In human kind, the only amulet

By which the soul walks fearless through the world,
Into those floods of memoried bitterness,
Whose awful depths no diver dares explore?
To paralyze the expectant mind, while yet
On the world's threshold, and existence' self
To drain of all save its inert endurance?
To do this unprovoked, I ask it of you,
Is it not sin? To the unsleeping eye of Him
Who sees all aims, and knows the wrongs
No laws, save His, redress, I make appeal
To judge between us. There's an hour will come,
Not of revenge, but of righteous retribution.

Earl. Well, sir, our conference is ended.

Mor. Yes; but its issues have yet to be revealed.

Mab. He is deceived! He hears me not! knows me not!

He's gone!

Earl. Why, what is this, dear Mabel?
Mab. [With a forced smile.] Nothing, sir.

I am not used, you know, to witness strife.
It somewhat chafes my spirit.

[Exit.

He

Earl. Hither, love! [MABEL reels forward, and falls into her father's arms.]

(By permission of the Author.)

SCENE FROM "THE KNIGHTS OF THE

ROUND TABLE.”

By J. R. PLANCHÉ.

SMITH. WAITER. CAPTAIN COZENS. LANDLORD.

D'ARCY.

Smith. [Advancing to an empty table.] Waiter!
Wait. Sir.

Smith. This table engaged?

Wait. No, sir.

Smith. Then I may be permitted to sit here?
Wait. Certainly, sir. Dinner, sir?

Smith. If you please, I should feel obliged--as soon as possible.

Wait. Bill of fare, sir. [Giving it to him.]

Smith. Thank you. I may have anything I see here?

Wait. Certainly, sir. [Aside.] Some country gentleman.

Smith. [Surprised.] You're very good. Then I'll say some turtle, to begin with.

Wait. Turtle-yes, sir. [Aside.] An alderman, or a banker.

Smith. To be followed by filet de turbot, à la Hollandaise, hashed venison, and apricot fritters.

Wait. [Bowing.] Yes, sir. [Aside.] Oh, a very rich banker.

Capt. [Who has been attracted by SMITH'S manner,

180 The Knights of the Round Table.

aside.] Humph! Not a bad judge of a dinner, whoever he is!

Smith. Some punch, of course, with the turtle.

Wait. Yes, sir; what wine, sir?

Smith. Is your Madeira fine?

Wait. We have some very fine, sir.

Smith. I'll taste your Madeira. [Takes up newspaper, and reads.]

Capt. [Aside.] A bon vivant-dressed plainly, but like a gentleman-a stranger here; at least I never saw him before.

Enter D'ARCY.

Smith. Waiter!

Wait. Sir.

Smith. Champagne.

Wait. Yes, sir. [Serves champagne.]

Capt. [To D'ARCY.] Do you know that man?

D'Arcy. [Looking at SMITH.] No.

Capt. He knows how to live.

Wait. [To D'ARCY.] Your dinner is served, sir;

the gentlemen only wait for you.

D'Arcy. I am coming.

Capt. You may safely.

[Aside.] I trust all to you.

What of your scheme? D'Arcy. Come to-night to Madame Boulanger's, in Golden Square-there is a dance thereCapt. Where you have lodged-your sister? D'Arcy. Aye, aye! of course - you know.

Ask

for me I shall be there till twelve, and may want [Exit D'ARCY.

you.

Capt. Good!

Smith. Waiter!

Wait. Sir.

Smith. A pint of Burgundy, and some peaches. Capt. [Aside.] Peaches in May! - half a crown apiece, at least!

Smith. [To WAITER, who brings Burgundy and peaches.] A toothpick; [WAITER hands him one in a glass] and in about ten minutes you may send for— Wait. A coach, sir?

Smith. No; an officer.

Capt. [Aside.] An officer!

Wait. An officer-of the Guards, sir?
Smith. No; a peace officer-a constable.

Smith. A constable.

Wait. Lord, sir !—what for, sir?

Capt. [Aside, and rising uneasily.] Aye, what for, indeed?

Smith. To take me up!
Capt. Take him up!

Wait. Take you up, sir?

Capt. He's a madman!

Smith. Well, I don't insist upon it, only take notice, I shall go as soon as I have finished this Burgundy.

Wait. Well, sir, your bill will be made out in a minute.

Smith. Perhaps so; but it won't be paid in a minute-I've no money!

Wait. No money! Here, master!

Smith. I told you to send for a constable.

182

The Knights of the Round Table.

Capt. [Aside.] If this fellow is not mad, he's an artist.

Enter LANDLORD.

Land. What's the matter here?

Wait. This gentleman, sir.

Smith. The landlord, I presume. Sir, the matter is exceedingly simple: I have eaten an excellent dinner, and I have no money to pay for it.

Land. Lost your purse, sir-not in my house, I hope?

Smith. Oh dear no, sir! I had no money when I entered it.

Land. And you ordered a dinner that comes to[holding out bill]-one pound eighteen and sixpence ! Smith. No more! Your charges are very moderate. I should have guessed two guineas, at least. Land. And you can't pay it?

Smith. It's a melancholy fact!
Land. Then what the devil, sir-

Smith. My friend-my dear friend!-pray don't make a disturbance. I have desired your waiter to send for a constable; what would you have me do more?

Capt. [Aside.] He is a great artist-a very great

artist!

Land. Sir, you-you're a rogue-you're a swindler! Smith. Sir, you are abusive-you are offensive! If you do not choose to send for a constable, I am your most obedient

Land. But I will. Here, Dick, run for a constable.
Capt. Nay, nay! Stop-don't be hasty. The