Dor. You women make ’em, who are commonly as unreasonable in that as you are at play; without the advantage be on your side a man can never quietly give over when he’s weary.

Med. If you would play without being obliged to complaisance, Dorimant, you should play in public places. “O bear me to the paths of fair Pell Mell.”

Trivia, ii, 257.

Dor. Ordinaries were a very good thing for that, but gentlemen do not of late frequent ’em; the deep play is now in private houses.

[Belinda offering to steal away.

Lady Town. Belinda, are you leaving us so soon?

Bel. I am to go to the Park with Mrs. Loveit, madam.

[Exit Belinda.

Lady Town. This confidence will go nigh to spoil this young creature.

Med. ’Twill do her good, madam. Young men who are brought up under practising lawyers prove the abler counsel when they come to be called to the Bar themselves.

Dor. The town has been very favourable to you this afternoon, my Lady Townley; you use to have an embarras of chairs and coaches at your door, an uproar of footmen in your hall, and a noise of fools above here.

Lady Town. Indeed my house is the general rendezvous, and, next to the playhouse, is the common refuge of all the young idle people.

Emil. Company is a very good thing, madam, but I wonder you do not love it a little more chosen.

Lady Town. ’Tis good to have an universal taste; we should love wit, but for variety be able to divert ourselves with the extravagancies of those who want it.

Med. Fools will make you laugh.

Emil. For once or twice; but the repetition of their folly after a visit or two grows tedious and unsufferable.

Lady Town. You are a little too delicate, Emilia.

Enter a Page.

Page. Sir Fopling Flutter, madam, desires to know if you are to be seen.

Lady Town. Here’s the freshest fool in town, and one who has not cloyed you yet. Page!

Page. Madam!

Lady Town. Desire him to walk up.

[Exit Page.

Dor. Do not you fall on him, Medley, and snub him. Soothe him up in his extravagance; he will show the better.