CLARE. We being thus subdued, pray you know then,
As women owe a duty, so do men.
Men must be like the branch and bark to trees,
Which doth defend them from tempestuous rage,
Clothe them in winter, tender them in age:
Or as ewes love unto their eanlings gives,[345]
Such should be husbands' custom to their wives.
If it appear to them they've stray'd amiss,
They only must rebuke them with a kiss;
Or clock them, as hens chickens, with kind call,
Cover them under wing, and pardon all:
No jars must make two beds, no strife divide them,
Those betwixt whom a faith and troth is given,
Death only parts, since they are knit by heaven:
If such a husband you intend to be,
I am your Clare, and you are fit for me.
SCAR. By heaven—
CLARE. Advise, before you swear, let me remember you,[346]
Men never give their faith and promise marriage,
But heaven records their oath: if they prove true,
Heaven smiles for joy; if not, it weeps for you:
Unless your heart, then, with your words agree,
Yet let us part, and let us both be free.
SCAR. If ever man, in swearing love, swore true,
My words are like to his. Here comes your father.
_Enter SIR JOHN HARCOP, ILFORD, WENTLOE, BARTLEY, and Butler.
HAR. Now, Master Scarborrow.
SCAR. Prepar'd to ask, how you like that we have done:
Your daughter's made my wife, and I your son.
HAR. And both agreed so?
BOTH. We are, sir.
HAR. Then long may you live together, have store of sons!