the little girl whose dawning beauty we admired so much last year?

Bel. It is, and more lovely than ever.

I shall dine in the field with my reapers to-day, brother: will you share our rural repast, or have a dinner prepar'd at the manor-house?

Cupt. B. By no means: pray let me be of your party: your plan is an admirable one, especially if your girls are handsome. I'll walk round the field, and meet you at dinner time.

[Exeunt Belville and Rustic. Captain Belville goes up to Rosina, gleans a few Ears, and presents them to her; she refuses them, and runs out; he follows her.

Enter WILLIAM, speaking at the side Scene

Will. Lead the dogs back, James; the captain won't shoot to-day. [Seeing Rustic and Phabe behind] Indeed, so close! I don't half like it.

Enter RUSTIC and PHŒBE.

Rust. That's a good girl! Do as I bid you, and you shan't want encouragement.

[He goes up to the Reapers, and William

comes forward.

Will. O no, I dare say she won't. So, Mrs. Phoebe ! Pho. And so, Mr. William, if you go to that!

Will. A new sweetheart, I'll be sworn; and a pretty comely lad he is: but he's rich, and that's enough to win a woman.

Pho. I don't desarve this of you, William: but I'm rightly sarved, for being such an easy fool. You think, mayhap, I'm at my last prayers; but you may find yourself mistaken.

Will. You do right to cry out first; you think belike that I did not see you take that posy from Harry.

Pho. And you, belike, that I did not catch you tying up one, of cornflowers and wild roses, for the miller's

maid; but I'll be fool'd no longer; I have done with you, Mr. William.

Will. I shan't break my heart, Mrs. Phoebe. The miller's maid loves the ground I walk on.

DUETT.-WILLIAM and PHŒBE.

Will. I've kiss'd and I've prattled to fifty fair maids,
And chang'd them as oft, d'ye see!

But of all the fair maidens that dance on the green,
The maid of the mill for me.

Pho. There's fifty young men have told me fine tales,
And call'd me the fairest she:

But of all the gay wrestlers that sport on the green,
Young Harry's the lad for me.

Will. Her eyes are as black as the sloe in the hedge,
Her face like the blossoms in May,

Her teeth are as white as the new-shorn flock,
Her breath like the new-made hay.

Pho. He's tall and he's straight as the poplar tree,
His cheeks are as fresh as the rose;
He looks like a squire of high degree
When drest in his Sunday clothes.

Will. I've kiss'd and I've prattled, &c.

Pho. There's fifty young men, &c.

[Exeunt on different Sides of the Stage.

ROSINA runs across the Stage; CAPTAIN BELVILLE following her.

Capt. B. Stay and hear me, Rosina. Why will you fatigue yourself thus? Only homely girls are born to work. Your obstinacy is vain; you shall hear me.

Ros. Why do you stop me, sir? My time is precious. When the gleaning season is over, will you make up my

loss?

Capt. B. Yes.

Ros. Will it be any advantage to you to make me Jose my day's work?

Capt. B. Yes.

Ros. Would it give you pleasure to see me pass all my days in idleness?

Capt. B. Yes.

Ros. We differ greatly then, sir. I only wish for so much leisure as makes me return to my work with fresh spirit. We labour all the week, 'tis true; but then how sweet is our rest on Sunday!

AIR.

Whilst with village maids I stray,
Sweetly wears the joyous day;
Cheerful glows my artless breast,
Mild content the constant guest.

Capt. B. Mere prejudice, child; you will know bet-
I pity you, and will make your fortune.

ter.

Ros. Let me call my mother, sir; I am young, and can support myself by my labour; but she is old and helpless, and your charity will be well bestow'd. Please to transfer to her the bounty you intended for

me.

Capt. B. Why-as to that

Ros. I understand you, sir; your compassion does not extend to old women.

Capt. B. Really-- -I believe not.

Enter DORCAS.

Ros. You are just come in time, mother. I have met with a generous gentleman, whose charity inclines him to succour youth.

Dor. 'Tis very kind.And old age-
Ros. He'll tell you that himself.

[Goes into the Cottage. Dor. I thought so.-Sure, sure, 'tis no sin to be old. Capt. B. You must not judge of me by others, honest Dorcas. I am sorry for your misfortunes, and wish to

serve you.

Dor. And to what, your honour, may I owe this kindness?

Capt. B. You have a charming daughter—
Dor. I thought as much. A vile, wicked mau!

[Aside. Capt. B. Beauty like hers might find a thousand resources in London; the moment she appears there, she will turn every head.

Dor. And is your honour sure her own won't turn at the same time?

Capt. B. She shall live in affluence, and take care of you too, Dorcas.

Dor. I guess your honour's meaning; but you are mistaken, sir. If I must be a trouble to the dear child, I had rather owe my bread to her labour than her shame. [Goes into the Cottage, and shuts the Door. Capt. B. These women astonish me; but I won't give it up so.

Enter RUSTIC, crossing the Stage.

A word with you, Rustic.

Rust. I am in a great hurry, your honour; I am going to hasten dinner.

Capt. B. I shan't keep you a minute. Take these five guineas.

Rust. For whom, sir?

Capt. B. For yourself. And this purse.

Rust. For whom, sir?

Capt. B. For Rosina; they say she is in distress, and wants assistance.

Rust. What pleasure it gives me to see you so charitable! You are just like your brother.

Capt. B. Prodigiously.

Rust. But why give me money, sir?

Capt. B. Only to--tell Rosina there is a person who is very much interested in her happiness.

Rust. How much you will please his honour by this! He takes mightily to Rosina, and prefers her to all the young women in the parish.

Capt. B. Prefers her! Ah! you sly rogue!

[Laying his Hand on Rustic's Shoulder. Rust. Your honour's a wag; bat I'm sure I meant no harm.

Capt. B. Give her the money, and tell her she shall never want a friend; but not a word to my brother.

Rust. All's safe, your honour. [Exit Captain Belville] I don't vastly like this business. At the captain's age, this violent charity is a little duberous. I am his honour's servant, and it's my duty to hide nothing from him. I'll go seek his honour; Ö, here he comes.

Enter BELVIlle.

Bel. Well, Rustic, have you any intelligence to communicate?

Rust. A vast deal, sir. Your brother begins to make good use of his money; he has given me these five guineas for myself, and this purse for Rosina.

Bel. For Rosina! "Tis plain he loves her. [Aside] Obey him exactly; but as distress renders the mind haughty, and Rosina's situation requires the utmost delicacy, contrive to execute your commission in such a manner that she may not even suspect from whence the money comes.

Rust. I understand your honour.

Bel. Have you gain'd any intelligence in respect to Rosina?

Rust. I endeavour'd to get all I could from the old woman's grand daughter; but all she knew was, that she was no kin to Dorcas, and that she had had a good bringing-up; but here are the labourers.

Enter DORCAS, ROSINA, and PHŒBE.

Bel. But I don't see Rosina. Dorcas, you must come too, and Phoebe.

Dor. We can't deny your honour.

Ros. I am asham'd; but you command, sir.