SHARP. What! is Belinda cruel, that you are so thoughtful?

BELL. No, faith, not for that. But there's a business of
consequence fallen out to-day that requires some consideration.

SHARP. Prithee, what mighty business of consequence canst thou
have?

BELL. Why, you must know, 'tis a piece of work toward the
finishing of an alderman. It seems I must put the last hand to it,
and dub him cuckold, that he may be of equal dignity with the rest
of his brethren: so I must beg Belinda's pardon.

SHARP. Faith, e'en give her over for good and all; you can have no
hopes of getting her for a mistress; and she is too proud, too
inconstant, too affected and too witty, and too handsome for a
wife.

BELL. But she can't have too much money. There's twelve thousand
pound, Tom. 'Tis true she is excessively foppish and affected; but
in my conscience I believe the baggage loves me: for she never
speaks well of me herself, nor suffers anybody else to rail at me.
Then, as I told you, there's twelve thousand pound. Hum! Why,
faith, upon second thoughts, she does not appear to be so very
affected neither.--Give her her due, I think the woman's a woman,
and that's all. As such, I'm sure I shall like her; for the devil
take me if I don't love all the sex.

SHARP. And here comes one who swears as heartily he hates all the