I know this youth for a lewd libertine;
The woman, for a scoffer at things sacred,
At me, and at my functions—and perhaps,
Given to practices, that yet may need
A dreadful expiation. Get you gone,
And on your knees petition that you may not
Deserve my malediction.
Mary. I obey. (Exit Mary, into cottage, l. h. followed by Ravensworth.)
Enter George Egerton, followed by Sir Reginald, both in shooting dresses, r. h. u. e.
Geo. By Heaven a lovely creature!
Sir R. Softly George,
Is this the game you point at? Have a care,
You're not in London now, where our gay monarch
Sets such a fine example, in these matters.
They'll have no poaching here, that I can tell you.
Among their wives and daughters. These same roundheads.
That crop their hair so short—a plague upon 'em—
Will cut your ears as close, if you're caught meddling. [to.
George. Why what a heathen region have we come
What a deuce, uncle, did you bring me here for?
To shoot at bears and panthers; pleasant sport;
No women: zounds; I'll back to court again—
No women! (Crosses to r. h.)
Sir R. None: the old they burn for witches,
The young they keep clos'd up,(like flies in amber)
In adamantine ice.—
George. They should be hang'd
For treason against nature. Let the old ones
Freeze, 'tis their charter; but youth should have fire.
Sir R. They've good laws here for gallants—t'other day
They put a man i' the stocks because he kiss'd
His wife o' Sunday.
