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No, believe me, my dear,
Was he now standing here,

In spite of my frights and alarms,
I might rate him, might scold him-
But should still strive to hold him-
And sink at last into his arms.

[Exit.

Clar. How easy to direct the conduct of others, how hard to regulate our own! I can give my friend advice, while I am conscious of the same indiscretions in myself. Yet is it criminal to know the most worthy, most amiable man in the world, and not to be insensible to his merit? But my father, the kindest, best of fathers, will he approve the choice I have made? Nay, has he not made another choice for me? And, after all, how can I be sure that the man I love, loves me again? He never told me so; but his looks, his actions, his present anxiety sufficiently declare what his delicacy, his gene rosity will not suffer him to utter.

AIR.

Ye gloomy thoughts, ye fears perverse,
Like sullen vapours all disperse,
Aud scatter in the wind;

Delusive phantoms, brood of night,
No more my sickly fancy fright,
No more my reason blind":

"Tis done; I feel my soul releas'd;
The visions fly, the mists are chas'd,
Nor leave a cloud behind.

[Exit.

SCENE III. A Side View of SIR JOHN FLOWERDALE'S House, with Gates, and a Prospect of the Garden.

Enter HARMAN, with COLONEL Oldboy.

Col. O. Well, and how does my old friend Dick Ran tum do? I have not seen him these twelve years: he was an honest worthy fellow as ever breathed; I remember he kept a girl in London, and was cursedly plagued by his wife's relations.

Har. Sir Richard was always a man of spirit, colonel. Col. O. But as to this business of yours, which he

tells me of in his letter-I don't see much in it-An affair with a citizen's daughter—pinked her brother in a duel-Is the fellow likely to die?

Har. Why, sir, we hope not; but as the matter is dubious, and will probably make some noise, I thought it was better to be for a little time out of the way; when hearing my case, sir Richard Rantum mentioned you; he said he was sure you would permit me to remain at your house for a few days, and offered me a recommendation.

Col. O. And there's likely to be a brat in the caseAnd the girl's friends are in business-I'll tell you what will be the consequence then-They will be for going to law with you for a maintenance-but no matter, I'Пi take the affair in hand for you-make me your solicitor; and, if you are obliged to pay for a single spoonful of pap, I'll be content to father all the children in the Foundling-hospital.

Har. You are very kind, sir.

Col. O. But hold-hark you-you say there's money to be had-suppose you were to marry the wench?

Har. Do you think, sir, that would be so right after what has happened? Besides, there's a strong objection -To tell you the truth, I am honourably in love in another place.

Col. O. Oh! you are.

Har. Yes, sir, but there are obstacles-A father-In short, sir, the mistress of my heart lives in this very county, which makes even my present situation a little irksome.

Col. O. In this county! Zounds! then I am sure I am acquainted with her, and the first letter of her name

is

Har. Excuse me, sir, I have some particular rea

sons

Col. O. But look who comes yonder-Ha, ha, ha! My son, picking his steps like a dancing-master. Pr'ythee, Harman, go into the house, and let my wife and daughter know we are come, while I go and have some sport with him: they will introduce you to sir John Flowerdale. Hur. Then, sir, I'll take the liberty

Col. O. But, d'ye hear, I must have a little more discourse with you about this girl: perhaps she's a neigh. bour of mine, and I may be of service to you.

Har. Well, remember, colonel, I shall try your friendship.

AIR.

Indulgent pow'rs, if ever

You mark'd a tender vow,
O bend in kind compassion,
And hear a lover now!
For titles, wealth, and honours,

While others crowd your shrine;

I ask this only blessing,

Let her I love be mine.

Enter MR. JESSAMY and several Servants.

[Exit.

Col. O. Why, zounds! one would think you had never put your feet to the ground before; you make as much work about walking a quarter of a mile, as if you had gone a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Mr. J. Colonel, you have used me extremely ill, to drag me through the dirty roads in this manner; you told me the way was all over a bowling-green; only see what a condition I am in!

Col. O. Why, how did I know the roads were dirty? is that my fault? Besides, we mistook the way. Zounds, man, your legs will be never the worse when they are brushed a little.

Mr. J. Antoine! have you sent La Roque for the shoes and stockings? Give me the glass out of your pocket-not a dust of powder left in my hair, and the frissure as flat as the foretop of an attorney's clerkget your comb and pomatum; you must borrow some powder; I suppose there's such a thing as a dressingroom in the house.

Col. O. Ay, and a cellar too, I hope, for I want a glass of wine cursedly-but hold, hold, Frank, where are you going? Stay, and pay your devoirs here, if you please; I see there's somebody coming out to welcome us.

Enter LIONEL, DIANA, and CLARISSA.

Lion. Colonel, your most obedient; sir John is walk

ing with my lady in the garden, and has commissioned me to receive you.

Col. O. Mr. Lionel, I am heartily glad to see you— come here, Frank-this is my son, sir. Lion. Sir, I am exceeding proud to

Mr. J. Can't you get the powder then?

Col. O. Miss Clary, my little miss Clary-give me a kiss, my dear-as handsome as an angel, by heavens— Frank, why don't you come here? this is miss Flowerdale.

Diana. O heavens, Clarissa! Just as I said, that impudent devil is come here with my father.

Mr. J. Hadn't we better go into the house?

FINALE.

Mr. J. To be made in such a pickle!

Will you please to lead the way, sir?
Col. O. No, but if you please you may, sir.
For precedence none will stickle.

Diana. Brother, no politeness? Bless me!
Will you not your hand bestow?
Lead the lady.

Clar.

Don't distress me;

[blocks in formation]

Beset, tormented,

Each hope prevented:

Col. O. None but the brave deserve the fair.

Col. O.

Lion.

Clar.

Come, ma'am, let me lead you;
Now, sir, I precede you.

Lovers must ill usage bear.

Oh, adverse stars! oh, fate severe!

Alto

Diana, None but the brave deserve the fair. (gether.

&c.

[Exeunt.

[graphic]

SCENE I. A Hall in SIR JOHN FLOWERDALE'S

House, with a View of a grand Staircase through an Arch. On either Side of the Staircase below, two Doors, leading from different Apartments.

Enter LIONEL, followed by JENNY.

Jenny. Well but, Mr. Lionel, consider, pray consider now; how can you be so prodigious undiscreet as you are, walking about the hall here, while the gentlefolks are within in the parlour? Don't you think they'll wonder at your getting up so soon after dinner, and before any of the rest of the company?

Lion. For heaven's sake, Jenny, don't speak to me: I neither know where I am, nor what I am doing; I am the most wretched and miserable of mankind.

Jenny. Poor, dear soul, I pity you. Yes, yes, I believe you are miserable enough indeed; and I assure you I have pitied you a great while, and spoke many a word in your favour, when you little thought you had

such a friend in a corner.

Lion. But, good Jenny, since, by some accident or

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