Untitled - OUDL Home

SCENE iv] THE OLD BACHELOR 103
As, I suppose, my master Hcartwcll.
Sharp. Here again, my Mercury?
Set. Sublimate, if you please, sir: I think my achievements
do deserve the epithet.—Mercury was a pimp too;
but though I blush to own it, at this time, I must confess
I am somewhat fallen from the dignity of my function,
and do condescend to be scandalously employed in the promotion
of vulgar matrimony.
Sharp. As how, dear dexterous pimp?
Set. Why, to be brief, for I have weighty affairs depending,—our
stratagem succeeded as you intended. Bluffe
turns arrant traitor: bribes me to make a private conveyance
of the lady to him, and put a sham settlement upon Sir
Joseph.
Sharp. O rogue! well, but I hope—
Set. No, no; never fear me, sir.—I privately informed the
knight of the treachery; who has agreed, seemingly to be
cheated, that the captain may be so in reality.
Sharp. Where's the bride?
Set. Shifting clothes for the purpose at a friend's house
of mine. Here's company coming; if you'll walk this way,
sir, HI tell you. [Exeunt.
SCENE IV
The Same
Enter BELLMOUR, BELINDA, ARAMINTA, and VAINLOVE.
Vain. \To ARAMINTA. 1 Oh, 'twas frenzy all! cannot you
forgive it?—men in madness have a title to your pity.
Aram. Which they forfeit, when they are restored to their
senses.
Vain. I am not presuming beyond a pardon.
Aram. You who could reproach me with one counterfeit,
how insolent would a real pardon make you! but there's no
need to forgive what is not worth my anger.
Belin. [To BELLMDUH.] O my conscience, I could find in
my heart to marry thee, purely to be rid of thee: at least
thou art so troublesome a lover, there's hopes thou'lt make a
more than ordinary quiet husband.
Bell. Say you so? is that a maxim among you?
Belin. Yes; you fluttering men of the mode have made
marriage a mere French dish.