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d'amour!

Lord Ogle. Don't be ridiculous, you old monkev. [Smiling. Can. I am monkce, I am ole, but I have eye, I have ear, and a little understand, now and den.

she, my lor---'tis one of de pigeons---de pigeons | To-morrow morning is fixed for your departure, and, if we lose this opportunity, we may wish in vain for another. He approaches--I must retire. Speak, my dear Fanny; speak, and make us happy! [Exit LOVEWELL. Fun. Good Heaven! What a situation am I in! What shall I do? What shall I say to him? I am all confusion.

Lord Ogle. Taisez vous, béte.

Can. Elle vous attend, my lor. She vil make a love to you.

Enter LORD OGLEBY and CANTON. Lord Ogle. Will she? Have at her, then! A fine girl cannot oblige me more---Egad, I find Lord Ogle. To see so much beauty so solitary, myself a little enjoué---Come along, Cant! she madam, is a satire upon mankind, and 'tis fortuis but in the next walk--but there is such a deal nate that one man has broke in upon your reveof this damned crinkum-crankum, as Sterling|rie, for the credit of our sex. I say one, madam; calls it, that one sees people for half an hour be- for poor Canton here, from age and infirmities, fore one can get to them-Allons, Mons. Canton, stands for nothing. alions, donc!

[Exeunt, singing in French.

SCENE III.---Another part of the garden.

Enter LOVEWELL and FANNY.

Love. My dear Fanny, I cannot bear your distress! It overcomes all my resolutions, and I am prepared for the discovery.

Fan. But how can it be effected before my departure?

Love. I'll tell you. Lord Ogleby seems to entertain a visible partiality for you; and, notwithstanding the peculiarities of his behaviour, I am sure that he is humane at the bottom. He is vain to an excess; but, withal, extremely good-natured, and would do any thing to recommend himself to a lady. Do you open the whole affair of our marriage to him immediately. It will come with more irresistible persuasion from you, than from myself; and I doubt not but you'll gain his friendship and protection at once. influence and authority will put an end to sir John's solicitations, remove your aunt's and sister's unkindness and suspicions, and, I hope, reconcile your father and the whole family to our marriage.

His

Can. Noting at all, indeed.

Fan. Your lordship does me great honour. I had a favour to request, my lord!

Lord Ogle. A favour, madam! To be honoured with your commands, is an inexpressible favour done to me, madam.

Fan. If your lordship could indulge me with the honour of a moment's---What is the matter with me? [Aside.

Lord Ogle. The girl's confused !---he !---here's something in the wind, faith---I'll have a tete-àtete with her---Allez vous en !

[TO CANTON. Can. I go-Ah, pauvre Mademoiselle! my lor, have pitie upon the poor pigeone! Lord Ogle. I'll knock you down, Cant. if you're impertinent. [Smiling. Can. Den I mus away-[Shuffles along.]— You are mosh please, for all dat.

[Aside, and erit. Fan. I shall sink with apprehension. [Aside. Lord Ogle. What a sweet girl-she's a civilized being, and atones for the barbarism of the rest of the family.

Fan. My lord!-I

[She curtsies, and blushes. Lord Ogle. [Addressing her.]—I look upon it, Fan. Heaven grant it! Where is my lord? madam, to be one of the luckiest circumstances Love. I have heard him and Canton, since din- of my life, that I have this moment the honour of ner, singing French songs under the great walnut receiving your commands, and the satisfaction of tree, by the parlour-door. If you meet with him confirming, with my tongue, what my eyes perin the garden, you may disclose the whole imme-haps, have but too weakly expressed-that I am diately.

Fan. Dreadful as the task is, I'll do it. Any thing is better than this continual anxiety.

Love. By that time the discovery is made, I will appear to second you. Ha! here comes my lord. Now, my dear Fanny, summon up all your spirits, plead our cause powerfully, and be sure of success. [Going.

Fan. Ah, don't leave me!
Love. Nay, you must let me.

Fan. Well, since it must be so, I'll obey you, if I have the power. Oh, Lovewell!

Love. Consider, our situation is very critical.

literally-the humblest of your servants.

Fan. I think myself greatly honoured by your lordship's partiality to me; but it distresses me, that I am obliged, in my present situation, to apply to it for protection.

Lord Ogle. I am happy in your distress, madam, because it gives me an opportunity to shew my zeal. Beauty, to me, is a religion in which I was born and bred a bigot, and would die a martyr. I am in tolerable spirits, faith!

[Aside.

Fan. There is not, perhaps, at this moment, a more distressed creature than myself. Affection,

duty, hope, despair, and a thousand different sentiments, are struggling in my bosom; and even the presence of your lordship, to whom I have flown for protection, adds to my perplexity.

Lord Ogle. Does it, madam?-Venus forbid ! -My old fault; the devil's in me, I think, for perplexing young women. [Aside, and smiling.] -Take courage, madam! dear Miss Fanny, explain. You have a powerful advocate in my breast, I assure you-My heart, madam-I am attached to you by all the laws of sympathy and delicacy. By my honour, I am!

Fan. Then I will venture to unburthen my mind-Sir John Melvil, my lord, by the most misplaced and mistimed declaration of affection for me, has made me the unhappiest of

women.

Lord Ogle. How, madam! Has sir John made his addresses to you?

Fan. He has, my lord, in the strongest terms. But I hope it is needless to say, that my duty to my father, love to my sister, and regard to the whole family, as well as the great respect I entertain for your lordship, [Curtseying.]| made me shudder at his addresses.

Lord Ogle. Charming girl! Proceed, my dear Miss Fanny, proceed!

Fan. In a moment-give me leave, my lord! -But if what I have to disclose should be received with anger or displeasure

Lord Ogle. Impossible, by all the tender powers-Speak, I beseech you, or I shall divine the cause before you utter it.

Fan. Then, my lord, sir John's addresses are not only shocking to me in themselves, but are more particularly disagreeable to me at this time

-as-as

Lord Ogle. As what, madam? Fan. As-pardon my confusion-I an entirely devoted to another.

softer passions, the criminal is pardoned and dismissed. Let us return, madam, to the highest luxury of exalted minds-a declaration of love from the lips of beauty.

Fan. The entrance of a third person has a little relieved me, but I cannot go through with it; and yet I must open my heart with a discovery, or it will break with its burthen.

Lord Ogle. What passion in her eyes! I am alarmed to agitation! [Aside.] I presume, madam, (and as you have flattered me, by making me a party concerned, 1 hope you'll excuse the presumption) that

Fun. Do you excuse my making you a party concerned, my lord, and let me interest your heart in my behalf, as my future happiness or misery in a great measure depend— Lord Ogle. Upon me, madam? Fan. Upon you, my lord.

[Sighs.

Lord Ogle. There's no standing this: I have caught the infection-her tenderness dissolves me. [Sighs. Fan. And should you too severely judge of a rash action which passion prompted, and modesty has long concealed

Lord Ogle. [Taking her hand.] Thou amiable creature, command my heart, for it is vanquished! Speak but thy virtuous wishes, and enjoy them.

Fan. I cannot, my lord; indeed, I cannot. Mr Lovewell must tell you my distresses; and when you know them, pity and protect me. [Exit in tears.

Lord Ogle. How the devil could I bring her to this? It is too much-too much-I can't bear it-I must give way to this amiable weakness. [Wipes his eyes. My heart overflows with sym[Hesitating.pathy, and I feel every tenderness I have inspired. [Stifles a tear.] How blind have I been to the desolation I have made! How could I possibly imagine that a little partial attention and tender civilities to this young creature should have gathered to this burst of passion! Can I be a man, and withstand it? No--I'll sacrifice the whole sex to her. But here comes the father, quite apropos. I'll open the matter immediately, settle the business with him, and take the sweet girl down to Ogleby House to-morrow morning. But what the devil! Miss Sterling, too! What mischief's in the wind now?

Lord Ogle. If this is not plain, the devil's in it-[Aside.] But tell me, my dear Miss Fanny, for I must know; tell me the how, the when, and the where-Tell me

Enter CANTON hastily.

Can. My lor, my lor, my lor!

Lord Ogle. Damn your Swiss impertinence! how durst you interrupt me in the most critical melting moment that ever love and beauty honoured me with?

Can. I demande pardonne, my lor! Sir John Melvil, my lor, sent me to beg you do him de honcur to speak a little to your lordship.

Lord Ogle. I'm not at leisure--I am busyGet away, you stupid old dog, you Swiss rascal, or I'll

Can. Fort bien, my lor.

[CANTON goes out on tiptoe. Lord Ogle. By the laws of gallantry, madam, this interruption should be death: but, as no punishment ought to disturb the triumph of the

Enter MR STERLING and MISS STERLING. Ster. My lord, your servant! I am attending my daughter here upon rather a disagreeable affair. Speak to his lordship, Betsey.

Lord Ogle. Your eyes, Miss Sterling-for I always read the eyes of a young lady-betray some little emotion. What are your commands, madam?

Miss Ster. I have but too much cause for my emotion, my lord!

Lord Ogle. I cannot commend my kinsman's behaviour, madam. He has behaved like a false

knight, I must confess. I have heard of his apostasy. Miss Fanny has informed me of it. Miss Ster. Miss Fanny's baseness has been the cause of sir John's inconstancy.

Lord Ogle. Nay, now, my dear Miss Sterling, your passion transports you too far. Sir John may have entertained a passion for Miss Fanny; but, believe me, my dear Miss Sterling, believe me, Miss Fanny has no passion for sir John. She has a passion, indeed, a most tender passion. She has opened her whole soul to me, and I know where her affections are placed.

[Conceitedly. Miss Ster. Not upon Mr Lovewell, my lord; for I have great reason to think that her seeming attachment to him, is, by his consent, made use of as a blind to cover her designs upon sir John. Lord Ogle. Lovewell! No, poor lad! she does not think of him. [Smiling.

Miss Ster. Have a care, my lord, that both the families are not made the dupes of sir John's artifice, and my sister's dissimulation! You don't know her; indeed, my lord, you don't know her; a base, insinuating, perfidious-It is too much She has been beforehand with me, I perceive. Such unnatural behaviour to me! But since I see I can have no redress, I am resolved that some way or other I will have revenge.

Ster. This is foolish work, my lord!

[Exit.

Lord Ogle. I have too much sensibility to bear the tears of beauty.

Ster. It is touching, indeed, my lord; and very moving for a father.

Lord Ogle. To be sure, sir! You must be distressed beyond measure! Wherefore, to divert your too exquisite feeling, suppose we change the subject, and proceed to business.

Ster. With all my heart, my lord. Lord Ogle. You see, Mr Sterling, we can make no union in our families by the proposed marriage. Ster. And I am very sorry to see it, my lord. Lord Ogle. Have you set your heart upon being allied to our house, Mr Sterling?

Ster. 'Tis my only wish at present, my omnium, as I may call it.

Lord Ogle. Your wishes shall be fulfilled.
Ster. Shall they, my lord! but how-how?
Lord Ogle. I'll marry in your family.
Ster. What! my sister Heidelberg?

Lord Ogle. You throw me into a cold sweat, Mr Sterling! No, not your sister; but your daughter.

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Lord Ogle. Why, what will they say! Ster. That you're a bold man, my lord; that's all.

Lord Ogle. Mr Sterling, this may be city wit, for aught I know. Do you court my alliance? Ster. To be sure, my lord.

Lord Ogle. Then I'll explain-My nephew won't marry your eldest daughter: nor I neither -Your youngest daughter won't marry him: I will marry your youngest daughter. Ster. What! with a youngest daughter's fortune, my lord?

Lord Ogle. With any fortune, or no fortune at all, sir. Love is the idol of my heart, and the demon, Interest, sinks before him. So, sir, as I said before, I will marry your youngest daughter; your youngest daughter will marry me. Ster. Who told you so, my lord? Lord Ogle. Her own sweet self, sir. Ster. Indeed!

Lord Ogle. Yes, sir; our affection is mutual; your advantage double and treble; your daughter will be a countess directly-I shall be the happiest of beings; and you'll be father to an earl instead of a baronet.

Ster. But what will my sister say? and my daughter?

Lord Ogle. I'll manage that matter; nay, if they won't consent, I'll run away with your daughter in spite of you.

Ster. Well said, my lord! your spirit's good; I wish you had my constitution! but if you'll venture, I have no objection, if my sister has none.

Lord Ogle. I'll answer for your sister, sirApropos ! the lawyers are in the house. I'll have articles drawn, and the whole affair concluded to-morrow morning.

Ster. Very well! and I'll dispatch Lovewell to London immediately for some fresh papers I shall want, and I shall leave you to manage matters with my sister. You must excuse me, my lord, but I can't help laughing at the matchHe, he, he! what will the folks say? [Erit.

Lord Ogle. What a fellow am I going to make a father of? He has no more feeling than the post in his warehouse-But Fanny's virtues tune me to rapture again, and I won't think of the rest of the family.

Enter LOVEWELL, hastily. Love. I beg your lordship's pardon, my are you alone, my lord?

lord:

Lord Ogle. No, my lord, I am not alone; I am in company, the best company.

Love. My lord!

Lord Ogle. I never was in such exquisite enchanting company since my heart first conceived, or my senses tasted pleasure.

Love. Where are they, my lord? [Looking about.

Lord Ogle. In my miad, sir.

Love. What company have you there, my lord? {

Love. Marry her!-What do you mean, my [Smiling. lord!

Lord Ogle. My own ideas, sir, which so crowd Lord Ogle. Miss Fanny Sterling that is; the upon my imagination, and kindle in it such a de-countess of Ogleby that shall be.

lirium of ecstacy, that wit, wine, music, poetry, all combined, and each perfection, are but mere mortal shadows of my felicity.

Love. I see that your lordship is happy, and I rejoice at it.

Lord Ogle. You shall rejoice at it, sir; my felicity shall not selfishly be confined, but shall spread its influence to the whole circle of my friends. I need not say, Lovewell, that you shall have your share of it.

Love. Shall I, my lord?-Then I understand you; you have heard-Miss Fanny has informed you

Lord Ogle. She has; I have heard, and she shall be happy; 'tis determined.

Love. Then I have reached the summit of my wishes. And will your lordship pardon the folly? Lord Ogle. O yes; poor creature, how could she help it? Twas unavoidable-Fate and necessity.

Love. It was, indeed, my lord. Your kindness distracts me.

Lord Ogle. And so did the poor girl, faith! Love. She trembled to disclose the secret, and declare her affections?

Lord Ogle. The world, I believe, will not think her affections ill placed.

Love. [Bowing.] You are too good, my lord. And do you really excuse the rashness of the action?

Love. I am astonished!

Lord Ogle. Why, could you expect less from me?

Love. I did not expect this, my lord.

Lord Ogle. Trade and accounts have destroyed your feeling.

Love. No, indeed, my lord.

[Sighs.

Lord Ogle. The moment that love and pity entered my breast, I was resolved to plunge into matrimony, and shorten the girl's tortures-I never do any thing by halves; do I, Lovewell?

Love. No, indeed, my lord. [Sighs.] What an accident!

Lord Ogle. What's the matter, Lovewell? thou seem'st to have lost thy faculties! Why don't you wish me joy, man? Love. O, I do, my lord. [Sighs. Lord Ogle. She said that you would explain what she had not power to utter; but I wanted no interpreter for the language of love.

Love. But has your lordship considered the consequences of your resolution!

Lord Ogle. No, sir, I am above consideration, when my desires are kindled.

Love. But, consider the consequences, my lord, to your nephew, sir John.

Lord Ogle. Sir John has considered no consequences himself, Mr Lovewell.

Love. Mr Sterling, my lord, will certainly refuse his daughter to sir John.

Lord Ogle. Sir John has already refused Mr

Lord Ogle. From my very soul, Lovewell. Love. Your generosity overpowers me. [Bow-Sterling's daughter. ing.] I was afraid of her meeting with a cold reception.

Love. But what will become of Miss Sterling, my lord?

-You may

Lord Ogle. More fool you, then. Lord Ogle. What's that to you?Who pleads her cause with never-failing beauty, have her, if you will. I depend upon Mr Ster'Here finds a full redress.' [Strikes his breast.ling's city-philosophy, to be reconciled to lord Ogle

She's a fine girl, Lovewell.

Love. Her beauty, my lord, is her least merit. She has an understanding

Lord Ogle. Her choice convinces me of that. Love. [Bowing.] That's your lordship's goodHer choice was a disinterested one. Lord Ogle. No, no; not altogether; it began with interest, and ended in passion.

ness.

by's being his son-in-law, instead of sir John Melvil, baronet. Don't you think that your master may be brought to that, without having recourse to his calculations! Eh, Lovewell?

Love. But, my lord, that is not the question. Lord Ogle. Whatever is the question, I'll tell you my answer. I am in love with a fine girl, whom I resolve to marry.

Enter SIR JOHN MELVIL.

Love. Indeed, my lord, if you were acquainted with her goodness of heart, and generosity of What news with you, sir John?-You look all mind, as well as you are acquainted with the in-hurry and impatience-like a messenger after a ferior beauties of her face and person

Lord Ogle. I am so perfectly convinced of their existence, and so totally of your mind, touching every amiable particular of that sweet girl, that, were it not for the cold unfeeling impediments of the law, I would marry her to-morrow morning.

Love. My lord!

battle.

Sir John. After a battle, indeed, my lord! I have this day had a severe engagement, and, wanting your lordship as an auxiliary, I have at last mustered up resolution to declare what my duty to you and to myself have demanded from me some time.

Lord Ogle. To the business, then, and be as Lord Ogle. I would, by all that's honourable in concise as possible, for I am upon the wing-eh, man, and amiable in woman,

Lovewell? [He smiles, and LOVEWELL bows.

Sir John. I find 'tis in vain, my lord, to struggle against the force of inclination.

Lord Ogle. Very true, nephew; I am your witness, and will second the motion-shan't I, Lovewell? [Smiles, and LovEWELL bows. Sir John. Your lordship's generosity encourages me to tell you, that I cannot marry Miss Sterling.

sister.

be

Lord Ogle. I am not at all surprised at itshe's a bitter potion, that's the truth of it; but as you were to swallow it, and not I, it was your business, and not mine-Any thing more? Sir John. But this, my lord; that I may permitted to make my addresses to the other -have you think he'll [Smiles, and winks at LOVEWELL. Love. I think not, my lord. [Gravely. Lord Ogle. I think so, too; but let the fool try.

Lord Ogle. O yes; by all meansany hopes there, nephew?-Do you succeed, Lovewell?

Sir John. Will your lordship favour me with your good offices to remove the chief obstacle to the match, the repugnance of Mrs Heidelberg?

Lord Ogle. Mrs Heidelberg! Had not you better begin with the young lady first? It will save you a great deal of trouble: won't it, Lovewell? [Smiles.] But do what you please, it will be the

same thing to me: won't it, Lovewell? [Conceitedly.] Why don't you laugh at him? Love. I do, my lord.

[Forces a smile. Sir John. And your lordship will endeavour to prevail on Mrs Heidelberg to consent to my marriage with Miss Fanny?

Lord Ogle. I'll speak to Mrs Heidelberg about the adorable Fanny as soon as possible. Sir John. Your generosity transports me! Lord Ogle. Poor fellow, what a dupe! he little thinks who's in possession of the town.

[Aside. Sir John. And your lordship is not in the least offended at this seeming inconstancy?

Lord Ogle. Not in the least. Miss Fanny's charms will even excuse infidelity. I look upon women as the feræ natura-lawful game-and every man who is qualified, has a natural right to pursue them;-Lovewell as well as you, and I as well as either of you. Every man shall do his best, without offence to anywhat say you, kinsmen?

Sir John. You have made me happy, my lord. Love. And me, I assure you, my lord!

Lord Ogle. And I am superlatively so-allons donc ! to horse and away, boys !—you to your af fairs, and I to mine-suivons l'amour. [Sings. [Exeunt severally.

ACT V.

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Fan. WHY did you come so soon, Mr Lovewell? the family is not yet in bed, and Betty certainly heard somebody listening near the chamberdoor.

Bet. My mistress is right, sir! evil spirits are abroad; and I am sure you are both too good, not to expect mischief from them.

ed?

Love. But who can be so curious, or so wick

Bet. I think we have wickedness and curiosity enough in this family, sir, to expect the worst.

Fan. I do expect the worst.—— -Prithee, Betty, return to the outward door, and listen if you hear any body in the gallery; and let us know directly.

Bet. I warrant you, madam-the lord bless you both! Exit BET. Fan. What did my father want with you this evening?

Love. He gave me the key of his closet, with orders to bring from London some papers relating to lord Ogleby.

Fan. And why did you not obey him? Love. Because I am certain that his lordship has opened his heart to him about you, and those

papers are wanted merely on that account-but as we shall discover all to-morrow, there will be no occasion for them, and it would be idle in me to go.

Fan. Hark! hark! bless me, how I tremble! -I feel the terrors of guilt-indeed, Mr Lovewell, this is too much for me.

Love. And for me, too, my sweet Fanny! Your apprehensions make a coward of me. But what can alarm you? your aunt and sister are in their chambers, and you have nothing to fear from the rest of the family.

Fun. I fear every body, and every thing, and every moment- -My mind is in continual agita tion and dread; indeed, Mr Lovewell, this situation may have very unhappy consequences.

[Weeps.

Love. But it shan't-I would rather tell our story this moment to all the house, and run the risk of maintaining you by the hardest labour, than suffer you to remain in this dangerous perplexity.-What! shall I sacrifice all my best hopes and affections, in your dear health and safety, for the mean, and, in such case, the meanest consideration-of your fortune!-Were we to be abandoned by all our relations, we have that in our hearts and minds will weigh against the most affluent circumstances. I should not have proposed the secrecy of our marriage, but

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