Chapter 34

_Enter with a Dark-lanthorn_ Bredwel _disguis’d like a Devil, leading_ Gayman.

_Bred_. Stay here till I give notice of your coming. [_Exit_ Bredwel, _leaves his Dark-Lanthorn_.

_Gay_. Kind Light, a little of your aid--now must I be peeping, though my Curiosity should lose me all--hah--Zouns, what here--a Hovel or a Hog-sty? hum, see the Wickedness of Man, that I should find no time to swear in, but just when I’m in the Devil’s Clutches.

_Enter_ Pert, _as an old Woman, with a Staff_.

_Old W_. Good Even to you, fair Sir.

_Gay_. Ha--defend me; if this be she, I must rival the Devil, that’s certain.

_Old W_. Come, young Gentleman, dare not you venture?

_Gay_. He must be as hot as _Vesuvius_ that does--I shall never earn my Morning’s Present.

_Old W_. What, do you fear a longing Woman, Sir?

_Gay_. The Devil I do--this is a damn’d Preparation to Love.

_Old W_. Why stand you gazing, Sir? A Woman’s Passion is like the Tide, it stays for no man when the hour is come--

_Gay_. I’m sorry I have took it at its Turning; I’m sure mine’s ebbing out as fast.

_Old W_. Will you not speak, Sir--will you not on?

_Gay_. I wou’d fain ask--a civil Question or two first.

_Old W_. You know too much Curiosity lost Paradise.

_Gay_. Why, there’s it now.

_Old W_. Fortune and Love invite you, if you dare follow me.

_Gay_. This is the first thing in Petticoats that ever dar’d me in vain. Were I but sure she were but human now--for sundry Considerations she might down--but I will on--

[_She goes, he follows; both go out_.