ACT 1. (The Cottage of PENRUDDOCK, seated in a Groupe of Trees, with a Forest Scene of Wood and Heath.WEAZEL enters, in a Travelling Dress.) WAS ever gentle traveller, since the Weazel. days of Robinson Crusoe, so put to his shifts, as I Timothy Weazel, attorney at law? I have lost my guide, my guide has lost himself, and my horse has absconded, with bridle, saddle, and all his shoes, save one he left behind him in a slough. I saw a fellow setting springs for wood-cocks, and show'd him signals of distress; but the carle ran off at the sight of me, and vanish'd like a Jack O'lantern. If I understood the language of birds, there is not one within call to answer to a question; the creatures have got wings, and are too wise to stay in such a place.-Hold, hold! I see a hut, or a hovel, or a Laplander's lodge, behind these trees; and here comes one hobbling upon two shanks and a crutch, a proper sample of the soil she withers in-Halloa! Dame, do you hear? Give me a word with you, if your senses can afford it. Dame DUNCKLEY enters. Dame. What would you have with me? What is your business here? Weazel. You're right, it must be business'; nobody would come here for pleasure. |