Cod monologue — Married Life: A Comedy, in Three Acts

Huzza, huzza!--an illegal marriage! I'm free--it can be put aside, it can be put aside! Tol de rol lol.--(_Dancing._)--You hear, she was obliged to leave the country; she imposed upon me; she left me; she's here but to annoy me--but I'm free. Lynx, unbolt the door and let me out.--(_LYNX unbolts and opens the door._)--Mr. Dove, let me collar you; you shall never leave me till I have seen and satisfied the lawful Mrs. Coddle. You are my witness, and must come to your aunt, and then to my wife; follow us, my dear friends--follow us; seek your wives and be reconciled; I'll set you the example. Don't attempt to get away from me;--(_to DOVE_)--you are my best friend, and I shall never quit my hold of you. I wouldn't part with you for a million of money. My dear friend, my preserver, my every thing on earth to me--come with me to your aunt, to Belvidera--never mind hat, coat, any thing. My dear, my only Mrs. Coddle, open your arms, and receive your husband and his friend.--(_Rushing out, L. H. D., and dragging DOVE with him by the collar._)