Enter Æmilia and Lionel.
Æmi. Now, Master Lionel, as you have been fortunate in the forecasting of this business, so pray be studious in the executing, that we may both come off with honour.
Lio. Observe but my directions, and say nothing.
Æmi. The whole adventure of my credit depends upon your care and evidence.
Lio. Let no former passage discourage you; be but as peremptory, as [your][353] cause is good.
Æmi. Nay, if I but once apprehend a just occasion to usurp over him, let me alone to talk and look scurvily. Step aside, I hear him coming.
Enter Lorenzo.
Lor. My wife? some angel guard me! The looks of Medusa were not so ominous. I'll haste from the infection of her sight, as from the appearance of a basilisk.
Æmi. Nay, sir, you may tarry; and if virtue has not quite forsook you, or that your ears be not altogether obdurate to good counsel, consider what I say, and be ashamed of the injuries you have wrought against me.
Lor. What unheard-of evasion has the subtlety of woman's nature suggested to her thoughts, to come off now?