3rd Play. Stay, here's a foul piece of paper. Let's see what 'tis.
3rd or 4th Play. Ay, ay, come, let's hear it. [Reads. The argument of the fifth act.
3rd Play. "Cloris, at length, being sensible of Prince Prettyman's passion, consents to marry him; but just as they are going to church, Prince Prettyman meeting, by chance, with old Joan, the chandler's widow, and remembering it was she that first brought him acquainted with Cloris; out of a high point of honour, breaks off his match with Cloris, and marries old Joan. Upon which, Cloris, in despair, drowns herself; and Prince Prettyman, discontentedly, walks by the river-side."——This will never do: 'tis just like the rest. Come, let's be gone.
Most of the Players. Ay, plague on't, let's go away. [Exeunt.
Enter Bayes.
Bayes. A plague on 'em both for me! they have made me sweat, to run after 'em. A couple of senseless rascals, that had rather go to dinner, than see this play out, with a plague to 'em. What comfort has a man to write for such dull rogues! Come, Mr.—a—where are you, sir? Come away, quick, quick.
Enter Stage-keeper.
Stage-keep. Sir: they are gone to dinner.
Bayes. Yes, I know the gentlemen are gone; but I ask for the players.