Prin. Indeed! you seem dejected at the very name--perhaps a mere marriage of convenience. John. Of the strongest inclination.

Prin. Is the object so amiable?

John. Nature never form'd a thing so,perfectevery thing that mind and person can bestow, are hers; and to her alone my vows were given from the first moment I beheld her.

Prin. An enthusiast too! you indeed appear in love.

John. Appear! believe me, I am.

(Seizing her hand). Prin. Sir, you forget!-I am not this happy object-you-you are warm, Sir.

John. Pardon me, all men are so who speak to those of those, they love.

Prin. Nearly caught (Aside). I must teaze him a little. Well, Sir, you must know that I myself, urged by the King my brother to enter the state of matrimony, have already chosen a husband.

John. "Tis true then! (Aside).

Prin. And as you have given such ample proof of ability in conducting festivals, I engage you to Ι superintend that at my marriage.

John. 'Sdeatu! be witness of my rival's triumph. Madam, you over power me with joy-torments! --but unless I know your happy consort's namehis-person

Prin. Oh, I'll give you his description; but his name he wishes to conceal. See, I wear his portrait in my bosom-the original is in my

heart.

John. Distraction!

"DUETT-JOHN and PRINCESS.

Prin. "The dearest form my childhood knew,
"Delighted here I trace,

"With every charm my fancy drew,
"And every princely grace.

John. Oh, Lady, think, while thus you sigh,
"How false his heart may prove ;
"He may, like those frail colours, fly,
"And basely scorn thy love.

.Both.

Sher

"Ah no, those eyes of heavenly bluc,

{those}

Proclaim a heart as fond as true;
He'd barter all the world to be

"At the conclusion," she shews him the Picture).

John. Heavens! my own portrait.
Prin. Your's!-This is the Prince.

John. I am the Prince. (Dropping on his knee). Prin. Ah! fairly caught at last. When next you use disguise," beware of John of Paris." (Shews the Letter).

(Pedrigo enters at the moment, and the Chamberlain on the opposite side).

Ped. Hey! mercy on us! but I thought how 'twould be I said he'd take possession of her, and he has done it-he's done it!

Cham. Do my eyes deceive me !-Does the Princess suffer at her feet

John. Her husband! (Rising)-Is that so surprising, Sir?

Ped. Ah, is that so surprising?

(to Cham.) Cham. Husband!-Oh scandalous! abomina

ble!

Ped. Oh scandalous, abominable! (to John.) Cham. Consider, Madam, who you are-consider what the world will say.

Prin. The world will say I have made a prudent choice.

Cham. An acknowledgment! You are merry -but let me hope this jest will not be repeated

before witnesses.

Enter Villagers, with Rosa, &c.

John. Does my Lord Chamberlain believe I wish to wed clandestinely? No. Be witness all, that I, John of Paris, take the most illustrious Princess of Navarre to wife.

Ped. His wife !

Cham. What, publicly declare it! Pray, Madam, as publicly deny it.

Prin. Friends, I confirm it-in John of Paris, behold my husband.

Cham. I'm thunder-struck!-I must do my duty. In the King's name, and by virtue of my authority, I charge you all, lay hands on John of Paris.

John. Knights, advance!

(They suddenly appear with the Banners, &c. &c. led by Vincent.-John throws off his open garment, and shews his Order).

Cham. Do I dream!-The Hereditary Prince of France!

John. Even so.

Ped. And Mr. John's man!

Cham. Oh, Sir, my fault was not intentional. (On his knee to John).

Ped. (Dropping on his knees to Vincent) Oh, Mr. John's man, my fault was not intentional-I never wish'd to offend a customer-every body knows Pedrigo Potts. (Dolefully).