Wan. Marry him?
Capt. If I have any power, I shall prevail. Thou know'st he has a fat benefice, and leave me to plague him till he give it me to be rid of thee.
Wan. Will you not keep me then?
Capt. I keep thee! prythee, wilt thou keep me? I know not why men are such fools to pay: we bring as much to the sport as women. Keep thee! I'd marry thee as soon; why, that's wedding sin: no, no keeping, I: that you are not your own, is all that prefers you before wives.
Wan. I hope this is not real.
Capt. Art thou such a stranger to my humour? why, I tell thee I should hate thee if I could call thee mine, for I loathe all women within my knowledge; and 'tis six to four, if I knew thy sign, I'd come there no more. A strange mistress makes every night a new; and these are your pleasing sins. I had as lief be good, as sin by course.
Wan. Then I am miserable.
Capt. Not so, if you'll be instructed, and let me pass like a stranger when you meet me.
Wan. But have you these humours?
Capt. Yes, faith; yet, if you will observe them, though you marry him, I may perchance be your friend: but you must be sure to be coy; for to me the hunting is more pleasant than the quarry.[194]