Enter Lucretia.
Luc. Was this done like a gentleman, or indeed like a true lover, to bring my name in question, and make me no less than your whore? Was I ever married to you? Speak.
Aur. No; but you may, when you please.
Luc. Why were you then so impudent to proclaim such a falsehood, and say I was your wife, and that you had lain with me, when 'twas no such matter?
Aur. Because I meant to make you so, and no man else should do it.
Luc. 'Slight, this is a device to over-reach a woman with! He has madded me, and I would give a hundred crowns I could scold out my anger. [Aside.
Aur. Come, there's no injury done to you but what lies in my power to make whole again.
Luc. Your power to make whole! I'll have no man command me so far. What can any lawful jury judge of my honesty, upon such proofs as these, when they shall see a gentleman making himself ready[349] so early, and saluting them out of the chamber, whither (like a false man) thou hast stolen in by the bribery of my servant? Is this no scandal?
Aur. 'Twas done on purpose, and I am glad my inventions thrive so; therefore do not stand talking, but resolve.
Luc. What should I resolve?