Phor. If he be subject to that frenzy, I will counsel him to take any trade upon him rather than that of love.
Erg. And do you think there is anything fitter to call down affection than submission?
Phor. Nothing more opposite; for languishing transports, whinings and melancholy make us more laughed at than beloved of our mistresses—and with reason: for why should we hope to deserve their favours, when we confess we merit not a lawful esteem of ourselves?
Cle. I have known some their mistresses have forsaken, only because they were certain the world took notice they were deeply in love with them.
Phor. And they did wisely; for, the victory being got, they were to prepare for a new triumph, and not, like your city officers, ride still with the same liveries. Some (I confess) have miscarried in it, but 'twas because their provision of beauty was spent before they came to composition.
Erg. Thou wert an excellent fool in a chamber; if you continue, you'll be so in a comedy. Dost believe thou can'st swagger them out of their loves?
Phor. Sooner than soften their hearts by my tears; and though a river should run through me, I would seal up my eyes, before a drop should come that way: for our unmanly submissions raise them to that height, that they think we are largely favoured if they hearken to us with contempt.
Erg. 'Tis safer they should do so, than hate us for our insolence.
Phor. If thou hadst ever been used to talk sense, I should wonder at thee now; why, I should sooner hope to gain a lady after the murder of her family, than after she had an opinion I deserved to be slighted by her.
Cle. 'Fore Venus, he talks with authority. I know not well what he has said; but methinks there is something in it: prythee, let's hearken to him.