won't dance at your wedding to-morrow; nor, the deuce take me, I
won't write your Epithalamium--and see what a condition you're like
to be brought to.

MEL. Well, I'll speak but three words, and follow you.

BRISK. Enough, enough. Careless, bring your apprehension along
with you.


SCENE III.


MELLEFONT, CARELESS.

CARE. Pert coxcomb.

MEL. Faith, 'tis a good-natured coxcomb, and has very entertaining
follies. You must be more humane to him; at this juncture it will
do me service. I'll tell you, I would have mirth continued this day
at any rate; though patience purchase folly, and attention be paid
with noise, there are times when sense may be unseasonable as well
as truth. Prithee do thou wear none to-day, but allow Brisk to have
wit, that thou may'st seem a fool.

CARE. Why, how now, why this extravagant proposition?

MEL. Oh, I would have no room for serious design, for I am jealous
of a plot. I would have noise and impertinence keep my Lady
Touchwood's head from working: for hell is not more busy than her