The Farrier

For the wise man,
A sweet widowhood
Is the advantage
The most charming.
When for the great voyage, &c.

Those oaths are like those of drinkers who want the devil to take them, if they return to the tavern: they all break their word; has one ever seen the devil come to reproach them for it?

I am too old for your daughter.

So much the better; she will make herself more useful to you. A young horse to an old horse-dealer, there is nothing better; it trains the one, and exercises the other. Jeannette, she is ignorant of nothing; she dances, she sings, she chatters, she sews, she knits: she will not have her equal for governing a house.

SCENE VIII.

Here she is. Come, my child; you want a husband, here is Monsieur de la Bride who is taking you for his wife: give him your compliment. She is tongue-tied. Come, to encourage you, kiss your suitor.

My father...

LA BRIDE leans down to kiss Jeannette, she steps back.

Why force her?