you presently you'll both go in again, and leave us, as you found us, in dirt and darkness, like a couple of moles. Ger. Who is your companion? Car. Yon fair lady, whom your tenderness has so overcome, that she cannot find words to express her thanks. Ger. A woman too! Car. Yes, its a woman, but you need not alarm yourself-she'll not eat you. Now if he does not relent, we may chance to end our adventures like the poor babes in the wood. (aside). Ger. Lean on my arm, young Lady-come, let me support you-you tremble-you are exhausted! Jul. I am, indeed Ger. Whatever comfort my lowly habitation can afford, is freely yours. Jul. Thank you, bless you! Ger. Yet, your situation is peculiar for one so young and beautiful-who are your parents? Jul. Oh! spare me, spare me! I have no pa rents! Ger. An orphan too! an outcast! and I, monster-like, have shut my doors against you! -come in, come in-never be it said, Geraldo's heart, hardened though it be by treachery and misfortune-refused the shelter of his roof to an orphan wanderer. [Exit with Julia into the Cottage. Car. Well, upon my soul that's civil enough; but who's to shelter me? here's pretty treatment now, for one who has made an old man's heart glow with pleasure, by putting it in his power to do a good action. Never mind, one good turn deserves another--I'll be even with 'em-I'm turn'd out, they have turn'd in-'twill be my turn by and bye. But its the way of the world, gratitude's extinct, there's no such thing existing in the breast of man, woman, or child-yes! they are all alike-detestable-ungrateful-ugly-ha!(looking at Brunette, who enters from the Cottage). Brun. I hope not all, Sir. Car. There's no rule without an exceptionyou are pretty. Brun. The Lady has sent you this ring, and desires you will accept it as a mark of her gratitude. Car. Ha! gratitude! another proof that no rule's without an exception. Brun. Yes; and old Geraldo says, he is very sorry he cannot admit you, but he has laid it down as a rule Car. Tell him there's no rule without an exception. Gad! I should like to be admitted, if it were only for the pleasure of passing the evening with you. Ah! you'sly little wench! Can't you let me in?-but I've done-Carlo scorns to screw himself into the secrets or the house of any man. Thank your master for these grains of his goodness-'tis seed that will produce tenfold. You must know I'm a bit of a pedlar as well as a guide, and to-morrow I shall purchase a stock of merchandize, to retail again to the lads and lasses at the merry-making. Will you be there?there'll be a rare bustle. Brun. I fear I shall not be able to go-the poor Lady may want some one to attend her. Car. Pho! she's young and hale a little rest will soon set her on her legs again-beside, there's a wedding, a dance, and the deuce knows what. Oh! you must come-perchance you may pick up a husband yourself-Ha!-'od she's a nice girl-should like her myself! Pretty couple, L think! Brun. Heigho! Car. What are you sighing for, my dear? Car. Oh! oh! (Aside). Brun. I was once to have been married myself but Car. But what? Brun. My lover deceiv'd me. Car. Oh the villain!-how so? Brun. 'Tis a very long story. Brun. Hark! I am called. (Going). Car. Well, good bye to you; but remember to-morrow. (Exit Brunette).-Egad she is a nice girl, and deserves a good husband. I have a great mind to take compassion on her and marry, or shall I have compassion on myself and not marry. Marriage is an odd thing-a good wife is a good thing-but I'm told that's a very scarce article. To be sure, a man may live happy with a good wife; should she prove constant, 'tis all very-but should she prove otherwise-O, Lord! the end of that is-(puts his finger to his forehead)-Oh dear, that's the devil! [Exit. SCENE II. Early Morning. Enter FRIPON and HENRI, disguised as Hunters, with short Spears, Bugles, &c. Frip. My dear Henri, I tell you, you are wrong-patience and perseverance will surmount every obstacle. Hen. Oh! Fripon, trifle not with me thus, but assist, advise me. Frip. Advise ye! Advice, they say, costs nothing, and therefore is oftener given willingly, than received thankfully. But I know not how to advise you. As to this Atalanta of yours― this run-away nymph-pshaw ! man, never sigh about it. Be confident, and you'll be successful. The morning advances; it may dawn prosperously. Whilst I take the upper path that leads to the village, do you keep the lower road to Modena; and should you have an opportunity of obtaining intelligence, sound your bugle lustily; I'll do the same; and a few moments will bring us together; till then farewell: but remember, "Nil desperandum," should be the lover's motto. [Exit. Hen. Such are the arguments of friendship. Did he but love a being interesting and amiable as Julia, he would know that the heart of a lover is wither'd by disappointment, as the early flowers of spring shrink and fade before the lingering winter's blast. SONG-HENRI. I. Loud was the wind, the drifting rain, II. A lock of Emma's hair "The cloudless sky, the genial ray, "Oppress'd with sighs, bedew'd with tears. The lock of Emma's hair. SCENE III. The Interior of GERALDO's Cottage. Enter GERALDO. Ger. "Tis strange, and yet to disbelieve her, should her tale be true, were tenfold cruelty. No friends a wanderer from home-at such a time of night too-what to think, or how to act, I know not. She wishes concealment-concealment is mystery, and mystery implies a sense of impropriety-it seldom walks hand in hand " |