Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/131

Rh

Recall'd, caress'd, chid and disgrac'd again; And say what maid of spirit would forego The bliss of one to exercise it thus? O! I can bear ill treatment like a lamb!

''4th Mask. (beating him.)'' Well, bear it then, thou hast deserv'd it well.

Ros. 'Zounds, lady! do not give such heavy blows; I'm not your husband, as belike you guess.

5th Mask. Come lover, I enlist thee for my swain; Therefore good lady, do forbear your blows, Nor thus assume my rights.

Ros. Agreed. Wilt thou a gracious mistress prove?

5th Mask. Such as thou wouldst, such as thy genius suits; For since of universal scope it is, All women's humour shalt thou find in me. I'll gently soothe thee with such winning smiles— To nothing sink thee with a scornful frown: Teize thee with peevish and affected freaks; Caress thee, love thee, hate thee, break thy pate: But still between the whiles I'll careful be, In feigned admiration of thy parts, Thy shape, thy manners, or thy graceful mien, To bind thy giddy soul with flatt'ry's charm; For well thou knowst that flatt'ry ever is The tickling spice, the pungent seasoning Which makes this motley dish of monstrous scraps So pleasing to the dainty lover's taste.