so a great while.


SCENE XVIII.


[To them] FONDLEWIFE.

FOND. Here are fifty pieces in this purse, Sir Joseph; if you will
tarry a moment, till I fetch my papers, I'll wait upon you down-
stairs.

LAET. Ruined, past redemption! what shall I do--ha! this fool may
be of use. (Aside.) [As FONDLEWIFE is going into the chamber, she
runs to SIR JOSEPH, almost pushes him down, and cries out.] Stand
off, rude ruffian. Help me, my dear. O bless me! Why will you
leave me alone with such a Satyr?

FOND. Bless us! What's the matter? What's the matter?

LAET. Your back was no sooner turned, but like a lion he came open
mouthed upon me, and would have ravished a kiss from me by main
force.

SIR JO. O Lord! Oh, terrible! Ha, ha, ha. Is your wife mad,
Alderman?

LAET. Oh! I'm sick with the fright; won't you take him out of my
sight?