Untitled - OUDL Home

SCENE vi] THE OLD BACHELOR 89
patch.—You s'an't turn in, Nykin.—Run into my chamber,
quickly, quickly.—[Exit BELLMDUR.]—You s'an't turn in.
Fond. Nay, prithee, dear, i'feck I'm in haste.
Lœt. Then I'll let you in. [ Opens the door.
Enter FDNDLEWIFE and Sir JOSEPH WITTDL.
Fond. Kiss, dear.—I met the master of the ship by the
way—and I must have my papers of accounts out of your
cabinet.
Lœt. \Aside.} Oh, I'm undone!
Sir Jo. Pray, first let me have fifty pounds, good alderman,
for I'm in haste.
Fond. A hundred has already been paid, by your order.
Fifty? I have the sum ready in gold in my closet. [Exit.
Sir Jo. [Aside.] Egad, it's a curious, fine, pretty rogue;
I'll speak to her.—[Aloud.] Pray, madam, what news d'ye
hear?
Lœt. Sir, I seldom stir abroad.
[Walks about in disorder.
Sir Jo. I wonder at that, madam, for 'tis most curious
fine weather.
Lœt. Methinks 't has been very ill weather.
Sir Jo. As you say, madam, 'tis pretty bad weather, and
has been so a great while.
Re-enter FDNDLEWIFE.
Fond. Here are fifty pieces in this purse, Sir Joseph: if
you will tarry a moment till I fetch my papers, I'll wait
upon you down stairs.
Lat. \Aside.] Ruined, past redemption! What shall I do?
—Ha! this fool may be of use.—\As FDNDLEWIFE is going
into the chamber, she runs to Sir JOSEPH, almost pushes him
down, and cries out.] Stand off, rude ruffian! Help me, my
dear—D bless me! why will you leave me alone with such a
satvr?
Fond. Bless us! what's the matter? what's the matter?
Ltrt. Your back was no sooner turned, but like a lion,
he came open-mouthed upon me, and would have ravished
a kiss from me by main force.
Sir Jo. Oh Lord! Dh terrible! ha! ha! ha! is your wife
mad, alderman?
Lœt. Dh! I'm sick with the fright; won't you take him
out of my sight?