Horn. No, I know none but by thee; ’tis for her sake, not yours, and another man’s sake that might have hoped, I thought.

Spark. Another man! another man! what is his name?

Horn. Nay, since ’tis past, he shall be nameless.—[Aside.] Poor Harcourt! I am sorry thou hast missed her.

Pinch. He seems to be much troubled at the match.

[Aside.

Spark. Prithee, tell me—Nay, you shan’t go, brother.

Pinch. I must of necessity, but I’ll come to you to dinner.

[Exit.

Spark. But, Harry, what, have I a rival in my wife already? But with all my heart, for he may be of use to me hereafter; for though my hunger is now my sauce, and I can fall on heartily without, the time will come when a rival will be as good sauce for a married man to a wife, as an orange to veal.

Horn. O thou damned rogue! thou hast set my teeth on edge with thy orange.

Spark. Then let’s to dinner—there I was with you again. Come.

Horn. But who dines with thee?

Spark. My friends and relations, my brother Pinchwife, you see, of your acquaintance.

Horn. And his wife?

Spark. No, ’gad, he’ll ne’er let her come amongst us good fellows; your stingy country coxcomb keeps his wife from his friends, as he does his little firkin of ale, for his own drinking, and a gentleman can’t get a smack on’t; but his servants, when his back is turned, broach it at their pleasures, and dust it away, ha! ha! ha!—’Gad, I am witty, I think, considering I was married to-day, by the world; but come—

Horn. No, I will not dine with you, unless you can fetch her too.

Spark. Pshaw! what pleasure canst thou have with women now, Harry?

Horn. My eyes are not gone; I love a good prospect yet, and will not dine with you unless she does too; go fetch her, therefore, but do not tell her husband ’tis for my sake.

Spark. Well, I’ll go try what I can do; in the meantime, come away to my aunt’s lodging, ’tis in the way to Pinchwife’s.

Horn. The poor woman has called for aid, and stretched forth her hand, doctor; I cannot but help her over the pale out of the briars.

[Exeunt.

SCENE IV.—A Room in Pinchwife’s House

Mrs. Pinchwife alone, leaning on her elbow.—A table, pen, ink, and paper.