Val. That we should not go out of the house.
Tam. But what are we to do in the house?
Val. Study by the lighted hearth, meditate, think on things—a course which might bring profit and sound morals to the mind.
Cast. This is indeed the chief thing to be done, nor ought anything to take precedence of it in a man’s mind. But when a man’s mind is wearied by intentness of application, how then shall he divert himself, especially in such weather as this?
Val. Some recreations of the mind suit some people; others, others. I indeed receive delight and recreation by card games.
Tam. And this kind of weather invites in that direction, so that we hide ourselves in a closely shut room, and guarded on every side from the wind and cold, with a shining hearth, and a table set with charts (i.e. maps).
Val. Alas! we have no charts.
Tam. I mean playing-cards.
Val. I should like that.
Tam. Then we want some money and stones (calculi) for reckoning.