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SCENE III] LOVE FOR LOVE 239
Sir Samp. A very wag! Ben's a very wag! only a little
rough, he wants a little polishing.
Mrs. Frail. Not at all; I like his humour mightily, it's
plain and honest; I should like such a humour in a husband
extremely.
Ben. Say'n you so, forsooth? Marry, and I should like
such a handsome gentlewoman for a bedfellow hugely; how
say you, mistress, would you like going to sea? Mess, you're
a tight vessel! and well rigged, an you were but as well
manned.
Mrs. Frail. I should not doubt that, if you were master
of me.
Ben. But I'll tell you one thing, an you come to sea in a
high wind, or that lady—you mayn't carry so much sail o f
your head.—Top and top-gallant, by the mess.
Mrs. Frail. No, why so?
Ben. Why, an you do, you may run the risk to be overset,
and then you'll carry your keels above water, he! he! he!
Ang. I swear, Mr. Benjamin is the veriest wag in nature;
an absolute sea-wit.
Sir Samp. Nay, Ben has parts, but, as I told you before,
they want a little polishing: you must not take anything
ill, madam.
Ben. No, I hope the gentlewoman is not angry; I mean
all in good part; for if I give a jest I'll take a jest: and so,
forsooth, you may be as free with me.
Ang. I thank you, sir, I am not at all offended.—But
methinks, Sir Sampson, you should leave him alone with
his mistress.—Mr. Tattle, we must not hinder lovers.
Tat. [Aside to Miss PRUE.] Well, miss, I have your
promise.
Sir Samp. Body o' me, madam, you say true.—Look you,
Ben, this is your mistress.—Come, miss, you must not be
shamefaced; we'll leave you together.
Prue. I can't abide to be left alone, mayn't my cousin
stay with me?
Sir Samp. No, no.—Come, let's away.
Ben. Look you, father, mayhap the young woman mayn't
take a liking to me.
Sir Samp. I warrant thee, boy; come, come, we'll be gone;
I'll venture that.
[Exeunt Sir SAMPSON, ANGELICA, TATTLE,
and MRS. FRAIL.