Ladies. We are the same, so like your excellence.
And now redress'd.
Duke. We understand no less:
Your alimonies signed by our court!
Chris. They have not signed mine, if't please your dukeship. Truly, I am a very impudent, lame woman, and my husband a feeble, weak-doing man. Your grace must needs grant me ale-money.
Duke. See what examples, ladies, you have given
To simple women! I shall here propose
Two tenders to your choice: either receive
(And with a conjugal endearment, too)
Your late-deserted husbands, or prepare
The remainder of your days to entertain
A strict monastic life. Your sentence's pass'd:
Choose which you please.
Joc. I never shall endure
A cloister'd life, unless I had a friar; Sir Gregory Shapeless shall be my Platonic.
Med. Rather than none, I'll take Sir Tristram Shorttool.
Jul. I for Sir Arthur Heartless.
Cav. I must put on my nightgown for Sir Jasper Simpleton.
Fri. Sir Amadin Puny then must be my joy,
Who will be still, I think, a puny boy.
Tin. Well, since we are to this condition grown,
'Tis better far to use our own than none.
While I, of youthful favourites bereft,
Will live with Scattergood, if aught be left.