Sub. Tis done, dear friend: I have made you stay too long;
I fear you'll be benighted.
Hus. Fie! no, no.
Madam and sweetest wife, farewell; God bless us.
Make much of Master Subtle here, my friend, [Kisses her.
Till my return, which may be ev'n as't happens,
According as my business hath success.
[Exit.
Sub. How will you pass the time now, fairest mistress?
Wife. In troth, I know not: wives without their husbands,
Methinks, are low'ring days.
Sub. Indeed, some wives
Are like dead bodies in their husbands' absence.
Wife. If any wife be, I must needs be so,
That have a husband far above all men;
Untainted with the humours others have,
A perfect man, and one that loves you truly:
You see the charge he left of your good usage.
Sub. Pish! he's an ass, I know him; a stark ass,
Of a most barbarous condition,
False-hearted to his friend, rough unto you;
A most dissembling and perfidious fellow.
I care not if he heard me: this I know,
And will make good upon him with my sword,
Or any for him—for he will not fight.
Wife. Fie, servant! you show small civility
And less humanity: d'ye requite
My husband's love thus ill? for what d'ye think
Of me, that you will utter to my face
Such harsh, unfriendly, slanderous injuries
Even of my husband? Sir, forbear, I pray,
My ears or your own tongue: I am no house-wife
To hear my husband's merit thus deprav'd.
Sub. His merit is a halter, by this light.
You think he's out of town now; no such matter:
But gone aside, and hath importun'd me
To try your chastity.
Wife. It cannot be.
Alas! he is as free from jealousy,
And ever was, as confidence itself.
I know he loves me too-too heartily
To be suspicious, or to prove my truth.