161 not I a right to dispose of you? You shall have thousand fears and apprehensions of losing you him. Har. Sir! for ever-The chambermaid, whom I bribed to admit me to you, told me, that when the two genRus. I won't hear a word. You shall have tlemen went out, they talked of a license. What him. [Exit. am I to think! Is it possible that you can resign Har. Sir! Hear me ! but one word! He will yourself to sir Harry Beagle? [HARRIOT pauses.] not hear me, and is gone to prepare for this odi-Can you, then, consent to give your hand to anoous marriage. I will die before I consent to it. ther? No, let me once more deliver youYou shall have him! O that fathers would en- Let us seize this lucky moment! My chariot force their commands by better arguments!-stands at the corner of the next street. Let me And yet I pity him, while he afflicts me. He gently force you, while their absence allows it, upbraided me with Charles; his wildness and and convey you from the brutal violence of a intemperance-Alas! but too justly-I see that constrained marriage. he is wedded to his excesses; and I ought to conquer an affection for him, which will only serve to male me unhappy. Enter CHARLES, in a frock, &c. IIa! What do I see! Har. You have given yourself, sir, a great deal of needless trouble. I did not expect, or hope, for the favour of such a visit. Har. No! I will wait the event, be it what it may. O, Charles, I am too much inclinedThey shan't force me to marry sir Harry-But your behaviour-Not half an hour ago, my father reproached me with the looseness of your character. [Weeping. Cha, I see my folly, and am ashamed of it You have reclaimed me, Harriot! On my soul, you have. If all women were as attentive as yourself to the morals of their lovers, a libertine. would be an uncommon character. But let me persuade you to leave this place, while you may -Major Oakly will receive us at his house with pleasure-I am shocked at the thoughts of what your stay here may reserve you to. Har. No, I am determined to remain--To Cha. O my dear Harriot, your words and looks cut ine to the soul. You can't imagine what I suffer, and have suffered since last night.leave my father again, to go off openly with a And yet I have, in some fond moments, flattered man, of whose libertine character he has himself myself, that the service I was so fortunate as to so lately been a witness, would justify his anger, do you at lady Freelove's, would plead a little in and impeach my reputation. my favour. Har. You may remember, sir, that you took a very early opportunity of cancelling that obligation. Cha. I do remember it with shame and despair. But may I perish, if my joy at having delivered you from a villain was not the cause! My transport more than half intoxicated me, and wine made an easy conquest over me. I tremble to think, lest I should have behaved in such a manner as you cannot pardon. Har. Whether I pardon you or no, sir, is a matter of mighty little consequence. Cha. O, my Harriot! Upbraid me, reproach me; do any thing but look and talk with that air of coldness and indifference. Must I lose you for one offence? when my soul dotes on you, when I love you to distraction! Hur. Did it appear like love, your conduct yesterday? To lose yourself in riot, when I was exposed to the greatest distresses! Cha. I feel, I feel my shame, and own it. Har. You confess that you don't know in what manner you behaved. Ought not I to tremble at the very thoughts of a man, devoted to a vice, which renders him no longer a judge or master of his own conduct? Chur. Abandon me, if ever I am guilty of it again. O, Harriot! I am distracted with ten Cha. Fool! fool! How unhappy have I made myself! Consider, my Harriot, the peculiarity of your situation; besides, I have reason to fear other designs against you. Har. From other designs I can be no where so secure as with my father. Cha. Time flies- -Let me persuade you! Cha. Consider, my angel! Har. I do consider, that your conduct has made it absolutely improper for me to trust myself to your care. Cha. My conduct! Vexation! 'Sdeath! But, then, my dear Harriot, the danger you are in, the necessity Enter Chambermaid. Cham. O law, ma'am! Such a terrible accident! As sure as I am here, there's a press-gang has seized the two gemmin, and is carrying them away, thof so be one an 'em says as how he's a knight and baronight, and that t'other's a 'squire and a housekeeper. Har. Seized by a press gang! impossible. Cha. O, now the design comes out. But I'll baulk his lordship. Cham. Lack-a-dasy, ma'am, what can we do? Lord Trink. Now, madam. Pox on't, he here, again! Nay, then--[Drawing.]--Come, sir! You're unarmed, I see. Give up the lady give her up, I say, or I am through you in a twinkling. [Going to make a pass at CHA. Cha. Keep your distance, my lord! I have -[Producing a pistol.]—If you come a foot nearer, you have a brace of balls through your lordship's head. arms. Lord Trink. How? what's this? pistols! Cha. At your lordship's service. Sword and pistol, my lord. Those, you know, are our wea pons. If this misses, I have the fellow to't in my pocket. Don't be frighted, madam. His lordship has removed your friends and relations, but he will take great care of you. Shall I leave you with him? Har. Cruel Charles! You know I must go with you now. Cha. A little way from the door, if your lordship pleases. [Waving his hand, Lord Trink. Sir!-'Sdeath-Madamn!Cha. A little more round, my lord. [Waving. Lord Trink. But, sir! Mr Oakly! Chu. I have no leisure to talk with your lordship now. A little more that way, if you please. -[Waving.]-You know where I live. If you have any commands for Miss Russet, you will hear of her, too, at my house. Nay, keep back, my lord.-[Presenting.]-Your lordship's most obedient humble servant. [Exit CHA. with HAR. Lord Trink. [Looking after them, and pur sing for a short time.]—I cut a mighty ridiculous figure here, 'pon honour. So! I have been concerting this deep scheme, merely to serve him.→→ (Oh, the devil take such intrigues, and all silly country girls, that can give up a man of quality and figure, for a fellow that nobody knows! ACT V. SCENE I.-LADY FREELOVE's house. Enter LORD TRINKET, LADY FREELOVE with a letter, and CAPTAIN O'CUTTER. Lord Trink. WAS ever any thing so unfortunate? Pox on't, captain, how could you make such a strange blunder? O'Cut. I never tought of a blunder. I was to daliver two letters, and, if I gave them one apiece, I tought it was all one, fait. Lady Free. And so, my lord, the ingenious captain gave the letter intended for me to young Oakly, and here he has brought me a challenge. Lord Trink. Ridiculous! never was any thing so mal-a-propos. Did you read the direction, captain! O'Cut. Who, me! Devil burn me, not I. I never rade at all. Lord Trink. 'Sdeath! How provoking! When I had secured the servants, and got all the people out of the way—When every thing was en train. Lady Free. Nay, never despair, my lord! Things have happened unluckily, to be sure; and yet I think I could hit upon a method to set every thing to right again. Lord Trink. How? How? my dear lady Freelove, how? Lady Free. Suppose, then, your ladyship was to go and deliver these country gentlemen from [Exit. their confinement; make them believe it was a plot of young Oakly's to carry off my niece; and so make a merit of your own services with the father. Lord Trink. Admirable! I'll about it immediately. O'Cut. Has your lordship any occasion for my services in this expedition?" Lord Trink. O no: only release me these people, and then keep out of the way, dear captain. O'Cut. With all my heart, fait. But you are all wrong: this will not signify a brass farding. If you would let me alone, I would give him a salt eel, I warrant you. But, upon my credit, there's noting to be done without a little tilting. [Exit O'CUT. Lady Free. Ha, ha! poor captain! Lord Trink. But where shall I carry them, when I have delivered them? Lady Free. To Mr Oakly's, by all means.— You may be sure my niece is there, Lord Trink. To Mr Oakly's! Why, does your ladyship consider? 'Tis going directly in the fire of the enemy-throwing the dementi full in their teeth. Lady Free. So much the better. Face your enemies: nay, you shall outface them, too. Why, where's the difference between truths and untruths, if you do but stick close to the point? Falsehood would scarce ever be detected, if we had confidence enough to support it. Lord Trink. Nay, I don't want bronze upon occasion. But to go amongst a whole troop of people, sure, to contradict every word I say, is so dangerous Lady Free. To leave Russet alone amongst them, would be ten times more dangerous. You may be sure that Oakly's will be the first place he will go to after his daughter, where, if you don't accompany him, he will be open to all their Suggestions. They'll be all in one story, and hobody there to contradict them: and then their dull truth would triumph, which must not be.No, no-positively, my lord, you must battle it but. Lord Trink. Well, I'll go, 'pon honour-and, if I could depend on your ladyship as a corps de reserve Lady Free. I'll certainly meet you there.Tush! my lord, there's nothing in it. It's hard, indeed, if two persons of condition cannot bear themselves out against such trumpery folks as the family of the Oaklys. Lord Trink. Odious low people! But I lose time-I must after the captain-and so, till we meet at Mr Oakly's, I kiss your ladyship's hand. You won't fail me? Lady Free. You may depend on me. [Exit LORD TRINK Lady Free. So, here is fine work! this artful little hussy has been too much for us all: well, what's to be done? Why, when a woman of fashion gets into a scrape, nothing but a fashionable assurance can get her out of it again. I'll c'en go boldly to Mr Oakly's, as I have promised, and, if it appears practicable, I will forward lord Trinket's match; but, if I find that matters have taken another turn, his lordship must excuse me. In that case, I'll fairly drop him, seem a perfect stranger to all his intentions, and give my visit an air of congratulation to my niece and any other husband, which fortune, her wise father, or her ridiculous self, has provided for her. [Exit. SCENE II-Changes to MRS OAKLY's room. Enter MRS OAKLY, Mrs Oak. Where is Paris? What is he doing? [Erit TOIL. Mrs Oak. He is certainly gone after this young flirt. His confidence, and the major's insolence, provoke me beyond expression. Re-enter TOILET with PARIS. Where's your master? Par. Il est sorti. Mrs Oak. Where is he gone? Par. Ah, madame, je n'en scai rien. I know noting of it. Mrs Oak. Nobody knows any thing. Why did not you tell me he was going out? Par. I dress him-Je ne m'en soucie pas du plus-He go where he will—I have no bisnes wis it. Mrs Oak. Yes, you should have told me that was your business--and if you don't mind your business better, you shan't stay here, I can tell you, sir. Par. Voila! quelque chose d'extraordinaire ! Mrs Oak. Don't stand jabbering and shrugging your shoulders, but go, and inquire-goand bring me word where he is gone. Par. I don't know what I am do.I'll ask John.--- Mrs Oak. Bid John come to me. Par. De tout mon cœur.-Jean! ici! Jean-Speak my ladi. [Exit. Mrs Oak. Impudent fellow ! His insolent dressing-gravity and indifference is insupportableToilet! Toil. Madam? Mrs Oak. Where's John? Why don't he come? Toil. Yes, madam, I'll go this minute. Enter JOHN. Mrs Oak. Where's your master? Mrs Oak." Why did not you go with him? John, Because he went out in the major's chariot, madam. Mrs Oak. Where did they go to? John. To the major's, I suppose, madam. Mrs Oak. Suppose! Don't you know? John. I believe so, but can't tell for certain, indeed, madam. Mrs Oak, Believe, and suppose!--and don't know, and can't tell!You are all fools.Go about your business. [JOHN going.]-Come here. [Returns.] Go the major's-no-it does not signify go along--[JOHN going.]--Yes, hark'e, [Returns.] go to the major's, and see if your master is there. John. Give your compliments, madam? Mrs Oak. My compliments, blockhead! Get along! [JOHN going.] Come hither. [Returns.] Can't you go to the major's, and bring me word if Mr Oakly is there, without taking any further notice? John. Madam, my master is this moment re turned with Major Oakly, and my young master, and the lady that was here yesterday. Har. Alas! I have too much cause for my uneasiness. Who knows what that vile lord has done with my father? Oak. Be comforted, madam; we shall soon hear of Mr Russet, and all will be well, I dare say Har. You are too good to me, sir:— -But I can assure you, I am not a little concerned on your account, as well as my own; and if I did not flatter myself with hopes of explaining every thing to Mrs Oakly's satisfaction, I should never forgive myself for having disturbed the peace of such a worthy family. Maj. Don't mind that, madam; They'll be very good friends again. This is nothing among married people.Sdeath, here she is!—No, -it's only Mrs Toilet. Enter TOILET. Oak. Well, Toilet, what now? [TOILET whispers.] Not well?-Can't come down to dinner?— Wants to see me above?-Hark'e, brother, what shall I do? Maj. If you go, you're undone. Har. Go, sir; go to Mrs Oakly-Indeed you had better Maj. 'Sdeath, brother! don't budge a footThis is all fractiousness and ill humour---Oak. No, I'll not go.-Tell her I have company, and we shall be glad to see her here. [Exit TOILET. Maj. That's right. Oak. Suppose I go, and watch how she proceeds? Maj. What d'ye mean? You would not go to her? Are you mad? Oak. By no means go to her--I only want to know how she takes it. I'll lie perdue in my study, and observe her motions. Mrs Oak. Very well. [Erit JOHN.] ReturnMaj. I don't like this pitiful ambuscade-work ed!—yes, truly, he is returned-and in a very -this bush-fighting. Why can't you stay here? extraordinary manner. This is setting me at-Ay, ay!-I know how it will be-She'll come open defiance. But I'll go down, and shew them I have too much spirit to endure such usage. -[Going]-Or stay-I'll not go amongst his company-I'll go out.- -Toilet! Toil. Madam! bounce in upon you with a torrent of anger and passion, or, if necessary, a whole flood of tears, and carry all before her at once. Oak. You shall find that you're mistaken, major.-Don't imagine, that, because I wish not to be void of humanity, that I am destitute of resolution. Now I am convinced I'm in the right, I'll support that right with ten times your steadi here well enough. Come along, sir Harry, come along. Har. He's here!-My father! I know his voice. Where is Mr Oakly? O, now, good sir, [To the MAJOR.] do but pacify him, and you'll be a friend indeed. Enter RUSSET, LORD TRINKET, and SIR HAR- SO. Lord Trink. There, sir-I told you it was Rus. Ay, ay, it is too plain.-O you provoking slut! Elopement after elopement! And at last to have your father carried off by violence! To endanger my life! Zounds! I am so angry. I dare not trust myself within reach of you. Cha. I can assure you, sir, that your daughter is entirely Rus. You assure me? You are the fellow that has perverted her mind- -That has set my own child against me Cha. If you will but hear me, sir three stone at least-If I could have rid my match, it would not have grieved me And so, as I said before, I have swopped her for Nabob. Rus. The devil take Nabob, and yourself, and Lord Trinket, and Lord Trink. Pardon! je vous demande pardon, Monsieur Russet, 'pon honour. Rus. Death and the devil! I shall go distracted. My daughter plotting against me-the Maj. Come, come, Mr Russet, I am your man after all. Give me but a moment's hearing, and I'll engage to make peace between you and your daughter, and throw the blame where it ought to fall most deservedly. Sir Har. Ay, ay, that's right. Put the saddle on the right horse, my buck! Rus. Well, sir!-What d'ye say?-Speak—— I don't know what to do Maj. I'll speak the truth, let who will be offended by it. I have proof presumptive and positive for you, Mr Russet. From his lordship's behaviour at lady Freelove's, when my nephew Rus. I won't hear a word you say. I'll have rescued her, we may fairly conclude, that he my daughter------I won't hear a word. Maj. Nay, Mr Russet, hear reason, If you will but have patience Rus. I'll have no patience -I'll have my would stick at no measures to carry his point. There's proof presumptive. But, sir, we can give you proof positive, too-proof under his lordship's own hand, that he, likewise, was the condaughter, and she shall marry sir Harry to-night.triver of the gross affront that has just been ofLord Trink. That is dealing rather too much en cavalier with me, Mr Russet, 'pon honour. You take no notice of my pretensions, though my rank and family. Rus. What care I for rank and family? I don't want to make my daughter a rantipole woman of quality. I'll give her to whom I please. Take her away, sir Harry; she shall marry you to-night. Har. For Heaven's sake, sir, hear me but a Sir Har. It was proposed, you know, to match me with Miss Harriot-But she can't take kindly to me. When one has made a bad bet, it is best to hedge off, you know-and so I have c'en swopped her with Lord Trinket here for his brown horse Nabob, that he bought of Lord WhistleJacket for fifteen hundred guineas. Rus. Swopped her? Swopped my daughter for a horse? Zouns, sir, what d'ye mean? Sir Har. Mean? Why, I mean to be off, to be sure-It won't do I tell you, it won't doFirst of all, I knocked up myself and my horses, when they took for London-and now I have been stewed aboard a tender-I have wasted fered you. Rus. Hey! how? Lord Trink. Every syllable romance, 'pon ho nour. Maj. Gospel, every word on't. Cha. This letter will convince you, sir!-In consequence of what happened at lady Freelove's, his lordship thought fit to send me a challenge: but the messenger blundered, and gave me this letter instead of it. [Giving the letter.] I have the case which inclosed it in my pocket. Lord Trink. Forgery, from beginning to end, 'pon honour. Maj. Truth, upon my honour. But read, read, this? Lord Trink. When you are cool, Mr Russet, I will explain this matter to you. Rus. Cool! 'Sdeath and hell!-I'll never be cool again-I'll be revenged.-So my Harriot, my dear girl, is innocent at last. Say so, my Harriot; tell me you are innocent! [Embracing her. Har. I am, indeed, sir; and happy beyond expression, at your being convinced of it. Rus. I am glad on't--I'm glad on't-I believe you, Harriot! You was always a good girl. Maj. So she is, an excellent girl!-Worth a regiment of such lords and baronets-Come, sir, finish every thing handsomely at once. ComeCharles will have a handsome fortune. |