for an act so yiolent; besides, this man's eccentricity amuses me, and I would willingly see the end on't. Cham. So would. I with all my soul, but he proceeds from one outrage to another with such amazing sang froid, that I am utterly confounded; his extraordinary wealth too, has so completely won the affections of Mr. Potts, that unless I exert my privilege Prin. Exert your patience, Chamberlain. Cham. I haven't a grain left-I verily believe Mr. John has taken possession of that. Would you believe it, Madam, not content with your having accepted an apartment in your own house, he just now ordered me to bring your Highness an invitation to your own dinner. Prin. He is very considerate. Cham. Obliged can you be serious?-Will you then encourage this man? Prin. All men ought to be encouraged, who practise politeness and attention to a female. Cham. Would you have me then permit him? Prin. Certainly-present my thanks to John of Paris, and say I accept his invitation.-Poor Chamberlain-this will drive him distracted. [Exit Princess. Cham. I'm petrified! a Princess dine with a mechanic! Oh monstrous degradation-this levelling system will extend its influence to me, and I shall soon be considered by the household, as of little more value-than I consider this plague, Mr. John. RECITATIVE AND SONG-PRINCESS. No, never, no! affection's genuine trace, AIR. When lover's eyes no longer blaze Fears to alarm the heart of youth. Enter CHAMBERLAIN. Cham. By the honour of a Chamberlain, this John of Paris has corrupted the whole house: His impudence is infectious-it spreads from master to man, and subverts all order and authority. The landlord too, that rascal Potts, treats me with as little respect as he would a travelling tinker. Prin. What now, Chamberlain ?-you se angry. Cham. Madam your Highness, (bowin all duty and consideration, I beseech you assert your right, and my authority. Prin. In what manner? Cham. By immediately setting t the stocks, and kicking this purs out of the house. Prin. Nay, I have no right erceive lace the place on ith royalty. le, too much in her lookser beauty is alone her demeanour. eels such admiration. wcombined with love. the man crazy; does propose himself as her husmself at her feet, and then and torments! is he aware of of such an act? ly the usual consequence of maeat expense, much anxiety, many ttle love, and a large family of children. SONG.-CHAMBERLAIN. My anger, my anger will choke me, And all of it's done By this plague, Mr. John: The Princess herself condescends too, With a knave and a clown, And bids me be civil, (Oh Death and the Devil)! And all of it's done By this plague, Mr. John. Is it thus that a Chamberlain's treated? No sort of respect, By this plague, Mr. John. Enter VINCENT, speaking as he comes on. Vin. Let the dinner be served immediately. Cham. So this is the worthy right-hand of Mr. John of Paris-his foreman, I suppose, if the truth was known-well, Mr.-Mr. Vin. Vincent-that's my name, old gentleman. Cham. Well, young gentleman; the Princess will in her great condescension accept your Mas.. ter's invitation. Vin. That of course. Her condescension has no remedy;-better dine with a Citizen than not dine at all. Cham. Since she will submit to the indignity, I must instruct you in the etiquette to be observed on this occasion-In the first place, your Master must wait respectfully behind the chair of the Princess, and endeavour Vin. Wait behind her chair!-you mistake. When John of Paris invites company, he always takes the head of his own table. Cham. No, no, that must not be. he understands nothing of ceremony. I perceive Vin. Oh, yes he does. He will place the Princess on his right hand-me he will place on his left Cham. You! you sit at table with royalty. Have a care, Sir! the Princess is affable, too much SO Vin. Not a bit. Cham. But Mr. John may read in her looksVin. He has; and finds that her beauty is alone surpassed by the gentleness of her demeanour. Cham. I'm glad to hear he feels such admiration. Vin. His admiration's now combined with love. Cham. Love! love!-Is the man crazy; does he know what he's about? Vin. He's about to propose himself as her husband first throw himself at her feet, and then into her arms. Cham. Plagues and torments! is he aware of the consequence of such an act? Vin. Perfectly-the usual consequence of matrimony-Great expense, much anxiety, many quarrels, a little love, and a large family of children. E |