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SCENE 111.

View of SIR JOHN FLOWERDALE'S House, with Gates, and a Prospect of the Garden.

Enter HARMAN and COLONEL OLDBOY.

Col. O. Well, and how does my old friend Dick Rantum do? I have not seen him these twelve years: he was an honest worthy fellow as ever breathed; I remember he kept a girl in London, and was cursedly plagued by his wife's relations.

Har. Sir Richard was always a man of spirit, Colonel.

Col. O. But as to this business of yours, which he tells me of in his letter, I don't see much in it-An affair with a citizen's daughter-pinked her brother in a duel-is the fellow likely to die?

Har. Why, sir, we hope not; but as the matter is dubious, and will probably make some noise, I thought it was better to be for a little time out of the way; when, hearing my case, Sir Richard Rantum mentioned you; he said, he was sure you would permit me to remain at your house for a few days, and offered me a recommendation.

Col. O. And there's likely to be a brat in the case, and the girl's friends are in business-I'll tell you what will be the consequence then-They will be for going to law with you for a maintenance-but no matter, I'll take the affair in hand for you-make me your solicitor; and, if you are obliged to pay for a single spoonful of pap, I'll be content to father all the children in the Foundling Hospital.

Har. You are very kind, sir!

Col. O. But hold-hark you!-you say there's money to be had-suppose you were to marry the wench?

Har. Do you think, sir, that would be so right, after what has happened? Besides, there's a stronger objection to tell you the truth, I am honourably in love in another place.

Col. O. Oh! you are?

Har. Yes, sir; but there are obstacles-a father! -In short, sir, the mistress of my heart lives in this very county, which makes even my present situation a little irksome.

Col. O. In this county! Zounds! Then I am sure I am acquainted with her, and the first letter of her

name is

Har. Excuse me, sir, I have some particular rea

sons

Col. O. But look who comes yonder-Ha! ha! ha! 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. If I find your friendship can be of any use to me, depend upon it I shall put it to the test. [Exit into the House.

Enter MR JESSAMY, and three SERVANTS. Col. O. Why, zounds! one would think you had never put your feet to the ground before; you make as much work about walking a quarter of a mile, as if you had gone a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Jess. 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. O. 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.

Jess. 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 foretop of an attorney's clerk-get your comb and pomatum; you must borrow some powder; I suppose there's such a thing as a dressing-room in the house?

Col. O. 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.

Enter LIONEL, DIANA, and CLARISSA, from the House.

Lionel. Colonel, your most obedient; Sir John is walking with my lady in the garden, and has commissioned me to receive you.

Col. O. Mr Lionel, I am heartily glad to see you: come here, Frank-this is my son, sir. Lionel. Sir, I am exceeding proud to

Jess. Can't you get the powder, then?

Col. O. 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? this is Miss Flowerdale!

Diana. Oh, Heavens, Clarissa! Just as I said, that impudent devil is come here with my father. Jess. Hadn't we better go into the house?

AIR.

To be made in such a pickle!
you please to lead the way,

Will

sir?

Col. O. No but if you please, you may, sir,
For precedence none will stickle..

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Col. O.

Clar.
Col. O.

Cruel, must I, can I bear?

Oh, adverse stars!

Oh, fate severe!

Beset, tormented,

Each hope prevented:

None but the brave deserve the fair.
Come, ma'am, let me lead you :

Now, sir, I precede you.

Lovers must ill usage bear.

Oh, adverse stars! oh, fate severe !
None but the brave deserve the fair.

ACT THE SECOND.

SCENE I.

A Hall in SIR JOHN FLOWERDALE's House, with the View of a grand Staircase through an Arch. On either side of the Staircase below, two Doors, leading from different Apartments.

Enter LIONEL 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?

Lionel. For Heaven's sake, Jenny, don't speak to me; I am the most wretched and miserable of mankind.

Jenny. 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.

Lionel. 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

Jenny. 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 temper'dest! and, I am sure, one of the best mistresses ever poor girl had.

Lionel. Oh, Jenny! she's an angel.

Jenny. And so she is indeed.-Do you know, that she gave me her blue and silver sack to-day, and it is every crumb 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 finer pair of eye-brows, and a more delicate nose, I never saw on a face. Lionel. By Heavens, I shall run mad!

Jenny. And why so? It is not beauty that always takes the fancy: moreover, to let you know, if it

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