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don't recollect to have heard of the lady before.

Nov. She, my lord? Oh, she was a kind of what-d'ye-call-em-a sort of a queen, or wife, or something or other to somebody that lived a damned while ago -Mummy told me the whole story; but, before gad, I've forgot it. But come, the busts.

Car. Bring forward the head from Herculaneum. Now, gentlemen, here is a jewel. All. Ay, ay, let's see.

Car. 'Tis not entire, though.
Nov. So much the better.

Car. Right, sir-the very mutilations of this piece are worth all the most perfect performances of modern artists.-Now, gentlemen, here's a touchstone for your taste!

All. Great! great indeed!

Nov. Great! amazing! divine! Oh, let me embrace the dear dismembered bust! A little farther off. I'm ravished! I'm transported! What an attitude! But then the locks! How I adore the simplicity of the ancients! How unlike the present, piggish, crop-eared puppets! How gracefully they fall all a-down the cheek! so decent and so grave, and-Who the devil do you think it is, Brush? Is it a man, or a woman?

Car. The connoisseurs differ. Some will have it to be the Jupiter Tonans of Phidias, and others the Venus of Paphos from Praxiteles; but I don't think it fierce enough for the first, nor handsome enough for the last.

Nov. Yes, handsome enough.

All. Very handsome; handsome enough. Car. Not quite-therefore I am inclined to join with Signor Julio de Pampedillo, who, in a treatise dedicated to the king of the two Sicilies, calls it the Serapis of the Egyptians; and supposes it to have been fabricated about eleven hundred and three years before the Mosaic acaccount of the creation.

Nov. Prodigious! and I dare swear true. All. Oh! true, very true. Puff. Upon my honour, 'tis a very fine bust; but where is de nose?

Nov. The nose; what care I for the nose? Where is de nose? Why, sir, if it had a nose, I would not give sixpence for it-How the devil should we distinguish the works of the ancients, if they were perfect?-The nose indeed! Why, I don't suppose now, but, barring the nose, Roubiliac could cut as good a head every whitBrush, who is this man with his nose? The fellow should know something of something too, for he speaks broken English.

Brush. It is Mynheer Groningen, a great connoisseur in painting.

Nov. That may be: But as to sculpture, I am his very humble servant. A man must know damned little of statuary, that dislikes a bust for want of a nose.

Car. Right, sir-The nose itself, without the head, nay, in another's possession, would be an estate- But here are behind, gentlemen and

ladies, an equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius without the horse, and a complete statue of the emperor Trajan, with only the head and legs missing; both from Herculaneum-This way, gentlemen and ladies.

Enter LADY PENTWEAZEL, ALDERMAN, and CALEB.

Lady Pent. Now, Mr. Pentweazel, let us have none of your Blowbladder breeding. Remember you are at the court-end of the town. This is a quality-auction.

Ald. Where of course nothing is sold that is useful-I am tutored, sweet honey. Lady Pent. Caleb, keep behind, and don't be meddling. Sir[TO BRUSH.

Brush. Your pleasure, madam? Lady Pent. I should be glad you would inform me if there are any lots of very fine old china. I find the quality are grown infinitely fond of it; and I am willing to show the world that we in the city have taste.

Brush. Tis a laudable resolution, madam; and I dare say Mr. Canto can supply-Bless me! what's that?

[CALEB throws down a china-dish. Lady Pent, That boy, I suppose! Well, if the mischievous brat has not broke a-and look how he stands!-Sirrah, sirrah, did I not bid you not meddle-Leave sucking your thumbs. What, I suppose you learnt that trick of your friend the monkey in the waggon?

Caleb. Indeed I did not go to do it, mother. Ald. Pr'ythee, sweet honey, don't be so passionate. What's done can't be undone, The loss is not great; come, come.

Brush. Mr. Alderman is in the right. The affair is a trifle; but a twenty guinea job.

Lady Pent. Twenty guineas! You should have twenty of my teeth as

Car. You mean if you had them-Your ladyship does not know the value of that piece of china. It is the right old japan of the pea-green kind. Lady Mandarin offered me, if I could match it, fourscore guineas for the pair. Lord Dupe. A fine piece, indeed! Puff. 'Tis ver fine!

Caleb. Indeed, father, I did not break it Twas cracked in the middle, and so fell a-two in my hand.

Lady Pent. What! was it cracked?
Caleb. Yes, indeed, mother.
Lady Pent. There, gentlemen!

Lord Dupe. Madam, I would willingly set you right in this affair: you don't seem acquanted with these kind of things; therefore, I have the honour to tell you, that the crack in the middle is a mark of its antiquity, and enhances its value; and these gentlemen are, I dare say, of the same opinion.

All. Oh, entirely.

Lady Pent. You are all of a gang, I think. A broken piece of china better than a whole one!

Lord Dupe. Madam, I never dispute with a lady; but this gentleman has taste; he is a foreigner, and so can't be thought prejudiced; refer it to him: the day grows late, and I want the auction to begin.

Ald. Sweet honey, leave it to the gentleman. Lady Pent. Well, sir.

glory in it. But what point will you virtuosi you connoisseurs, gain by the detection? Will not the publishing of our crimes trumpet forth your folly?

Lord Dupe. Matchless impudence!

Puff. My noble lord here, the dilletanti, the curieus, the precieus of this nation! what infinite glory will he acquire from this story, that the Leo, the Mæcenas, the Petronius, notwithstand

Puff. Madam, I love to serve de lady. Tis a ver fine piece of china. I was see such another piece sell at Amsterdam for a hundred ducats-ing his exquisite taste, has been drawn in to pur'Tis ver well worth twenty guinea. chase, at an immense expence, a cart-load ofrubbish!

Lord Dupe. Gentlemen and ladies-I have the honour to take my leave. Puff. Your lordship's most obedient-When

Caleb. Mother!-father! never stir if that gentleman ben't the same that we see'd at the painting-man's, that was so civil to mother; only he has got a black wig on, and speaks outlandish. I'll be far enough if it en't a May-shall I send you your Corregio, your St. Anthony game! of Padua, your Ram Cat, my good lord? Lord Dupe. Rascal! Exit LORD Dupe. Nov. This won't do, sir-Though my lord has not spirit enough, damu me if I quit you!

Lady Pent. Hey! let me die, but the boy's in the right. My dear, as I'm alive, Mr. Puff, that we saw at the fimners. I told you he was a more cleverer man than I ever saw. Caleb is right; some matter of merriment, I warrant. Puff. I wish it was. [Aside.] I no understand. Car. So, Mr. Puff, you are caught. [Aside. Lord Dupe. This is a most unfortunate old lady- Madam, you are here under another mistake. This is Mynheer Baron de

Lady Pent. Mynheer Figs-end. Can't I believe my own eyes? What! do you think because we live in the city we can't see?

Nov. Fire me, my lord, there may be more in this than we can guess. Its worth examining into. Come, sir, if you are Mynheer, who the devil knows you?

Puff. I was no Mr. Canto mightily.

Nov. Mr. Canto, do you know this baron? Car. I see the dog will be detected, and now is my time to be even with him for his rounds of beef and roasting pigs. [Aside.] I can't say I ever saw the gentleman before.

Nov. Oh, oh!

Lord Dupe. The fellow is an impostor; a palpable cheat. Sir, I think you came from the Rhine-pray, how should you like walking into the Thames?

Nov. Or what think you my lord? The rascal complained but now that the bust wanted a nose -suppose we were to supply the deficiency with his?

Lord Dupe. But justice, Mr. Novice.

Car. Great rascal, indeed, gentlemen!-if rogues of this stamp get once a footing in these assemblies, adieu to all moral honesty. I think an example should be made of himBut, were I to advise, he is a properer subject for the rabble to handle than the present company.

All. Away with him!

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[Exit.

Puff. Nay, but, 'squire; ha, ha, ha!-Now, madam, to your ladyship I come; to whose discernment, aided by the sagacity of your son Caleb, I own my discovery.

Ald. Look you, don't think to abuse my lady. I am one of the

Puff. Quorum-I know it, Mr. Alderman; but I mean to serve your worship, by humbling a little the vanity of your wife.

Lady Pent. Come along, chuck. I'll not stay to hear the rascality of the fellow.

Puff. Oh, my Lady Pentweazel, correct the severity of that frown, lest you should have more of the Medusa than the Medicis in your face.

Lady Pent. Saucy jackanapes!

Puff. What, then? I have quite lost my city acquaintance? why, I've promised all my friends tickets for my lord mayor's ball through your ladyship's interest.

Puff. Hands off--if I must suffer, it shall not be singly. Here is the obsequious Mr. Brush, and the very courtly Mr. Canto, shall be the partners of my distress. Know, then, we are all rogues, if the taking advantage of the Lady Pent. My interest, indeed, for such a→ absurdities and follies of mankind can be called Puff. If Blowbladder-street has any charms roguery. I own I have been a cheat, and I-Sir-Madam-not a step-The finest gentle

man! ha, ha, ha!And what can you say for yourself, you cowardly ill-looking rascal? [To CARMINE.] Desert your friend at the first pinch-your ally-your partner!No apology, sir-I have done with you. From poverty and shame I took you, to that I restore you. Your crime be your punishment. [Turning to the audience.] Could I be as secure from the censure of this assembly, as I am safe from the

resentment of Dupe, Novice, Squander, from the alluring baits of my amorous city lady, and the dangerous combination of my false friend, I should be happy.

Tis from your sentence I expect my fate; Your voice alone my triumph can complete.

[Exeunt omnes.

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SCENE I-A Room in SUBTLE's house.

Enter MR. SUBTLE and CLASSIC.

Mr. Sub. Well, well, that may be; but still I say, that a Frenchman-

Class. Is a fop; it is their national disease; not one of the qualities for which you celebrate them, but owes its origin to a foible; their taste is trifling, their gaiety grimace, and their politenéss pride.

Mr. Sub. Hey-day! Why, what the deuce brings you to Paris then?

Class. A debt to friendship; not but I think a short residence here a very necessary part in every man of fashion's education.

Mr. Sub. Where's the use?

Class. In giving them a true relish for their own domestic happiness; a proper veneration

for their national liberties; a contempt for adulation; and an honour for the extended generous commerce of their country.

Mr. Sub. Why, there, indeed, you have the preference, Mr. Classic: the traders here are a sharp-set, cozening people; foreigners are their food; civilities with a-ay, ay! a congee for a crown, and a shrug for a shilling; devilish dear, Mr. Classic, devilish dear!

Class. To avoid their exactions, we are, Mr. Subtle, recommended to your protection.

Mr. Sub. Ay, and wisely they did who recommended you: Buy nothing but on mine or my lady's recommendation. and your are safe. But where was your charge? Where was Mr. Buck last night? My lady made a party at cards on purpose for him, and my ward, Lucinda, is mightily taken with him; she longs to see him again.

Mr. Sub. I intend calling on him this mornMrs. Sub. Don't fail; he's a slippery chap, you know.

Class. I am afraid with the same set his father sent him hither to avoid; but we must endea-ing. vour to inspire him with a taste for the gallantries of this court, and his passion for the lower amusements of ours will diminish of course. Mr. Sub. There's no fear. Well, but our pretty Mr. Sub. All the fraternity of men-makers countrywoman lays about her handsomely, ha! are for that purpose without; taylors, perru-Hearts by hundreds! hum! quiers, hatters, hosiers,- -is not that Mr. Buck's English servant?

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to reason.

Class. I attend him. Mr. Subtle, you won't be out of the way?

[Exit. Mr. Sub. I shall talk a little with the tradesmen. A smoky fellow this Classic; but if Lucinda plays her cards well we have not much to fear from that quarter: contradiction seems to be the life and soul of young Buck.-A tolerable expedient this, if it succeeds. Fleece the younker!-Psha! that's a thing of course!-but by his means to get rid of Lucinda, and securely pocket her patrimony; ay! that indeed

Enter MRS. SUBTLE.

Oh! wife! Have you opened the plot? Does the girl come into it greedily, hey?

Mrs Sub. A little squeamish at first; but I have opened her eyes. Never fear, my dear; sooner or later, women will attend to their interest.

Mr. Sub. Their interest! ay, that's true; but consider my dear, how deeply our own interest is concerned, and let that quicken your zeal.

Mrs. Sub. D'ye think I'm blind? But the girl has got such whimsical notions of honour, and is withal so decent and modest-I wonder where the deuce she got it; I am sure it was not in my house.

Mr. Sub. How does she like Buck's person? Mrs. Sub. Well enough. But prithee, husband, leave her to my management, and consider we have more irons in the fire than one. Here is the Marquis de Soleil to meet Madame de Farde to night-And where to put them, unless we can have Buck's apartment-Oh! by the by, has Count Cog sent you your share out of Mr. Puntwell's losings a-Thursday?

Mr. Sub. Ay! that's a noble prize, if we could but manage her; but she's so indiscreet, that she'll be blown before we have made half our market. I am this morning to give audience, on her score, to two counts and a foreign minister.

Mr. Sub. Then strike whilst the iron's hot : but they'll be here before I can talk to my people; send them in, pr'ythee. [Exit MRS. SUBTLE.

Enter Tradesmen.

So, gentlemen. Oh! hush! we are interrupted: If they ask for your bills, you have left them at home.

Enter BUCK, CLASSIC, and ROGER.

I remember how it begun. Oh! Master Subtle, Buck. Ecod, I don't know how it ended, but how do'st old buck, hey? Give's thy paw! And little Lucy, how fares it with she? Hum!

Mr. Sub. What has been the matter, squire? Your face seems a little in deshabille.

Buck. A touch of the times, old boy! a small skirmish; after I was down, though! a set of cowardly sons of! there's George and I will box any five for their sum.

Mr. Sub. But how happened it? The French are generally civil to strangers.

eight upon three: Seven or eight! Ecod, we had the whole house upon us at last.

Buck. Oh! damned civil! to fall seven or

Mr. Sub. But what had you done?

Buck. Done! why nothing at all. But, wounds! how the powder flew about, and the monsieurs

scoured!

Mr. Sub. But what offence had either they or you committed?

Buck. Why, I was telling Domine. Last night, Dick Daylight, Bob Breadbasket, and I, were walking through one of their rues, I think they call them here, they are streets in London; but they have such devilish out-of-theway name for things, that there is no remembering them; so we see crowds of people going into a house, and comedy pasted over the door: in we trooped with the rest, paid our cash, and sat down on the stage. Presently they had a dance; and one of the young women, with long hair trailing behind her, stood with her back to a rail, just by me: Ecod what does me! for nothing in the world but a joke, as I hope for mercy, but ties her locks to the rails; so, when 'twas her turn to figure out, souse she flapped on her back; 'twas devilish comical; but they set up such an uproar-One whey-faced son of a bitch, that came to loose the woinan, tura

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