Heart. If they are, we are e’en well enough served, to come a hunting here when we had so much better game in chase elsewhere.

Lady F. [to MADEMOISELLE]. So, those are their ladies, without doubt. But I’m afraid that doily stuff is not worn for want of better clothes. They are the very shape and size of Belinda and her aunt.

Madem. So dey be, inteed, matam.

Lady F. We’ll slip into this close arbour, where we may hear all they say.

[Exit with MADEM.

Lady B. What, are you afraid of us, gentlemen?

Heart. Why, truly, I think we may, if appearances don’t lie.

Bel. Do you always find women what they appear to be, sir?

Heart. No, forsooth! but I seldom find them better than they appear to be.

Bel. Then the outside’s best, you think.

Heart. ’Tis the honestest.

Con. Have a care, Heartfree! you are relapsing again.

Lady B. Why, does the gentleman use to rail at women?

Con. He has done formerly.

Bel. I suppose he had very good call for’t. They did not use you so well as you thought you deserved, sir?

Lady B. They made themselves merry at your expense, sir?

Bel. Laughed when you sighed?

Lady B. Slept while you were waking?

Bel. Had your porter beat?

Lady B. And threw your billet-doux in the fire?

Heart. Heyday! I shall do more than rail, presently.

Bel. Why, you won’t beat us, will you?

Heart. I don’t know but I may.

Con. What the devil’s coming here? Sir John, and drunk, i’faith!

Enter Sir John Brute.

Sir J. What, a pox! here’s Constant, Heartfree, and two whores, egad! Oh! you covetous rogues! What have you never a spare punk for your friend? But I’ll share with you.

[Seizes both the women.