COTTAGER. Can't you speak quietly? I understand you very well.
[Calls at the door of the hut.] Wife, shake up our bed--here's a poor
sick woman wants it. [Enter WIFE]. Why could not you say all this in
fewer words? Why such a long preamble? Why for mercy's sake, and
heaven's reward? Why talk about reward for such trifles as these?
Come, let us lead her in; and welcome she shall be to a bed, as good as
I can give her; and our homely fare.

FREDERICK. Ten thousand thanks, and blessings on you!

WIFE. Thanks and blessings! here's a piece of work indeed about
nothing! Good sick lady, lean on my shoulder. [To Frederick] Thanks
and reward indeed! Do you think husband and I have lived to these
years, and don't know our duty? Lean on my shoulder. [Exeunt into the
Cottage.

END ACT I.




ACT II.

SCENE I. A room in the cottage.

AGATHA, COTTAGER, his WIFE, and
FREDERICK discovered--AGATHA
reclined upon a wooden bench,
FREDERICK leaning over her.