frankness and sincerity demand the same behaviour on my side;--therefore,
without farther disguise or ambiguity, know, sir, that I myself [_With a
deep sigh_.] am as deeply smitten with a certain swain, as I understand
you are with your Constantia.

_Eger_. Indeed, madam!

_Lady Rod_. [_With an amiable, soft, tender sincerity_.] O! sir,
notwithstanding aw my shew of courage and mirth,--here I stand--as errant
a trembling Thisbe, as ever sighed or mourned for her Pyramus,--and, sir,
aw my extravagant levity and ridiculous behaviour in your presence now,
and ever since _your_ father prevailed upon _mine_ to consent till this
match, has been a premeditated scheme to provoke your gravity and guid
sense intill a cordial disgust, and a positive refusal.

_Eger_. Madam, you have contrived and executed your scheme most happily.

_Lady Rod_. Then, since Cupid has thus luckily disposed of you till your
Constantia, and me till my swain, we have nothing to think of now, sir,
but to contrive how to reduce the inordinate passions of our parents
intill a temper of prudence and humanity.

_Eger_. Most willingly I consent to your proposal.----But, with your
leave, madam, if I may presume so far;--'pray, who is your lover?

_Lady Rod_. Why, in that too I shall surprise you perhaps more than
ever.--In the first place--he is a beggar--and in disgrace with an
unforgiving father;--and in the next place,--he is [_Curtsies._] your ain
brother.