My son picking his steps like a dancing-master. Pr'ythee, Harman, go into the house, and let my wife and daughter know we are come, while I go and have some sport with him: they will introduce you to Sir John Flowerdale.

Har. Then, Sir, I'll take the liberty

Col. But d'ye hear, I must have a little more discourse with you about this girl; perhaps she's a neighbour of mine, and I may be of service to you.

Har. Well, remember, Colonel, I shall try your friendship.

710

AIR.

Indulgent pow'rs, if ever
You mark'd a tender vow,
O bend in kind compassion,
And hear a lover now:

For titles, wealth, and honours,
While others crowd your shrine;

I ask this only blessing,

Let her I love be mine.

SCENE XII.

Colonel OLDBOY, Mr. JESSAMY, and several Servants.

Col. Why, Zounds! one would think you had never put your feet to the ground before; you make as

D

much work about walking a quarter of a milé, as if you had gone a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

722

Mr. Jes. Colonel, you have used me extremely ill, to drag me through the dirty roads in this manner; you told me the way was all over a bowling-green; only see what a condition I am in!

Col. Why, how did I know the roads were dirty ? is that my fault? Besides, we mistook the way. Zounds, man, your legs will be never the worse when they are brushed a little. 730 Mr. Jes. Antoine! have you sent La Roque for the shoes and stockings? Give me the glass out of your pocket-not a dust of powder left in my hair, and the frissure as flat as the fore-top of an attorney's clerk -get your comb and pomatum; you must borrow some powder; I suppose there's such thing as a dressing-room in the house?

Col. Ay, and a cellar too, I hope, for I want a glass of wine cursedly but hold! hold! Frank, where are you going? Stay, and pay your devoirs here, if you please; I see there's somebody coming out to welcome us.

742

SCENE XIII.

Colonel OLDBOY, Mr. JESSAMY, LIONEL, DIANA, CLARISSA.

Lion. Colonel, your most obedient; Sir John is walking with my Lady in the garden, and has com . missioned me to receive you.

Col. Mr. Lionel, I am heartily glad to see youcome here, Frank-this is my son, Sir. Lion. Sir, I am exceeding proud to~~

Mr. Jes. Can't you get the powder then?

749

Col. Miss Clary, my little Miss Clary-give me a kiss, my dear—as handsome as an angel, by heavens— Frank, why don't you come here

Flowerdale.

this is Miss

Dian. Oh Heavens, Clarissa! Just as I said, that impudent devil is come here with my father. Mr. Jes. Had'nt we better go into the house?

A Hall in Sir John FLOWERDALE's House, with the View of a grand Stair-case, through an Arch. On either side of the Stair-case below, two Doors, leading from different Apartments.

LIONEL enters, followed by JENNY.

Jenny.

WELL, but Mr. Lionel, consider, pray consider now; how can you be so prodigious undiscreet as you are, walking about the hall here, while the gentlefolks are within in the parlour! Don't you think they'll wonder at your getting up so soon after dinner, and before any of the rest of the company?

Lion. For Heaven's sake, Jenny, don't speak to me: I neither know where I am, nor what I am doing; I am the most wretched and miserable of mankind.

ΤΟ

Jen. Poor dear soul, I pity you, Yes, yes, I believe you are miserable enough indeed; and I assure you I have pitied you a great while, and spoke many a word in your favour, when you little thought you had such a friend in a corner,

Lion. But, good Jenny, since, by some accident or other, you have been able to discover what I would willingly hide from all the world, I conjure you, as you regard my interest, as you value your Lady's peace and honour, never let the most distant hint of it escape you; for it is a secret of that importance

Jen. And, perhaps, you think I can't keep a secret. Ah! Mr. Lionel, it must be hear, see, and say nothing in this world, or one has no business to live in it; besides, who would not be in love with my Lady? There's never a man this day alive but might be proud of it; for she is the handsomest, sweetest temperdest! And I am sure, one of the best mistresses, ever poor girl had.

Lion. Oh Jenny! She's an angel.

Jen. And so she is, indeed-Do you know that she gave me her blue and silver sack to-day, and it is every crum as good as new; and, go things as they will, don't you be fretting and vexing yourself, for I am mortally sartain she would liverer see a toad, than this Jessamy. Though I must say, to my thinking, he's a very likely man; and a fir er pair of eye-brows, and a more delicate nose I never saw on a face.

Lion. By Heavens I shall run mad.