Classic Poem

To them Meanwell .

Mean. Good health unto you Sir.
Sr Tho. I have the more
By reason of the care you took in sending
A Confessor unto me.
Mean. I? a Confessor?
Sure there is some design, some trick or other
Put on you by those men, who never sleep
Unless they've cheated on that Day.
Sir Tho. I hope
You do[n't] mean your Partners my good friends?
Mean. They ne'r deserve the name of friends, they do
Covet, not love. If any came from them,
It was some Vulture in a holy habit,
Who did intend your Carkasse, not your safety;
Indeed I know not of't. I've all this while
Appear'd another to you than I am. Discloseth himself .
Perhaps you know me now. I'm he whom you
Pleas'd to forbid your house, whom Mr Credulous
Takes leave to stile lost man, and Vagabond.
Sr Tho. That I forbad you Sir my house was only
In care to my Daughter, not in hate to you.
Mean. That I frequented it without your leave,
Was both in love to you, and to your Daughter;
That I have all this while liv'd thus disguis'd,
Was only to avert the snare from you.
Not to intrap you; that you might not be
Blinded by those, who like to venemous Beasts,
Have only sight to poyson: that you might not
Ruine your Daughter in a complement.
Sr Tho. This may b' your plot, and this discoverie
Feign'd only to secure your own designs:
For 't cannot sink into me that they durst
Make mirth of my repentance, and abuse.
My last devotion with a Scene of Laughter.
Mean. They dare beyond your thought. When parted this
Your Confessor?
Sr Tho. You could not chuse but meet him,
He is scarce yet at home.
Mean . If that you dare
But venture with me home, I'l almost promise
I'l make it plain they've put a trick upon you.
Sr Tho. Though every step were so much toward my grave
I'd tread them o'r with comfort that I might
Discover this religious villany.