Mr. Jes. Upon my honour, upon my soul, Sir John, I am not in the least offended at this contre temps→→→ Pray, Lady Mary, say no more about it. Col. Tol, lol, lol, lol. Sir John. But, my dear Colonel, I am afraid, after all, this affair is taken amiss by you; yes, I see you are angry on your son's account; but let me repeat it, I have a very high opinion of his merit. 661 Col. Ay! that's more than I have. Taken amiss! I don't take any thing amiss; I never was in better spirits, or more pleased in my life. Sir John. Come, you are uneasy at something, Colonel, Col. Me! Gad I am not uneasy-Are you a justice of peace? Then you could give me a warrant, cou'dn't you? You must know, Sir John, a little accident has happen'd in my family since I saw you last, you and I may shake hands-Daughters, Sir, daughters! Your's has snapt at a young fellow without your approbation; and how do you think mine has serv'd me this morning?-only run away with the scoundrel I brought to dinner here yesterday. Sir John. I am excessively concerned. Col. Now I'm not a bit concern'd-No, damn me, I am glad it has happened; yet, thus far, I'll confess, I should be sorry that either of them would come in my way, because a man's temper may sometimes get the better of him, and I believe I should be tempted to break her neck, and blow his brains out. Clar. But pray, Sir, explain this affair, 689 Col. I can explain it no farther-Dy, my daughter Dy, has run away from us. SCENE XIV. Sir JOHN FLOWERDALE, Colonel OLDBOY, Lady MARY OLDBOY, Mr. JESSAMY, CLARISSA, LIONEL, JENNY, DIANA, HARMAN, JENKINS. Dian. No, my dear papa, I am not run away; and upon my knees, I entreat your pardon for the folly I have committed; but, let it be some alleviation, that duty, and affection, were too strong to suffer me to carry it to extremity: and, if you knew the agony I have been in, since I saw you lastLady. M. How's this? 691 Har. Sir, I restore your daughter to you; whose fault, as far as it goes, I must also take upon myself; we have been known to each other for some time; as Lady Richly, your sister, in London, can acquaint you Col. Dy, come here--Now, you rascal, where's your sword; if you are a gentleman, you shall fight me; if you are a scrub, I'll horse-whip you-Draw, Sirrah-Shut the door there, don't let him escape. Har. Sir, don't imagine I want to escape; I am extremely sorry for what has happened, but am ready to give you any satisfaction you think proper. Col. Follow me into the garden then-Zounds! I have no sword about me-Sir John Flowerdale-lend us a case of pistols, or a couple of guns; and, come and see fair play. Clar. My dear papa! 709 Dian. Sir John Flowerdale-O my indiscretionwe came here, Sir, to beg your mediation in our fa vour. Lady. M. Mr. Oldboy, if you attempt to fight, I shall expire. Sir John. Pray, Colonel, let me speak a word to you in private. Col. Slugs and a saw-pit Mr. Jes. Why, Miss Dy, you are a perfect heroine -And, pray who is this courteous for a romance knight? 720 Lady M. O Sir, you that I thought such a pretty behav'd gentleman! Mr. Jes. What business are you of, friend; Har. My chief trade, Sir, is plain dealing; and, as that is a commodity you have no reason to be very fond of, I would not advise you to purchase any of it by impertinence. Col. And is this what you would advise me to? Sir John. It is, indeed, my dear old friend; as things are situated, there is in my opinion, no other prudent method of proceeding; and it is the method I would adopt myself, was I in your case. say Col. Why, I believe you are in the right of itwill for me then. what you Sir John. Well! young people, I have been able to use a few arguments, which have softened my neighbour here; and in some measure pacified his resentment. I find, Sir, you are a gentleman by your connections? 739 Har. Sir, till it is found that my character and family will bear the strictest scrutiny, I desire no favour-And for fortune Col. Oh! rot your fortune, I don't mind that—I know you are a gentleman, or Dick Rantum would not have recommended you. And so, Dy, kiss and friends. Mr. Jes. What, Sir, have you no more to say to the man who has used you so ill? Col. Us'd me ill!-That's as I take it-he has done a mettled thing; and, perhaps, I like him the better for it; it's long before you would have spirit enough to run away with a wench-Harman give me your hand; let's hear no more of this now-Sir John Flowerdale, what say you? shall we spend the day together, and dedicate it to love and harmony? Sir John. With all my heart. Col. Then take off my great coat. AIR. Lion. Come then, all ye social pow'rs, Crown with bliss the present hours, Clarissas to reward 'em, 760 Clar. Love, thy godhead I adore, Source of sacred passion ; Those idols, wealth, or fashion. From the fop defend her ; Har. Why the plague should men be sad, Grave, or gay, or vex'd, or glad, Bring the flask, the music bring, Joy will quickly find us ; 770 Drink, and laugh, and dance, and sing, 780 And cast our cares behind us. Dian. How shall I escape—so naught, I'll e'en curtsey, own my fault, And plead papa's example. Parents 'tis a hint to you, Children oft are shameless ; Oft transgress-the thing's too true— But are you always blameless ? One word more before we go; Girls and boys have patience; You to friends must something owe, 790 |