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Isa. Oh! hear me, sir; hear me but speak | now, and the whole when I die, but provided she one word:

Do not destroy my everlasting peace;
My soul abhors this Spaniard you have chose,
Nor can I wed him without being curst.

Sir Jeal. How's that!

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[Kneels.

For ever will I hang upon these knees,
Nor loose my hands, till you cut off my hold,
If you refuse to hear me, sir.

Cha. Oh! that I could discover myself to her! [Aside. Sir Geo. Have a care what you do: you had better trust to his obstinacy. [Aside. Sir Jeal. Did you ever see such a perverse slut? Off, I say. Mr Meanwell, pray help me a little.

Sir Geo. Rise, madam, and do not disoblige your father, who has provided a husband worthy of you; one that will love you equal with his soul, and one that you will love, when once you know

him.

Isa. Oh! never, never!

Could I suspect that falsehood in my heart,
I would this moment tear it from my breast,
And straight present him with the treacherous
part.

Cha. Oh! my charming, faithful dear!

[Aside. Sir Jeal. Falsehood! why, who the devil are you in love with? Don't provoke me; for, by St Iago, I shall beat you, housewife.

Cha. Heaven forbid! for I shall infallibly discover myself if he should.

Sir Geo. Have patience, madam, and look at him: why will ye prepossess yourself against a man, that is master of all the charms you would desire in a husband.

Sir Jeal. Ay, look at him, Isabinda. Senhor pase vind adelante.

Cha. My heart bleeds to see her grieve, whom I imagined would with joy receive me. Senhora obligue me vuestra merced de sa mano.

Sir Jeal. [Pulling up her head.] Hold up your head, hold up your head, hussy, and look at him. Is there a properer, handsomer, better shaped, fellow in England, ye jade you? Ha! see, see the obstinate baggage shuts her eyes; by St Iago I have a good mind to beat them out.

[Pushes her down. Isab. Do then, sir, kill me; kill me instantly; 'Tis much the kinder action of the two, For 'twill be worse than death to wed him.

Sir Geo. Sir Jealous, you are too passionate. Give me leave; I'll try, by gentle words, to work her to your purpose.

Sir Jeal. I pray do, Mr Meanwell, I pray do; she'll break my heart. [Weeps.] There is, in that, jewels of the value of three thousand pounds, which were her mother's; and a paper, wherein I have settled one half of my estate upon her

marries this gentleman; else by St Iago I'll turn her out of doors to beg or starve. Tell her this, Mr Meanwell; pray do. [Walks off. Sir Geo. Ha! this is beyond expectationTrust to me, sir; I'll lay the dangerous consequence of disobeying you at this juncture before her, I warrant you.

Cha. A sudden joy runs through my heart, like a propitious omen.

[Aside. Sir Geo. Come, madam, do not blindly cast your life away, just in the moment you would wish to save it.

Isa. Pray, cease your trouble, sir; I have no wish but sudden death to free me from this hated Spaniard. If you are his friend, inform him what I say; my heart is given to another youth, whom I love with the same strength of passion that I hate this Diego, with whom, if I am forced to wed, my own hand shall cut the Gordian knot,

Sir Geo. Suppose this Spaniard, whom you strive to shun, should be the very man to whom you'd fly?

Isa. Ha!

Sir Geo. Would you not blame your rash resolve, and curse your eyes that would not look on Charles?

Isa. On Charles? Oh! you have inspired new life, and collected every wandering sense. Where is he? Oh! let me fly into his arms. [Rises.

Sir Geo. Hold, hold, hold! 'Sdeath! madam, you'll ruin all! Your father believes him to be signior Babinetto. Compose yourself a little, pray, madam. [He runs to SIR JEALOUS. Cha. Her eyes declare she knows me.

[Aside. Sir Geo. She begins to hear reason, sir; the fear of being turned out of doors has done it. [Runs back to ISABINDA.

Isa. 'Tis he! Oh, my ravished soul! Sir Geo. Take heed, madam, you don't betray yourself. Seem with reluctance to consent, or you are undone.-[Runs to SIR JEALOUS.]—— Speak gently to her, sir; I'm sure she'll yield; I see it in her face.

Sir Jeal. Well, Isabinda, can you refuse to bless a father, whose only care is to make you happy, as Mr Meanwell has informed you? Come, wipe thy eyes; nay, prithee, do, or thou wilt break thy father's heart. See, thou bring'st' the tears in mine, to think of thy undutiful carriage to me. [Weeps.

Isa. Oh, do not weep, sir! your tears are like a poignard to my soul. Do with me what you please; I am all obedience.

Sir Jeal. Ha! then thou art my child again. Sir Geo. 'Tis done; and now, friend, the day's

thy own.

Cha. The happiest of my life, if nothing inter

vene.

Sir Jea. And wilt thou love him? Isa. I will endeavour it, sir.

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Sir Jeal. Now, Mr Meanwell, let's to the par- head, that you must speak with me before the son,

Who, by his art, will join this pair for life,
Make me the happiest father, her the happiest
wife.
[Exeunt.

SCENE II.-Changes to the street before SIR
JEALOUS's door.

Enter MARPLOT.

Mar. I have hunted all over the town for Charles, but cannot find him; and, by Whisper's scouting at the end of the street, I suspect he must be in the house again. I am informed, too, that he has borrowed a Spanish habit out of the play-house what can it mean?

:

Enter a servant of SIR JEALOUS's to him, out of the house.

Hark'e, sir, do you belong to this house?

Ser. Yes, sir.

Mar. Isn't your name Richard!

Ser. No, sir, Thomas.

ceremony's past? Ha! who's this?

Ser. Why, this gentleman, sir, wants another gentleman in a Spanish habit, he says.

Sir Jeal. In a Spanish habit! 'tis some friend of signior Don Diego's, I warrant. Sir, your ser

vant.

Mar, Your servant, sir.

Sir Jeal. I suppose you would speak with signior Babinetto.

Mar. Sir!

Sir Jeal. I say, I suppose you would speak with signior Babinetto.

Mar. Hey day! What the devil does he say now? Sir, I don't understand you.

Sir Jeal. Don't you understand Spanish, sir?
Mar. Not I, indeed, sir.

Sir Jeal. I thought you had known signior Babinetto.

Mar. Not I, upon my word, sir.

Sir Jeal. What then, you'd speak with his friend, the English merchant, Mr Meanwell?

Mar. Neither, sir, not I; I don't mean any such thing.

Sir Jeal. Why, who are you, then, sir? And what do you want? [In an angry tone. Mar. Nay, nothing at all; not I, sir. Pox on

Mar. Oh, aye, Thomas-Well, Thomas, him! I wish I were out; he begins to exalt his

there's a shilling for you.

Ser. Thank you, sir.

Mar. Pray, Thomas, can you tell if there be a gentleman in it in a Spanish habit?

Ser. There's a Spanish gentleman within, that is just a-going to marry my young lady, sir. Mar. Are you sure he is a Spanish gentleman?

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voice; I shall be beaten again.

Sir Jeal. Nothing at all, sir! Why, then, what business have you in my house? ha!

Ser. You said you wanted a gentleman in a Spanish habit.

Mar. Why, aye; but his name is neither Babi netto nor Meanwell.

Sir Jeal. What is his name, then, sirrah? Ha! Now I look at you again, I believe you are the rogue that threatened me with half-a-dozen myrmidons

Mar. Me, sir! I never saw your face in all my life, before.

Sir Jeal. Speak, sir, who is it you look for?

Mar. Then that cannot be him I want; for 'tis an English gentleman that I inquire after; he may be dressed like a Spaniard, for aught I know. Ser. Ha! Who knows but this may be an im-or, orpostor? I'll inform my master; for, if he should be imposed upon, he'll beat us all round.-[Aside.] -Pray, come in, sir, and see if this be the person you inquire for.

Mar. Aye, I'll follow you-Now for't.

[Exeunt.

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Enter SIR GEORGE, with a drawn sword, between the scenes.

Sir Geo. Ha! Marplot here-oh, the unlucky dog!-What's the matter, sir Jealous?

Sir Jeal. Nay, I don't know the matter, Mr Meanwell.

Mar. Upon my soul, sir George

[Going up to SIR GEORGE. Sir Jeal. Nay, then, I'm betrayed, ruined, undone! Thieves, traitors, rogues!-[Offers to go in.]-Stop the marriage, I say

Sir Geo. I say, go on, Mr Tackum. Nay, no entering here; I guard this passage, old gentleman: the act and deed were both your own, and I'll see them signed, or die for't.

Enter Servant.

Sir Jeal. A pox on the act and deed! Fall on, knock him down.

Sir Geo. Aye, come on, scoundrels! I'll prick your jackets for you.

Sir Jeal. Zounds! sirrah, I'll be revenged on you. [Beats MARPLOT. Sir Geo. Aye, there your vengeance is due. Ha, ha, ha!

Mar. Why, what do you beat me for? I han't married your daughter.

Sir Jeal. Rascals! Why don't you knock him down?

Ser. We are afraid of his sword, sir; if you'll take that from him, we'll knock him down presently.

Enter CHARLES and ISABINDA.

Sir Jeal. Seize her, then!

Cha. Rascals! retire; she's my wife; touch her if you dare; I'll make dog's meat of you. Mar. Aye, I'll make dog's meat of you, rascals!

Sir Jeal. Ah! downright English- -Oh, oh, oh, oh!

Enter SIR FRANCIS GRIPE, MIRANDA, PATCH, SCENTWELL, and WHISPER.

Sir Fran. Into the house of joy we enter, without knocking-Ha! I think 'tis the house of sorrow, sir Jealous.

Sir Jeal. Oh, sir Francis, are you come? what! was this your contrivance, to abuse, trick, and chouse me out of my child?

Sir Fran. My contrivance! What do you mean?

Sir Jeal. No, you don't know your son, there, in a Spanish habit?

Sir Fran. How! my son in a Spanish habit! Sirrah, you'll come to be hanged. Get out of sight, ye dog! get out of my sight!

Sir Jeal. Get out of your sight, sir! get out with your bags. Let's see what you'll give him now, to maintain my daughter on.

Sir Fran. Give him! he shall never be the better for a penny of mine-and you might have looked after your daughter better, sir Jealous.Tricked, quotha! Egad, I think you designed to trick me: but, look ye, gentlemen, I believe I shall trick you both. This lady is my wife, do you see, and my estate shall descend only to the heirs of her body.

Sir Geo. Lawfully begotten by me--I shall be extremely obliged to you, sir Francis.

Sir Fran. Ha, ha, ha, ha! Poor sir George! You see your prospect was of no use; does not your hundred pound stick in your stomach? Ha, ha, ha!

Sir Geo. No, faith, sir Francis; this lady has given me a cordial for that.

[Takes her by the hand. Sir Fran. Hold, sir, you have nothing to say to this lady.

Sir Geo. Nor you nothing to do with my wife, sir.

Sir Fran. Wife, sir?

Mir. Aye, really, guardian, 'tis even so. I hope you'll forgive my first offence.

Sir Fran. What! Have you choused me out of my consent, and your writings, then, mistress, ha?

Mir. Out of nothing but my own, guardian. Sir Jeal. Ha, ha, ha! 'tis some comfort, at least, to see you are over-reached as well as myself. Will you settle your estate upon your son now?

Sir Fran. He shall starve first.

Mir. That I have taken care to prevent.There, sir, are the writings of your uncle's estate, which have been your due these three years. [Gives CHARLES papers. Cha. I shall study to deserve this favour. Mar. Now, how the devil could she get those writings, and I know nothing of it!

Sir Fran. What, have you robbed me too, mistress! Egad, I'll make you restore themhussy, I will so.

Sir Jeal. Take care I don't make you pay the arrears, sir. 'Tis well 'tis no worse, since 'tis no better. Come, young man, seeing thou hast out→ witted me, take her, and bless you both! Cha. I hope, sir, you'll bestow your blessing, too; 'tis all I ask. [Kneels.

Mar. Do, Gardy, do.
Sir Fran. Confound you all!

[Exit SIR FRANCIS. Mar. Mercy upon us, how he looks!

Sir Geo. Ha, ha, ha! ne'er mind his curses,

Charles; thou'lt thrive not one jot the worse for them. Since this gentleman is reconciled, we are all made happy.

Sir Jeal. I always loved precaution, and took care to avoid dangers; but, when a thing was past, I ever had philosophy to be easy.

Cha. Which is the true sign of a great soul. I loved your daughter, and she me; and you shall have no reason to repent her choice.

Isa. You will not blame me, sir, for loving my own country best.

Mar. So, here's every body happy, I find, but poor Pilgarlick. I wonder what satisfaction I shall have for being cuffed, kicked, and beaten in your service!

Sir Jeal. I have been a little too familiar with you, as things are fallen out; but, since there's no help for't, you must forgive me.

Mar. Egad, I think so-but, provided that you be not so familiar for the future.

Sir Geo. Thou hast been an unlucky rogue.
Mar. But very honest.

Cha. That I'll vouch for, and freely forgive thee.

Sir Geo. And I'll do you one piece of service more, Marplot; I'll take care that sir Francis make you master of your estate.

Mar. That will make me as happy as any of you.

Patch. Your humble servant begs leave to remind you, madam.

Isa. Sir, I hope you'll give me leave to take Patch into favour again.

Sir Jeal. Nay, let your husband look to that; I have done with my care.

Cha. Her own liberty shall always oblige me Here's nobody but honest Whisper and Mrs Scentwell, to be provided for, now. It shall be left to their choice to marry, or keep their services.

Whis. Nay, then, I'll stick to my master. Scent. Coxcomb! and I prefer my lady before a footman.

Sir Jeal. Hark! I hear the music; the fiddlers smell a wedding. What say you, young fellows, will you have a dance?

Sir Geo. With all my heart; call them in.

[A Dance.]

Sir Jeal. Now, let us in, and refresh ourselves with a cheerful glass, in which we'll bury all animosities: and,

By my example let all parents move,

And never strive to cross their childrens' love. But still submit that care to Providence above. [Exeunt omnes

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SCENE I-A Street.

Enter DON LOPEZ, meeting FREDERICK. Fred. My Lord, Don Lopez! Lop. How d'ye, Frederick?

ACT I.

Fred. At your Lordship's service. I am glad to see you look so well, my lord. I hope Antonio's out of danger?

Lop. Quite contrary; his fever increases, they tell me; and the surgeons are of opinion his wound is mortal.

Fred. Your son, Don Felix, is safe, I hope? Lop. I hope so, too; but they offer large rewards to apprehend him.

Fred. When heard your lordship from him? Lop. Not since he went: I forbade him wri

ting till the public news gave him an account of Antonio's health. Letters might be intercepted, and the place of his abode discovered.

Fred. Your caution was good, my lord. Though I am impatient to hear from Felix, yet his safety is my chief concern. Fortune has maliciously struck a bar between us in the affairs of life, but she has done me the honour to unite our souls.

Lop. I am not ignorant of the friendship between my son and you: I have heard him commend your morals, and lament your want of noble birth.

Fred. That's nature's fault, my lord. It is some comfort not to owe one's misfortunes to one's self; yet it is impossible not to regret the want of noble birth.

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