for quiet and simplicity, the crouds of the world, the noise attending pomp and distinction, have no charms for me: I wish to pass my life in rational tranquility, with a friend, whose virtues I can respect, whose talents I can admire; who will make my esteem the basis of my affection.

Lion. O charming creature! yes, let me indulge the flattering idea; form'd with the same sentiments, the same feelings, the same tender passion for each other; Nature design'd us to compose that sacred union, which nothing but death can annul.

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Clar. One only thing remember. Secure in each other's affections, here we must rest; I would not give my father a moment's pain, to purchase the empire of the world.

Lion. Command, dispose of me as you please; angels take cognizance of the vows of innocence and virtue; and, I will believe that ours are already register'd in Heaven.

Clar. I will believe so too.

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AIR.

Go, and, on my truth relying,
Comfort to your cares applying,
Bid each doubt and sorrow flying,
Leave to peace, and love your breast.

Go, and may the Pow'rs that hear us,
Still, as kind protectors near us,

Through our troubles safely steer us

To a port of joy and rest.

SCENE XII.

LIONEL, Sir JOHN FLOWERDALE.

Sir John. Who's there? Lionel ?

Lion. Heav'ns! 'tis Sir John Flowerdale.

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Sir John. Who's there?

Lion. 'Tis I, Sir; I am here, Lionel.

Sir John. My dear lad, I have been searching for you this half hour, and was at last told you had come into the garden: I have a piece of news, which I dare swear will shock and suprize you; my daughter has refused Colonel Oldboy's son, who is this minute departed the house in violent resentment of her ill.

treatment.

Lion. Is he gone, Sir?

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Sir John. Yes, and the family are preparing to follow him. Oh! Lionel, Clarissa has deceived me: in this affair she has suffered me to deceive myself. The measures which I have been so long preparing, are broken in a moment-my hopes frustrated; and both parties, in the eye of the world, rendered light and ridiculous.

Lion. I am sorry to see you so much moved; pray, Sir, recover yourself.

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Sir John. I am sorry, Lionel, she has profited no better by your lessons of philosophy, than to impose upon and distress so kind a father.

Lion. Have juster thoughts of her, Sir: she has not imposed on you, she is incapable-have but a little patience and things may yet be brought about.

Sir John. No, Lionel, no; the matter is past, and there's an end to it; yet I would conjecture to what such an unexpected turn in her conduct can be owing; I would fain be satisfied of the motive that could urge her to so extraordinary a proceeding, without the least intimation, the least warning to me, or any of her friends.

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Lion. Perhaps, Sir, the gentleman may have been too impetuous, and offended Miss Flowerdale's delicacy-certainly nothing else could occasion

Sir John. Heaven only knows-I think, indeed, there can be no settled aversion, and surely her affections are not engaged elsewhere.

Lion. Engag'd, Sir-No, Sir.

Sir John. I think not, Lionel.

Lion. You may be positive, Sir-I'm sure

Sir John. O worthy young man, whose integrity, openness, and every good quality have rendered dear to me as my own child, I see this affair troubles you as much as it does me.

Lion. It troubles me indeed, Sir.

Sir John. However, my particular disappointment ought not to be detrimental to you, nor shall it: I well know how irksome it is to a generous mind to

live in a state of dependance, and have long had it in my thoughts to make you easy for life.

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Lion. Sir John, the situation of my mind at present is a little disturb'd-spare me-I beseech you, spare me; why will you persist in a goodness that makes me asham'd of myself?

Sir John. There is an estate in this county which I purchased some years ago; by me it will never be missed, and who ever marries my daughter will have little reason to complain of my disposing of such a trifle for my own gratification. On the present marriage I intended to perfect a deed of gift in your favour, which has been for some time preparing; my lawyer has this day completed it, and it is yours, my dear Lionel, with every good wish that the warmest friend can bestow.

Lion. Sir, If you presented a pistol with design to shoot me, I would submit to it; but you must excuse me, I cannot lay myself under more obligations.

Sir John. Your delicacy carries you too far; in this I confer a favour on myself: however, we'll talk no more on the subject at present, let us walk towards the house, our friends will depart else without my bidding them adieu. 783

SCENE XIII.

DIANA, CLARISSA, and afterwards LIONEL.

Dian. So then, my dear Clarissa, you really give credit to the ravings of that French wretch, with re gard to a plurality of worlds?

Clar. I don't make it an absolute article of belief, but I think it an ingenious conjecture with great probability on its side.

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Dian. And we are a moon to the moon! Nay, child, I know something of astronomy, but-that that little shining thing there, which seems not much larger than a silver plate, should, perhaps, contain great cities like London; and who can tell but they may have kings there and parliaments, and plays and operas, and people of fashion! Lord, the people of fashion in the moon must be strange creatures.

Clar. Methinks Venus shines very bright in yonder corner.

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Dian. Venus! O pray let me look at Venus; I suppose, if there are any inhabitants there, they must be all lovers.

Lion. Was ever such a wretch-I can't stay a moment in a place; where is my repose ?-fled with my virtue. Was I then born for falshood and dissimulation? I was, I was, and I live to be conscious of it; to impose upon my friend; to betray my benefactor