All. Huzza! Huzza!

Enter SNACKS.

may

Mar. Ay, ay, take 'em up; I warrant him he'll soon be here he's always in puddingtime.

Dol. And well he may, for I'm sure you keep

him sharp set enough.

Mar. Hold your tongue, you baggage! He pays me but five shillings a week for board, fodging, and washing-I suppose he's not to be kept like a lord for that, is he? I wonder how you'll keep him when you get married, as you talk of!

Dol. Oh, we shall contrive to make both ends meet! and we shall do very well, I dare say; for Robin loves me, and I loves Robin dearly.

Mar. Yes; but all your love wont keep the pot boiling, and Robin's as poor as Job.

Dol. La, now, mother, don't be so cross! Oh dear, the dinner will get cold, and the dumplings will be quite spoiled; I wish Robin would come. [Robin sings without.] Oh, here he comes, in one of his merry humours.

Enter ROBIN; he cools himself with his hat,
then sings and dances.

Why, Robin, what's the matter with you?
Rob. What! you haven't heard then? Oh,
I'm glad of that! for I shall have the fun of
telling you.

Dol. Well, sit down then, and eat your dinner; I have made you some nice hard dumplings.

Rob. Dumplings! Damn dumplings.

Dol. Damn dumplings-La, mother, he damns dumplings.-Oh, what a shame! Do you know what you are saying, Robin?

Rob. Never talk to me of dumplings. Mar. But I'll talk of dumplings though, indeed, I shouldn't have thought of such behaviour: dumplings are very wholesome food, quite good enough for you, I'm sure.

Rob. Are they, mother Margery? [Upsets [Very angry. the table, and dances on the plates, &c and sings.] Tol de rol lol.

Mar. Oh dear! the boy's mad; there's all my crockery gone! [Picking up the pieces.

[ACT 1.

used us so; I am quite ashamed of you, Robin! Dol. [Crying.] I did not think you could have Rob. Now doantye cry now, Dolly; doantye

cry.

Dol. I will cry, for you behave very ill.
Rob. No, doantye, Dolly, doantye, now.-
[Shows a purse.

Dol. How did you come by that, Robin? Mar. What, a purse of gold? let me see.[Snatches it, and sits down to count the money. Dol. What have you been about, Robin? have been about being made a lord of, that's Rob. No, I have not been about robbing; I | all.

head's turned, I'm sure. Dol. What are you talking about? Your

from a clown's head to a lord's. I say, Dolly, Rob. Well, I know it's turned; it's turned at the top of the hill yonder? how should you like to live in that nice place

Dol. Oh, I should like it very much, Robin; it is a nice cottage.

Rob. Doant talk to me of cottages, I mean the castle!

Dol. Why, what is your head running upon?
Mar. Every one golden guineas, as I'm a
Where did you get 'em,

vartuous woman. Robin?

in Lunnun.

Dol. What!

Rob. Yes, Dolly, and you shall be my lady. Dol. No! Shall I?

Rob. Yes, you shall.

Dol. Ecod, that will be fine fun-my lady-
Rob. Now, what do you think on't?
Dol. My lady-Lady Roughead-
Rob. Why, Dolly!

know she took my part, and was very kind to me when poor mother died; and now she's very ill, and I'll go and give her something to comfort her old soul. Lord! Lord! I have heard people say as riches wont make a body happy; but while it gives me the power of doing so much good, I'm sure I shall be the happiest dog alive. [Exeunt.

ACT II.

SCENE I.-The Road to the Castle.

Enter MR. FRANK.

Frank. Well, then, to the house of woe I must return again. And can I take no comfort with me? nothing to cheer my loving wife and helpless children? What misery to see them want!

Enter ROBIN, unobserved by FRANK. Rob. Want! No, there shall be no such thing

as want where 1 am-Who talks of want? Frank. My own distress I could bear well, very well; but to see my helpless innocents enduring all the woes poverty brings with it,

is more than I can bear.

Rob. And more than I can bear too. [Throws his hat upon the ground, and takes money out of his pocket, which he throws

into it.

Frank. To-day I almost fear they have not

tasted food.

Rob. And I ha' been stuffing my damned guts enough to make 'em burst.

make you happy-[Stuffing the money into his pockets.] Come up to the castle, and I'll give you as much money as you can carry away in a sack.

Frank. Proud wealth, look here for an example! My generous heart, how shall I thank you?

Rob. Lord! Lord! doant think of thanking a man for paying his debts. Besides, if you only knowed how I feel all o'er me-it's a kind of a-I could cry for joy.

Frank. What sympathy is in that honest bosom! But how has this good fortune come to you?

Rob. Why, that poor woman as you buried was wife to his lordship: he has owned it on his death-bed, and left word as I'm his son. Frank. How strange are the vicissitudes of life!

Rob. Now, Sir, I am but a simple lad, as a body may say; and if you will but be so good as to help me with your advice, I shall take it very kind of you, Sir.

Frank. I thank you for the good opinion you have of me; and as far as my poor abilities go, they shall be at your service.

what bad luck made you so devilish poor? Rob. Thank ye, Sir, thank ye! But pray

Frank. It would take a long time to tell you the story of my misfortunes; but I owe them to the oppression of Mr. Snacks, the steward.

Rob. Snacks! Oh, damn un! I'll do for him soon: he's rotten here, Master Frank: I do think as how he's a damned old rogue.

Frank. Judge not too harshly.

Rob. Come, Sir, will you go up to the cas

Frank. Excuse me; the relief which you have so generously given me, enables me to return to my family.

with you.

Frank. Thank you, my kind lad. But what reason have you?

Rob. What reason have I? Why, you gave me when I wanted it.

Frank. I can't remember.

Rob. Mayhap not; but that's no reason as I should forget it; it's a long time ago, too; but it made such a mark here, that time wont rub it out. It's now fourteen years sin' poor mother died; she was very ill one day when you happened to come by our cottage, and saw me stand blubbering at the door; I was then about this high. You took me by the hand; and I shall never forget the look you gave me, when you axed me what was the matter with me; and when I told you, you called me a good lad, and went in and talked to mother. From that time you came to see her every day, and gave her all the help as you could; and when she died, poor soul! you buried her: and if ever I forget such kindness, I hope good luck will for ever forget me!

Frank. Tell me your name; it will remind

me.

Rob. Robin Roughead, your honour; to-day I be come to be lord of all this estate; and the first good I find of it is, that I am able to

Rob. Well, but you'll come back?
Frank. To-morrow.

Rob. No-to-night-Doo'e favour me; I want to speak to you.

Frank. I have a long way to walk, and it will be very late before I can return; but I will refuse you nothing.

shall stay till you'come, if it's all night. Rob. Thank ye, Sir; you're very kind; I

Enter RATTle.

[Exeunt.

Rat. Well, every thing's prepared for my attack on the castle to-night; and I don't much fear but I shall find means to terrify the enemy, and make him surrender at discretionYes, yes, Master Snacks, I shall soon be with you. [Shouting, music, and ringing of bells without.] What a damned racket here is in the vil lage to-day!-I wonder what it's all about?

Enter ROBIN.

Holloa, there! Stop, my fine fellow. Pray can you tell me what all this uproar is about in the village?

Rob. Why, you be Master Rattle from Lunnun.

Rat. Well, I don't want to be told that. Rob. Gee us your hand, Rattle, thou bee'st a damned honest fellow, and I like thee; I do indeed.

Rat. Very familiar, upon my word.

Rob. I liked you ever sin' you let old Toppin have the three pounds to pay his rent with;

Rr

and now whilst I think on't, here 'tis againtake it, for I wont let any body give away money here but myself.

Rat. Why, what in the name of wonder is all this? What are you at? I think I'll open a shop here for the sale of bad debts.

Roo. Here, take the money.

Rat. Put it up, my fine fellow! you'll want it, perhaps.

Rob. Me want money! Shall I lend you an odd thousand, and set you up in a shop?

Rat. Why, who the devil are you? Rob. Why doan't you know? I be Robin. Rat. Robin, are you? 'Egad, I think you sing like a goldfinch.

Rob. Very well, Rattle, that's a good joke. Rat. Why, curse me, if I am up to you, Master Robin; you are queering me, I believe.

Rob. Well, I shall be glad to see thee at the castle, Rattle. You see, I'm not ashamed of my old acquaintance, as some folks are.

Rat. Not ashamed of his old acquaintance! Why, what do you mean?

Rob. I can't stop to talk to you any longer -Good by, attle; thou bee'st an honest fellow, and I shall be glad to see thee at the castle. [Exit.

Rat. I declare I'm quite dumb-foundered. And have I lived all my days in Lombardstreet for this to be hummed by a clown? [Laughing, music, ringing of bells, &c. without.] I believe the people are all mad to-day; I can't think what they are at.

Enter CLOWN, in a hurry.

Here, here, Hob! I want to speak with you. Clown. You mun meak heast then, for I be going to dine wi' my lord, and I shall be too Iate.

Rat. Weugh! What, are you drunk? Clown. Noa, noa, but I soon shall be, I take it, for there's plenty o'yeale to be gotton.

Rat. Plenty o'yale to be gotten, is there? Clown. Ees, I shall have a rare swig at it. Rat. Pray, my fine fellow, can you tell me what the bells are ringing for?

Clown. Ees, to be sure I con.
Rat. Well, what is it?

Clown. Why, it's bekeas they do pull the ropes, I tell thee.- -[Gets round.] Dinner will all get yeaton up whilst I stond here talking wi' you.

[Runs off; RATTLE runs after him, and brings him back.

Rat. You are a very communicative young fellow, indeed I have learned one thing from you, however- -that there's plenty of eating and drinking going on; so I'll try if I can't be in at the death. Now, start fair, and the devil take the hindmost. [They run off.

SCENE II-A Hall in the Castle. A door leading to an inner apartment.

Enter SNACKS, speaking. Snacks. Tell her to come this way. A young woman wanting bobin!This must be his sweetheart, Dolly, that he talks so much about; they must not come together; if they do, it will knock up all my plan.-What shall I do with her? if I could but get her into this room, she'd be safe enough-here she is.

Enter DOLLY and MARGERY.

Are you the young woman that wanted to speak with his lordship?

Dol. Yes, Sir.

Snacks. And pray what might you want with him?

Mar. She wants to settle some matters of her own with him.

Dol. Yes, that's all, Sir.

Snacks. I dare say! But I must know what these matters are.

[MARGERY feels herself of great importance, and is particularly noisy through the whole of this scene. SNACKS is alarmed lest ROBIN should hear her.

Mar. Such matters as consarn nobody but themselves, and you must not meddle with them.

Snacks. Curse that old devil, what a tongue she has! I shall never be able to manage her. [Aside.] You can't see his lordship, he's engaged. [TO DOLLY. Dol. Yes, I know his lordship's engaged, for he promised me a long while ago. Snacks. Oh, then you are the poor unfortunate young woman that

Mar. [Very angry.] No, Sir: she is the lucky young woman that is to be my lady; and. I'd have you to know that I'm her mother.

Snacks. Ah, poor soul! I pity her, I do indeed, from the bottom of my heart.

Mar. But she is not to be pitied; I shouldn't have thought of that!-pity, indeed!

Snacks. Poor dear creature! it's a sad job, but it can't be helped: his lordship is going to be married to-morrow to another woman. Dol. What!

Snacks. It's true, indeed; I am very sorry. Mar. And she is not to be my lady, after all!

Snacks. No, poor girl!

Dol. And Robin has quite forgot me! [Crying.] Oh dear, oh dear!—I was afraid how it would be when he came to be a lord-and has he quite forgot me?

Snacks. Yes, he told me to tell you that he has done with you.

Mar. [Very noisy.] But I have not done with him though- pretty work indeed; but I'll ring a peal in his ears, that shall bring him to his senses, I warrant; I'll teach him to use my daughter ill-he's a rogue, a rascal, a scapegallows, a vagabond; I'll find him out -I'il

Snacks. [Trying to appease her.] Hush! hush!

Mar. I'll raise the dead, I will. Snacks. Be cool, be cool!--Robin will certainly hear this old bell-wether, and I shall be blown. [Aside.

Mar. I'll make him down on his knees, I will; I'd have him to know, that though he is a lord, he shall remember his promise; I'll play the very devil with him, if I can find him. I'm in such a passion, I could tear his eyes out: oh, if I can but see him!

[Going; SNACKS stops her, Snacks. Here, here; stop, stop-I'll go and bring him to you.-Curse her old throat! [Aside.] Only just walk in here a moment, I'l talk to him myself; I will indeed; perhaps I shall bring him round, my dear.

Dol. Thank ye, Sir; tell him I'll kill myself if he doesn't marry me. [Goes in. Mar. And tell him I'll kill him if he doesn't marry her. [Goes in. SNACKS locks the door.

Snacks. Well, they are safe for the present—| I wish they were out of the house though. If I can but bring this marriage to bear, I'm a made man. I have been very careful of the old lord's money, and I should like to take care of a little of the young lord's money: if I can but marry the girl and him, I'll soon double the twenty-six thousand pounds I have in the five per cents. sacked from my old mas

ter.

Rat. [Without, in a hollow voice.] Villanous robber!

Snacks. O Lord! what's that ?-[Pauses.] It has put me in such a fright;-that ghost's abroad again-What else could it be? I am afraid to open my eyes for fear he should stare me in the face: I confess I've been a rogue, but it's never too late to mend. Say no more, and I'll make amends, indeed I will. [Gets near the door.]-Upon my soul, I will-upon the word of an honest man I will. [Sneaks off.

Enter RATTLe.

Rat. Ha, ha, ha! I think I gave his conscience a kick there; twenty-six thousand pounds in the five per cents.let me remember that--I'm up to your tricks, Mr. Snacks; but you sha'n't carry on your scheme much longer, if I have any skill--If I don't quicken your memory a little, I'll give over conjuring and set up a chandler's shop. [Exit. SCENE III-A handsome Apartment in the Castle. A table with Wines, &c.

ROBIN and SNACKS discovered. Rob. [Rather tipsy.] Well, Snacks, this is very good stuff. I don't know as ever I drank any before; what do you call this, Snacks? Snacks. Port wine, an't please your lordship. Rob. Yes, Port wine pleases his lordshipI wonder where this comes from!-Oh! from the Red Sea, I suppose.

Snacks. No, my lord: there's plenty of spirits there, but not wine, I believe.

Rob. Well, one more thing full; only one, because you know, now I am a lord, I must not make a beast of myself that's not like a nobleman, you know.

Snacks. Your lordship must do as your lordship pleases.

Rob. Must I? then give us t'other sup. Snacks. I think his Aordship is getting rather forward-I'll bring my daughter upon the carpet presently. [Aside.

Serv. Yes, Sir.

Snacks. And what does he mean by being lame at this busy time?-tell him he must walk; it's my will.

Rob. You, Sir, bring me John's whip, will you? [Exit SERVANT.] That's right, Snacks; damn the fellow, what business has he to be lame!

Snacks. Oh, please your lordship, it's as much as I can do to keep these fellows in order.

Rob. Oh, they are sad dogs-not walk, deed! I never heard of such impudence.

Rob. Come, none of your nonsense; I know you can dance; why, you was made for dancing-there's a leg and foot-Come, begin! Snacks. Here's no music.

Rub. Isn't there? then I'll soon make someLookye, here's my fiddlestick; how d'ye like it ?-Come, Snacks, you must dance; it's my will.

Snacks. Indeed I'm not able.

Rob. Not able! Oh, shameful, shameful! Come, come, you must dance; it's my will. [Whips him. Snacks. Must I?-Then here goes

[Hops about. Rob. What, d'ye call that dancing fit for a lord? Come, quicker, quicker-[ Whips Snacks round the stage, who roars out. There, that will do; now go and order John the carter the pony-will you?

Snacks. What a cunning dog it is!-he's up to me now, but I think I shall be down upon him by and by[Aside; exit. Rob. Ha, ha, ba! how he hopped about and halloo'd-but I'll work him a little more yet. Re-enter SNACKS.

Well, Snacks, what d'ye think of your dancing-master?

Snacks. I hope your lordship wont give me any more lessons at present; for, to say the truth, I don't much like the accompaniment.

Rob. You must have a lesson every day, or you'll forget the step.

that I sha'n't forget it for some time. Snacks. No:-your lordship has taken care

Rob. I can't think where Dolly is; I told her to come to me.

Snacks. Oh, don't think of her.
Rob. Not think of her !-why, pray?
Snacks. Oh, she's a―

Rob. A what?-Take care, or I shall make you dance another hornpipe.

Snacks. I only mean to say, that she's too low for your lordship.

Rob. Too low! why, what was I just now?if I thought riches would make me such a rascal as to use the poor girl ill-a fig for 'em all; I'd give 'em up, and be plain Robin, honest Robin, again. No:-I've given Dolly my promise, and I'll never break it.

Snacks. My daughter's very beautiful. we'll go and have a look at her. Rob. Dang it, you talk a great deal :-come, [Exeunt.

SCENE IV-A Chamber, with a picture
hanging over a closet-door.

Enter RATTLE and MISS NANCY.

Rat. Well, you see I've gained admission, notwithstanding your father's order to the con

old boy a bit of a hint to-night that he didn't much relish.

Nan. I expect my father here every minute, with his new-made lordship.

Rat. Indeed! then only hide me in this room, and the business is done.

Nan. That I will, where nobody can find you, I'm sure;-I have a closet behind this picture of the old lord, made, 1 believe, to hide the family plate and jewels in; but it's quite forgotten now. [Opens it. Kat. Oh, it was made on purpose for me: I'll put a jewel into it presently-Here [Gives a paper.]-let this lie carelessly on the table; it's worth five thousand pounds.

Snacks. [Without.] This way, this way, my lord.

Rat. O, damn it.! here they come; tell him you've been frightened by a ghost; and if he signs the paper, give a loud cough.

[Puts the paper on the table, and exit into the

closet.

Enter SNACKS and ROBIN.

Snacks. There, there she is isn't she a beauty? What do you say now?

Rob. Why, say she is not fit to hold a candle to my Dolly.

of it.

Nan. Pretty courtship, indeed. Snacks. Ah, you'll alter your mind soon; I know you will. Come, let's sit down and talk [They sit. Nan. [To SNACKS.] Oh, my dear Sir, I've been so frightened-Do you know I think I've seen the very ghost that alarmed you so once. Snacks. A what? a ghost? O Lord, I hope not. I hate the very sight of 'em :-It's very odd; but-[Starting.] didn't I hear a noise?

Nan. Oh, Sir, that's a very common thing in this part of the castle; I have been most terribly frightened lately.

Rob. Why, what frightened you?-We are all good people here; they wont hurt us-will they, Snacks?

Snacks. No, no-they-that is- [Alarmed. Rat. [From behind.] Hear!

Rob. What?

Rat. Hear!

Snacks. Lord ha' mercy upon me! [Kneels. Rat. Offspring of mine, listen not to the advice of that wretch.

Rob. I doan't intend it.

Rat. He'll betray you; your intended bride he has imprisoned in the yellow chamber: go, set her at liberty.

twenty-six thousand pounds in the five per

cents.

Snacks. I'll do any thing that you command. Rat. Sign the paper before you.

[SNACKS signs the paper. NANCY coughs.
RATTLE jumps out of the closet, and
takes the paper.

Rat. How do you do? how are you?
Snacks. Give me the paper.

Rat. Not a word-twenty-six thousand pounds in the five per cents.-Now, dear Nancy, you are mine, and five thousand pounds. Snacks. You to rebel against me too, you baggage.

Mar. [Without.] Only let me catch hold of him, I'll give it him-an old, abominableEnter MARGERY.

Oh, you are there, are you?-You wicked
wretch !-let me get at him-[Runs after
SNACKS, and beats him.]-A pretty pack of lies
you have told; you old ragamuffin, you.
Enter ROBIN and DOLLY.

Rob. What! are you there, Rattle?
Rat. Yes, I'm the ghost-Hear!
Rob. Why you frighted old Honesty a little.
Enter SERVANT.

Serv. Please you, Master Snacks, the bailiffs ha' gotten Mr. Frank, and are bringing him

here.

old rascal! [To SNACKS.]-Let him come here Rob. What! the bailiffs got him?—Oh, you in a moment! [Exit SERVANT.]- Oh, Snacks, I'm sorry for you; for I'm sure you can't be little good, never can be happy, I'm sure :— happy-a man as does so much harm, and so

Enter Mr. FRANK.

I be very sorry as they used you so, Mr. Frank, but I couldn't

Frank. I know your heart too well to think you could.

Rob. I have a great favour to ask you, Mr. Frank you see we've rather found Snacks out;-now, will you-dang it, will you take care of me, and come and live in the castle with me, and give me your advice?—you know how I mean;-teach me a bit, you know.

Frank. You are too generous: but I accept your proffered kindness; and, by my care and attention to your welfare, will repay a small part of the debt I owe you.

[Exeunt.