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told you, but I could not get you to listen; why, she brought me here to marry my mother!

2. Fun. Marry your mother! Lord have mercy on us, what a monster! to draw a young man in to be guilty of incense! But, hark ye, brother Isaac? [They retire. Dr. Cat. Gad's my life, what a sweet project I have helped to destroy! But come, Dolly, I'll piece thy broken fortunes again: thou hast a good pretty voice; I'll teach thee a thrill and a shake, perch thee amongst the boughs at one of the gardens; and then, as a mistress, which, as the world goes, is a much better station than that of a wife, not the proudest of them all

Mrs. Mech. Mistress! No, no, we have not managed our matters so badly. Hark ye, Mr. Commissary?

2. Fun. Well, what do you want?

Mrs. Mech. Do you propose to consummate your nuptials?

2. Fun. That's a pretty question, indeed! Mrs. Mech. You have no objection then to

paying the penalty, the contract here that Mr. Harpy has drawn?

2. Fun. The contract! hey, brother Isaac! I. Fun. Let ine see it.

Mrs. Mech. Soft you there, my maker of candles; it is as well where it is: but you need not doubt of its goodness; I promise you, the best advice has been taken.

2. Fun. What a damned fiend! What a harpy! Mrs. Mech. And why so, my good Master Fungus! is it because I have practised that trade by retail, which you have carried on in the gross? What injury do I do the world? I feed on their follies, 'tis true; and the game, the plunder, is fair: But the fangs of you and your tribe,

A whole people have felt, and for ages will feel. To their candour and justice I make my appeal; Though a poor humble scourge in a national

cause,

As I trust I deserve, I demand your applause.

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SCENE I-A Room.

ACT I.

Sir Tho. Dignity! and what occasion for dig. nity in the common concerns of my house? why Enter SIR THOMAS MAXWELL and MARGARET. the deuce can't you converse like the rest of the Sir Tho. Why, the woman is mad! these curs-world? If you want money to pay off my bills, ed newspaper patriots bave shattered her brains! nothing less than a senator of seven years standing can conceive what she means.

Mar. Why, Sir Thomas, my conversation is neither deficient in order, precision, or dignity.

you move me for further supplies; if I turn away a servant, you condemn me for so often changing my ministry; and because I lock up my daugh ter, to prevent her eloping with the paltry clerk of a pitiful trader, it is, forsooth, an invasion of

the bill of rights, and a mortal stab to the great charter of liberty!

Mar. As Serjeant Second'em said, in the debate on the corn-bill," Then why don't you "chuse better ground, brother, and learn to en"large your bottom a little? Consider, you must "draw the line of liberty somewhere; for if "these rights belong"

Sir Tho. Mercy on us!

Mar. But, indeed, my dear brother, you are got quite out of your depth: Woman, I tell you, is a microcosm; and rightly to rule her, requires as great talents, as to govern a state. And what says the aphorism of cardinal Polignac? “If you "would not have a person deceive you, be care"ful not to let him know you mistrust him!" and so of your daughter.

Sir Tho. Mrs. Margaret Maxwell, bestow your advice where it is wanted! Out of my depth! a likely story indeed, that I, who am fixed here in a national trust, appointed guardian of the English interest at the court of Madrid, should not know how to manage a girl!

Mar. And pray, Mr. Consul, what information will your station afford you? I don't deny your knowledge in export and import, nor doubt your skill in the difference between wet and dry goods; you may weigh, with exactness, the balance of trade, or explain the true spirit of a treaty of commerce; the surface, the mere skimmings of the political pot!

Sir Tho. Mighty well!

Mar. But had you, with me, traced things to their original source; had you discovered all social subordination to arise from original compact; had you read Machiavel, Montesquieu, Locke, Bacon, Hobbes, Harrington, Hume; had you studied the political testaments of Alberoni and cardinal Richlieu

Sir Tho. Mercy on us!

Mar. What then? for that inestimable blessing she is not beholden to you; nor can you, though a father, with reason, justice, or law, take it from her.

Sir Tho. Why, Margaret, you forget where you are! This, child, is the town of Madrid; you are amongst a sage, steady people, who know and revere the natural rights of a parent.

Mar. Natural rights ! Can a right to tyrannize be founded in nature!

Sir Tho. Lookye, Margaret! you are but losing your time; for, unless you can prevail on Count Wall, or the president of Castille, to grant you a habeas, why, Harriet shall stay where she is.

Mar. Ay, ay, you know where you are; but, if my niece will take my advice, the justice, that is denied to her here, she will instantly seek for elsewhere.

Sir Tho. Elsewhere? hark you, sister! is it thus you answer my purpose in bringing you hither? I hoped to have my daughter's principles formed by your prudence; her conduct directed by your experience and wisdom.

Mar. The preliminary is categorically true. Sir Tho. Then, why don't you abide by the treaty?

Mar. Yes; you have given me powerful motives!

Sir Tho. But another word, madam! as I don't chuse that Harriet should imbibe any more of your romantic republican notions, I should take it as a great favour, if you would prepare to quit this country with the first opportunity.

Mar. You need not have remonstrated; a petition would have answered your purpose: I did intend to withdraw, and without taking leave; nor will I reside on a spot, where the great charter of my sex is hourly invaded! No, Sir Thomas; I shall return to the land of liberty! but there expect to have your despotic dealings properly and publicly handled.

Mar. Had you analyzed the pragmatic sanction, and the family compact; had you toiled through the laborious pages of the Vinerian pro- Sir Tho. What, you design to turn author? fessor, or estimated the prevailing manners with Mar. There's no occasion for that; liberty has the vicar of Newcastle; in a word, had you read already a champion in one of my sex: The same Amicus upon Taxation, and Inimicus upon Re-pen, that has dared to scourge the abitrary ac presentation, you would have known

Sir Tho. What?

Mar. That, in spite of the frippery French Salique laws, woman is a free agent, a noun substantive entity, and, when treated with confidence

Sir Tho. Why, perhaps, she may not abuse it: But still, my sage sister, it is but a perhaps; now, my method is certain, infallible; by confining her, I can't be deceived.

Mar. And pray, sir, what right have you to confine her? look in your Puffendorf! though born in Spain, she is a native of England; her birth-right is liberty-a better patrimonial estate than any of your despotic countries could give

her.

Sir Tho. Zooks, you would tire the patience of Job! Pray, answer me this; is Harriet my daughter?

tions of some of our monarchs, shali do equal justice to the oppressive power of parents. Sir Tho. With all my heart!

Mar. I may perhaps, be too late to get you into the historical text; but, I promise you, you shall be soundly swinged in the marginal notes. Enter a Servant, who whispers SIR THOMAS. Sir Tho. What, now?

Ser. This instant.

Sir Tho. How did he get in?

Ser. By a ladder of ropes, dropped, I suppose, by Miss Harriet, from the balcony.

Sir Tho. That way, I reckon, he thinks to retreat; but I shall prevent him. Here, Dick, do you and Ralph run into the street, and front the house with a couple of carbines; bid James bring my toledo; and let the rest of the fellows follow my steps.

Mar. Hey-day! what can be the meaning of this civil commotion?

Sir Tho. Nothing extraordinary; only the natural consequence of some of your salutary suggestions.

Mar. Mine, Sir Thomas?

Sir Tho. Yes, yours, sister Margaret!
Mar. I don't understand you.

Sir Tho. Oh, nothing but Harriet making use
of her great natural charter of liberty, by letting
young Invoice, Abraham Indigo's clerk, by the
means of a ladder of ropes, into her chamber.
Mar. I am not surprised.
Sir Tho. Nor I, neither.

Mar. The instant your suspicions gave her a guard, I told her the act was tantamount to an open declaration of war, and sanctified every stratagem.

Sir Tho. You did? mighty well, madam! I hope, then, for once, you will approve my proceedings; the law of nations shall be strictly observed; you shall see how a spy ought to be treated, who is caught in the enemy's camp!

Enter Servant, with the toledo. Oh, here's my trusty toledo! Come, follow your leader! [Exit with Servants. Mar. Oh, sir, I shall pursue, and reconnoitre your motions; and, though no cartel is settled between you, take care how you infringe the jus gentium.

SCENE II. Another Chamber.

HARRIET and INVOICE discovered.

[Exit.

Har. Are you sure you were not observed?
In. I believe not.

Har. Well, Mr. Invoice, you can, I think, now no longer doubt of my kindness; though, let me tell you, you are a good deal indebted for this early proof of it to my father's severity.

In. I am sorry, madam, an event, so happy for me, should proceed from so unlucky a cause: But are there no hopes that Sir Thomas may be softened in time?

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Har. What can we do?

Sir Tho. Come, madam, open your doors! Har. The balcony! quick, Mr. Invoice! the balcony!

Sir Tho. Unlock, Mrs. Minx! your minion is discovered!

In. A couple of fellows stand below, with their pieces pointed directly against it.

Sir Tho. What, then, you will compel us to batter?

Har. The whole house is surrounded! how can you escape!

In. Where will this window conduct us? Har. To the leads that join our house to the chemist's.

In. To the leads? it is but a step; there is no danger,

Har. Then instantly fly! you have every thing to fear from my father.

Sir Tho. John, fetch the mattock and crow!
In. And leave my Harriet behind me?

Har. Secure yourself, and abandon me to my fate.

In. No, madam, that I will never do; I'll dare your father's utmost resentment.

Sir Tho. Where is that rascal a-loitering?
Har. Then you are lost!

In. Would my Harriet accompany my flight-
Har. Can you desire it!

In. I do, I do; my dearest angel, I do! By all that's sacred, your honour shall be as secure

Har. None: he is, both from nature and ha-with me as in the cell of a saint! bit, inflexibly obstinate. This, too, is his favourite foible; no German baron was ever more attached to the genealogical laws of alliance than he: Marry his daughter to a person in trade? No! Put his present favourite out of the question, he can never be brought to submit to it.

In. Dear Miss Harriet, then why will you hesitate? there can be no other alternative; you must either submit to marry the count, or, by flight, escape from the

Har. No, Mr. Invoice, not till the last necessity drives me. Besides, where can we go! how subsist? who will receive us?

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In. The world is all before us where to cbuse; and, as we fly from oppression, Providence our guide.'

Har. The world, Mr. Invoice, is but a cold kind of common; and, as to Providence, let us

Har. But character, decency, prudence.
In. The occasion, the danger, all justify-
Sir Tho. Oh, what, you are come at last!
In. Determine, my life! You have but a mo-
ment-

Har. Should you, Mr. Invoice, deceive me—
In. When I do, may my last hope deceive

me!

Har. It is a bold, a dangerous step!
In. Fear nothing, my love!

[Advances to the window, and gets out.

Sir Tho. Drive at the pannel.
Mar. [Without.] I enter my protest!
Sir Tho. And I will enter the room!
In. Now leap; all is safe,

[HARRIET gets out at the window.

Sir Thomas, adieu!

Sir Tho. Wrench open the lock!

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Mar. You have none: not so much as the sanction of a general warrant.

Sir Tho, What, then, I see I must do it my self: There it goes! Pretty law, indeed, to lock a man out of his own house!

Enter SIR THOMAS, MARGARET, and Servants. Now, Mrs.-Heyday! what are become of the parties? vanished?

Mar. Deceived by your spies! no uncommon thing, brother for a blundering general.

Sir Tho. You are sure you saw him come in?
Ser. Certain, sir Thomas.

Sir Tho. Then I warrant we will ferret them
out. Come, lads, let not a corner escape you!
[Exeunt SIR THOMAS and Servants.
Mar. I shall wait on your motions and bring
up the rear.
[Erit.

SCENE III-A Chemist's.

Enter INVOICE and HARRIET, through the sash.
In. Safely landed, however.

Har. Are you sure you are not pursued?
In. Not a soul: never fear! they will hardly
venture this road.

Har. What a step have you induced me to take! to what distress and difficulties have I exposed myself!

In. Banish your fears, and let us look forward, my love.

Har. Nay, I have gone too far to retreat. Well, sir, what is next to be done?

In. The Spaniards are naturally generous; perhaps, upon hearing our story, the owner of the house may lend his assistance. This, I suppose, is the laboratory, and this door leads to the shop.

Devil. In a bottle.] Heigh-ho!
Har. Who is that?'

In. That! where?

Har. Did not you hear a voice?

Devil. Heigh-ho!

Har. There again!

Devil. You are right; I am the devil.
Har. Mercy on us!

Devil. Don't be terrified, miss: You remember the old proverb. The devil is not so black as he is painted.'

In. Well, but, sir

Devil. A truce to your questions, my good sir, for the present! Consider, rammed up in this narrow compass, I can't be much at my ease; now, if you will but break the bottle before you on the floor

Har. For Heaven's sake, Mr. Invoice, take care what you do!

Devil. Why, my pretty miss, what risque do you run? your affairs can hardly be changed for the worse.

Har. That's true, indeed!

Devil. Believe, me miss, as matters stand, we can be of mutual use: Your lover may deliver me from prison, and I can prevent you both from going into confinement.

In. What says my Harriet? shall I rely on the gentleman's word?

Devil. Do, madam! I am a devil of honour. Besides, you have but a little time to consider; in less than five minutes, you will have the consul and all his crew in the house.

In. Nay, then-Pray, which is the bottle?
Devil. That in the middle, right before you.
In. There it goes!

[He breaks the bottle, and the Devil rises out
of it-Thunder.

Har. Oh, what a

Devil. I am not surprised, miss, that you are a little shocked at my figure: I could have assumed a much more agreeable forin; but as we are to be a little better acquainted, I thought it best to quit all disguise and pretence; therefore, madam, you see me just as I am.

Har. I am sure, sir, you are ve―ve—very agreable.

Devil. Yo-yo-you are pleased to compliment, madam. Come, answer me sincerely; am I such a being as you expected to see?

Har. Really, sir, I can hardly say what I expected to see.

Devil. I own it is a puzzling question; at least, if the world does us justice in the contradictory

In. None. Fancy, my love: only your fears. qualities they are pleased to afford us.

In. I hear it now-Who is there?

Devil. Me.

In. Me! he speaks English! Who and where are you?

Devil. Here, in this bottle, where I have been corked up for these six months.

In. Corked up in a bottle! I never heard of such a thing in my life, unless, indeed, in the Haymarket once. Corked up in a bottle, d'ye say?

Devil. Ay; by the master of this house, a magician.

În. A magician! Why, then, you are a spirit, I suppose?

In. You will forgive me, if I don't understand

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