Jane. I was glad of my release, sir. Suitors call you 'em? I'd keep dish-water continually boiling, but I'd seethe such suitors: I have had much ado to keep 'em from bloodshed. I have seen for all the world a couple of cowardly curs quarrel in that fashion; as the one turns his head, the other snaps behind; and as he turns, his mouth recoils again: but I thank my pains for't, I have leagued with 'em for a week without any further intercourse.
Brew. Well, daughter, well; say a third trouble come; say in the person of young Master Foster here came a third suitor: how then?
Jane. Three's the woman's total arithmetic: indeed I would learn to number no farther, if there was a good account made of that.
Rob. I can instruct you so far, sweet beauty.
Jane. Take heed, sir; I have had ill-handsel to-day; perhaps 'tis not the fortunate season; you were best adjourn your journey to some happier time.
Rob. There shall no augurism fright my plain dealing: sweet, I fear no hours.
Jane. You'll not betray me with love-powder?
Rob. Nor with gunpowder neither, i' faith; yet I'll make you yield, if I can.
Brew. Go, get you together; your father will be coming; leave me with your suit to him, ply this yourself: and, Jane, use him kindly; he shall be his father's heir, I can tell you.
Jane. Never the more for that, father; if I use him kindly, it shall be for something I like in himself, and not for any good he borrows of his father. But come, sir, will you walk into the garden? for that's the field I have best fortune to overcome my suitors in.