Elv. Yes, to my sorrow, father, I do remember it; a miserable woman it has made me:  but you know, father, a marriage-vow is but a thing of course, which all women take when they would get a husband.

Dom. A vow is a very solemn thing; and ’tis good to keep it:  but, notwithstanding, it may be broken upon some occasions.  Have you striven with all your might against this frailty?

Elv. Yes, I have striven; but I found it was against the stream.  Love, you know, father, is a great vow-maker; but he’s a greater vow-breaker.

Dom. ’Tis your duty to strive always; but, notwithstanding, when we have done our utmost, it extenuates the sin.

Gom. I can hold no longer.—­Now, gentlewoman, you are confessing your enormities; I know it, by that hypocritical downcast look:—­enjoin her to sit bare upon a bed of nettles, father; you can do no less, in conscience.

Dom. Hold your peace; are you growing malapert? will you force me to make use of my authority? your wife’s a well disposed and a virtuous lady; I say it, In verbo sacerdotis.

Elv. I know not what to do, father; I find myself in a most desperate condition; and so is the colonel, for love of me.

Dom. The colonel, say you!  I wish it be not the same young gentleman I know.  ’Tis a gallant young man, I must confess, worthy of any lady’s love in Christendom,—­in a lawful way, I mean:  of such a charming behaviour, so bewitching to a woman’s eye, and, furthermore, so charitably given; by all good tokens, this must be my colonel Hernando.

Elv. Ay, and my colonel too, father:—­I am overjoyed!—­and are you then acquainted with him?

Dom. Acquainted with him! why, he haunts me up and down; and, I am afraid, it is for love of you; for he pressed a letter upon me, within this hour, to deliver to you.  I confess I received it, lest he should send it by some other; but with full resolution never to put it into your hands.

Elv. Oh, dear father, let me have it, or I shall die!

Gom. Whispering still!  A pox of your close committee!  I’ll listen, I’m resolved. [Steals nearer.

Dom. Nay, if you are obstinately bent to see it, use your discretion; but, for my part, I wash my hands of it.—­What makes you listening there? get farther off; I preach not to thee, thou wicked eaves dropper.

Elv. I’ll kneel down, father, as if I were taking absolution, if you’ll but please to stand before me.

Dom. At your peril be it then.  I have told you the ill consequences; et liberavi animam meam. Your reputation is in danger, to say nothing of your soul.  Notwithstanding, when the spiritual means have been applied, and fail, in that case the carnal may be used.  You are a tender child, you are, and must not be put into despair; your heart is as soft and melting as your hand. [He strokes her face, takes her by
                                    the hand, and gives the letter.