The Fine Lady's Airs (1709) by Thomas Baker
page 85 of 111 (76%)
page 85 of 111 (76%)
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SCENE, _Continues_. _Enter Sir_ Harry, _and Mrs._ Lovejoy. Mrs. _Lov._ Sir _Harry_, all this Rhet'rick won't prevail; whether you term it Virtue, or Pride only, I am resolv'd to keep a Fame unspotted, in spight of all temptations whatsoever. Sir _Har._ A Woman's obstinacy is no novelty; but where's the difference 'twixt a Mistress and a Wife. Only a Mistress has a much better Air; you shall appear as gay and fine as any; strut in Brocade, and glitter in your Jewels, 'till you put all virtuous Women out o'countenance. Mrs. _Lov._ Impudence, Sir _Harry_, is a lewd Woman's Talent, and yet what Creature is there so much dash'd as such an one that happens among virtuous Ladies. If the Passion you profess be real, proceed with Honour, and you may be heard: Not that I speak this to increase your Vanity; Ambition only sways my Inclinations, and you must know; I have a mighty mind to be a Lady. Sir _Har._ A Lady! why, my Servants shall all call you so; we'll live together like Man and Wife, and I'll be so Constant, and so full of Love, that ev'ry body shall believe we're marry'd. Mrs. _Lov._ Love and Constancy, Sir _Harry_, will plainly tell ev'ry body we are not marry'd. Sir _Har._ [_aside_] Have her I must; but how shall I contrive it?--Oh! a lucky Thought seizes me. Some Ladies after they have refus'd prodigious |
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