start at the revelation of their thoughts, but be thou fixed, as is thy virtue.

Mask. I am confounded, and beg your lordship's pardon for those free discourses which I have had with myself.

Ld. T. Come, I beg your pardon that I over-heard you, and yet it shall not need-honest Maskwell! Thine and my good genius led me hither-Mine, in that I have discovered so much manly virtue; thine, in that thou shalt have the reward of all thy worth.Give me thy hand--my nephew is the alone remaining branch of all our ancient family; him I thus blow away, and constitute thee in his room to be my heir

Mask. Now, Heaven forbid

Ld. T. No more--I have resolved- -The writings are ready drawn, and wanted nothing but to be signed, and have his name inserted-Your's will fill the blank as well--I will have no reply-Let me command this time, for 'tis the last in which I will assume authority-hereafter you shall rule where I have power.

Mask. I humbly would petition.

Ld. T. Is it for yourself? [Mask. pauses.] I'll hear of nought for any body else.

Mask. Then witness Heaven for me, this wealth was not of my seeking, nor would I build my fortune on another's ruin: I had but one desire

Ld. T. Thou shalt enjoy it.--If all I am worth in wealth or interest, can purchase Cynthia, she is

thine.. -I am sure Sir Paul's consent will follow fortune; I will quickly shew him which way that is going.

Mask. You oppress me with bounty; my gratitude is weak, and shrinks beneath the weight, and cannot rise to thank you-What, enjoy my love! Forgive the transports of a blessing so unexpected, so unhoped for, so unthought of!

Ld. T. I will confirm it, and rejoice with thee.

[Exit. Mask. This is prosperous indeed!-Why, let him find me out a villain, settled in possession of a fair estate, and full fruition of my love, I'll bear the railings of a losing gamester-But should he find me out before! 't is dangerous to delay-Let me think

Should my lord proceed to treat openly of my marriage with Cynthia, all must be discovered, and Mellefont can be no longer blinded.-It must not be; nay should my lady know it--Ay, then were fine work indeed! Her fury would spare nothing, though she involved herself in ruin. No, it must be by stratagem-I must deceive Mellefont once more, and get my lord to consent to my private management. He comes opportunely- -Now will I, in my old way, discover the whole and real truth of the matter to him, that he may not suspect one word on 't.

No mask like open truth to cover lies,

As to go naked is the best disguise.

Enter MELLEFONT.

Mel. O, Maskwell, what hopes? I am confounded

in a maze of thoughts, each leading into another, and all ending in perplexity. My uncle will not see nor

hear me.

Mask. No matter, sir, don't trouble your head, all is in my power.

Mel. How, for heaven's sake?

Mask. Little do you think that your aunt has kept her word- How the devil she wrought my lord into this dotage I know not; but he is gone to Sir Paul about my marriage with Cynthia, and has appointed me his heir.

Mel. The devil he has! What 's to be done?

I think I have

Mask. I have it, it must be by stratagem; for it is in vain to make application to him. that in my head which cannot fail. thia.

Mel. In the garden.

Where is Cyn

Mask. Let us go and consult her :-My life for your's, I cheat my lord.

Enter Lord and Lady TOUCHWOOD.

[Exeunt.

Lady T. Maskwell your heir, and marry Cynthia ! Ld. 7. I cannot do too much for so much merit. Lady T. But this is a thing of too great moment to be so suddenly resolved. Why Cynthia? Why must he be married? Is there not reward enough in raising his low fortune, but he must mix his blood with mine, and wed my niece? How know you that my brother will consent, or she? Nay, he himself perhaps may have affections otherwhere.

K

Ld. T. No, I am convinced he loves her.
Lady T. Maskwell love Cynthia, impossible!

Ld. T. I tell you he confessed it to me.
Lady T. Confusion! How is this!

[Aside.

Ld. T. His humility long stifled his passion; and his love of Mellefont would have made him still conceal it but by encouragement I wrung the secret from him, and know he is no way to be rewarded but in her. I will defer my farther proceedings in it 'till you have considered it: but remember how we are both indebted to him. [Exit.

Lady T. Both indebted to him! Yes, we are both indebted to him, if you knew all, “villain !" Oh, I am wild with this surprise of treachery: it is impossible, it cannot be-He love Cynthia! "What, have "I been bawd to his designs!" his property only, " a "baiting-place! Now I see what made him false to "Mellefont-Shame and distraction! I cannot bear it. "Oh! What woman can bear to be a property? Ta "be kindled to a flame, only to light him to another's "arms: Oh! that I were fire indeed, that I might "burn the vile traitor." What shall I do? How shall I think? I cannot think-All my designs are lost, my love unsated, my revenge unfinished, and fresh cause of fury from unthought of plagues.

Enter Sir PAUL.

Sir P. Madam, sister, my lady sister, did you see my lady, my wife?

Lady T. Oh! Torture!

Sir P. Gads-bud, I cannot find her high nor low;

Where can she be, think you ?

Lady T. Where she is serving you as all your sex ought to be served; making you a beast. Don't you know that you are a fool, brother?

Sir P. A fool; he, he, he, you are merry-No, no, not I, I know no such matter.

Lady T. Why then you don't know half your happiness.

Sir P. That's a jest with all my heart, faith and troth-But hark ye, my lord told me something of a revolution of things; I don't know what to make on 't-Gads-bud I must consult my wife He talks of disinheriting his nephew, and I do n't know what- -Look you, sister, I must know what my girl has to trust to; or not a syllable of a wedding, Gads. bud- -to shew you that I am not a fool.

Lady T. Hear me; consent to the breaking off this marriage, and the promoting any other, without consulting me, and I will renounce all blood, all relation and concern with you for ever-Nay, I'll be your enemy, and pursue you to destruction; I'll tear your eyes out, and tread you under my feet.

Sir P. Why, what's the matter now? Good lord, what's all this for? Pooh, here's a joke indeedWhy, where 's my wife?

Lady T. With Careless, in the close arbour; he may want you by this time, as much as you want her. Sir P. Oh, if she be with Mr. Careless, 'tis well enough.