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Lou. Presuming fool! were I inclined to save her life, (which, by my hopes of peace, I do not mean) canst thou believe this insolent concern for her to my face would not provoke my vengeance?

Car. Yet hold! forgive my rashness, I was to blame, indeed; but passion has transported both of us.

Lou. How he disarms my anger! But must my rival triumph, then?

Ang. Charge me not with such abhorred ingratitude: be witness, Heaven, I'll for ever serve you, court you, and confess you my preserver.

Car. For pity, yet resolve, and force your temper to a moment's pause. See, at your feet, my humbled scorn imploring, crushed, and prostrate, like a vile slave, that falls below your last contempt, and, trembling, begs for mercy.

Lou. He buries my revenge in blushes. Now, live long and happily; forgive my follies past, and you have overpaid me. [Joins their hands.

D. Lew. What, my little blossom! my gilliflower! my rose! my pink! my tulip! faith, I must smell thee. [Salutes ANGELINA.] Odd, she's a delicate nosegay! I must have her touzed a little-Charles, you must gather to-night: I can stay no longer—Well, faith, I am heartily joyed to see thee, child.

Ang. I thank you, sir, and wish I may deserve your love: our fortune, once again, is kind;

but how it comes about

D. Lew. Does not signify three-pence; when fortune pays me a visit, I seldom trouble myself to know which way she came -I tell you, I am glad to see you.

Enter JAQUES.

Jaq. Madam, here's the lord governor come to wait upon your ladyship. Lou. At this late hour! What can his business be? Desire his lordship to walk in.

it.

Enter GOVERNOR.

Car. My Angelina! do I then live to hold thee thus? Oh, I have a thousand things to say, to ask, Gov. Pardon, madam, this unseasonable visit. to weep, and hear of thee-But, first, let's kneel Lou. Your lordship does me honour. and pay our thanks to Heaven, and this our kind Gov. At least, I hope, my business will excuse preserver. Some strangers, here below, upon their ofLou. Nay, now, you give me a confusion.fered oaths, demanded my authority to search [Raises them.] But if you dare trust me with the your house for a lost young lady, to whom the story of your love's distress, as far as my fortune one of them affirms himself the father: but the can, command it freely to supply your present respect I owe your ladyship, made me refuse wants, or any future means proposed to give you their search, till I had spoken with you. lasting happiness.

Car. Eternal rounds of never-ending peace reward your wondrous bounty!--But I have been too busy in my joy; I almost had forgot my friendly uncle, the ancient gentleman that first came hither with me; how have you disposed of him?

Lou. I think he's here, and safe--who waits there? [Enter JAQUES.] Release the gentleman above, and tell him, that his friends desire him. [Exit JAQUES.] You'll pardon, sir, the treatment I have shewn him; he made a little too merry with my folly, which, I confess, at that time, something too far incensed me.

Car. He's old and cheerful, apt to be free; but he'll be sorry when his humour gives offence.

Enter DON LEWIS, JAQUES bowing to him. D. Lew. Prithee, honest Dumb, don't be so ceremonious. A pox on thee! I tell thee its very well as it is, (only my jaws ache a little :) but as long as we're all friends, its no great matterMy dear Charles, I must buss thee, faith!-Madam, your humble servantpardon, d'ye sce--you understand me?` [Exit JAQUES.

-I beg your

Lou. I hope we are all friends, sir. D. Lew. I hope we are, madam- -I am an honest old fellow, faith: though, now and then, I'm a little odd, too.

Car. Here's a stranger, uncle,

Ang. It must be they- -Now, madam, your protection, or we yet are lost.

Lou. Be not concerned! would you avoid them?

Car. No, we must be found; let them have entrance; we have an honest cause, and would provoke its trial.

Lou. Conduct the gentlemen without. [Erit JAQUES.] My lord, I'll answer for their honesty; and, as they are strangers, where the law's severe, must beg you'd favour and assist them.

Gov. You may command me, madam; though there's no great fear: for having heard the most that they could urge against them, I found, in their complaints, more spleen and humour than any just appearance of a real injury.

Enter CHARINO, ANTONIO, and CLODIO.
Cha. I'll have justice.

Ant. Don't be too hot, brother.
Cha. Sir, I demand justice.

Car. My father! Sir, your pardon and your blessing.

Ant. Why, truly, Charles, I begin to be a little reconciled to the matter; I wish you well, though I can't join you together; for my friend and brother here is very obstinate, and will admit of no satisfaction: but, however, Heaven will bless you, in spite of his teeth.

Cha. This is all contrivance, roguery! I am abused! I say, deliver my daughter she is an

heiress, sir; and to detain her is a rape in law,
sir, and I'll have you all hanged; therefore, no
more delays, sir; for I tell you beforehand, I am
a wise man, and 'tis impossible to trick me.
Ant. I say, you are too positive, brother; and
when you learn more wisdom, you'll have some.
Cha. I say, brother, this is mere malice, when
you know, in your own conscience, I have ten
times your understanding; for you see I am quite
of another opinion: and so, once more, my lord,
I demand justice against that ravisher.

Gov. Does your daughter, sir, complain of any violence?

Cha. Your lordship knows young girls never complain, when the violence is over; he has taught her better, I suppose.

Ang. [To CHARINO, kneeling.] Sir, you are my father, bred me, cherished me, gave me my affections, taught me to keep them hitherto within the bounds of honour and of virtue; let me conjure you, by the chaste love my mother bore you, when she preferred, to her mistaken parents' choice, her being yours without a dower, not to bestow my person, where those affections ne'er can follow-I cannot love that gentleman more than a sister ought; but here my heart's subdued, even to the last compliance with my fortune: he, sir, has nobly wooed, and won me; and I am only his, or miserable.

Cha. Get up again.

Gov. Come, sir, be persuaded; your daughter has made an honourable and happy choice; this severity will but expose yourself and her.

Cha. My lord, I don't want advice: I'll consider with myself, and resolve upon my own opinion.

Enter JAQUES.

Jaq. My lord, here's a stranger without, enquires for your lordship, and for a gentleman that calls himself Clodio.

Clo. Hey! Ah, mon cher ami!

Enter DON DUART, disguised.

Well, what news, my dear? Has she answered
my
letter!

D. Du. There, sir- This to your lordship.
[Gives him a letter, and whispers.
Gov. Married to night! and to this gentleman,
sayest thou? I'm amazed!

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This business is all at an end-for, look you, I
find your daughter's engaged; and, to tell you
the truth, so am I, faith. If my brother has a
mind to marry her, let him; for I shall not, split
me-And now, gentlemen and ladies, if you
will do me the honour to grace mine and the la-
dy Elvira's wedding, such homely entertainment,
as my poor house affords, you shall be all hearti-
ly welcome to.

D. Lew. Thy house! ha, ha! Well said, puppy!
Clo. Ha! old Testy !

Cha. What dost thou mean, man?

[TO CLODIO. Gov. 'Tis even so, I can assure you, sir; I have, myself, an invitation from the lady's own hand, that confirms it: I know her fortune well, and am surprised at it.

Ang. Blessed news! This seems a forward step to reconcile us all.

Cha. If this be true, my lord, I have been thinking to no purpose; my design is all broke to pieces.

Ant. Come, brother, we'll mend it as well as we can; and since that young rogue has rudely turned tail upon your daughter, I'll fill up the blank with Charles's name, and let the rest of the settlement stand as it was.

Cha. Hold! I'll first see this wedding, and then give you my final resolution.

Clo. Come, ladies, if you please, my friend will shew you.

Lou. Sir, we wait upon you.

Cha. This wedding's an odd thing.
D. Lew. Ha, ha! if it should be a lie, now.

SCENE III-ELVIRA's apartment.

[Exeunt.

-ELVIRA

alone, with CLODIO's letter in her hand.

Elv. At how severe a price do women purchase an unspotted fame, when even the justest title cannot assure possession? When we reflect upon the insolent and daily wrongs, which men and scandal throw upon our actions, 'twere enough to make an honest mind despair: If we are fair and chaste, we are proud; if free, we are wanton; cold, we are cunning; and if kind, forsaken-nothing we do or think on, be the motive ever so just or generous, but still the malice, or the guilt of men, interprets to our shame. Why D. Du. Here is her choice, my lord. should this stranger, else, this wretched stranger, Clo. [Reading the latter.]-Um-um-charms whose forfeit life I rashly saved, presume, from -irresistible excuse-so soon--passion--blushes that mistaken charity, to tempt me with his love? -consent-provision-children-settlementmarriage-If this is not plain, the devil's in'tHold, here's more, faith- [Reads to himself. Gov. 'Tis very sudden-but give my service, I'll wait upon her.

Clo. Ha, ha, ha! poor soul! I'll be with her presently; and, faith, since I have made my own fortune, I'll e'en patch up my brother's, too. Hark you, my dear dad, that should ha' been

Enter a Servant.

Hark! what music's that?

[Flourish.

Serv. Madam, the gentlemen are come.
Elv. "Tis well; are the officers ready?
Serv. Yes, madam, and know your ladyship's

orders.

Elv. Conduct the company. Now, justice shall

uncloud my fame, and see my brother's death revenged.

Enter hautboys playing, CLODIO singing, D. DUART, GOVERNOR, D. MANUEL, LOUISA, CARLOS, ANGELINA, ANTONIO, CHARINO, and D. LEWIS.

Clo. Well, madam, you see I'm punctualyou've nicked your man, faith; I'm always critical-to a minute. You'll never stay for me. Ladies and gentlemen, I desire you'll do me the honour of being better acquainted here—my lord-Gov. Give you joy, madam.

Clo. Nay, madam, I have brought you some near relations of my own, too-This Don Antonio, who will shortly have the honour to call you daughter.

Ant. The young rogue has made a pretty choice, faith!

D. Du. Ha!

Gov. What can this mean?

Clo. Gads me! what, is my deary in her frolics already?

Elo. And now, my lord, your justice on that murderer.

Gov. How, madam !

Clo. That bitch, my fortune!

D. Lew. Madam, upon my knees, I beg you don't carry the jest too far; but if there be any real hopes of his having a halter, let's know it in three words, that I may be sure at once for ever, that no earthly thing but a reprieve can save him. [Apart to ELVIRA.

Ant. Pray, madan, who accuses him?
Elv. His own confession, sir.
Cha. Of murder, say you, madam?
Elv. The murder of my brother.

Gov. Where was that confession made?
Elv. After the fact was done, my lord, this

Clo. This Don Charino, who was very near having the honour of calling me son. This my el-man, pursued by justice, took shelter here, and, der brother-and this my noble uncle, Don Choleric Snapshorto de Testy. D. Lew. Puppy! Clo. Peevish!

D. Lew. Madam, I wish you joy with all my heart; but, truly, I can't much advise you to marry this gentleman; because, in a day or two, you'll really find him extremely shocking: those, that know him, generally give him the title of Don Dismallo Thickscullo de Halfwitto.

Clo. Well said, nuncle-ha, ha!

D. Du. Are you provided of a priest, sir? Clo. Ay, ay, pox on him! would he were come, though!

D. Du. So would I; I want the cue to act this justice, on my honour; yet I cannot read the folly in her looks. [Aside. Gov. You have surprised us, madam, by this sudden marriage.

lord.

Elo. I may yet surprise you more, my D. Du. Sir, don't you think your bride looks melancholy?

Clo. Ay, poor fool, she's modest-but I have a cure for that-Well, my princess, why that demure look, now ?

Elv. I was thinking, sirClo. I know what you think of-You don't think at all-You don't know what to thinkYou neither see, hear, feel, smell, nor tasteYou han't the right use of one of your sensesIn short, you have it. Now, my princess, have not I nicked it?

Elv. I am sorry, sir, you know so little of self, or me.

Enter a Servant.

Serv. Madam, the priest is come.

your

Elo. Let him wait, we've no occasion yet― Within, there-scize him.

[Several Officers rush in, who seize CLODIO, and bind him.

VOL. II.

trembling, begged of me for my protection; he seemed, indeed, a stranger, and his complaints so pitiful, that I, little suspicious of my brother's death, promised, by a rash and solemn vow, I would conceal him: which vow, Heaven can witness with what distraction in my thoughts I strictly kept, and paid; but he, alas! mistaking this my hospitable charity, for the effects of a most vile, preposterous love, proceeds upon his error, and in his letter, here, addresses me for marriage; which I, once having paid my vow, answered in such prevailing terms, upon his folly, as now have, unprotected, drawn him into the hands of justice.

D. Du. She is innocent, and well has disappointed my revenge. [Aside.

D. Lew. So, now, I am a little easy-the puppy will be hanged.

Gov. Give me leave, madam, to ask you yet some farther questions.

Clo. Ay,-I shall be hanged, I believe.

Cha. Nay, then, 'tis time to take care of my daughter; for I am convinced that my friend Clody is disposed of—and so, without compliment, do you see, children, Heaven bless you together.

[Joins CARLOS and ANGELINA's hands. Car. This, sir, is a time unfit to thank you as we ought.

Ant. Well, brother, I thank you, however; Charles is an honest lad, and well deserves her; but poor Clody's ill fortune I could never have suspected.

D. Lew. Why, you would be positive, though you know, brother, I always told you, Dismal would be hanged; I must plague him a little, because the dog has been pert with me -Clody, how dost thou do? Ha! why you are tied!

Clo. I hate this old fellow, split me!

D. Lew. Thou hast really made a damned

2 I

blunder here, child, to invite so many people to a marriage-knot, and, instead of that, it is like to be one under the left ear.

Clo. I'd fain have him die.

D. Lew. Well, my dear, I'll provide for thy going off, however; let me see-you'll only have occasion for a nosegay, a pair of white gloves, and a coffin: look you, take you no care about the surgeons, you shall not be anatomized-I'll get the body off with a wet finger-Though, methinks, I'd fain see the inside of the puppy,

too.

Clo. Oh, rot him! I can't bear this. D. Lew. Well, I won't trouble you any more now, child; if I am not engaged, I don't know but I may come to the tree, and sing a stave or two with thee-Nay, I'll rise on purposethough you will hardly suffer before twelve o'clock, neither-ay, just about twelve-about twelve you'll be turned off.

Clo. Oh, curse consume him!

Gov. I am convinced, madam; the fact appears too plain.

D. Lew. Yes, yes, he'll suffer. [Aside. Gov. What says the gentleman? Do you confess the fact, sir?

Clo. Will it do me any good, my lord?

Gov. Perhaps it may, if you can prove it was not done in malice.

Clo. Why, then, to confess the truth, my lord, I did pink him, and am sorry for it; but it was none of my fault, split me.

Elo. Now, my lord, your justice.

D. Du. Hold, madam, that remains in me to give; for know, your brother lives, and happy in the proof of such a sister's virtue.

[Discovers himself. Elo. My brother! Oh, let my wonder speak my joy! Clo. Hey!

[CLODIO and his friends seem surprised. Gov. Don Duart! living and well! How came this strange recovery?

:

D. Du. My body's health the surgeon has restored but here's the true physician of my mind: the hot, distempered blood, which lately rendered me offensive to mankind, his just, resenting sword let forth, which gave me leisure to reflect upon my follies past; and, by reflection, to reformn.

Elv. This is indeed a happy change.
Gov. Release the gentleman.

Clo. Here, Testy, prithee do so much as untie this a little.

D. Lew. Why, so I will, sirrah; I find thou hast done a mettled thing; and I don't know whether it is worth my while to be shocked at thee any longer.

Elv. I ask your pardon for the wrong I have done you, sir; and blush to think how much I owe you, for a brother thus restored.

Clo. Madam, your very humble servant; it is mighty well as it is.

| D. Du. We are, indeed, his debtors both; and sister, there's but one way now of being grateful. For my sake, give him such returns of love, as he may yet think fit to ask, or you, with modesty, can answer.

Clo. Sir, I thank you; and when you don't think it impudence in me to wish myself well with your sister, I shall beg leave to make use of your friendship.

D. Du. This modesty commends you, sir.

Ant. Sir, you have proposed like a man of honour; and if the lady can but like it, she shall find those among us, that will make up a fortune to deserve her.

Car. I wish my brother well; and as I once offered him to divide my birth-right, I'm ready still to put my words into perfor

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Elo. This is no trifle, brother; allow me a convenient time to think, and if the gentleman continues to deserve your friendship, he shall not much complain I am his enemy.

D. Lew. So, now it will be a wedding again, faith!

Car. Come, my Angelina, Our bark, at length, has found a quiet harbour, And the distressful voyage of our loves Ends not alone in safety, but reward. Now we unlade our freight of happiness, Of which, from thee alone my share's derived; For all my former search in deep philosophy, Not knowing thee, was a mere dream of life: But love, in one soft moment, taught me more Than all the volumes of the learned could reach; Gave me the proof, when nature's birth began, To what great end the ETERNAL formed a man.

[Exeunt.

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SCENE I-A chocolate house. MIRABELL and FAINALL, rising from cards. BETTY waiting.

Mira. You are a fortunate man, Mr Fainall. Fain. Have we done?

Mira. What you please. I'll play on to entertain you.

Fain. No, I'll give you your revenge another time, when you are not so indifferent; you are thinking of something else now, and play too negligently; the coldness of a losing gamester lessens the pleasure of the winner. I'd no more play with a man, that slighted his ill fortune, than I'd make love to a woman, who undervalued the loss of her reputation.

Mira. You have a taste extremely delicate, and are for refining on your pleasures.

Fain. Prithee, why so reserved? something has put you out of humour.

Mira. Not at all: I happen to be grave today; and you are gay; that's all,

Fain. Confess, Millamant and you quarrelled last night, after I left you; my fair cousin has some humours, that would tempt the patience of a stoic. What, some coxcomb came in, and was well received by her, while you were by?

Mira. Witwould and Petulant! and what was worse, her aunt, your wife's mother, my evil genius; or, to sum up all in her own name, my old lady Wishfort came in

Fain. O, there it is, then!passion for you, and with reason my wife was there?

-She has a lasting -What! then

Mira. Yes, and Mrs Marwood, and three or four more, whom I never saw before; seeing me, they all put on their grave faces, whispered one another, then complained aloud of the vapours, and after, fell into a profound silence.

Fain. They had a mind to be rid of you.

Mira. For which reason, I resolved not to stir. At last, the good old lady broke through her painful taciturnity with an invective against long visits. I would not have understood her, but Millamant

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