Dame Guggligoy.You fain would marry me?
Rochester [biting his lips, aside.]Oh! there we are!
[Aloud, with embarrassment.
I do not say—
Dame Guggligoy [indignant at his hesitation.
Know that the honour done—
What an affront! What vile concupiscence!
[She weeps.
Cromwell [to Rochester.
Console her, man! You'd have her for your wife!
Rochester [aside.]Damnation!
[Aloud, to Dame Guggligoy.] Pray consent—
[Aside.] Thou damned old hide,
In witches' revels tanned!
Dame Guggligoy [sighing and looking down.
I can but yield.
[She offers a black hand, which he takes with an air of disgust.
Rochester [aside.]And I yield, likewise!
Dame Guggligoy. I am over-kind,—
The froward knave may take one little kiss.
Rochester [aside.]A blessed favour! I do much prefer
The gallows and a safe deliverance.
Dame Guggligoy.I give you leave to kiss the other cheek.
Rochester.Oh! thanks!
Dame Guggligoy. You turn away from me?
Rochester. Nay, nay.
Cromwell.No scandal here; you must be married straight.
Your bliss is not of those that are postponed;
I'll gratify you both without delay.
