SCENE IX.

Martin, Isabel.

_Mart._ It were better thou shouldst howl in Purgatory ten thousand Years, than ever see that Day. Oh! that we had but an Inquisition in _France_. Burning four or five hundred such Fellows in a Morning would be the best way of deterring others. Religion loves to warm it self at the Fire of a Heretick.

_Isa._ Fire is as necessary to keep our Minds warm as our Bodies, Father; and burning a Heretick is really a very great Service done to himself; a Faggot is a Purge for a sick Soul, and a Heretick is obliged to the Priest who applies it.

_Mart._ There spoke the Spirit of Zeal: Let me embrace thee, my little Saint; for such thou will be, let me kiss thee with the pure Affection of a Confessor----Ha! there is something Divine in these Lips, let me taste them again; are you sure you have drank no Holy Water this Morning?

_Isa._ None, upon my Word.

_Mart._ Let me smell a third time. There. _Numero Deus impare gaudet._ Depend on it, Child, very great Happiness will attend you. But be sure to observe my Directions in every thing.

_Isa._ I shall, Father. I did as you commanded me this Morning.

_Mart._ Well, and did you perceive any great Alterations in your self? Any extraordinary Emotion?

_Isa._ I cannot say I did.

_Mart._ Hum! Spirits have their own Times of Operation; which must be diligently watch'd for. Perhaps your good Genius was at that Time otherwise employ'd. Repeat the Ceremony often, and my Life on the Success. Let me see, about an Hour hence will be a very good Season. Be ready to receive him, and I firmly believe, the Spirit will come to you.

_Isa._ Oh lud! Father, I shall be frightned out of my Wits at the Sight of a Spirit.

_Mart._ You will see nothing frightful, take my Word for it.

_Isa._ I hope he won't appear in any horrible Shape.

_Mart._ Hum--That is to be averted by _Ave Maries_. As this is a friendly Spirit, I dare say, you may prevail on him to take what Shape you please. Perhaps your Father, or if you cannot prevail for a Lay-man, I dare swear, you may at least, pray him into the Shape of your Confessor: and tho' I must suffer Pain on that Account, I am ready to undergo it for your Service.

_Isa._ I am infinitely obliged to my dear Father, I'll prepare my self for this vast Happiness, nothing shall be wanting on my Parr, I assure you.

_Mart._ And if any thing be wanting on mine, may I never say Mass again, or never be paid for Masses I have not said. Either this Girl has extraordinary Simplicity, or what is more likely, extraordinary Cunning; she does not seem averse to my Kisses. Why should I not imagine she sees and approves my Design. Well, I'll say this for the Sex: Let a Man but invent any Excuse for the Sin, and they are all ready to undertake it. How happy is a Priest,

Who can the blushing Maid's Resistance smother, With Sin in one Hand, Pardon in the other.