Enter SOLOMON.

Sol. I listened, when lo! thou calledst me; and as the voice of the shepherd is delightful unto the sheep in his fold, so even is thy voice delightful unto me.

Flor. There's a lover for you! Why, the spirit moves you, Mr. Solomon, to say abundance of fine things.

Sol. According unto the proverb, love maketh a wit of the fool.

Flor. Yes, and a fool of the wit. But do you love me?

Sol. When thou seest one of our speakers dancing a jig at a country wake; when thou beholdest the brethren take off their beavers, and bow their bodies, or hearest them swear, then believe I love thee not.

Flor. A very pompous speech, upon my word. Sol. An ill phrase may come from a good heart: but all men cannot do all things; one getteth an estate by what another getteth a halter; a foolish man

Flor. Talks just as you do now. But will you do a little favour I have to beg of you? Sol. Slaves obey the will of them who command them.

Flor. There is a young man who has been used ill

Sol. 'Tis very like; kind words are easier met with than good actions; charity seldom goeth out of the house, while ill nature is always rambling abroad.

Flor. His name is Lubin; and I want you to inquire him out, and appoint him to meet me to-morrow morning, very early, in the row of elms at the bottom of the garden.

Sol. But shall I not in this offend my master? Gil. Never mind him; suppose if he should find us out, and scold us a little

Sol. True-high words break no bones. But, wilt thou give me a smile if I do this for thee?

Gil. Ay, that she shall, Mr. Solomon, and

I'll give you another.

Sol. But, wilt thou appoint the spousal day? Flor. You are so hasty, Mr. SolomonSol. And with reason; a man may catch cold while his coat is making. Shall it be to

morrow?

than a Turk,

If one minute you hesitate whether In justice you should not your wits set to work, To bring Lubin and Gillian together.

To be certain, old Formal will frown and look blue,

Call you baggage, deceitful, bold face, With all manner of names he can lay his tongue And perhaps turn you out of your place. [to, What of that? let him frown, let him spit all his spite,

Your heart still as light as a feather, With truth shall assure you 'tis but doing right, To bring Gillian and Lubin together. [Exit.

Gil. I wonder what they plague us poor girls so for? Fathers and mothers, in this case, are comical folks; they are for ever telling one what they'll do to please one; and yet, when they take it into their heads, they make nothing of desiring us to be miserable as long as one lives. I wish I could be dutiful and happy too. May be, Floretta will bring matters about for me to marry Lubin with their consent; if she does, Lord, how I shall love her!

The captive linnet, newly taken,

Vainly strives and vents its rage; With struggling pants, by hopes forsaken, And flutters in its golden cage: But, once releas'd, to freedom soaring Quickly on some neighbouring tree, It sings, as if its thanks 'twere pouring,

To bless the hand that set it free. [Exit. SCENE III-A Wall at the back of STEADY'S Garden.

Enter LUBIN.

Lub. "Tis all true, 'tis all true; there's not a soul in the whole village that has not had something to say to me about it. Some pity me, others laugh at me, and all blame me for making myself uneasy. I know, if I did as I ought to do, I should get me back, and think no more concerning of them: but, instead of that, here am I come creeping to the gardengate, to see if I can get a sight of her. Who comes yonder? Oh, 'tis her father and the old quaker. I'll listen, and hear what they are talking about.

Enter STEADY and EASY.

Steady. Friend Easy, hie thee home to thy wife, tell her to hold herself ready for to-morrow; and say unto her, that when the youth who gains the customary dower, shall receive from me the hand of his bride, I will from thee receive the hand of thy daughter.

this, and not say a word. Lub. Why, I must be turned fool to hear all

Steady. Get thee gone, friend. [Exit EASY. Enter SOLOMON,

Where art thou going?

Sol. The truth is not to be spoken at all times. Into the village, about a little business

for Mistress Floretta.

Steady. Verily, I do suspect thee to be in a plot against me. I will not have thee therefore to do this business: stay here by me. FLORETTA und GILLIAN look over the Garden Wall.

Flor. I wonder whether Solomon is gone!

ACT II.

SCENE I-A Garden.

Enter LUBIN.

237

Lub. What a plague have they brought me here for? I am in a rare humour-they'd better not provoke me-they would not have set eyes on me again, if it had not been that I want to see how she can look me in the face after all this.

Enter FLORetta.

Flor. There he is.

Steady. And do thou attend with thy dobbins of beer,

Flor.

And see that our neighbours and friends have good cheer; Make the whole village welcome, and

Solomon!

Steady. Stay.

Flor. You blockhead, come here. Steady. Dost thou notice me ?

Sol. Yea.

[Here as often as SOLOMON tries to speak to FLORETTA and GILLIAN, he is prevented by STEADY.

Steady. Stand still then.

Friend Solomon !

Flor.

Lub.

Is it not she?

Flor. We shall try.

Lub. And if her father and all of them were at this minute begging and praying me to marry her, they should see

Flor. That you would consent to it with all your heart.

Lub. I'll just abuse her heartily; tell the quaker what an old fool he is; call her father and mother all to pieces for persuading her to marry him: then get me down to my farm, and be as careful to keep myself out of love, as I would to keep my wheat free from tares, a fox from my poultry, or the murrain from my

The time has been when all our boast
Was who should love the other most;
How did I count without my host!

I thought her mine for ever.
But now I know her all deceit;
Will tell her so whene'er we meet:
And was she sighing at my feet--
Flor. You wou'd forgive her:
Lub. Never.

Flor. Then I may e'en go back, I find:
To serve you, Sir, I was inclin'd;
But to your own advantage blind,
"Twould be a vain endeavour.
"Tis certain she does all she can,
And we had form'd a charming plan
To take her from the quaker-man.
Lub. Nay, pr'ythee, tell it.
Flor. Never.

Enter GILLIAN.

Here she is; now let her speak for herself.

Gil. Oh, Lubin! why would you not hear me speak to you yesterday? I did not sleep a wink all night for thinking on't. Gg

Lub. Why, had I not reason, Gillian, to be | angry, when every one I met told me what a fool you had made of me?

Gil. Why, what could I do? Floretta here, knows that I have done nothing but abuse old Steady from morning till night about it.

Flor. Come, come, don't let us dispute about what's past, but make use of the present opportunity; we have not a moment to lose. Get you to my master, make up a plausible story how ill you have been used by an old fellow, who has run away with your sweetheart; and tell him, that you come to complain to him, as you know 'tis a custom for every

body to do when they are used ill.

Gil. What a rare girl you are, Floretta. But are you sure he won't know him?

Flor. No; I heard your father say he never saw him in all his life.

Lub. That's lucky; leave me alone for a plausible story. [Exit.

you.

Sol. And thou wouldst have me leave off mine a word to the wise-thou shalt hear them no more.

Flor. Why that sounded something like one. Sol. It must be done by degrees. Word by word great books are written. Flor. Again!

Sol. I pray thee to pardon me; I shall scon conquer them: but Rome was not built in a day.

Flor. Oh! this is making game of one.

Sol. I protest I meant no ill. I shall forget them, I say. "Tis a long lane that hath no turning.

Gil. Poor Solomon! He can't help it. Flor. Have you any desire to marry me? Sol. Ask the vintner if the wine be good. Flor. Because I will have my way in this; and I think it very hard you won't strive to oblige me.

Sol. I protest, I strive all I can; but custom is second nature; and what is bred in the bone-Verily, I had like to have displeased thee again.

Flor. Oh! what you found yourself out, did you? Then there's some hopes of amendment. Sol. It shall be amended. A thing resolved upon is half done; and 'tis an old saying-but what have I to do with old sayings?

Flor. Very true.

Sol. But I must attend on the green. Flor. Well, go; and by the time I see you next, take care that you get rid of all your musty old sayings. I wonder how so sensible a man as you could give in to such nonsense.

Sol. Evil communications corrupt good manners; and a dog-Pies on the dog! Well, thou shalt be obeyed, believe me-Pies on the dog! [Exit.

Gil. For goodness' sake, what excuse do you intend to make to him when he has left off his proverbs?

Flor. Why desire him to leave off something else; and at the rate of one in a month, he won't have parted with all his particularities in seven years.

Gil. Well, how we do use men in love with us, when we take it into our heads!

by us. But I am sure you will never use Flor. And yet they are fools to be used so Lubin ill-he will make you the happiest girl in the world.

AIR. *

The face which frequently displays
An index of the mind,

Dame Nature has her various ways
To stamp on human-kind.

Purs'd brows denote the purse-proud man,
Intent on some new scheme;
Clos'd eyes the politician,

For ever in a dream.

But features of ingenuous kind, Which semblance bear of truth, Display, methinks, in face and mind, The portrait of this youth.

SCENE II-A Hall.

Enter STEADY and LUBIN.
Lub. Your servant, Sir.
Steady. Thine, friend.

[Exeunt.

Lub. I hope, Sir, you'll excuse my rudeness? Steady. I don't perceive thee guilty of any. Lub. May be not; but I made bold to ask, if I might not trouble your worship about a little affair concerning my being sadly used. Steady. Speak freely.

Lub. Why, there's a covetous old hunks, an like your worship, that, because he is rich, would fain take away a young woman that was to be married to, without her consent or mine.

Steady. Has the old hunks, thou speakest of, the consent of her friends?

Lub. They have no consent to give, an please

you.

Steady. And why, I pray thee?

Lub. Because, as I take it, if any body gives a thing, 'tis not theirs any longer: and they gave me their consent long ago.

Steady. Thou speakest the truth. But what wouldst thou have me do in this business?

Lub. Why please you, Sir, I have often heard it said of your worship, that there were three things you'd never suffer in our village if you could help it-The maidens to go without sweethearts-the industrious without reward-and the injured without redress-and to be sure it made me think, that if you were once acquainted with the rights of this affair, you would not suffer it to go on; For," says I," set in case it was his worship's own concern, how would he like to have the young woman taken away from him, that he is going to marry?"

Steady. There thou saidst it.

Lub. Why yes, I thought that was bringing the case home.

*This air is omitted in representation.

Steady. Well, attend on the lawn; make thy claim known, and if the parties concerned are present, deliver to them what I now write thee for that purpose. [Goes to the Table. Lub. This is better and better still.-How they'll all be laughed at.-He little thinks he is signing his consent to part with Gillian. Steady. Do thou direct it; thou knowest to whom it is to be given

Lub. Yes, I am sure the person will be upon the lawn.

Steady. And fear not to tell him thy mind. Lub. I sha'n't be sparing of that, I warrant

you.

Steady. Urge thy ill usage.
Lub. Never fear me.

Steady. And tell him, that by endeavouring to prevent thy happiness, he hath done thee an injury he can never repair; for that riches are given us to comfort and not to distress those beneath us.

Lub. With respect, Sir, to you be it spoken,
So well do I like your advice,
He shall have it, and by the same token,
I don't much intend to be nice.
There's something so comical in it,
I ne'er was so tickled by half;
And was I to die the next minute,
I verily believe I should laugh.
Affairs happen better and better,

Your worship; but mind the old put,
When first he looks over the letter,

I say, what a figure he'll cut. [Exit. Enter GILLIAN and FLORETTA. Flor. Yonder he goes-I wonder how he succeeded.

Steady. Come, Gillian, I was anxious to see thee-the time draweth near, and the sports will shortly begin upon the lawn.

Gil. I long to be there as much as you do. Steady. I doubt it not.-And when thou seest thyself the queen of such a set of happy mortals, I know thou wilt consent that this shall be thy bridal-day.

Flor. Yes, Sir, if you'll consent to her having Lubin.

Gil. And I can tell you he's to be there. Steady. Lubin, I'm sure, will not oppose what I decree.

But

Gil. I'm sure he won't part with me quietly. Steady. Thou shalt see that he will not dare to murmur at my will and pleasure. come, we are expected. Verily, I find myself exalted even to transport, in that I am going this day to make thee a bride.

In verity, damsel, thou surely wilt find,
That my manners are simple and plain;
That my words and my actions, my lips and
my mind,

By my own good-will never are twain.
I love thee-umph!

Would move thee-umph!

Of love to be partaker.

Relent then-umph!

Consent then-umph!

And take thy upright quaker.

Though vain I am not, nor of fopp'ry possess'd,

Wouldst thou yield to be wedded to me, Thou shouldst find, gentle damsel, a heart in my breast

As joyful as joyful can be.

I love thee, &c.

Gil. Why, I don't see but that I am as bad off as ever, Floretta.

Flor. I don't know what to make of it myself; but however, if the worst comes to the worst, you must downright give them the slip, and run away.

Gil. I'cod, and so I will! Lubin has got enough for us both.

Re-enter LUBIN.

Lub. Gillian, I had just watched the old quaker out, and slipped back to tell you that every thing goes well. I have got his consent, under his hand, to marry the young wo

man.

Gil. And does he know 'tis me?

Lub. Not a bit; but you know he never forfeits his word, so that we have him safe enough. But don't let us be seen together. I am going to the lawn-we shall have fine sport, I warrant you. [Exit.

Gil. Again I feel my bosom bound,

My heart sits lightly on its seat;
My cares are all in rapture drown'd,
In every pulse new pleasures beat.
Upon my troubled mind at last,
Kind fate has pour'd a friendly
balm;

So, after dreadful perils past,

At length succeeds a smiling calm. SCENE III-A Lawn with a May-pole. Enter STEADY, EASY, LUBIN, SOLOMON, GIL, LIAN, FLORETTA, CICELY, Country Lads and Lasses.

Steady. Friends and neighbours, it hath been my study, since I first came among you, to do whatever might procure me your love and esteem. I have instituted a custom, the salutary effects of which I view with great gladness; and each is well entitled to the reward he has received. I will now propose to you a question, to see which of you can make the most ready reply. What of all things in the world is the longest and the shortest, the swiftest and the slowest, the most precious, the most neglected, and without which nothing can be done?

1 Coun. The earth. Steady. No.

man?

juries. Go on.

Steady. Hast thou nothing to give, young [To LUBIN. Lub. Why, yes, please your worship, I have. Steady. This is addressed unto me! Let me view the contents-How! my own hand! Thou expectest, I find, to receive this damsel for thy wife; and thy plot, which thou didst so artfully carry on, was contrived to make my neighbours laugh at me.

Lub. No, with respect to your worship, 'twas to keep them from laughing at you.

Steady. How is this?

Lub. Why, you know, you advised me to tell the old gentleman a piece of my mind.

Steady. Thou shalt see the revenge I will take upon thee for this. I will comply with the contents of this paper to the utmost. Here, read this aloud. [To a COUNTRYMAN.

Coun. [Reads.] " If the youth, Lubin”Steudy. Thou seest I knew thee then. Lub. I am afraid I have been too cunning for myself.

Steady. You see, neighbours, how I am treated; and I request of you to be witness

Steady. This is my revenge. By thy ingenuity thou hast won the dower; and by thy truth and integrity, my friendship. Lub. Was ever the like?

Gil. I never could abide you before, but now I shall love you as long as I live.

Steady. Verily, my heart warmeth unto you both; your innocence and love are equally respectable. And would the voluptuous man taste a more exquisite sensation than the gratifying his passions, let him prevail upon himself to do a benevolent action.

Let nimble dancers beat the ground;
Let tabor, flagelet, and fife,
Be heard from every bower;
Let the can go round.
What's the health ?-Long life
To the donor of the dower.

[Exeunt.