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Dame Guggligoy.You fain would marry me?
Rochester [biting his lips, aside.]Oh! there we are!
[Aloud, with embarrassment.
I do not say—
Dame Guggligoy [indignant at his hesitation.
I do not say—Know that the honour done—
What an affront! What vile concupiscence!
[She weeps.
Cromwell [to Rochester.
Console her, man! You'd have her for your wife!
Rochester [aside.]Damnation!
[Aloud, to Dame Guggligoy.] Pray consent—
Damnation! Pray … [Aside.] Thou damned old hide,
In witches' revels tanned!
Dame Guggligoy [sighing and looking down.
In witches' revels tanned! I can but yield.
[She offers a black hand, which he takes with an air of disgust.
Rochester [aside.]And I yield, likewise!
Dame Guggligoy. And I yield, likewise! I am over-kind,—
The froward knave may take one little kiss.
Rochester [aside.]A blessed favour! I do much prefer
The gallows and a safe deliverance.

[Dame Guggligoy presents a cheek upon which he reluctantly bestows a wry face and a kiss.

Dame Guggligoy.I give you leave to kiss the other cheek.
Rochester.Oh! thanks!
Dame Guggligoy. Oh! thanks! You turn away from me?
Rochester. Oh! thanks! You turn away from me? Nay, nay.
Cromwell.No scandal here; you must be married straight.
Your bliss is not of those that are postponed;
I'll gratify you both without delay.