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188 WILLIAM CONGREVE [ACT v
Lord Froth. I've some of my own, thank you, my dear.
Lady Froth. Well, I swear, Mr. Brisk, you understood
astronomy like an old Egyptian.
Brisk. Not comparably to your ladyship; you are the very
Cynthia of the skies, and queen of stars.
Lady Froth. That's because I have no light but what's by
reflection from you, who arc the sun.
Brisk. Madam, you have eclipsed me quite, let me perish!
—I can't answer that.
Lady Froth. No matter.—Harkee, shall you and I make
an almanac together?
Eris[. With all my soul.—Your ladyship has made me the
man in't already, I'm so full of the wounds which you have
given.
Lady Froth. O finely taken! I swear now you are even
with me. O Parnassus! you have an infinite deal of wit.
Sir Paul. So he has, gadsbud, and so has your ladyship.
Enter Lady PLYANT, CARELESS, and CYNTHIA.
Lady Ply. You tell me most surprising things; bless me,
who would ever trust a man! O my heart aches for fear
they should be all deceitful alike.
Care. You need not fear, madam, you have charms to fix
inconstancy itself.
Lady Ply. 0 dear, you make me blush!
Lord Froth. Come, my dear, shall we take leave of my
lord and lady?
Cyn. They'll wait upon your lordship presently.
Lady Froth. Mr. Brisk, my coach shall set you down.
[A great shriek from the corner of the stage.
All. What's the matter?
Lady TOUCHWOOD runs in affrighted, Lord TOUCHWOOD
after her, disguised in a parson's habit.
Lady Touch. D, I'm betrayed!—Save me I help me!
Lord Touch. Now, what evasion, strumpet?
Lady Touch. Stand off! let me go.
Lord Touch. Go, and thy own infamy pursue thee—
[Exit Lady TOUCHWOOD.]—You stare as you were all
amazed.—I don't wonder at it—but too soon you'll know
mine, and that woman's shame.