M. Formerly! Good lack!—But were I to encourage his proposals, you may be sure, that for Mr. Hickman's sake, as well as your's, I should make a wise agreement.
D. You have both lived to years of prudence, Madam.
M. Yes, I suppose I am an old soul too.
D. He also is for making a wise agreement, or hinting at one, at least.
M. Well, the short and the long I suppose is this: I have not your consent to marry.
D. Indeed, Madam, you have not my wishes to marry.
M. Let me tell you, that if prudence consists in wishing well to one's self, I see not but the young flirts are as prudent as the old souls.
D. Dear Madam, would you blame me, if to wish you not to marry Mr. Antony Harlowe, is to wish well to myself?
M. You are mighty witty. I wish you were as dutiful.
D. I am more dutiful, I hope, than witty; or I should be a fool as well as a saucebox.