Falsehood would scarce ever be detected, if we had confidence enough to support it.

Lord Trink. Nay, I don't want bronze upon occasion. But to go amongst a whole troop of people, sure, to contradict every word I say, is so dangerous

Lady Free. To leave Russet alone amongst them, would be ten times more dangerous. You may be sure that Oakly's will be the first place he will go to after his daughter, where, if you don't accompany him, he will be open to all their suggestions. They'll be all in one story, and nobody there to contradict them: and then their dull truth would triumph, which must not be.No, no-positively, my lord, you must battle it

out.

Lord Trink. Well, I'll go, 'pon honour-and, if I could depend on your ladyship as a corps de

reserve

Lady Free. I'll certainly meet you there.Tush! my lord, there's nothing in it. It's hard, indeed, if two persons of condition cannot bear themselves out against such trumpery folks as the family of the Oaklys.

Lord Trink. Odious low people! But I lose time-I must after the captain-and so, till we meet at Mr Oakly's, I kiss your ladyship's hand. You won't fail me?

Lady Free. You may depend on me. [Exit LORD TRINK Lady Free. So, here is fine work! this artful little hussy has been too much for us all: well, what's to be done? Why, when a woman of fashion gets into a scrape, nothing but a fashionable assurance can get her out of it again. I'll e'en go boldly to Mr Oakly's, as I have promised, and, if it appears practicable, I will forward lord Trinket's match; but, if I find that matters have taken another turn, his lordship must excuse me. In that case, I'll fairly drop him, seem a perfect stranger to all his intentions, and give my visit an air of congratulation to my niece and any other husband, which fortune, her wise father, or her ridiculous self, has provided for her. [Exit.

SCENE II.-Changes to MRS OAKLY's dressing

Mrs Oak. Where is Paris? What is he doing?
Toil. He is in my master's room, madam.
Mrs Oak. Bid him come here.
Toil. Yes, madam.

[Exit TOIL. Mrs Oak. He is certainly gone after this young flirt. His confidence, and the major's insolence, provoke me beyond expression.

Re-enter TOILET with PARIS.

Where's your master?

Par. Il est sorti.

Mrs Oak. Where is he gone?

Par. Ah, madame, je n'en scai rien. I know noting of it.

Mrs Oak. Nobody knows any thing. Why did not you tell me he was going out?

Par. I dress him-Je ne m'en soucie pas du plus-He go where he will-I have no bisnes wis it.

Mrs Oak. Yes, you should have told me→→ that was your business---and if you don't mind your business better, you shan't stay here, I can tell you, sir.

Par. Voila! quelque chose d'extraordinaire! Mrs Oak. Don't stand jabbering and shrugging your shoulders, but go, and inquire--goand bring me word where he is gone.

Par. I don't know what I am do.---I'll ask John.

Mrs Oak. Bid John come to me.

Par. De tout mon cœur.-Jean! ici! JeanSpeak my ladi. [Exit.

Mrs Oak. Impudent fellow! His insolent gravity and indifference is insupportableToilet !

Mrs Oak. Suppose! Don't you know? John. I believe so, but can't tell for certain, indeed, madam.

Mrs Oak. Believe, and suppose !---and don't know, and can't tell !------You are all fools.Go about your business. [JOHN going.]-Come here. [Returns.] Go the major's---no--it does not signifygo along---[JOHN going.]---Yes, hark'e, [Returns.] go to the major's, and see if your master is there.

John. Give your compliments, madam ?

Mrs Oak. My compliments, blockhead! Get along! [JOHN going.] Come hither. [Returns.] Can't you go to the major's, and bring me word if Mr Oakly is there, without taking any further notice?

John. Yes, madam.

Mrs Oak. Well, why don't you go, then? And make haste back.- -And d'ye hear, John? [JOHN going, returns.

John. Madam?

Mrs Oak. Nothing at all-go along [JOHN goes.]-How uncasy Mr Oakly makes me!Hark'e, John! [JOHN returns.]

John. Madam!

Mrs Oak. Send the porter here.

John. Yes, madam.

[Erit.

Toil. So, she's in a rare humour! I shall have a fine time on't.-[Aside.]— ship choose to dress?

Har. Alas! I have too much cause for my uneasiness. Who knows what that vile lord has done with my father?

Oak. Be comforted, madam; we shall soon hear of Mr Russet, and all will be well, I dare say. Har. You are too good to me, sir :- -But I can assure you, I am not a little concerned on your account, as well as my own; and if I did not flatter myself with hopes of explaining every thing to Mrs Oakly's satisfaction, I should never forgive myself for having disturbed the peace of such a worthy family.

Maj. Don't mind that, madam; They'll be very good friends again. This is nothing among married people.-'Sdeath, here she is!—No, -it's only Mrs Toilet.

Enter TOILET.

Mrs Oak. Piithee, creature, don't tease me with your fiddle-faddle stuff-I have a thousand things to think of.- -Where is the porter? Why has not that booby sent him? What is the meaning

Re-enter JOHN.

John. Madam, my master is this moment returned with Major Oakly, and my young master, and the lady that was here yesterday.

Mrs Oak. Very well. [Erit JOHN.] Returned!—yes, truly, he is returned-and in a very extraordinary manner. This is setting me at open defiance. But I'll go down, and shew them I have too much spirit to endure such usage. -[Going.]-Or stay-I'll not go amongst his company-I'll go out.--- -Toilet!

Toil. Madam!

[Exit TOILET.

Maj. That's right. Oak. Suppose I go, and watch how she proceeds?

Maj. What d'ye mean? You would not go to her? Are you mad?

Oak. By no means go to her--I only want to know how she takes it. I'll lie perdue in my study, and observe her motions.

Maj. I don't like this pitiful ambuscade-work -this bush-fighting. Why can't you stay here? bounce in upon you with a torrent of anger and -Ay, ay- I know how it will be-She'll come passion, or, if necessary, a whole flood of tears, and carry all before her at once.

Oak. You shall find that you're mistaken, to be void of humanity, that I am destitute of major.-Don't imagine, that, because I wish not resolution. Now I am convinced I'm in the right, I'll support that right with ten times your steadi

Rus. Ay, ay, it is too plain.-O you provoking slut! Elopement after elopement! And at last to have your father carried off by violence! To endanger my life! Zounds! I am so angry. I dare not trust myself within reach of you.

Cha. I can assure you, sir, that your daughter is entirely

Rus. You assure me? You are the fellow that has perverted her mind- -That has set my own child against me

I'll have

Cha. If you will but hear me, sirRus. I won't hear a word you say. my daughter-I won't hear a word. Maj. Nay, Mr Russet, hear reason. If you will but have patience

Rus. I'll have no patience- I'll have my daughter, and she shall marry sir Harry to-night. Lord Trink. That is dealing rather too much en cavalier with me, Mr Russet, 'pon honour. You take no notice of my pretensions, though my rank and family

Rus. What care I for rank and family? I don't want to make my daughter a rantipole woman of quality. I'll give her to whom I please. Take her away, sir Harry; she shall marry you to-night.

Har. For Heaven's sake, sir, hear me but a moment!

Rus. Hold your tongue, girl. Take her away, sir Harry; take her away.

Cha. It must not be.

Maj. Only three words, Mr Russet!
Rus. Why don't the booby take her?

Sir Har. Hold hard, hold hard! You are all on a wrong scent: Hold hard! I say, hold hard! -Hark ye, squire Russet.

Rus. Well! what now?

Sir Har. It was proposed, you know, to match me with Miss Harriot-But she can't take kindly to me. When one has made a bad bet, it is best to hedge off, you know-and so I have e'en swopped her with Lord Trinket here for his brown horse Nabob, that he bought of Lord WhistleJacket for fifteen hundred guineas.

Rus. Swopped her? Swopped my daughter for a horse? Zouns, sir, what d'ye mean?

Sir Har. Mean? Why, I mean to be off, to be sure-It won't do I tell you, it won't doFirst of all, I knocked up myself and my horses, when they took for London-and now I have been stewed aboard a tender-I have wasted

Rus. Death and the devil! I shall go distracted. My daughter plotting against me—the

Maj. Come, come, Mr Russet, I am your man after all. Give me but a moment's hearing, and I'll engage to make peace between you and your daughter, and throw the blame where it ought to fall most deservedly.

Sir Har. Ay, ay, that's right. Put the saddle on the right horse, my buck!

Rus. Well, sir!-What d'ye say?—SpeakI don't know what to do

Maj. I'll speak the truth, let who will be offended by it. I have proof presumptive and positive for you, Mr Russet. From his lordship's behaviour at lady Freelove's, when my nephew rescued her, we may fairly conclude, that he would stick at no measures to carry his point. There's proof presumptive. But, sir, we can give you proof positive, too-proof under his lordship's own hand, that he, likewise, was the contriver of the gross affront that has just been offered you.

Rus. Hey! how?

Lord Trink. Every syllable romance, 'pon ho

nour.

Maj. Gospel, every word on't.

Cha. This letter will convince you, sir!-In consequence of what happened at lady Freelove's, his lordship thought fit to send me a challenge: but the messenger blundered, and gave me this letter instead of it. [Giving the letter.] I have the case which inclosed it in my pocket.

Lord Trink, Forgery, from beginning to end, 'pon honour.

Maj. Truth, upon my honour. But read, read, Mr Russet, read, and be convinced. Rus. Let me seee-let me see -[Reading.]— Um-um-um-um-so, so !-um-um-umdamnation!-Wish me success-obedient slave— Trinket.- -Fire and fury! How dare you do this?

Lord Trink. When you are cool, Mr Russet, I will explain this matter to you.

Rus. Cool! 'Sdeath and hell!-I'll never be cool again--I'll be revenged-So my Harriot, my dear girl, is innocent at last. Say so, my Harriot; tell me you are innocent! [Embracing her.

Har. I am, indeed, sir; and happy beyond expression, at your being convinced of it. Rus. I am glad on't-I'm glad on't-I believe you, Harriot! You was always a good girl.

Maj. So she is, an excellent girl!—Worth a regiment of such lords and baronets-Come, sir, finish every thing handsomely at once. ComeCharles will have a handsome fortune.

Rus. Marry! She durst not do it. Maj. Consider, sir, they have long been fond of each other-old acquaintance-faithful lovers -turtles and may be very happy.

Rus. Well, well-since things are so-I love my girl. Hark'e, young Oakly, if you don't make ber a good husband, you'll break my heart, you rogue.

my friend Charles here?-The letter! Charles! Out with it this instant!

Cha. Yes, I have the credentials of her ladyship's integrity in my pocket.—Mr Russet, the letter you read a little while ago was inclosed in this cover, which also I now think it my duty to put into your hands.

Rus. [Reading.] To the right honourable la

Cha. Mrs Oakly, at your ladyship's service.
Lady Free. Married?

Har. Not yet, madam; but my father has been so good as to give his consent.

Lady Free. I protest I am prodigiously glad of it. My dear, I give you joy-and you, Mr Oakly. I wish you joy, Mr Russet, and all the good company-for I think the most of them are parties concerned.

Maj. How easy, impudent, and familiar!

[Aside. Lady Free. Lord Trinket here, too! I vow I did not see your lordship before.

Lord Trink. Your ladyship's most obedient slave. [Bowing. Lady Free. You scem grave, my lord-Come, come, I know there has been some difference between you and Mr Oakly-You must give me leave to be a mediator in this affair.

Lord Trink. Here has been a small fracas to be sure, madam!-We are all blown, 'pon ho

nour.

Lady Free. Blown! What do you mean, my lord?

Lord Trink. Nay, your ladyship knows that I never mind these things, and I know that they never discompose your ladyship-But things have happened a little en travers-The little billet I sent your ladyship has fallen into the hands of that gentleman-Pointing to CHARLES]-and so-there has been a little brouillerie about itthat's all.

Lady Free. You talk to me, my lord, in a very extraordinary style-If you have been guilty of any misbehaviour, I am sorry for it; but your ill conduct can fasten no imputation on me. Miss Russet will justify me sutliciently.

Maj. Had not your ladyship better appeal to

recollect, the letter itself was pieced with scraps of French, and madam, and your ladyship-Fire and fury! madam, how came you to use me so? I am obliged to you, then, for the insult that has been offered me?

Lady Free. What is all this? Your obligations to me, Mr Russet, are of a nature that

Rus. Fine obligations! I dare say I am partly obliged to you, too, for the attempt on my daughter, by that thing of a lord yonder at your house. Zouns! madam, these are injuries never to be forgiven- -They are the grossest affronts to me and my family-All the word shall know them-Zouns!—I'll

Lady Free. Mercy on me! how boisterous are these country gentlemen! Why really, Mr Russet, you rave like a man in Bedlam-I am afraid you'll beat me-and then you swear most abominably. How can you be so vulgar?-I see the meaning of this low malice- But the reputations of women of quality are not so easily impeached-My rank places me above the scandal of little people, and I shall meet such petty insolence with the greatest ease and tranquillity. But you and your simple girl will be the sufferers. I had some thoughts of introducing her into the first company-But now, madam, I shall neither receive, nor return your visits, and will entirely withdraw my protection from the ordinary part of the family. Exit.

Rus. Zouns, what impudence! that's worse than all the rest.

Lord Trink. Fine presence of mind, faith!— The true French nonchalance-But, good folks, why such a deal of rout and tapage about nothing at all?-If Mademoiselle Harriot had rather be Mrs Oakly than lady Trinket-Why, I wish her joy, that's all. Mr Russet, I wish you joy of your son-in-law-Mr Oakly, I wish you joy of the lady-and you, madam, [To HARRIOT.] of the gentleman-And, in short, I wish you all joy of one another, 'pon honour! [Exit.

Rus. There's a fine fellow of a lord now! The devil's in your London folks of the first fashion, as you call them. They will rob you of your estate, debauch your neighbour, or lie with your wife-and all as if they were doing you a favour, 'pon honour!

Maj. Hey! what now?

[Bell rings violently.

Enter OAKLY.

Oak. D'ye, hear, major? d'ye hear?

me.

Maj. Did not I always tell you so? It's the way with them all-they will be rough and smooth, and hot and cold, and all in a breath.-Any thing to get the better of us.

Oak. She is in all moods at present, I promise you-I am at once angry and ashamed of her ; and yet she is so ridiculous, I can't help laughing at her-There has she been in her chamber, fuming and fretting, and dispatching a messenger to me every two minutes-servant after servant -now she insists on my coming to her-now, again, she writes a note to entreat-then, Toilet is sent to let me know that she is ill, absolutely dying-then, the very next minute, she'll never see my face again-she'll go out of the house directly. [Bell rings.] Again! now the storm rises! Maj. It will soon drive this way, then-now, brother, prove yourself a man- -You have gone

too far to retreat.

Oak. Retreat!- -Retreat!- -No, no!-I'll preserve the advantage I have gained, I am determined.

Maj. Ay, ay! keep your ground! fear nothing-up with your noble heart! Good discipline makes good soldiers; stick close to my advice, and you may stand buff to a tigress

Oak. Here she is, by Heavens!-now, brother!

Maj. And now, brother! Now or never!

Enter MRS OAKLY.

Mrs Oak. I think, Mr Oakly, you might have had humanity enough to have come to see how I did. You have taken your leave, I suppose, of all tenderness and affection-but I'll be calmI'll not throw myself into a passion-you want to drive me out of your house-I see what you aim at, and will be aforehand with you-let me keep my temper! I'll send for a chair, and leave the house this instant.

Oak. True, my love! I knew you would not think of dining in your chamber alone, when I had company below.

You shall sit at the head

of the table, as you ought, to be sure, as you say, and make my friends welcome.

Mrs Oak. Excellent raillery! Look ye, Mr Oakly, I see the meaning of all this affected coolness and indifference.

Oak. My dear, consider where you are

Mrs Ouk. You would be glad, I find, to get me out of your house, and have all your flirts aout you.

Oak. Before all this company! Fy!

Oak. Was ever any thing—

Mrs Oak. But it won't do, sir. You shall find that I will have my own way, and that I will govern my own family.

Oak. You had better learn to govern yourself by half. Your passion makes you ridiculous.-Did ever any body see so much fury and violence? affronting your best friends, breaking my peace, and disconcerting your own temper. And all for what? For nothing. 'Sdeath, madam! at these years, you ought to know better.

Mrs Oak. At these years! Very fine!—Am I to be talked to in this manner?

Oak. Talked to! Why not? Yon have talked to me long enough-almost talked me to death -and I have taken it all in hopes of making you quiet-but all in vain; for the more one bears, the worse you are. Patience, I find, is all thrown away upon you; and henceforward, come what may, I am resolved to be master of my own house.

Mrs Oak. So, so! Master, indeed! Yes, sir, and you'll take care to have mistresses enough, too, I warrant you.

Oak. Perhaps I may; but they shall be quiet ones, I can assure you.

Mrs Oak. Indeed! And do you think I am such a tame fool as to sit quietly and bear all this? You shall know, sir, that I will resent this behaviour- -You shall find that I have a spirit

Oak. Of the devil.

Mrs Oak. Intolerable! You shall find, then, that I will exert that spirit. I am sure I have need of it. As soon as the house is once cleared again, I'll shut my doors against all company. You shan't see a single soul for this month.

Oak. 'Sdeath, madam, but I will! I'll keep open house for a year. I'll send cards to the whole town-Mr Oakly's route! All the world will come-and I'll go among the world, too— I'll be mewed up no longer.

Mrs Oak. Provoking insolence! This is not to be endured-Look'e, Mr Oakly

Oak. And look'e, Mrs Oakly, I will have my

own way.