Page:She-Gallants.djvu/45

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And how is it possible to chuse one when all are engaging alike? if at any time I seem enclin'd to the Prudence and nice Honour of Diana, the Gaiety and lively Humour of Melissa comes in view, and with-holds me. And when Melissa gets ground, strait Dorinda interposes with her admirable Shape and Mien: And so on to the charming Miranda, who, with a Song, can turn my fleeting heart which way the pleases.

Mir. Sure Cupid shot you with a Blunderbuss, four such dreadful Wounds cou'd never be made with a Dart.

Mel. Phoo, 'tis the usual Ceremony of all Men, to carry themselves equal to the whole Company; if he had us single, we shou'd soon know his mind.

Dia. Really my Sister has observ'd with great Prudence: It is likely the Gentleman wou'd be particular, if we were Angle; Pray Sisters retire, and leave us alone.

Dor. Fy, Sister, sure your nice Honour wou'd not permit you to be left alone with a Man.

Mel. I was the first who propos'd the Expedient, and will be the first to have the benefit of it.

Dia. Really you are very confident; sure there is some Respect due to your eldest Sister.

Mel. You might have spar'd the remembrance of your age for your own sake.

Const. Pray, Ladies, let not this Debate go any further, I have found out an Expedient to close all. Come in with me, and I will seal up four Notes, giving one to each of you, three being Blanks, and the fourth my Determination; which you shall deliver, as soon as I am gone from you, to your Brother, who shall tell you my mind, sparing me the confusion.

Dia. No, No; since I have once said it, Mr. Courtall, really I will be left alone with you.

Const. Pray, Madam, consent to what I have propos'd.

F 2
[Aside.