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SCENE III] THE OLD BACHELOR 81
All naturally fly what does pursue:
'Tis fit men should be coy, when woman woo,
SCENE III
A Room in FONDLEWIFE'S House
Enter Servant introducing BELLMDUR in a fanatic habit, with
a patch upon one eye, and a boo1{ in his hand.
Serv. Here's a chair, sir, if you please to repose yourself.
My mistress is coming, sir. [Exit.
Bell. Secure in my disguise, I have outfaced suspicion,
and even dared discovery, this cloak my sanctity, and
trusty Scarron's novels my prayer-book. Methinks I am the
very picture of Montufar in "The Hypocrites"—Oh, she
comes!
Enter L^TITIA.
Bell. "So breaks Aurora through the veil of night,
Thus fly the clouds, divided by her light.
And every eye receives a new-born sight."
[Throwing off his cloat^, patch, &c.
Ltrt. "Thus strewed with blushes like"—\Discovering
him, starts.] Ah! Heaven defend me! who's this?
Bell. Your lover.
Lcet. Vainlove's friend! I know his face, and he has
betrayed me to him. [Aside.
Bell. You are surprised. Did you not expect a lover,
madam? Those eyes shone kindly on my first appearance,
though now they are o'ercast.
Lcet. I may well be surprised at your person and impudence;
they are both new to me. You are not what your
first appearance promised; the piety of your habit was
welcome, but not the hypocrisy.
Bell. Rather the hypocrisy was welcome, but not the
hypocrite,
Ltet. Who are you, sir? you have mistaken the house
sure.
Bell. I have directions in my pocket, which agree with
everything but your unkindness. [Pulls out the letter.
Læt. [Aside.] My letter! Base Vainlove! Then 'tis too