t'other glass of
Madeira, and I durst have attacked 'em in my own proper person, without
your help.

BLUFF. Come on then, knight. But do you know what to say to them?

SIR JO. Say: pooh, pox, I've enough to say--never fear it--that is, if I
can but think on't: truth is, I have but a treacherous memory.

BELIN. O frightful! cousin, what shall we do? These things come towards
us.

ARAM. No matter. I see Vainlove coming this way--and, to confess my
failing, I am willing to give him an opportunity of making his peace with
me--and to rid me of these coxcombs, when I seem opprest with 'em, will
be a fair one.

BLUFF. Ladies, by these hilts you are well met.

ARAM. We are afraid not.

BLUFF. What says my pretty little knapsack carrier. [_To_ BELINDA.]

BELIN. O monstrous filthy fellow! good slovenly Captain Huffe, Bluffe
(what is your hideous name?) be gone: you stink of brandy and tobacco,
most soldier-like. Foh. [_Spits_.]

SIR JO. Now am I slap-dash down in the mouth, and have not one word to
say! [_Aside_.]

ARAM. I hope my fool has not confidence enough to be troublesome.
[_Aside_.]

SIR JO. Hem! Pray, madam, which way is the wind?

ARAM. A pithy question. Have you sent your wits for a venture, sir,
that you enquire?

SIR JO. Nay, now I'm in, I can prattle like a magpie. [_Aside_.]

SCENE X.

[_To them_] SHARPER _and_ VAINLOVE _at some distance_.

BELIN. Dear Araminta, I'm tired.

ARAM. 'Tis but pulling off our masks, and obliging Vainlove to know us.
I'll be rid of my fool by fair means.--Well, Sir Joseph, you shall see my
face; but, be gone immediately. I see one that will be jealous, to find
me in discourse with you. Be discreet. No reply; but away. [_Unmasks_.]

SIR JO. The great fortune, that dined at my Lady Freelove's! Sir
Joseph, thou art a made man. Agad, I'm in love up to the ears. But I'll
be discreet, and hushed. [_Aside_.]

BLUFF. Nay, by the world, I'll see your face.

BELIN. You shall. [_Unmasks_.]

SHARP. Ladies, your humble servant. We were afraid you would not have
given us leave to know you.

ARAM. We thought to have been private. But we find fools have the same
advantage over a face in a mask that a coward has while the sword is in
the scabbard, so were forced to draw in our own defence.

BLUFF. My blood rises at that fellow: I can't stay where he is; and I
must not draw in the park. [_To_ SIR JOSEPH.]

SIR JO. I wish I dur