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Mel. Are you serious, friend? Sharp. Lookye, Sir, I take you for a man of bonour; there is something in your face that is generous, open, and masculine; you don't look like a foppish, effeminate tell-tale; so I'll Feature to trust you. See here, Sir, these are the effects of my master's good nature.

[Shows his Head. Mel. Matchless impudence! [Aside.] Why do you live with him then, after such usage? Sharp. He's worth a great deal of money, and when he's drunk, which is commonly once a day, he's very free, and will give me any thing but I design to leave him when he's married, for all that.

Md. Is he going to be married, then?

Sharp. To-morrow, Sir; and between you and I, he'll meet with his match, both for humour and something else too.

Mel. What, she drinks too?

Sharp. Damnably, Sir; but mum. You must know this entertainment was designed for Madam to-night; but she got so very gay after dinner, that she could not walk out of her own house; so her maid, who was half gone too, came here with an excuse, that Mrs. Melissa had got the vapours; and so she had indeed violently, here, here, Sir, [Points to his Head. Mel. This is scarcely to be borne. [Aside.] Melissa! I have heard of her: they say she's very whimsical.

Sharp. A very woman, and please your bonour; and between you and I, none of the mildest and wisest of her sex. But to return, Sir, to the twenty pounds.

Mel. I am surprised, you, who have got so mach money in his service, should be at a loss for twenty pounds, to save your bones at this juncture.

Sharp. Yes; upon my honour, Mr. Cook: the company is in the next room, and must have gone without, had not you brought it. I'll draw a table. I see you have brought a cloth with you; but you need not have done that, for we have a very good stock of linen-at the pawnbroker's. [Aside, and exit; but returns immediately, drawing in a table.] Come, come, my boys, be quick. The company begin to be very uneasy; but I knew my old friend Lickspit here would not fail us.

Cook. Lickspit! I am no friend of yours, so I desire less familiarity.-Lickspit too! Re-enter GAYLESS.

Gay. What is all this? [Apart to Sharp. Sharp. Sir, if the sight of the supper is offensive, I can easily have it removed. [Apart. Gay. Pr'ythee, explain thyself, Sharp. [Apart.

Sharp. Some of our neighbours, I suppose, have bespoke this supper; but the cook has drank away his memory, forgot the house, and brought it here: however, Sir, if you dislike it, I'll tell him of your mistake, and send him about his business. [Apart.

Gay. Hold, hold, necessity obliges me against my inclination to favour the cheat, and feast at my neighbour's expense. [Apart. Cook. Hark you, friend, is that your master?

[To SHARP.

Sharp. Ay, and the best master in the world. Cook. I'll speak to him then.-Sir, I have, according to your commands, dressed as genteel a supper as my art and your price would admit of. [To GAY. Sharp. Good again, Sir! 'tis paid for. [Apart to GAY. Gay. I don't in the least question your abilSharp. I have put all my money out at in-ities, Mr. Cook; and I am obliged to you for terest; I never keep above five pounds by me; and if your honour would lend me the other fifteen, and take my note for it

[A knocking. Mel. Somebody's at the door. Sharp. I can give very good security.

[A knocking.

Mel. Don't let the people wait, Mr. Sharp. Ten pounds will do.

[A knocking.

Mel. Allez vous en.

Sharp. Five, Sir.

[A knocking.

Mel. Je ne puis pus. Sharp. Je ne puis pas. I find we shan't understand one another; I do but lose time; and if I had any thought, I might have known these young fops return from their travels generally with as little money as improvement. [Exit. Mel. Ha, ha, ha! What lies does this fellow invent, and what rogueries does he commit, for his master's service! There never sure was a more faithful servant to his master, or a greater rogue to the rest of mankind. But here he comes again. The plot thickens. I'll in and observe Gayless. [Exit. Re-enter SHARP, before several Persons with Dishes in their hands, and a Cook, drunk. Sharp. Fortune, I thank thee; the most Icky accident! [Aside.] This way, gentlemen, this way.

Cook. I am afraid I have mistook the house. Is this Mr. Treatwell's?

Sharp. The same, the same. What, don't you know me?

Cook. Know you?-Are you sure there was a supper bespoke here?

your care.

Cook. Sir, you are a gentleman; and if you would but look over the bill, and approve it, you will over and above return the obligation. [Pulls out a Bill.

Sharp. Oh, the devil! [Aside. Gay. [Looks on the Bill.] Very well, I'll send my man to pay you to-morrow.

Cook. I'll spare him that trouble, and take it with me, Sir. I never work but for ready money.

Gay. Ha!

Sharp. Then you wont have our custom. [Aside.] My master is busy now, friend. Do you think he wont pay you?

Cook. No matter what I think; either my meat or my money.

Sharp. "Twill be very ill-convenient for him to pay you to-night.

Cook. Then I'm afraid it will be ill-convenient to pay me to-morrow, so, d'ye hear▬▬▬▬ Re-enter MELISSA.

Gay. Pr'ythee, be advised.-'Sdeath, I shall be discovered! [Takes the Cook aside. Mel. What's the matter? [To SHARP. Sharp. The cook has not quite answered my master's expectations about the supper, Sir, and he's a little angry at him; that's all.

Mel. Come, come, Mr. Gayless, don't be uneasy; a bachelor cannot be supposed to have things in the utmost regularity; we don't expect it.

Cook. But I do expect it, and will have it. Mel. What does that drunken fool say? Cook. That I will have my money, and I wont stay till to-morrow, and-and

ion.

Sharp. Hold, hold! what are you doing? myself, Gayless, should be never out of fashAre you mad? [Runs and stops his mouth. Mel. What do you stop the man's breath

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Sharp. [Still holding] Why, I tell you, fool, you mistake the gentleman; he is a friend of my master's, and has not said a word to you. Pray, good Sir, go into the next room. The fellow's drunk, and takes you for another. [To MELISSA.] You'll repent this when you are sober, friend.-Pray, Sir, don't stay to hear his impertinence.

anger.

Gay. Pray, Sir, walk in. He's below your [To MELISSA. Mel. Damn the rascal! what does he mean by affronting me?-Let the scoundrel go; I'll polish his brutality, I warrant you. Here's the best reformer of manners in the universe. [Draws his Sword.] Let him go, I say.

Sharp. So, so, you have done finely now. Get away as fast as you can. He's the most courageous, mettlesome man in all England. Why, if his passion was up, he could eat you. -Make your escape, you fool. Cook. I wont. Eat me! He'll find me damned hard of digestion, though.

Sharp. Pr'ythee, come here; let me speak with you. [Takes Cook aside.

Re-enter KITTY.

Kitty. Gad's me! Is supper on the table already?-Sir, pray defer it for a few minutes; my mistress is much better, and will be here immediately.

Gay. Will she indeed? Bless me, I did not expect-but however-Sharp! Kitty. What success, Madam?

[Apart to MELISSA. Mel. As we could wish, girl but he is in such pain and perplexity, I can't hold it out much longer.

Kitty. Ay, and that holding out is the ruin of half our sex.

Sharp. I have pacified the cook; and if you can but borrow twenty pieces of that young prig, all may go well yet. You may succeed, though I could not. Remember what I told you. About it straight, Sir.

[Apart to GAYLESS. Gay. Sir, sir, I beg to speak a word with you. To MELISSA.] My servant, Sir, tells me he has had the misfortune, Sir, to lose a note of mine of twenty pounds, which I sent him to receive; and the bankers' shops being shut up, and having very little cash by me, I should be much obliged to you, if you would favour me with twenty pieces till to-morrow.

Mel. Oh, Sir, with all my heart; [Takes out her Purse.] and as I have a small favour to beg of you, Sir, the obligation will be mutual. Gay. How may I oblige you, Sir? Mel. You are to be married, I hear, to Me

lissa?

Gay. To-morrow, Sir. Mel. Then you'll oblige me, Sir, by never seeing her again.

Gay. Do you call this a small favour, Sir? Mel. A mere trifle, Sir. Breaking of contracts, suing for divorces, committing adultery, and such like, are all reckoned trifles now-adays; and smart young fellows, like you and

Gay. But pray, Sir, how are you concerned in this affair?

Mel. Oh, Sir, you must know I have a very great regard for Melissa, and indeed she for me; and, by the by, have a most despicable opinion of you; for, entre nous, I take you, Charles, to be a very great scoundrel. Gay. Sir!

Mel. Nay, don't look fierce, Sir, and give yourself airs-damme, Sir, I shall be through your body else in the snapping of a finger. Gay. I'll be as quick as you, villain.

[Draws, and makes at MELISSA. Kitty. Hold, hold, murder! you'll kill my mistress the young gentleman, I mean.

Gay. Ah! her mistress! [Drops his Sword. Sharp. How! Melissa! Nay, then drive away, cart; all's over now.

Enter all the Company, laughing.

Mrs. G. What, Mr. Gayless, engaging with Melissa before your time? Ha, ha, ha!

Kitty. Your humble servant, good Mr. Politician. [To SHARP.] This is, gentlemen and ladies, the most celebrated and ingenious Timothy Sharp, schemer-general and redoubted squire to the most renowned and fortunate adventurer, Charles Gayless, knight of the woeful countenance-ha, ha, ha!-Oh, that dismal face, and more dismal head of yours! [Strikes SHARP upon the Head, Sharp. "Tis cruel in you to disturb a man in his last agonies.

Mel. Now, Mr. Gayless!-What, not a word? You are sensible I can be no stranger to your misfortunes, and I might reasonably expect an excuse for your ill treatment of me.

Gay. No, Madam, silence is my only refuge; for to endeavour to vindicate my crimes, would show a greater want of virtue than even the commission of them.

Mel. Oh, Gayless! 'twas poor to impose upon a woman, and one that loved you too.

Gay. Oh, most unpardonable; but my necessities

Sharp. And mine, Madam, were not to be matched, I'm sure, o'this side starving.

Mel. His tears have softened me at once. [Aside.] Your necessities, Mr. Gayless, with such real contrition, are too powerful motives not to affect the breast already prejudiced in your favour.-You have suffered too much already for your extravagance; and as I take part in your sufferings, 'tis easing myself to relieve you: know, therefore, all that's past I freely forgive.

Gay. You cannot mean it, sure! I am lost in wonder!

Mel. Prepare yourself for more wonder. You have another friend in masquerade here. Mr. Cook, pray throw aside your drunkenness, and make your sober appearance.-Don't you know that face, Sir?

Cook. Ay, master; what! you have forgot your friend, Dick, as you used to call me? Gay. More wonder indeed! Don't you live with my father?

Mel. Just after your hopeful servant there had left me, comes this man from Sir William, with a letter to me; upon which (being by that wholly convinced of your necessitous condition) I invented, by the help of Kitty and Mrs. Gadabout, this little plot, in which your friend Dick there has acted miracles, resolv

ing to teaze you a little, that you might have a greater relish for a happy turn in your affairs. Now, Sir, read that letter, and complete your joy.

Gay. [Reads.] Madam, I am father to the unfortunate young man, who I hear by a friend of mine (that by my desire has been a continual spy upon him) is making his addresses to you. If he is so happy as to make himself agreeable to you, whose character I am charmed with, I shall ona him with joy for my son, and forget his former jollies.—I am, Madam, your most humble

servant,

WILLIAM GAYLESS. P.S.-I will be soon in town myself to congratulate his reformation and marriage.

Oh, Melissa, this is too much! Thus let me show my thanks and gratitude; for here 'tis only due. [Kneels; she raises him. Sharp. A reprieve! à reprieve! a reprieve! Kitty. I have been, Sir, a most bitter enemy to you; but since you are likely to be a little more conversant with cash than you have been, I am now, with the greatest sincerity, your most obedient friend and humble ser

vant.

Gay. Oh, Mrs. Pry, I have been too much indulged with forgiveness myself, not to forgive lesser offences in other people.

Sharp. Well then, Madam, since my master has vouchsafed pardon to your handmaid Kitty, I hope you'll not deny it to his footman Timothy.

Mel. Pardon! for what? Sharp. Only for telling you about ten thousand lies, Madam; and, among the rest, insinuating that your ladyship would

Mel. I understand you; and can forgive any thing, Sharp, that was designed for the service of your master; and if Pry and you will follow our example, I'll give her a small fortune, as a reward for both your fidelities.

Sharp. I fancy, Madam, 'twould be better to halve the small fortune between us, and keep us both single; for as we shall live in the same house, in all probability we may taste the comforts of matrimony, and not be troubled with its inconveniences. What say you, Kitty?

Kitty. Do you hear, Sharp; before you talk of the comforts of matrimony, take the comforts of a good dinner, and recover your flesh a little; do, puppy.

Sharp. The devil backs her, that's certain; and I am no match for her at any weapon.

[Aside.

Gay. Behold, Melissa, as sincere a convert as ever truth and beauty made. The wild, impetuous sallies of my youth are now blown over, and a most pleasing calm of perfect happiness succeeds.

Thus Ætna's flames the verdant earth consume, But milder heat makes drooping nature bloom; So virtuous love affords us springing joy, Whilst vicious passions, as they burn, destroy. [Exeunt.

THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER:

A TRAGEDY,

IN FIVE ACTS.

BY ARTHUR MURPHY.

REMARKS.

THIS tragedy was produced at Drury Lane in 1772. A picture of the Roman Charity, which Mr. Murphy noticed at the house of a celebrated painter, wherein the centinel bursts into tears at

first suggested the idea to our author.

The pious fraud of charity and love,

"Perhaps, of all the events recorded in history, that filial piety, on which the fable of this play is founded, may be classed amongst the most affecting-yet it was one the most hazardous for a dramatist to adopt; for nothing less than complete skill could have given to this singular occurrence effectual force, joined to becoming delicacy. In this arduous effort, Mr. Murphy has evinced the most exact judgment, and the nicest execution.”—Inchbald.

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Phil. No more; it must not be.

Mel. Obdurate man!

The father of his people, from a throne,
Which long with ev'ry virtue he adorn'd,
Torn by a ruffian, by a tyrant's hand,
Groans in captivity? In his own palace
Lives a sequester'd pris'ner? Oh! Philotas,
If thou hast not renounc'd humanity,
Let me behold my sovereign; once again
Admit me to his presence; let me see

Thus wilt thou spurn me, when a king dis- My royal master.

tress'd,

A good, a virtuous, venerable king,

Phil. Urge thy suit no further;

Thy words are fruitless; Dionysius' orders

Forbid access; he is our sov'reign now;
Tis his to give the law, mine to obey.

Mel. Thou canst not mean it: his to give the
Detested spoiler !-his! a vile usurper! [law!
Have we forgot the elder Dionysius,
Surnam'd the Tyrant? To Sicilia's throne
The monster waded through whole seas of
blood.

Sore groan'd the land beneath his iron rod, Till, rous'd at length, Evander came from Greece, [tyrant, Like freedom's genius came, and sent the Stripp'd of the crown, and to his humble rank Once more reduc'd, to roam, for vile subsistence, [Greece. A wand ring sophist, through the realms of Phil. Whate'er his right, to him in Syracuse All bend the knee; his the supreme dominion, And death and torment wait his sovereign nod. Mel. But soon that power shall cease; behold his walls

Now close encircled by the Grecian bands; Timoleon leads them on; indignant Corinth Sends her avenger forth, array'd in terror, To hurl ambition from a throne usurp'd, And bid all Sicily resume her rights.

Phil. Thou wert a statesman once, Melanthon; now,

Grown dim with age, thy eye pervades no more The deep-laid schemes which Dionysius plans. Know, then, a fleet from Carthage even now Stems the rough billow; and, ere yonder sun, That, now declining, seeks the western wave, Shall to the shades of night resign the world, Thou'lt see the Punic sails in yonder bay, Whose waters wash the walls of Syracuse. Mel. Art thou a stranger to Timoleon's

name?

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Will ne'er behold the golden time you look
Mel. How! not behold it! Say, Philotas,
speak;
[derers-

Has the fell tyrant, have his felon mur-
Phil. As yet, my friend, Evander lives.
Mel. And yet

[him;

Thy dark, half-hinted, purpose-lead me to If thou hast murder'd him

Phil. By heaven, he lives.

Mel. Then bless me with one tender interview.

[eyes Thrice has the sun gone down since last these Have seen the good old king; say, why is this? [lotas, Wherefore debarr'd his presence? Thee, PhiThe troops obey, that guard the royal pris'ner; Each avenue to thee is open; thou [him. Canst grant admittance; let me, let me, see Phil. Entreat no more; the soul of Diony

sius

Is ever wakeful; rent with all the pangs

That wait on conscious guilt.

Mel. But when dun night

Lock'd up from every sustenance of nature, And life, now wearied out, almost expires. Mel. If any spark of virtue dwells within thee,

Lead me, Philotas, lead me to his prison. Phil. The tyrant's jealous care hath mov'd him thence.

Mel. Ha! mov'd him, say'st thou ?
Phil. At the midnight hour,

Silent convey'd him up the steep ascent,
To where the elder Dionysius form'd,
On the sharp summit of the pointed rock,
Which overhangs the deep, a dungeon drear:
Cell within cell, a labyrinth of horror,
Deep cavern'd in the cliff, where many a
wretch,
Unseen by mortal eye, has groan'd in anguish,
And died obscure, unpitied, and unknown.
Mel. Clandestine murderer! Yes, there's the

scene

Of horrid massacre. Full oft I've walk'd, When all things lay in sleep and darkness hush'd.

Yes, oft I've walk'd the lonely sullen beach,
And heard the mournful sound of many a corse
Plung'd from the rock into the wave beneath,
That murmurs on the shore. And means he
thus

To end a monarch's life? Oh! grant my prayer;
My timely succour may protect his days;
The guard is yours-

Phil. Forbear; thou plead'st in vain;
And though I feel soft pity throbbing here,
Though each emotion prompts the gen'rous
deed,

I must not yield; it were assur'd destruction. Farewell, despatch a message to the Greeks; I'll to my station; now thou know'st the [Exit.

worst.

Mel. Oh, lost Evander! Lost Euphrasia too! How will her gentle nature bear the shock Of a dear father, thus in ling'ring pangs A prey to famine, like the veriest wretch Whom the hard hand of misery hath grip'd? In vain she'll rave with impotence of sorrow; Perhaps provoke her fate: Greece arms in All's lost; Evander dies! [vain;

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Enter EUPHRASIA.

Euph. War on, ye heroes,

Ye great assertors of a monarch's cause!

Phil. Alas! it cannot be: but mark my Let the wild tempest rage. Melanthon, ha!

words.

Let Greece urge on her general assault.
Despatch some friend, who may o'erleap the

walls,

And tell Timoleon, the good old Evander Has liv'd three days, by Dionysius' order,

Didst thou not hear the vast tremendous roar? Down tumbling from its base the eastern tower Burst on the tyrant's ranks, and on the plain Lies an extended ruin.

Mel. Still new horrors [heads. Increase each hour, and gather round our

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