1 Wom. My master’s yonder.

Lady P. Where?

2 Wom. With a young gentleman.

Lady P. That same’s the party;
In man’s apparel! ’Pray you, sir, jog my knight:
I will be tender to his reputation,
However he demerit.

Sir P. [seeing her.] My lady!

Per. Where?

Sir P. ’Tis she indeed, sir; you shall know her. She is,
Were she not mine, a lady of that merit,
For fashion and behaviour; and for beauty
I durst compare—

Per. It seems you are not jealous,
That dare commend her.

Sir P. Nay, and for discourse—

Per. Being your wife, she cannot miss that.

Sir P. [introducing Per.] Madam,
Here is a gentleman, pray you, use him fairly;
He seems a youth, but he is—

Lady P. None.

Sir P. Yes, one
Has put his face as soon into the world—

Lady P. You mean, as early? but to-day?

Sir P. How’s this?

Lady P. Why, in this habit, sir; you apprehend me:—
Well, master Would-be, this doth not become you;
I had thought the odour, sir, of your good name
Had been more precious to you; that you would not
Have done this dire massacre on your honour;
One of your gravity and rank besides!
But knights, I see, care little for the oath
They make to ladies; chiefly, their own ladies.

Sir P. Now, by my spurs, the symbol of my knighthood,—

Per. Lord, how his brain is humbled for an oath!

[Aside.

Sir P. I reach you not.

Lady P. Right, sir, your policy
May bear it through thus.—Sir, a word with you.

[To Per.

Per. How is this!