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This is above all, an indictment of arranged marriages. Young Leticia Bredwell has been purchased as a bride for the revoltingly foppish old Sir Feeble Fainwood. Feeble's friend, Sir Cautious Fulbank, also bought himself a bride, Julia, who-like Leticia, is in love with another younger, poorer man. The women and their lovers determine to end this tradition of marital servitude before Leticia must consummate her marriage and Feeble's daughter, Diana, becomes the next victim.Bel. Sure 'tis the day that gleams in yonder East, The day that all but Lovers blest by Shade Pay chearful Homage to: Lovers! and those pursu'd like guilty me By rigid Laws, which put no difference 'Twixt fairly killing in my own Defence, And Murders bred by drunken Arguments, Whores, or the mean Revenges of a Coward. -This is Leticia's Father's House- [Looking about. And that the dear Balcony That has so oft been conscious of our Loves; From whence she has sent me down a thousand Sighs, A thousand looks of Love, a thousand Vows. O thou dear witness of those charming Hours, How do I bless thee, how am I pleas'd to view thee After a tedious Age of Six Months Banishment._Enter Mr_. Gingle _and several with Musick_.Fid. But hark ye, Mr. Gingle, is it proper to play before the Wedding?Gin. Ever while you live, for many a time in playing after the first night, the Bride's sleepy, the Bridegroom tir'd, and both so out of humour, that perhaps they hate any thing that puts 'em in mind they are married. [_They play and sing_._Enter_ Phillis _in the Balcony, throws 'em Money_.Rise, Cloris, _charming Maid, arise! And baffle breaking Day, Shew the adoring World thy Eyes Are more surprizing gay;The Gods of Love are smiling round, And lead the Bridegroom on, And_ Hymen _has the Altar crown'd. While all thy sighing Lovers are undone.To see thee pass they throng the Plain; The Groves with Flowers are strown, And every young and envying Swain Wishes the hour his own. Rise then, and let the God of Day, When thou dost to the Lover yield, Behold more Treasure given away Than he in his vast Circle e'er beheld_.Bel. Hah, Phillis, Leticia's Woman!Ging. Fie, Mrs. Phillis, do you take us for Fiddlers that play for Hire? I came to compliment Mrs. Leticia on her Wedding-Morning because she is my Scholar.Phil. She sends it only to drink her Health.Ging. Come, Lads, let's to the Tavern then- [Ex. Musick.Bel. Hah! said he Leticia? Sure, I shall turn to Marble at this News: I harden, and cold Damps pass through my senseless Pores.-Hah, who's here?_Enter_ Gayman _wrapt in his Cloke_.Gay. 'Tis yet too early, but my Soul's impatient, And I must see Leticia. [Goes to the door.Bel. Death and the Devil-the Bridegroom! Stay, Sir, by Heaven, you pass not this way. [Goes to the door as he is knocking, pushes him away, and draws.

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