t Bel_. Oh, largely, madam, would your ladyship be
as ready to apply the remedy as to give the wound.
Consider, madam, I am doubly a prisoner; first to
the arms of your general, then to your more conquering
eyes. My first chains are easy--there a
ransom may redeem me; but from your fetters I
never shall get free. {352}

_Mrs. Sul_. Alas, sir! why should you complain to me
of your captivity, who am in chains myself? You
know, sir, that I am bound, nay, must be tied up in
that particular that might give you ease: I am like
you, a prisoner of war--of war, indeed--I have
given my parole of honour! would you break yours
to gain your liberty? {359}

_Count Bel_. Most certainly I would, were I a prisoner
among the Turks; dis is your case, you 're a slave,
madam, slave to the worst of Turks, a husband.

_Mrs. Sul_. There lies my foible, I confess; no fortifications,
no courage, conduct, nor vigilancy, can pretend
to defend a place where the cruelty of the governor
forces the garrison to mutiny.

_Count Bel_. And where de besieger is resolved to die
before de place.--Here will I fix [_Kneels_];--with
tears, vows, and prayers assault your heart and
never rise till you surrender; or if I must storm--
Love and St. Michael!--And so I begin the
attack. {372}

_Mrs. Sul_. Stand off!--[_Aside_.] Sure he hears me not!
--And I could almost wish--he did not!--The
fellow makes love very prettily.--[_Aloud_.] But, sir,
why should you put such a value upon my person,
when you see it despised by one that knows it so
much better?

_Count Bel_. He knows it not, though he possesses it; if
he but knew the value of the jewel he is master of
he would always wear it next his heart, and sleep
with it in his arms. {382}

_Mrs. Sul_. But since he throws me unregarded from
him--

_Count Bel_. And one that knows your value well comes
by and takes you up, is it not justice?

[_Goes to lay hold of her_.

_Enter Squire Sullen with his sword drawn_.

_Squire Sul_. Hold, villain, hold!

_Mrs. Sul_. [_Presenting a pistol_.] Do you hold!

_Squire Sul_. What! murder your husband, to defend
your bully! {390}

_Mrs. Sul_. Bully! for shame, Mr. Sullen, bullies wear
long swords, the gentleman has none; he's a
prisoner, you know. I was aware of your outrage,
and prepared this to receive your violence; and, if
occasion were, to preserve myse