SCENE II.

_To them_ MEANWELL.

MEAN. Good health unto you, sir.

SIR T. I have the more By reason of the care you took in sending A confessor unto me.

MEAN. I? a confessor? Sure, there is some design, some trick or other Put on you by those men, who never sleep, Unless they've cheated on that day.

SIR T. I hope You do mean your partners my good friends?

MEAN. They ne'er deserve the name of friends; they do Covet, not love. If any came from them, It was some vulture in a holy habit, Who did intend your carcase, not your safety. Indeed I know not of't; I've all this while Appear'd another to you than I am. [_Discloseth himself_. Perhaps you know me now, I'm he whom you Pleas'd to forbid your house--whom Master Credulous Takes leave to style lost man and vagabond.

SIR T. That I forbad you my house, was only In care to my daughter, not in hate to you.

MEAN. That I frequented it without your leave, Was both in love to you and to your daughter: That I have all this while liv'd thus disguis'd, Was only to avert the snare from you, Not to entrap you: that you might not be Blinded by those who, like to venomous beasts, Have only sight to poison; that you might not Ruin your daughter in a compliment.

SIR T. This may b' your plot, and this discovery Feign'd only to secure your own designs; For't cannot sink into me, that they durst Make mirth of my repentance, and abuse My last devotion with a scene of laughter.

MEAN. They dare beyond your thought. When parted this Your confessor?

SIR T. You could not choose but meet him: He is scarce yet at home.

MEAN. If that you dare But venture with me home, I'll almost promise I'll make it plain they've put a trick upon you.

SIR T. Though every step were so much toward my grave, I'd tread them o'er with comfort, that I might Discover this religious villany. [_Exeunt._