Man I lik'd.
Euph. Ay, but thou know'st, should I disoblige my Father, he'd give my Portion to my younger Sister.
Dor. Ay, there the Shoe pinches, there's the Love of the Age! Ah!—--to what an Ebb of Passion are Lovers sunk in these Days! Give me a Woman that runs away with a Man, when his whole Estate's pack'd up in his Knap-sack: That tucks up her Coats to her Knees; and thro' thick and thro' thin, from Quarters to Camp, trudges heartily on; with a Child at her Back, another in her Arms, and a Brace in her Belly: There's Flame with a Witness, where this is the Effects on't. But we must have Love in a Feather-bed: Forsooth, a Coach and six Horses, clean Linen, and Cawdle! Fie for shame. O ho! here comes our Man. Now shew yourself a Woman, if you are one.
Enter Esop.
Esop. I'm told, fair Virgin, you desire to speak with me. Lovers are apt to flatter themselves; I take your Message for a Favour. I hope 'twas meant so.
Euph. Favours from Women are so cheap of late, Men may expect 'em truly, without Vanity.
Esop. If the Women are so liberal, I think the Men are generous too, on their Side: 'Tis a well-bred Age; thank Heaven; and a deal of Civility there passes between the two Sexes. What Service is't that I can do you, Lady?
Euph. Sir, I have a small Favour to intreat you.