Enter ISABELLA and BURR again.

Now, if I can but give her the hint without his knowledge!—­Madam—­my lady Constance!

Isa.  What voice is that?

Fail.  A word in private, or you are undone—­Pray step aside.

Burr. Where are you, madam?

Isa.  Immediately, Sir Timorous.

Fail.  You are mistaken, madam; ’tis not Sir Timorous, but Burr in his clothes; he has stripped the knight, gagged him, and locked him up.

Isa.  Failer?

Fail.  The same.  I could not but prevent your unhappiness, though I hazard my person in the discovery, I vow to gad, madam.

Burr.  Who’s that talks to you, my lady Constance?

Isa.  A maid of my acquaintance, that’s come to take her leave of me before I marry; the poor soul does so pity me.

Burr.  How will that maid lie, thinking of you and me to-night!

Isa.  Has he the key about him? [To FAILER.

Fail.  I think so, madam.

Isa.  Could not you possibly pick his pocket, and give me the key? then let me alone to release Sir Timorous; and you shall be witness of the wedding.

Fail.  Egad, you want your cousin Isabella’s wit to bring that to pass, madam.

Isa.  I warrant you, my own wit will serve to fool Burr—­and you too, or I am much deceived. [Aside.

Fail.  I am a little apprehensive of the rascal’s fingers, since I felt them last; and yet my fear has not power to resist the sweet temptation of revenge; I vow to gad I’ll try, madam.

Isa.  Never fear; let me alone to keep him busy.

Burr.  Come, madam, and let me take off these tasteless kisses the maid gave you; may we not join lips before we are married?

Isa.  No; fie, Sir Timorous.

[They struggle a little, and in that time FAILER picks his pocket of the key.

Fail.  I have it—­here it is—­now, shift for yourself, as I’ll do; I’ll wait you in the alley.

[Exit.

Isa.  Sir Timorous, pray go into my chamber, and make no noise till I return; I’ll but fetch the little man of God, and follow you in a twinkling.

Burr.  There’s no light, I hope?

Isa.  Not a spark.

Burr.  For to light me to the mark—­

[Exit.

Isa.  What a scowering have I ’scaped to-night!  Fortune, ’tis thou hast been ingenious for me!  Allons, Isabella!  Courage! now to deliver my knight from the enchanted castle.

[Exit.

Enter LOVEBY, led by SETSTONE, antickly habited; with a torch in one hand, and a wand in the other.

Lov.  What art thou, that hast led me this long hour through lanes and alleys, and blind passages?