Mrs. Joyn. I will not speak softly; for innocence is loud as well as barefaced. Is this your return, after you have made me a mere drudge to your filthy lusts?
Gripe. Speak softly; my sister, daughter, and servants, will hear.
Mrs. Joyn. I would have witnesses, to take notice that you blast my good name, which was as white as a tulip, and as sweet as the head of your cane, before you wrought me to the carrying on the work of your fleshly carnal seekings.
Gripe. Softly! softly! they are coming in.
Enter Lady Flippant and Mrs. Martha.
L. Flip. What's the matter, brother?
Gripe. Nothing, nothing, sister, only the godly woman is fallen into a fit of zeal against the enormous transgressions of the age. Go! go! you do not love to hear vanity reproved; pray begone!
Mrs. Joyn. Pray stay, madam, that you may know—
Gripe. [Aside to Mrs. Joyner.] Hold! hold! here are five guineas for thee,—pray say nothing.—[Aloud.] Sister, pray begone, I say.—[Exeunt Lady Flippant and Mrs. Martha.] Would you prejudice your own reputation to injure mine?
Mrs. Joyn. Would you prejudice your own soul to wrong my repute, in truly? [Pretends to weep.