-I don't know what's the reason, but in England, if a thing of this kind gets wind, people make such a pother, that a gentleman can never fight in peace and quietness. However, if it's the same to you, captain, I should take it as a particular kindness, if you'd let us meet in King's-Mead-Fields, as a little business will call me there about six o'clock, and I may despatch both matters at once.

Abs. 'Tis the same to me exactly.—A little after six, then, we will discuss this matter more seriously.

Sir Luc. If you please, sir; there will be very pretty small-sword light, though it wo❜n't do for a long shot. So that matter's settled! and my mind's at ease. [Exit Sir LUCIUS.

Enter FAULKLAND, meeting ABSolute. Abs. Well met.-I was going to look for you. ---O, Faulkland! all the demons of spite and disappointment have conspired against me! I'm so vexed, that if I had not the prospect of a resource in being knocked o'the head by and by, I should scarce have spirits to tell you the cause.

Faulk. What can you mean ?

-Has Lydia

changed her mind?—I should have thought her duty and inclination would now have pointed to the same object.

eye

-

Abs. Ay, just as the eyes do of a person who squints:—when her love-eye was fixed on me→ t'other-her of duty, was finely obliqued :but when duty bid her point that the same way -off t'other turned on a swivel, and secured its retreat with a frown!

Faulk. But what's the resource you

Abs. O, to wind up the whole, a good-natured Irishman here has (mimicking Sir Lucius) begged leave to have the pleasure of cutting my throat -and I mean to indulge him-that's all.

Faulk. Prithee, be serious.

Abs. 'Tis fact, upon my soul.-Sir Lucius O'Trigger—you know him by sight—for some affront, which I am sure I never intended, has obliged me to meet him this evening at six o'clock:-'tis on that account I wished to see you-you must go with me.

Faulk. Nay, there must be some mistake, sure. Sir Lucius shall explain himself—and I dare say matters may be accommodated :—but this evening, did you say?—I wish it had been any other time.

Abs. Why?-there will be light enough:there will (as Sir Lucius says) 'be very pretty small-sword light, though it will not do for a long shot.'-Confound his long shots!

Faulk. But I am myself a good deal ruffled,

by a difference I have had with Julia-my vile tormenting temper has made me treat her so cruelly, that I shall not be myself till we are reconciled.

Abs. By heavens! Faulkland, you don't deserve her.

Enter Servant, gives FAULKLAND a letter.

Faulk. O Jack! this is from Julia-I dread to open it-I fear it may be to take a last leaveperhaps to bid me return her letters—and restore -O! how I suffer for my folly!

Abs. Here-let me see.

[Takes the letter and opens it. Ay, a final sentence, indeed!-'tis all over with you, faith!

Faulk. Nay, Jack-don't keep me in suspense. Abs. Hear then.-' As I am convinced that my dear Faulkland's own reflections have already upbraided him for his last unkindness to me, I will not add a word on the subject.-I wish to speak with you as soon as possible.-Yours ever and truly, JULIA.'-There's stubbornness and re

sentment for you!

[Gives him the letter.

Why, man, you don't seem one whit the happier at this.

Faulk. O, yes, I am-but-but

Abs. Confound your buts!-You never hear

any thing that would make another man bless himself, but you immediately d-n it with a

but.

Faulk. Now, Jack, as you are my friend, own honestly don't you think there is something forward-something indelicate in this haste to forgive?—Women should never sue for reconciliation:-that should always come from us.They should retain their coldness till woo'd to kindness and their pardon, like their love, should not unsought be won.'

Abs. I have not patience to listen to you :thou'rt incorrigible!-so say no more on the subject. I must go to settle a few matterslet me see you before six-remember-at my lodgings. A poor industrious devil like me, who have toiled, and drudged, and plotted to gain my ends, and am at last disappointed by other people's folly-may in pity be allowed to swear and grumble a little ;-but a captious sceptic in love, a slave to fretfulness and whimwho has no difficulties but of his own creating— is a subject more fit for ridicule than compassion! [Exit ABSOLUTE.

Faulk. I feel his reproaches:-yet I would not change this too exquisite nicety, for the gross content with which he tramples on the thorns of love. His engaging me in this duel has

started an idea in my head, which I will instantly pursue. I'll use it as the touchstone of Julia's sincerity and disinterestedness-if her love prove pure and sterling ore, my name will rest on it with honour!—and once I've stamped it there, I lay aside my doubts for ever :-but if the dross of selfishness, the allay of pride predominate 'twill be best to leave her as a toy for some less cautious fool to sigh for.

[Exit FAULKLand.