Sir Oliver S. Well, then, the fewer the better; may your love for each other never know abatement! Sir Peter T. And may you live as happily together as Lady Teazle and I intend to do! Charles S. Rowley, my old friend, I am sure you congratulate me; and I suspect that I owe you much. Sir Oliver S. You do indeed, Charles. Rowley. If my efforts to serve you had not succeeded, you would have been in my debt for the attempt; but deserve to be happy, and you overpay me. Sir Peter T. Ay, honest Rowley always said you would reform. Charles S. Why, as to reforming, Sir Peter, I'll make no promises, and that I take to be a proof that I intend to set about it; but here shall be my monitor-my gentle guide-ah! can I leave the virtuous path those eyes illumine? Though thou, dear maid, shouldst wave thy beauty's sway, Thou still must rule, because I will obey: An humble fugitive from Folly view, No sanctuary near but Love and you; [To the audience. You can, indeed, each anxious fear remove, EPILOGUE, BY MR. COLMAN. Spoken by Lady TEAZLE. I, who was late so volatile and gay, Like me condemn'd to such a dismal doom? Save money-when I just knew how to waste it! Leave London-just as I began to taste it! Must I then watch the early crowing cock, The melancholy ticking of a clock; In a lone rustic hall for ever pounded, With dogs, cats, rats, and squalling brats surrounded? With humble curate can I now retire, (While good Sir Peter boozes with the squire), And at backgammon mortify my soul, That pants for loo, or flutters at a vole? Seven's the main ! Dear sound that must ex pire, Lost at hot cockles round a Christmas fire! And you, ye knockers, that, with brazen throat, Farewell all quality of high renown, Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious town! Farewell! your revels I partake no more, And Lady Teazle's occupation's o'er! All this I told our bard; he smiled, and said 'twas clear, I ought to play deep tragedy next year. Meanwhile he drew wise morals from his play, Blest were the fair like you; her faults who stopt, |