Ha! and can you be so generous to forgive all my ill
usage of you?
_Fust_. What ill usage, Mr Trapwit? For, if I mistake not, this
is the first time these lovers spoke to one another.
_Trap_. What ill usage, sir? a great deal, sir.
_Fust_. When, sir? where, sir?
_Trap_. Why, behind the scenes, sir. What, would you have
everything brought upon the stage? I intend to bring ours to the
dignity of the French stage; and I have Horace's advice on my
side. We have many things both said and done in our comedies which
might be better performed behind the scenes: the French, you know,
banish all cruelty from their stage; and I don't see why we should
bring on a lady in ours practising all manner of cruelty upon her
lover: besides, sir, we do not only produce it, but encourage it; for
I could name you some comedies, if I would, where a woman is brought
in for four acts together, behaving to a worthy man in a manner for
which she almost deserves to be hanged; and in the fifth, forsooth,
she is rewarded with him for a husband: now, sir, as I know this hits
some tastes, and am willing to oblige all, I have given every lady a
latitude of thinking mine has behaved in whatever manner she would
have her.
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