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98 WILLIAM CONGREVE [ACT v
Vain. There I received the letter.—It must be so.—
And why did you not find me out, to tell me this before,
Sot?
Set. Sir, I was pimping for Mr. Bellmour.
Sharp. You were well employed;—I think there is no
objection to the excuse.
Vain. Pox o' my saucy credulity! If I have lost her, I
deserve it. But if confession and repentance be of fnrre,
I'll win her, or weary her into a forgiveness. \Exit.
Sharp. Methinks I long to see Bellmour come forth.
Enter BELLMDUR.
Set. Talk of the devil—see where he comes!
Sharp. Hugging himself on his prosperous mischief.—
No real fanatic can look better pleased after a successful
sermon of sedition.
Bell. Sharper! fortify thy spleen: such a jest! Speak when
thou art ready.
Sharp. Now, were I ill-natured, would I utterlv disappoint
thy mirth: hear thee tell thy mighty jest with as much
gravity as a bishop hears venereal causes in the spiritual
court: not so much as wrinkle my face with one smile; but
let thee look simply, and laugh by thyself.
Bell. Pshaw! no; I have a better opinion of thy wit.—
Gad, I defy thee—
Sharp. Were it not loss of time, you should make the
experiment. But honest Setter, here, overheard you with
Lucy, and has told me all.
Bell. Nay, then, I thank thee for not putting me out of
countenance. But, to tell you something you don't know,
I got an opportunity [after I had married 'em) of discovering
the cheat to Silvia. She took it, at first, as another
woman would the like disappointment: but my promise to
make her amends quickly with another husband somewhat
pacified her.
Sharp. But how the devil do you think to acquit yourself
of your promise? Will you marry .her yourself?
Bell. I have no such intentions at present.—Prithee, wilt
thou think a little for me? I am sure the ingenious Mr.
Setter will assist.
Set. O Lord, sir.
Bell. I'll leave him with you, and go shift my habit.
[Exit.