Ros. I scented you long since.

Bel. I was to blame, sure;
I will appear a gentleman.

Ros. ’Tis the best for you,
For a true noble gentleman’s a brave thing.
Upon that hope, we quit you. You fear seriously?

Bel. Yes, truly do I; confess I fear you,
And honour you, and anything!

Ros. Farewell then!

Wom. And when you come to woo next, bring more mercy!

[Exeunt Rosalura and Women.

Enter two Gentlemen.

Bel. A dairy-maid! a tinker’s trull! Heaven bless me!
Sure, if I had provoked ’em, they had quarter’d me.
I am a most ridiculous ass, now I perceive it;
A coward, and a knave too.

1 Gent. ’Tis the mad gentleman;
Let’s set our faces right.

Bel. No, no; laugh at me,
And laugh aloud.

2 Gent. We are better manner’d, sir.

Bel. I do deserve it; call me patch, and puppy,
And beat me, if you please.

1 Gent. No, indeed; we know you.

Bel. ’Death, do as I would have ye!

2 Gent. You are an ass then,
A coxcomb, and a calf!

Bel. I am a great calf.
Kick me a little now: Why, when? Sufficient.

[They kick him.

1 Gent. We will, sir.

[Exeunt.

SCENE III.—A Room in La Castre’s House.

Enter Nantolet, La Castre, De Gard, Lugier, and Mirabel.

Mir. Your patience, gentlemen! Why do ye bait me?

Nant. Is’t not a shame you are so stubborn-hearted,
So stony and so dull, to such a lady,
Of her perfections and her misery?

Lug. Does she not love you? Does not her distraction
For your sake only, her most pitied lunacy
Of all but you, show ye? Does it not compel ye?

Mir. Soft and fair, gentlemen; pray ye proceed temperately.