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Enter SOPHIA, in a surtout, and slouched hat.

Daf. [Running to them with his sword drawn.] O, my'friends, I have been wishing for you this Soph. If I could but catch her at her pranks-half hour! I have been set upon by a dozen fellows-They have all made their escape, but this My arm is quite dead-I have been at cart and tierce with them all, for near a quarter of an hour.

she certainly must be this way-for the chair is waiting at the end of Rosamond's pond-I have thrown one of her chairman into it-and, if I could but catch her

Tuke. O, sir! my passion has undone me-I am discoved; it is my husband, Sir George, and he is looking for me!

Daf. The devil it is! Why, then, madam, the best way will be for you to go to him--and let me sneak off the other way.

Tuke. Go to him, sir! What can I say to him? Daf. Any thing, madam-Say you had the vapours, and wanted air,

Tuke. Lord, sir! he is the most passionate of mortals; and I am afraid he is in liquor, too; and, than, he is mad!.

Soph. If I could but catch her

[Looking about. Daf. For your sake, madam, I'll make the best of my way home[Going. Tuke. What! would you leave me to the fury of an enraged husband!-Is that your affection! [Holds him. Soph. If I could but catch her-Ha! what's that? I saw something move in the dark-the point of my sword shall tickle it out, whatever it is. [Draws, and goes towards them. Tuke. For Heaven's sake draw, and fight him, while I make my escape!

Daf. Fight him! 'twould be cowardly to fight in the dark, and with a drunken man-I'll call the sentry.

Tuke. And expose us to the world?

Daf. I would to Heaven we were! [Aside. He comes forward.] Let me go, madam; you pinch me to the bone.

on.

Tuke. He won't know us-I have my mask

Ladies. Ha, ha, ha!

Soph. What, is the devil and his imps playing at blind man's buff? Ay, ay; here he is, indeed; Satan himself, dressed like a fine gentleman-Come, Mr. Devil, out with your pitchfork, and let us take a thrust or two.

Daf. You mistake me, sir, I am not the person; indeed, I am not; I know nothing of your wife, Sir George; and if you knew how little I care for the whole sex, you would not be so furious with an innocent man.

Soph. Who are you, then? And what are you doing with that blackamoor lady there-dancing a saraband with a pair of castanets? Speak, sir!

Daf. Pray, forbear, sir; here's company coming that will satisfy you in every thing-Hallo, hallo-Here, here, here! [Hallo's faintly.] my lord, my lord!-Spinner-Dizzy-Hallo!

Enter LORD RACKET, SIR TANTIVY, SPINNER, and Dizzy, with torches.

Lord Rac. What's the matter here?-Who calls for help?

Soph. In buckram, my lord !—He was got with my property here, and I would have chastised him for it, if your coming had not prevented it. Daf. Let us throw the rascal into Rosamond's pond.

Lord Rac. Come, sir, can you swim?

[All going up. TUKELY snatches SOPHIA'S sword, and she runs behind him. Tuke. I'll defend you, my dear!--What, would you murder a man, and lie with his wife, too?Oh! you are a wicked gentleman, Mr. Daffodil.

[Attacks DAFFODIL.

Daf. Why, the devil's in the woman, I think! [All the Ladies advance from behind. Ladies. Ha, ha, ha! your humble servant, Mr. Daffodil-ha, ha, ha! [Curtsying.

Daf. This is all enchantment!

Lady Pew. No, sir, the enchantment is broke; and the old maid, sir, homely and wanton, before she retires into the country, has the satisfaction of knowing, that the agreeable Mr. Daffodil is a much more contemptible mortal, than the footman which his goodness has been pleased to marry her to.

Ladies. Ha, ha, ha!

Mrs. Damp. Would Mr. Daffodil please to have a pinch of Spanish snuff out of the great mogul's box? "Tis the best thing in the world for low spirits. [Offers her box.

Ladies. Ha, ha, ha!

Mrs. Dot. If a fool may not be permitted to speak, Mr. Daffodil, let her at least be permitted to laugh at so fine a gentleman-Ha, ha, ha!

Ara. Were you as sensible of shame, as you are of fear, the sight of me, whom you loved for pity, would be revenge sufficient-But I can forgive your baseness to me, much easier than I can myself, for my behaviour to this happy couple.

Daf. Who the devil are they?

Ara. The Marquis and Marchioness of Macaroni, ladies-Ha, ha, ha!

Soph. Ha! Mio Carrissimo Amico, il Signior Daffodillo !

Daf. How! Tukely and Sophia!-If I don't wake soon, I shall wish never to wake again! Soph. Who bids fairest now for Rosamond's pond?

Lord Rac. What, in the name of wonder, is all this business? I don't understand it.

Diz. Nor I neither; but 'tis very drole, faith! Tuke. The mystery will clear in a moment. Daf. Don't give yourself any trouble, Mr. Tukely; things are pretty clear as they are The night's cool, and my cousin Dizzy, here, is an invalid-If you please, another time, when there is less company.-[Ladies laugh.]—The ladies are pleased to be merry, and you are pleased

to be a little angry; and so, for the sake of tran- | viour to me, as it has hastened and confirmed my quillity, I'll go to the opera. happiness here. [To SOPHIA.]-But, as a friend to you ladies, I shall insist upon his making you ample satisfaction: However, this benefit will arise, that you will hereafter equally detest and shun these destroyers of your reputation.

[DAFFODIL Sneaks out by degrees. Lord Rac. This is a fine blow up, indeed!Ladies, your humble servant-Hallo! Daffodil. [Exit. Diz. I'll lay you a hundred, that my cousin never intrigues again-George! George! Don't run-hugh-hugh[Exit.

Tuke. As my satisfaction is complete, I have none to ask of Mr. Daffodil. I forgive his beha- |

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my uncle is a little unhappy in his manner; I suppose the reason of this gentleman's visit but, I'll clear the matter in a moment-Miss to me? Harriet, sir-your ward

Sir Cha. Get away, you puppy ! Young Cla. Miss Harriet, sir, your ward a most accomplishsd young lady, to be sureSir Cha. Thou art a most accomplished coxcomb, to be sure!

Heart. Pray, Sir Charles, let the young gentleman speak.

Miss Har. Sir!

[To HARRIET. [Confused. Heart. You may trust me, my dear. Don't be disturbed; I shall not reproach you with any thing but keeping your wishes a secret from me so long.

Miss Har. Upon my word, sir,—Lucy!

Lucy. Well, and Lucy! I'll lay my life 'tis a treaty of marriage! Is that such a dreadful thing? Oh, for shame, madam! Young ladies of fashion are not frightened at such things, now-a days.

Young Cla. You'll excuse me, Mr. Heartly My uncle does not set up for an orator-little confused, or so, sir-You see me what I amBut I ought to ask pardon for the young lady, Heart. [To SIR CHA.]-We have gone too and myself. We are young, sir-I must con- far, sir Charles. We must excuse her delicacy fess we were wrong to conceal it from you-and give her time to recover: I had better but my uncle, I see is pleased to be angry; and, therefore, I shall say no more at pre

sent.

talk with her alone; we will leave her now. Be persuaded that no endeavours shall be wanting on my part, to bring this affair to a happy and speedy conclusion.

Sir Cha. If you don't leave the room this moment, and stay in the garden till I call you- Sir Cha. I shall be obliged to you, Mr. Young Cla. I am sorry I have displeased you Heartly. Young lady, your servant. What -I did not think it was mal-a-propos; but you grace and modesty! She is a most engaging must have your way, uncle-You command-creature, and I shall be proud to make her one I submit-Mr. Heartly. yours. of my family.

[Erit YOUNG CLACKIT.

Sir Cha. Puppy! [Aside.] My nephew's a little unthinking, Mr. Heartly, as you see; and, therefore, I have been a little cautious how I have proceeded in this affair: But, indeed, he has in a manner persuaded me, that your ward and he are not ill-together.

Heart. Indeed! this is the first notice I have had of it, and I cannot conceive why Miss Harriet should conceal it from me; for I have often assured her, that I would never oppose her inclination, though I might endeavour to direct it.

Sir Cha. 'Tis human nature, neighbour. We are so ashamed of our first passion, that we would willingly hide it from ourselves But will you mention my nephew to her?

Heart. I must beg your pardon, Sir Charles. The name of the gentleman whom she chooses must first come from herself. My advice or importunity shall never influence her; If guardians would be less rigorous, young people would be more reasonable; and I am so unfashionable to think, that happiness in marriage can't be bought too dear-I am still on the wrong side of forty, Sir Charles.

Heart. You do us honour, Sir Charles.

[Exeunt SIR CHARLES and HEART. Lucy. Indeed, Miss Harriet, you are very particular; you was tired of the boardingschool, aud yet seem to have no inclination to be married. What can be the meaning of all this? that smirking old gentleman is uncle to Mr. Clackit; and, my life for it, he has made some proposals to your guardian.

Miss Har. Pr'ythee, don't plague me about Mr. Clackit.

Lucy. But why not, miss? though he is a little fantastical, loves to hear himself talk, and is somewhat self-sufficient; you must consider he is young, has been abroad, and keeps good company: the trade will soon be at an end, if young ladies and gentlemen grow over nice and exceptious.

Miss Har. But if I can find one without these faults, I may surely please myself.

Lucy. Without these faults! and is he young, miss?"

Miss Har. He is sensible, modest, polite, affable, and generous; and charms from the natural impulses of his own heart, as much as others disgust by their senseless airs, and insoaffectation."

Sir Cha. No, no; you are right, neighbour.lent But here she is. Don't alarm her young heart too much, I beg of you. Upon my word, she is a sweet morsel!

Enter MISS HARRIET and Lucy.

Miss Har. He is with company-I'll speak to him another time. [Retiring. Lucy. Young, handsome, and afraid of being seen! You are very particular, miss.

Heart. Miss Harriet you must not go. [HARRIET returns.]-Sir Charles, give me leave to introduce you to this young lady. You know,

Lucy. Upon my word! but why have you kept this secret so long? your guardian is kind to you beyond conception. What difficulties can you have to overcome?

Miss Har. Why, the difficulty of declaring my sentiments.

Lucy. Leave that to me, miss. But your spark, with all his accomplishments, must have very little penetration, not to have discovered his good fortune in your eyes.

Miss Har. I take care that my eyes don't tell too much; and he has too much delicacy to interpret looks to his advantage. Besides,

he would certainly disapprove my passion, and if I should ever make the declaration and meet with a denial, I should absolutely die with shame.

Lucy. I'll insure your life for a silver thimble, But what can possibly hinder your coming together?

Miss Har. His excess of merit.

Lucy. His excess of a fiddlestick! But come, I'll put you in the way: you shall trust me with the secret; I'll intrust it again to half a dozen friends; they shall intrust it to half a dozen more, by which means, it will travel half the town over in a week's time: the gentleman will certainly hear of it; and then, if he is not at your feet in the fetching of a sigh, I'll give up all my perquisites at your wedding. What is his name, miss ?

Heart. And how long have you conceived this passion?

Miss Har. Ever since I left the country-to live with you.

[Sighs. Heart. I see your confusion, my dear, and will relieve you from it immediately-I am informed of the whole

Miss Har. Sir!

Heart. Don't be uneasy; for I can with pleasure assure you, that your passion is returned with equal tenderness.

Miss Har. If you are not deceived, I cannot be more happy.

Heart. I think I am not deceived. But, after. the declaration you have made, and the assurances which I have given you, why will you conceal it any longer? Have I not deserved a little more confidence from you?

Miss Har. You have, indeed, deserved it, and should certainly have it, were I not well assured that you would oppose my inclinations.

Heart. I oppose them! Am I, then, so un

Miss Har. I cannot tell you his name-indeed I cannot; I am afraid of being thought too singular. But why should I be ashamed of my passion? Is the impression, which a virtuous character makes upon our hearts, such a weak-kind to you, my dear? Can you in the least ness, that it may not be excused? doubt of my affection for you? I promise you that I have no will but yours.

Lucy. By my faith, miss, I can't understand you: you are afraid of being thought singular, and you really are so ; I would sooner renounce all the passions in the universe, than have one in my bosom beating and fluttering itself to pieces. Come, come, miss, open the window, and let the poor devil out.

Enter HEARTLY.

Heart. Leave us, Lucy.

Lucy. There's something going forward: 'tis very hard I can't be of the party. [Exit Lucy, Heart. She certainly thinks, from the character of the young man, that I shall disapprove of ber choice. [Aside. Miss Har. What can I possibly say to him? I am as much ashamed to make the declaration, as he would be to understand it. [Aside. Heart. Don't imagine, my dear, that I would know more of your thoughts than you desire I should; but the tender care which I have ever shewn, and the sincere friendship which I shall always have for you, give me a sort of right to inquire into every thing that concerns you. Some friends have spoken to me in particular. But that is not all. I have lately found you thoughtful, absent, and disturbed. Be plain with me-Has not somebody been happy enough to please you.

Miss Har. I cannot deny it, sir: yes somebody, indeed, has pleased ine-but I must entreat you not to give credit to any idle stories, or inquire farther into the particulars of my inclination; for I cannot possibly have resolution enough to say more to you.

Heart. But have you made a choice, my

dear.

Miss Har. I have in my own mind, sir; and 'tis impossible to make a better-reason, honour, every thing must approve it.

Miss Har. Since you desire it, then, I will endeavour to explain myself.

Heart. I am all attention-speak, my dear. Miss Har. And if I do, I feel I shall never be able to speak to you again.

Heart. How can that be, when I shall agree with you in every thing.

Miss Har. Indeed you won't pray let me retire to my own chamber-I am not well, sir.

Heart. I see your delicacy is hurt, my dear: but let me entreat you once more to confide in me. Tell me his name, and the next moment I will go to him, and assure him, that my consent shall confirm both your happiness.

Miss Har. You will easily find him: And when you have, pray tell him how improper it is for a young woman to speak first: Persuade him to spare my blushes, and to release me from so terrible a situation. I shall leave him with you-and hope that this declaration will make it impossible for you to mistake me any longer.

[HARRIET is going but, upon seeing YOUNG CLACKIT, remains upon the stage. Heart. Are we not alone? What can this mean? [Aside. Young Cla. A-propos, faith! here they are together!

Heart. I did not see him; but now the riddle's explained. [Aside. Miss Har. What can he want now?-This is the most spiteful interruption!

Young Cla. By your leave, Mr. Heartly[Crosses him to go to HARRIET.-Have I caught you at last my divine Harriet! Well, Mr. Heartly, sans façon-But what's the matter? ho! Things look a little gloomy here: One mutters to himself, and gives me no answer; and the other turns the head and

winks at me. How the devil am I to interpret | not. all this?

Miss Har. I wink at you, sir! Did I, sir? Young Cla. Yes, you, my angel-But mumMr. Heartly, for Heaven's sake, what is all this? Speak, I conjure you, is it life or death with me?

in!

Miss Har. What a dreadful situation I am

Young Cla. Hope for the best; I'll bring matters about, I warrant you. Heart. You have both of you great reason to be satisfied Nothing shall oppose your

piness.

serve.

'Tis delicate in you to be upon the re

Miss Har. Indeed, sir, this behaviour of yours is most extraordinary!

Young Cla. Come, come, my dear, don't carry this jest too far; é troppo troppo mia Carissima -what the devil, when every thing is agreed upon, and uncles and guardians, and such folks, have given their consent, why continue the hypocrisy?

Miss Har. They may have consented for you; but I am mistress of my affections, and will never hap-dispose of them by proxy.

Young Cla. Bravo, Mr. Heartly! Heart. Miss Harriet's will is a law to me; and, for you, sir-the friendship which I have ever professed for your uncle, is too sincere not to exert some of it upon this occasion.

Miss Har. I shall die with confusion!

[Aside. Young Cla. I am alive again. Dear Mr. Heartly, thou art a most adorable creature! What a happiness it is to have to do with a man of sense, who has no foolish prejudices, and can see when a young fellow has something tolerable about him!

Heart. Sir, not to flatter you, I must declare, that it is from a knowledge of your friends and family, that I have hopes of seeing you and this young lady happy. I will go directly to your uncle, and assure him that every thing goes on to our wishes. [Going.

Miss Har. Mr. Heartly-Pray, sir! Heart. Poor Miss Harriet, I see your distress, and am sorry for it; but it must be got over, and the sooner the better. Mr. Clackit, my dear, will be glad of an opportunity to entertain you, for the little time I shall be absent. Poor Miss Harriet!

[Smiling. [Erit HEARTWELL. Young Cla. Allez, allez, monsieur! I'll answer for that. Well, madam, I think every thing succeeds to our wishes. Be sincere, my adorable! -Don't you think yourself a very happy young lady?

Miss Har. I shall be most particularly obliged to you, sir, if you would inform me what is the meaning of all this?

Young Cla. Inform you, miss! the matter, I believe, is pretty clear: our friends have understanding- we have affections and a marriage follows, of course.

Miss Har. Marriage, sir! Pray, what relation, or particular connection, is there between you and me, sir?

Young Cla. I may be deceived, faith; but, upon my honour, I always supposed, that there was a little smattering of inclination between

Young Cla. Upon my soul, this is very droll! what, has not your guardian been here this moment, and expressed all imaginable pleasure at our intended union?

Miss Har. He is in an error, sir: and had I not been too much astonished at your behaviour, I had undeceived him long before now.

Young Cla. [Humming a tune.]——But, pray, miss, to return to business- -What can be your intention in raising all this confusion in the family, and opposing your own inclinations? Miss Har. Opposing my own inclinations, sir!

Young Cla. Ay, opposing your own inclinations, madam. Do you know, child, if you carry on this farce any longer, I shall begin to be a little angry?

Miss Har. I would wish it, sir; for, be assured, that I never in my life had the least thought about you.

Young Cla. Words, words, words

Miss Har. 'Tis most sincerely and literally

true.

Young Cla. Come, come; I know what I

know

Miss Har. Don't make yourself ridiculous, Mr.

Clackit.

Young Cla. Don't make yourself miserable, Miss Harriet.

Miss Hur. I am only so when you persist to torment me.

Young Cla. [Smiling.]—And you really be lieve that you don't love me?

Miss Har. Positively not.

Young Cla. [Conceitedly.]—And you are very sure, now, that you hate me?

Miss Har. Oh! most cordially. Young Cla. Poor young lady! I do pity you, from my soul.

Miss Har. Then, why won't you leave me? Young Cla. She never told her love, But let concealment, like a worm i' th' bud Feed on her damask cheek.'

Take warning, miss, when you once begin to pine in thought, 'tis all over with you; and be assured, since you are obstinately bent to give your Miss Har. And have you spoke to my guar-house in a pet-do you mind me? not all your self airs, that, if you once suffer me to leave this dian upon this supposition, sir?"

us.

Young Cla. And are you angry at it? I believe not. Smiling.]-Come, come; I believe

sighing, wluning, fits, vapours, and hysterics, shall ever move me to take the least compassion on you--Coute qui coute.

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