how do all thy efforts to exalt, ferve but to fink us! Thy falfe colourings, like thofe employed, to heighten beauty, only feem to mend that bloom which they contribute to destroy. I'm not difpleafed at this interview: expofing this fellow's impudence to the contempt it deferves, may be of use to my defign; at least, if he can reflect, it will be of ufe to himself. Enter JARVIS. Sir WILLIAM.. How now, Jarvis, where's your mafter, my nephew? JARVIS. At his wit's end, I believe: he's fcarce gotten out of one scrape, but he's running his head into another. How fo? Sir WILLIAM. JARVIS. The house has but juft been cleared of the bailiffs, and now he's again engaging tooth and nail in affifting old Croaker's fon to patch up a clandeftine match with the young lady that paffes in the house for his fifter. Sir WILLIAM. Ever busy to ferve others. JARVIS, JARVIS. Aye, any body but himfelf. The young couple, it feems, are just fetting out for Scotland; and hefupplies them with money for the journey. Sir WILLIAM. Money! how is he able to fupply others, who has fcarce any for himself? JARVIS. Why, there it is: he has no money, that's true; but then, as he never faid no to any request in his life, he has given them a bill, drawn by a friend of his upon a merchant in the city, which I am to get changed; for you must know that I am to go with them to Scotland myself. How! Sir WILLIAM, JARVIS. It seems the young gentleman is obliged to take a different road from his mistress, as he is to call upon an uncle of his that lives out of the way, in order to prepare a place for their reception, when they return; fo they have borrowed me from my mafter, as the propereft perfon to attend the young lady down. Sir WILLIAM. To the land of matrimony! A pleafant journey, Jarvis. JARVIS. Ay, but I'm only to have all the fatigues on't. Sir WILLIAM. Well, it may be shorter, and lefs fatiguing, than you imagine. I know but too much of the young lady's family and connections, whom I have feen abroad. I have also discovered that Mifs Richland is not indifferent to my thoughtless nephew; and will endeavour, though I fear, in vain, to establish that connection. But, come, the letter I wait for must be almost finished; I'll let you further into my intentions, in the next room. [Exeunt. АСТ ACT THE FOURTH. SCENE, CROAKER'S House. LOFTY. WELL, fure the devil's in me of late, for running my head into fuch defiles, as nothing but a genius like my own could draw me from. I was formerly contented to husband out my places and penfions with fome degree of frugality; but, curfe it, of late I have given away the whole Court Regifter in less time than they could print the title page: yet, hang it, why fcruple a lie or two to come at a fine girl, when I every day tell a thousand for nothing. Ha! Honeywood here before me. Could Mifs Richland have fet him at liberty? Enter HONEYWOOD. Mr. Honeywood, I'm glad to fee you abroad again. I find my concurrence was not neceffary in your unfortunate affairs. I had put things in a train to do your business; but it is not for me to say what I intended doing. HONEYWOOD. It was unfortunate indeed, Sir. But what adds to my uneafinefs is, that while you seem to be acquainted with my misfortune, I, myself, continue ftill a ftranger to my benefactor. LOFTY. How! not know the friend that served you? Can't guess at the perfon. Inquire. LOFTY. HONEYWOOD. I have; but all I can learn is, that he chufes to remain concealed, and that all inquiry must be fruitlefs. Then I'll be damn'd if you fhall ever know it from me. HONEYWOOD. How, Sir! LOFTY. |