an exalted wit, pray what was that glorious achievement,
which wrapt you into such an ecstasy?

_Ben._ 'Tis a sign you know well how matters go, by your asking me so
impertinent a question.

_Aur._ [_Putting off his hat to him._] Sir, I beg of you, as your most
humble master, to be satisfied.

_Ben._ Your servant, sir; at present I am not at leisure for
conference. But hark you, sir, by the way of friendly advice, one
word: Henceforward, tell me no more of the adventure of the garden,
nor of the great looking-glass.

_Aur._ You mean the mirror.

_Ben._ Yes, the mirror; tell me no more of that, except you could
behold in it a better, a more discreet, or a more able face for
stratagem, than I can, when I look there.

_Aur._ But, to the business; What is this famous enterprise?

_Ben._ Be satisfied, without troubling me farther, the business is
done, the rogues are defeated, and your mistress is secured: If you
would know more, demand it of that criminal [_Pointing to_ FRON.], and
ask her, how she dares appear before you, after such a signal
treachery, or before me, after such an overthrow?

_Fron._ I know nothing, but only that, by your master's order, I was
to receive the two ladies into my house, and you prevented it.

_Ben._ By my master's order? I'll never believe it. This is your
stratagem, to free yourself, and deprive me of my reward.

_Cam._ I'll witness what she says is true.

_Ben._ I am deaf to all asseverations, that make against my honour.

_Aur._ I'll swear it then. We two were the two rogues, and you the
discoverer of our villany.

_Ben._ Then, woe, woe, to poor Benito! I find my abundance of wit has
ruined me.

_Aur._ But come a little nearer: I would not receive a good office
from a servant, but I would reward him for his diligence.

_Ben._ Virtue, sir, is its own reward: I expect none from you.

_Aur._ Since it is so, sir, you shall lose no further time in my
service: Henceforward, pray know me for your humble servant; for your
master I am resolved to be no longer.

_Ben._ Nay, rather than so, sir, I beseech you let a good, honest,
sufficient beating atone the difference.

_Aur._ 'Tis in vain.

_Ben._ I am loth to leave you without a guide.

_Aur._ He's at it again! do you hear, Camillo?

_Cam._ Pr'ythee, Aurelian, be mollified, and beat him.

_Fron._ Pray, sir, hear reason, and lay it on, for my sake.

_Aur._ I am obdurate.

_Cam._ But what will your father say, if you pa