notions of sense and honour, that I know not what to say. Bel. To confess the truth then, I am in love. Frank. And do you confess it as if it were a sin? Proclaim it aloud; glory in it; boast of it as your greatest virtue. Swear it with a lover's oath, and I will believe you. Bel. Why then, by the bright eyes of her I love Frank. Well said! I love her, and she loves me. She has thirty thousand pounds to her fortune. Ran. The devil she has ! Bel. And never plays at cards. Ran. Nor does any one thing like any other woman, I suppose. Frank. Not so, I hope, neither. Bel. Oh, Frankly, Ranger, I never felt suck ease before! the secret's out, and you don't laugh at me. Frank. Laugh at thee for loving a woman unaccountable fellow. Bel. By all that's tender, amiable, and soft, with thirty thousand pounds? thou art a most in woman Frank. Bravo! Bel. I swear, I am as true an enamorato as ever tagged rhyme. Frank. And art thou then thoroughly in love? Come to my arms, thou dear companion of my joys. [Embrace. Enter RANGER. Ran. Why-Hey!-Is there never a wench to be got for love or money? Bel. Pshaw! Ranger here? Ran. Yes, Ranger is here, and perhaps does not come so impertinently as you inay imagine. Faith! I think I have the knack of finding out secrets. Nay, never look so queer.-Here is a letter, Mr. Bellamy, that seems to promise you better diversion than your hugging one another, Bel. What do you mean? Ran. Do you deal much in these paper tokens? Bel. Oh the dear, kind creature! it is from herself. [Apart to FRANKLY. Ran. What, is it a pair of laced shoes she wants? or have the boys broke her windows? Bel. Hold your profane tongue! Frank. Nay, pr'y thee, Bellamy, don't keep it to yourself, as if her whole affections were contained in those few lines. Ran. Pr'ythee let him alone to his silent raptures. But it is as I always said-your grave men ever are the greatest whore-masters. Bel. I cannot be disobliged now, say what you will but how came this into your hands? Ran. Your servant Buckle and I changed commissions; he went on my errand, and I came on his. Bel. 'Sdeath! I want him this very instant. Ran. He will be here presently; but I demand to know what I have brought you. Frank. Ay, ay! out with it! you know we never blab, and may be of service. Bel. Twelve o'clock! ob, the dear hour! Ran. Why it is a pretty convenient time, indeed. Bel. By all that's happy, she promises in this letter here to leave her guardian this very night-and run away with me. Ran. How is this? Bel. Nay, I know not how my self-she says at the bottom Your servant has full instructions from Lucetta how to equip me for my expedition. I will not trust myself home with you to-night, because I know it is inconvenient; therefore I beg you would procure me a lodging; it is no matter how far off my guardian's.-Yours, JACINTHA. Ran. Carry her to a bagnio, and there you may lodge with her. Frank. Why this must be a girl of spirit, faith! Bel And beauty equal to her sprightliness. Ran. How the devil could he work her up to this! I never could have had the face to have done it. But-I know not how-there is a degree of assurance in you modest gentlemen, which we impudent fellows never can come up to. Bel. Oh! your servant, good Sir. You should not abuse me now, Ranger, but do all you can to assist me. Ran. Why, look ye, Bellamy, I am a damnable unlucky fellow, and so will have nothing to do in this affair: I'll take care to be out of the way, so as to do you no harm; that's all I can answer for; and so-success attend you, [Going.] I cannot leave you quite to yourself neither; for if this should prove a round-house affair, as I make no doubt it will, I believe I may have more interest there than you; and so, Sir, you may hear of me at- [Whispers. Bel. For shame, Ranger! the most noted gaming-house in town. Ran. Forgive me this once, my boy. I must go, faith, to pay a debt of honour to some of the greatest rascals in town. [Exit. Frank. But where do you design to lodge her? Bel. At Mr. Meggot's-He is already gone to prepare for her reception. Frank. The properest place in the world : his aunts will entertain her with honour. Bel. And the newness of her acquaintance will prevent its being suspected.—Frankly, give me your hand: this is a very critical time. Frank. Pho! none of your musty reflections now! When a man is in love, to the very brink of matrimony, what the devil has he to do with Plutarch and Seneca? Here is your servant, with a face full of business-I'll leave you together-I shall be at the King's Arms, where, if you want my assistance, you may find me. Enter BUCKLE. [Exit. Bel. So, Buckle, you seem to have your hands full. Buck. Not fuller than my head, Sir, I promise you. You have had your letter, I hope? Bel. Yes, and in it she refers me to you for my instructions. Buck. Why, the affair stands thus. As Mr. Strictland sees the door locked and barred every night himself, and takes the key with him, it is impossible for us to escape any way but through the window; for which purpose I have a ladder of ropes. Bel. Good Buck. And because a hoop, as the ladies wear them now, is not the most decent dress to come down a ladder in, I have in this other bundle a suit of boy's clothes, which I believe will fit her; at least, it will serve the time she wants it.-You will soon be for pulling it off, I suppose. Bel. Why, you are in spirits, you rogue. Buck. These I am now to convey to Lucetta -Have you any thing to say, Sir? Bel. Nothing, but that I will not fail at the hour appointed. Bring me word to Mr. Meggot's how you go on. Succeed in this, and it [Exeunt. shall make your fortune. ACT III. SCENE I.-The Street before MR. STRICT- Enter BELLAMY, in a Chairman's coat. Bel. How tediously have the minutes passed these last few hours! and the envious rogues will fly, no lightning quicker, when we would have them stay.-Hold! let me not mistakethis is the house. [Pulls out his watch.] By Heaven it is not yet the hour!-I hear somebody coming. The moon's so bright-I had better not be here till the happy instant comes. [Exit. Enter FRANKLY. Frank. Wine is no antidote to love, but rather feeds the flame; now am I such an amorous puppy, that I cannot walk straight home, but must come out of my way to take a view of my queen's palace by moonlight-Ay, here stands the temple where my goddess is adored -the door's open. [Retires. Enter LUCETTA. Luc. [Under the window.] Madam, Madam, hist! Madam-How shall I make her hear? JACINTHA in boy's clothes appears at the window. Jac. Who is there? What's the matter? Luc. It is I, Madam; you must not pretend to stir till I give the word; you'll be discovered if you do. Frank. What do I see? A man! My heart misgives me. [Aside. Luc. My master is below, sitting up for Mrs. Clarinda. He raves as if he was mad about her being out so late. I Frank. Here is some intrigue or other. must see more of this before I give further way [Aside. to love. Luc. One minute he is in the street: the next he is in the kitchen: now he will lock her out, and then he'll stay himself, and see what figure she makes when she vouchsafes to venture home. Jac. I long to have it over: get me but once out of his house. Frank. Cowardly rascal! would I were in his place! [Aside. Luc. If I can but fix him any where, I can let you out myself. You have the ladder ready, in case of necessity? Jac. Yes, yes. [Exit LUCETTA. Frank. The ladder! This must lead to some discovery; I shall watch you, my young gentleman, I shall. [Aside. Enter CLARINDA and SERVANT. Cla. This whist is a most enticing devil. I am afraid I am too late for Mr. Strictland's sober hours. Jac. Ha! I hear a noise! Cla. No; I see a light in Jacintha's window. Jac. Is it you? Frank. Yes, yes; 'tis I, 'tis I. Jac. Listen at the door. Frank. I will; 'tis open-There is no noise: all's quiet. Cl. Sure it is my spark-and talking to Jacintha. Frank. You may come down the ladderquick. Jac. Catch it then, and hold it. Frank. I have it. Now I shall see what sort of mettle my young spark is made of. [Aside. Cla. With a ladder too! I'll assure you. [Aside. But I must see the end of it. Jac. Hark! did not somebody speak? Frank. No, no; be not fearful-'Sdeath! we are discovered. [FRANKLY and CLARINDA retire. Re-enter LUCETTA. Luc. Hist! hist! are you ready? Jac. Yes. May I venture? Luc. Now is your time. He is in high conference with his privy counsellor, Mr. Testor. You may come down the back stairs, and I'll [Exit. let you out. it. Jac. I will, I will; and am heartily glad of [Exit. Frank. [Advancing.] May be so; but you and I shall have a few words before you get off so cleanly. Cla. [Advancing.] How lucky it was I came home at this instant. I shall spoil his sport, I know believe. [Aside.] Do you Sir? Frank. I am amazed! You here! This was unexpected indeed! me, Cla. Why, I believe I do come a little unexpectedly, but I shall amaze you more. I know the whole course of your amour: all the process of your mighty passion from its first rise. Frank. What is all this? Cla. To the very conclusion, which you vainly hope to effect this night. Frank. By Heaven, Madam, I know not what you mean! I came hither purely to contemplate on your beauties. Cla. Any beauties, Sir, I find will serve your turn. Did I not hear you talk to her at the window? Frank. Her? Cla. Blush, blush, for shame; but be assured you have seen the last both of Jacintha and [Exit. me. Frank. Jacintha! Hear me, Madam-She is gone. This must certainly be Bellamy's mistress, and I have fairly ruined all his scheme. This it is to be in luck. Re-enter BELLAMY, behind. Bel. Ha! a man under the window! [Aside. Frank. No; here she and I may concomes, vey her to him. Re-enter JACINTHA, and runs to FRANKLY. Jac. I have at last got to you. Let's haste away-Oh! it. Frank. Be not frightened, lady. Bel. I can scarce believe it, though I see Frank. Hear me, Bellamy-Lady- Frank. I am innocent; it is all a mistake! Bel. You are obeyed. Mr. Frankly, there is but one way— Frank. I understand you. Any time but [Exeunt BELLAMY and JACINTHA. Frank. Hark! the cry is up! I must be gone. Enter STRICTLAND, TESTER, and SERVANTS. Strict. She's gone! she's lost! I am cheated! pursue her! seek her! Tes. Sir, all her clothes are in her chamber. Serv. Sir, Mrs. Clarinda said she was in boy's clothes. Strict. Ay, ay, I know it-Bellamy has her. -Come along-pursue her. [Exeunt. Enter RANGER. Ran. Hark! Was not the noise this way? -No, there is no game stirring. This same goddess Diana, shines so bright with her chastity, that 'egad, I believe the wenches are ashamed to look her in the face. Now I am in an admirable mood for a frolic-have wine in my head, and money in my pocket, and so am furnished out for the cannonading of any countess in Christendom. Ha! what have we here? a ladder!-this cannot be placed here for nothing-and a window open! Is it love or mischief now that is going on within? I care not which-I am in a right cue for either. Up I go, neck or nothing.-Stay-do I not run a greater chance of spoiling sport, than I do of making any? that I hate as much as I love the other. There can be no harm in seeing how the land lies-I'll up. [Goes up softly. All is hush-Ha! a light, and a woman! by all that's lucky, neither old nor crooked! I'll in-Ha! she is gone again! I will after her. [Gets in at the window.] And for fear of the squalls of virtue, and the pursuit of the family, I will make sure of the ladder. Now, fortune be my guide. SCENE II-MRS. STRICTLAND'S Dressing room. Enter MRS STRICTLAND followed by LUCETTA. escape. Luc. Never fear, Madam; the lovers have the start of him, and I warrant they'll keep it. Mrs. S. Were Mr. Strictland ever to suspect my being privy to her flight, I know not what might be the consequence. Luc. Then you had better be undressing. He may return immediately. [As she is sitting at the toilet, enter RANGER, behind. Ran. Young and beautiful. [Aside. Luc. I have watched him pretty narrowly of late, and never once suspected till this morning watch his actions, or pry into his secrets? Mrs. S. And who gave you authority to thought it might have been of service to you to but send away the maid, I am happy. [Aside. affairs. Luc. This it is to meddle with other people's [Aside. Mrs. S. [Rises.] Provoking! I am sure I never have deserved it of him. Madam: Ran. Oh, cuckold him by all means, Mrs. S. Discovered! What mean you, Sir? Run. P'il do my endeavour, Madam; you can have no more. Mrs. S. Whence came you? How got you here? Ran. Dear Madam, so long as I am here, what signifies how I got here, or whence came? But that I may satisfy your curiosity, first, as to your "Whence came you?" I answer, out of the street; and to your" How got you here?" I say, in at the window; it stood so invitingly open, it was irresistible. beg I may not incommode you. But, Madam-you were going to undress. 1 Mrs. S. This is the most consummate piece of imrudence! Ran. For Heaven's sake have one drop of pity for a poor young fellow, who long has loved you. Mrs. S. What would the fellow have? to the world. Ran. Your husband's usage will excuse you Mrs. S. I cannot bear this insolence! help! help! Madam!-Speak one word more, and I am Mrs. S. Gone! so I would have you, Mrs. S. Shall I not speak when a thief, a asist me! [Aside.] Lookye, Madam, I never let me beg for mercy. Mrs. S. Oh, Heavens! that is my husband's voice! say, and then I can close with her. Ran. [Rises.] The devil it is! Strict. [Within.] Take away her sword, I Mrs. S. He is upon the stairs, now coming up! I am undone if he sees you. Run. Pox on him, I must decamp then. Which way? Mrs. S. Through this passage, to the next chamber. Ran. And so into the street. With all my Enter MR. STRICTLAND, drives JACINTHA, Strict. Once more, my pretty masculine Madam, you are welcome home; and I hope to keep you somewhat closer than I have done; for eight o'clock to-morrow morning is the latest hour you shall stay in this lewd town. Jac. Oh, Sir, when once a girl is equipped with a hearty resolution, it is not your worship's sagacity, nor the great chain at your gate, can hinder her from doing what she has a mind. Strict. Oh, Lord, Lord! how this love improves a young lady's modesty ! Jac. Am I to blame to seek for happiness any where, when you are resolved to make me miserable here? Strict. I have this night prevented your making yourself so, and will endeavour to do it for the future. I have you safe now, and the devil shall not get you out of my clutches again. I have locked the doors and barred them, I warrant you. So here, [Gives her a candle.] troop to your chamber and to bed, whilst you are well. Go! [Treads on RANGER'S hat.] What's here? a hat! a man's hat in my wife's dressing-room! [Looks at the hat. Mrs. S. What shall I do? [Aside. Strict. [Takes up the hat and looks at MRS. STRICTLAND.] Ha! by hell, I see 'tis true! Mrs. S. My fears confound me. I dare not tell the truth, and know not how to frame a lie! [Aside. Strict. Mrs. Strictland, Mrs. Strictland, how came this hat into your chamber? Luc. Are you that way disposed, my fine [Aside. lady, and will not trust me? Strict. Speak, wretch, speak! Strict. Guilt-'tis guilt that ties your tongue! Luc. I must bring her off, however. [Aside. Strict. My fears are just, and I am miserable -thou worst of women! Mrs. S. I know my innocence, and can bear this no longer. Strict. I know you are false, and 'tis I who will bear my injuries no longer. [Both walk about in a passion. Luc. [Apart to JACINTHA.] Is not the hat yours? Own it, Madam. [Takes away JACINTHA'S hat, and exit. Mrs. S. What ground, what cause have you for jealousy, when you yourself can witness your leaving me was accidental, your return uncertain, and expected even sooner than it happened? The abuse is gross and palpable. Strict. Why, this is true! Mrs. S. Indeed, Jacintha, I am innocent. Strict. And yet this hat must belong to somebody. Jac. Dear Mrs. Strictland, be not concerned ; when he has diverted himself a little longer with it Strict. Ha! Jac. I suppose he will give me my hat again. Jac. Yes, my hat. You brushed it from my side yourself, and then trod upon it; whether on purpose to abuse this lady, or no, you best know yourself. Strict. It cannot be-'tis all a lie. still, with all my heart; but Strict. Why did she look so? Jac. Your violence of temper is too much for her. You use her ill, and then suspect her for that confusion which you yourself occasion. Strict. Why did not you set me right at first? Jac. Your hard usage of me, Sir, is a suffcient reason why I should not be much concerned to undeceive you at all. 'Tis for your lady's sake I do it now; who deserves much better of you than to be thus exposed for every slight suspicion. See where she sits-go to her. Mrs. S. [Rises.] Indeed, Mr. Strictland, I have a soul as much above Strict. Whew! Now you have both found your tongues, and I must bear with their eternal rattle. Jac. For shame, Sir! go to her, and- Mrs. S. Forgive! What do you mean? Strict. Hold, hold your confounded tongues, and I'll do any thing. I'll ask pardon-or forgive-or any thing. Good now, be quietI ask your pardon-there-[Kisses her.] For you, Madam, I am infinitely obliged to you, and I could and in my heart to make you a return in kind, by marrying you to a beggar, but I have more conscience. Come, come, to your chamber. Here, take this candle. Re-enter LUCETTA, pertly. Luc. Sir, if you please, I will light my young lady to bed. Strict. No, no! no such thing, good Madam. She shall have nothing but her pillow to consult this night, I assure you. So in, in. [The ladies take leave; exit JACINTHA.] Good night, kind Madam. Luc. Pox of the jealous fool! we might both have escaped out of the window purely. [Aside. Strict. Go, get you down; and, do you hear, order the coach to be ready in the morning at eight exactly. [Exit LUCETTA.] So she is safe till to-morrow, and then for the country; and when she is there, I can manage as I think fit. Mrs. S. Dear Mr. Strictland Strict. I am not in a humour, Mrs. Strictland, fit to talk with you. Go to bed. I will endeavour to get the better of my temper; if I can, I'll follow you.-[Exit MRS. STRICTLAND.] How despicable have I made myself! [Exit. SCENE III.-Another Chamber. Enter RANGER. Run. All seems hushed again, and I may Enter JACINTHA, with a candle. Kan. A pretty boy, faith; he seems uneasy. Jac. [Sitting down.] What an unlucky night [Aside. has this proved to me! every circumstance has fallen out unhappily. Ran. He talks aloud. I'll listen. Jac. But what most amazes me is, that Cla[Aside. rinda should betray me! Ran. Clarinda! she must be a Well, what of her? woman. Jac. My guardian else would never have [Aside. suspected my disguise. Ran. Disguise! Ha, it must be so! What eyes she has! what a dull rogue was I not to suspect this sooner! Jac. Ha, I had forgot; the ladder is at the [Aside. window still, and I will boldly venture by myself. [Rising briskly, she sees RANGER.] Ha! a man, and well dressed! Ha, Mrs. Strictland, are you then at last dishonest? Ran. By all my wishes, she is a charming woman! lucky rascal! Jac. But I will, if possible, conceal her [Aside. shame, and stand the brunt of his imperti nence. Ran. What shall I say to her? No matter; any thing soft will do the business. [Aside. Jac. Who are you? Ran. A man, young gentleman. Jac. You are very free, Sir. Here are none for you. Kan. Ay, but there is one, and a fair one too; the most charming creature nature ever set her hand to; and you are the dear little pilot that must direct me to her heart. Jac. What mean you, Sir? It is an office I am not accustomed to. Ran. You wont have far to go, however. never make my errands tedious. It is to your I own heart, dear Madam, I would have you whisper in my behalf. Think you such beauty could ever be concealed Nay, never start. from eyes so well acquainted with its charms? Juc. What will become of me? If I cry out, Mrs. Strictland is undone. This is my last resort. Ran. Pardon, dear lady, the boldness of this [Aside. visit, which your guardian's care has forced me to but I long have loved you, long doted on that beauteous face, and followed you from place to place, though perhaps unknown and unregarded. Jac. Here's a special fellow. Ran. Turn then an eye of pity on my suffer[Aside. ings; and by Heaven, one tender look from those piercing eyes, one touch of this soft hand[Takes her hand. Jac. Hold, Sir, no nearer. Ran. Would more than repay whole years of pain. raise the family. thing to me. Ran. You wrong your beauty to think that Jac. You came to me, and me alone. Jac. Well said-Could I but believe you- hat? Ran. That hat! that hat-'tis my hat-I dropped it in the next chamber as I was looking for yours. Jac. How mean and despicable do you look now! Run. So, so! I am in a pretty pickle! Jac. You know by this, that I am acquainted of her. Look ye, Madam, [Getting between her tain it. Ran. You have a bewitching pair of eyes. Jac. Consider my virtue, Ran. Consider your beauty and my desires. [Struggling. Jac. If I were a man, you dared not use me thus. Ran. I should not have the same temptation. from him.] There is a man who will make you Jac. Here me, Sir, I will be heard. [Breaks art thou now? repent this usage of me. Oh, Bellamy! where Run. Bellamy! Jac. Were he here, you durst not thus affront me. You can love, Madam; you can love, I find. Ran. His mistress, on my soul! [Aside.]— Her tears affect me strangely. for a man of virtue and honour. I love and Jac. I am not ashamed to own my passion glory in it. [Aside. Run. Oh, brave! and you can write letters, you this evening, because I know it is inconyou can. venient." "I will not trust myself home with Jac. Ha! Ran. "Therefore I beg you would procure |