Peg. Dear me, I am so ashamed, and yet to speak the Truth, I do like you hugely, and wou’d like you better still, if it were not for one thing, which a little troubles me.
Comp. What’s that?
Peg. Why, you know sometimes we are forc’d to endure the Absence of our Husbands a long while, mehappen many Years, and then if there be any Slip in us, (as long Vacations will make Lawyers hungry) the World is apt to censure and scandalize us; and brand us with wanton Living and Incontinency; when alas! if they wou’d but consider our Condition, and the mighty Longings we often naturally have for Flesh and Blood, they wou’d not blame us, so they wou’d not.
Comp. Come, come, no Matter, canst thou love me, Widow?
Peg. Ah, if I durst but speak my Mind, I know what I wou’d say.
Comp. Durst, why who do you fear? here’s none but an honest Gentleman, some few Friends and Neighbours; let them hear a God’s Name what you wou’d say, and never blush for the Matter.
1st W. Neigh. Aye, aye, speak Neighbour, pray speak your Mind, and fear not.
Peg. I shall be thought too weak to yield at first Sight.
2d W. Neigh. Paw! paw! that’s only Nicety.
Peg. Well then I do love him dearly and dearly, so I do.
[Runs and kisses him.