LORD FOPPINGTON.
Sir, as to weighty affairs, I leave them to weighty heads; I never intend mine shall be a burden to my body.
BERINTHIA.
Nay, my lord, but you are a pillar of the state.
LORD FOPPINGTON.
An ornamental pillar, madam; for sooner than undergo any part of the fatigue, rat me, but the whole building should fall plump to the ground!
AMANDA.
But, my lord, a fine gentleman spends a great deal of his time in his intrigues; you have given us no account of them yet.
LORD FOPPINGTON.
[Aside.] So! she would inquire into my amours—that’s jealousy, poor soul!—I see she’s in love with me.—[Aloud.] O Lord, madam, I had like to have forgot a secret I must need tell your ladyship.—Ned, you must not be so jealous now as to listen.
LOVELESS.
[Leading BERINTHIA up the stage.] Not I, my lord; I am too fashionable a husband to pry into the secrets of my wife.
LORD FOPPINGTON.
[Aside to AMANDA squeezing her hand.] I am in love with you to desperation, strike me speechless!
AMANDA.
[Strikes him on the ear.] Then thus I return your passion.—An impudent fool!
LORD FOPPINGTON.
God’s curse, madam, I am a peer of the realm!
LOVELESS.
[Hastily returning.] Hey! what the devil, do you affront my wife, sir? Nay, then—[Draws. They fight.]