Col. [aside ] She's peek'd, and my design must prove successful.
Pride keeps me off, but Nature smooths my way; For what her Tongue wou'd hide, her Eyes betray.
[Exit.
L. Rod. Cozen, did you ever hear the like? The Collonel's such an
Enemy to Marriage?
Mrs. Lov. An Enemy to Marriage, Madam!
L. Rod. As obstinately bent against it, as if he were incapable of Love; not that his Principles concern me, yet such Heresy in Men shou'd be subdu'd.
Mrs. Lov. Perhaps, Madam, the Collonel may have had some strange misfortune in the Army, Cannon Bullets fly at such an ugly random rate.
L. Rod. Ha, ha, ha, how I laugh at such thin Disguises, as if a ratling Officer in this fortune-hunting Age, cou'd have Philosophy to slight my Person and Estate; but I'll applaud his happy choice of Liberty; say, 'tis a generous Thought, so like my self, I'll settle a Platonick Friendship with him, then faulter in my Speech, and seem confus'd, as if my Sexes weakness must discover a Passion which my haughty Soul wou'd hide. The greedy Collonel catches at the Bait, deep Sighs, and sheepish Looks confess the Lover; then with what sparkling Pride I'll boast my Power, bravely assert my wonted Resolutions, rally the blustering Heroe, and pursue new Conquests.
As the Sun's early Beams attract and warm,
So Ladies with their easie glances Charm;
Vain Coxcombs cringe with transport and surprize,
Feel kindling Fire, and feed upon their Eyes;
'Till like the Sun, the dazling Nymphs display
Meridian heat, and scorch the Fools away.
End of the Third ACT.