words; but, Sampson, you love to hear yourself prate sometimes, as well as your betters, that I must say for you. Let me come to him. Who would you speak with, stranger?

Bir. With you, mistress, if you could help me to speak to your lady.

Nurse. Yes, sir, I can help you in a civil way: but can nobody do your business but my lady?

Bir. Not so well; but if you carry her this ring, she'll know my business better.

Nurse. There's no love-letter in it, I hope; you look like a civil gentleman. In an honest way, I may bring you an answer,

[Exit.

Bir. My old nurse, only a little older! "They say "the tongue grows always: mercy on me! then hers " is seven years longer since I left her." Yet there's something in these servants' folly pleases me; the cautious conduct of the family appears, and speaks in their impertinence. Well, mistress

Nurse returns.

Nurse. I have deliver'd your ring, sir! pray Heav'n you bring no bad news along with you.

Bir. Quite contrary, I hope.

Nurse. Nay, I hope so too; but my lady was very much surpris'd when I gave it her. Sir, I am but a servant, as a body may say; but if you'll walk in, that I may shut the doors, for we keep very orderly hours, I can show you into the parlour, and help

you to an answer, perhaps as soon as those that are wiser.

Bir. I'll follow you

Now all my spirits hurry to my heart,

And every sense has taken the alarm

At this approaching interview!
Heav'ns! how I tremble!

[Exit.

[Exit into the house.

Isa. I've heard of witches, magic spells, and charms, That have made nature start from her old course : The sun has been eclips'd, the moon drawn down From her career, still paler, and subdu'd

To the abuses of this under world!
Now I believe all possible. This ring,
This little ring, with necromantic force,
Has rais'd the ghost of pleasure to my fears:
Conjur'd the sense of honour, and of love,
Into such shapes, they fright me from myself!
I dare not think of them-

"I'll call you when I want you." [Servant goes out.

Enter Nurse.

Nurse. Madam, the gentleman's below.

Isa. I had forgot, pray let me speak with him.

This ring was the first present of my love

[Exit Nurse.

M. SIDDONS ISABELLA.

This ring.

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