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Dame Guggligoy [aside.
He has good taste. I still am worth a glance,
When I have first arranged myself a bit.
In truth, I'm not deserving of disdain
When my pink skirt and farthingale I wear,
My love-knots, and my pretty full-sleeved gown,
And my two tonnelets upon my hips.
[Aloud.]You think—
Rochester [turning toward Frances.
You think— Permit me, pray—
Dame Guggligoy [detaining him.]Remorse, fair sir,
Doth harass me. My duty is to keep
Close watch upon the daughter of my lord.
Rochester.Your bright eyes, in their prime, O mistress mine,
Would Galaor have made false to his troth,
Esplandian inconstant, on my word.
Dame Guggligoy [still detaining him.
I am at fault. And someone may surprise you.
Rochester.Sir Pandarus of Troy your colours would
Have worn with pride.
Dame Guggligoy [aside.]He talks like a grandee!
Rochester [aside.]What fools we be!
Dame Guggligoy. What fools we be! By scruples I'm assailed;
I shiver, and my very blood runs cold.
[She takes Rochester's hands.
Rochester.Your hands are soft as silk.
[Aside.] … soft as silk. Oh! must I waste
On this old beldame, with the skinny claws,
All the fine speeches that the Loves suggest?
What will remain for Frances?
Dame Guggligoy. What will remain for Frances? Leave me, pray.
Rochester. Mars would have quitted Venus, had he seen
My Guggligoy.