Des. In troth, I think thou wouldst not.[6596]
Emil. In troth, I think I should; and undo 't when I[6597]
had done. Marry, I would not do such a thing for a joint-ring,[6598] 70
nor for measures of lawn, nor for gowns, petticoats,[6599]
nor caps, nor any petty exhibition; but, for the whole world,—why,[6600]
who would not make her husband a cuckold to[6601]
make him a monarch? I should venture purgatory for 't.[6602]
Des. Beshrew me, if I would do such a wrong[6603][6604] 75
For the whole world.[6603]
Emil. Why, the wrong is but a wrong i' the world;
and having the world for your labour, 'tis a wrong in your
own world, and you might quickly make it right.
Des. I do not think there is any such woman. 80
Emil. Yes, a dozen; and as many to the vantage as
would store the world they played for.
But I do think it is their husbands' faults[6605]
If wives do fall: say that they slack their duties[6605]
And pour our treasures into foreign laps,[6605] 85
Or else break out in peevish jealousies,[6605]
Throwing restraint upon us, or say they strike us,[6605][6606]
Or scant our former having in despite,[6605]
Why, we have galls, and though we have some grace,[6605]
Yet have we some revenge. Let husbands know[6605] 90
Their wives have sense like them: they see and smell[6605]
And have their palates both for sweet and sour,[6605]
As husbands have. What is it that they do[6605]
When they change us for others? Is it sport?[6605]
I think it is: and doth affection breed it?[6605] 95
I think it doth: is't frailty that thus errs?[6605]
It is so too: and have not we affections,[6605]
Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have?[6605][6607]
Then let them use us well: else let them know,[6605][6608]
The ills we do, their ills instruct us so.[6605][6609] 100
Des. Good night, good night: heaven me such uses send,[6610]
Not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend! [Exeunt.
FOOTNOTES:
[6212] Act iv. Scene i.] Actus 4. Q1. Actus Quartus. Scæna Prima. Ff. Actus 4. Scæna 1. Q2 Q3.
Cyprus. Before the castle.] The same. Capell. A Room of State. Rowe. A Court before the Palace. Theobald.