Clar. That I have this day refused a man, with whom I could not be happy, I make no merit: born for quiet and simplicity, the crowds of the world, the noise attending pomp and distinction, have no charms for me. I wish to pass my life in rational tranquillity, with a friend, whose virtues I can respect- whose talents I can admire-who will make my esteem the basis of my affection. Lionel. O charming creature! yes, let me indulge the flattering idea-formed with the same sentiments, the same feelings, the same tender passion for each other, Nature designed us to compose that sacred union, which nothing but death can annul. 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 em pire of the world. AIR. Go, and on my truth relying, Leave to peace Go, and may the pow'rs that hear us, Enter SIR JOHN FLOWERDale. Sir J. F. Who's there? Lionel? Lionel. Heavens ! 'tis Sir John Flowerdale! Sir J. F. Who's there? Lionel. 'Tis I, sir-I am here-Lionel. [Exit. Sir J. F. 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 surprise you; my daughter has refused Colonel Oldboy's son, who is this minute departed the house, in violent resentment of her ill treatment. Oh, Lionel ! Clarissa has deceived me -in this affair she has suffered me to deceive myself. Lionel. Have juster thoughts of her, sir-She has not deceived you, she is incapable-have but a little patience, and things may yet be brought about. Sir J. F. 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. Lionel. Perhaps, sir, the gentleman may have been too impetuous, and offended Miss Flowerdale's delicacy certainly nothing else could occasion Sir J. F. Heaven only knows-surely her affec tions are not engaged elsewhere. Lionel. Engaged, sir!-No, sir. Lionel. You may be positive, sir-I'm sure Sir J. F. 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 dependence, and have long had it in my thoughts to make you easy for life. Lionel. Sir John, the situation of my mind at pre sent is a little disturbed-spare me, I beseech you, spare me! why will you persist in a goodness, that makes me ashamed of myself? Sir J. F. There is an estate in this county which I purchased some years ago; by me it will never be missed, and whoever marries my daughter will have little reason to complain of my disposing of such a trifle for my own gratification. On the present mar riage, 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. Lionel. Sir, if you presented a pistol, with a design to shoot me, I would submit to it; but you must excuse me I cannot lay myself under more obligations. Sir J. F. 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. [Exeunt. Enter DIANA and Clarissa. Diana. So, then, my dear Clarissa, you really give credit to the ravings of that French wretch, with regard 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. Diana. 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. Diana. Venus! O pray let me look at Venus! I suppose, if there are any inhabitants there, they must be all lovers. [They retire up the Stage. Enter LIONEL Lionel. Was there 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 falsehood and dissimulation?—I was, I was, and I live to be conscious of it to impose upon my friend-to betray my benefactor, and lie to hide my ingratitude-a monster in a moment-No, I may be the most unfortunate of men, but I will not be the most odious; while my heart is yet capable of dictating what is honest, I will obey its voice. Enter COLONEL OLDBOY and HARMAN. Col. O. Dy, where are you? What, the mischief, is this a time to be walking in the garden? The coach has been ready this half hour, and your mamma is waiting for you. Diana. I am learning astronomy, sir; do you know, papa, that the moon is inhabited? Col. O. Hussy, you are half a lunatic yourself; come here, things have gone just as I imagined they would, -the girl has refused your brother-I knew he must disgust her. Diana. Women will want taste now and then, sir. Col. O. But I must talk to the young lady a little. Har. Well, I have had a long conference with your father about the elopement, and he continues firm in his opinion, that I ought to attempt it; in short, all the necessary operations are settled between us, and I am to leave his house to-morrow morning, if I can but persuade the young lady Diana. Ay, but I hope the young lady will have more sense. Col. O. Miss Clarissa, my dear, though I am father to the puppy who has displeased you, give me a kiss you served him right, and I thank you for it. AIR. Col. O. O what a night is here for love! To the sighing breeze, Diana. O what a night is here for love! Har. As well as night, A lover's hopes may bless. Duet. Farewell, my friend, Calm each tumult in your breast, Lionel. What have I done? Trio. Col. O. Where shall I run? With grief and shame at once oppress'd Hark to Philomel, how sweet, Tweet, tweet, tweet, tweet. Quintet. O what a night is here for love! Nor Phoebe's beams, Can charm, unless the heart's at ease. [Exeunt. |