Mrs. O. My dear madam!-Mighty well! [Aside. Oak. I'll do every thing in my power to serve you. I know of your leaving your father, by a letter we have had from him. Pray Oak. Hush!-hark!-what noise?-no-nolet me know the rest of your story. thing. But I'll be plain with you, madam; Har. My story, sir, is very short. When we may be interrupted. The family consideI left my father's, I came immediately to Lon-ration I hinted at is nothing else than my wife. don, and took refuge with a relation; where, She is a little unhappy in her temper, madam; instead of meeting with the protection I ex--and if you were to be admitted into the pected, I was alarmed with the most infamous house, I don't know what would be the condesigns upon my honour. It is not an hour sequence. ago since your nephew rescued me from the attempts of a villain. I tremble to think that I left him actually engaged in a duel. Mrs. O. Very fine! [Aside. Har. My behaviour, sir!— Oak. My dear life, it would be impossible for you to behave in such a manner as not Oak. He is very safe. He has just sent home the chariot from the St. Albans tavern, where to give her suspicion. he dines today.—But what are your commands for me, madam? Har. The favour, sir, I would now request of you is, that you would suffer me to remain, for a few days, in your house. Oak. Madam! Har. And that, in the mean time, you will use your utmost endeavours to reconcile me to my father, without his forcing me into a marriage with sir Hry Beagle. Har. But if your nephew, sir, took every thing upon himself— Oak. Still that would not do, madam.Why, this very morning, when the letter came from your father, though I positively denied any knowledge of it, and Charles owned it, yet it was almost impossible to pacify her. Har. What shall I do?-What will become of me? Ouk. Why lookye, my dear madam, since Oak. This is the ost perplexing situation! my wife is so strong an objection, it is abso-Why did not Charles take care to bestow lutely impossible for me to take you into the you properly? house. Nay, if I had not known she was gone Har. It is most probable, sir, that I should out, just before you came, I should be uneasy not have consented to such a measure myself. at your being here, even now. So we must The world is but too apt to censure, even manage as well as we can.-I'll take a private without a cause: and if you are so kind as lodging for you a little way off, unknown to to admit me into your house, I must desire Charles, or my wife, or any body; and if Mrs. not to consider Mr. Oakly in any other light Oakly should discover it at last, why the whole than as your nephew. matter will light upon Charles, you know. Oak. What an unlucky circumstance! Upon my soul, madam; I would do any thing| to serve you-but being in my house creates a difficulty that Har. I hope, sir, you do not doubt the truth of what I have told you? Oak. I religiously believe every tittle of it, madam; but I have particular family considerations, that Har. Sure, sir, you cannot suspect me to be base enough to form any connexions in your family contrary to your inclinations, while I am living in your house! - Mrs. O. Upon Charles! Har. How unhappy is my situation! [Weeping] I am ruined for ever. Oak. Ruined! Not at all. Such a thing as this has happened to many a young lady before you, and all has been well again-Keep up your spirits! I'll contrive, if I possibly can, to visit you every day. Mrs. O. [Advances] Will you so? O, Mr. Oakly! have I discovered you at last? I'll visit you, indeed! And you, my dear madam, I'll— Har. Madam, I don't understand Mrs. O. I understand the whole affair, and Oak. Such connexions, madam, would do have understood it for some time past. - You me and all my family great honour. I never shall have a private lodging, miss! It is the dreamt of any scruples on that account. fittest place for you, I believe.-How dare you What can I do?-Let me see-let me see-look me in the face? suppose[Pausing. Oak. For heaven's sake, my love, don't be so violent.-You are quite wrong in this affair-you don't know who you are a talking to. This lady is a person of fashion. Enter MRS. OAKLY behind, in a Capuchin, Mrs. O. I am sure I heard the voice of a [Ready to weep. Mrs. O. Fine fashion indeed! to seduce other women's husbands! Har. Dear madam, how can you imagineOak. I tell you, my dear, this is the young lady that Charles Mrs. O. Mighty well! but that won't do, sir! Did not I hear you lay the whole intrigue together? Did not I hear your fine plot of throwing all the blame upon Charles? Oak. I would do any thing for your sake, Oak. Nay, be cool a moment. You must indeed I would. So pray be comforted, and know, my dear, that the letter which came I'll think of some proper place to bestow you in. this morning related to this ladyMrs. O. So! so! [Aside. Har. What place can be so proper as your own house? Oak. My dear madam, I—I— Mrs. O. I know it. Oak. And since that, it seems, Charles has been so fortunate as to Mrs. O. O, you deceitful man!-That trick is too stale to pass again with me.-It is plain| Oak. Upon my soul, she has not been in now what you meant by your proposing to my house abovetake her into the house this morning. But Mrs. O. Did not I hear you say, you would the gentlewoman could introduce herself, I see. take her a lodging, a private lodging? Oak. Fie! fie! my dear, she came on purpose to inquire for you. Mrs. O. For me!-better and better!--Did not she watch her opportunity, and come to you just as I went out? But I am obliged to you for your visit, madam. It is sufficiently paid. Pray, don't let me detain you. Oak. For shame! for shame! Mrs. Oakly! How can you be so absurd? Is this proper behaviour to a lady of her character? Mrs. O. I have heard her character. Go, my fine, runaway inadam! Now you have eloped from your family, and run away from your aunt! Go!-You shan't stay here, I promise you. Oak. Pr'ythee, be quiet. You don't know what you are doing. She shall stay. Mrs. O. She shan't stay a minute. Oak. She shall stay a minute, an hour, a day, a week, a month, a year!-'Sdeath, madam, she shall stay for ever, if I choose it. Mrs. O. How! Har. For heaven's sake, sir, let me go. am frightened to death. I Oak. Don't be afraid, madam!- She shall stay, I insist upon it. Rus. [Within] I tell you, sir, I will go up. I am sure the lady is here, and nothing shall hinder me. Har. O, my father! my father! [Faints. Oak. See! she faints. [Catches her] Ring the bell! Who's there? Mrs. O. What! take her into your arms too!-I have no patience. Enter RUSSET. my Oak. Yes, but that Rus. Has not this affair been carried on a long time in spite of my teeth? Oak. Sir, I never troubled myself- Oak. No. Rus. Did not you send to meet her, when she came to town? Oak. No. Mrs. O. Did not you deceive me about the letter this morning? Oak. No-no-no-I tell you, no. Oak. 'Sdeath, you w not let me speakand you are both alike, I think.-I wish you were married to one another with all my heart. Mrs. O. Mighty well! mighty well! Rus. I shall soon find a time to talk with you. Oak. Find a time to talk! you have talked enough now for all your lives. Mrs. O. Very fine! Come along, sir! Leave that lady with her father. Now she is in the properest hands. [Exit. Oak. I wish I could leave you in his hands, [Going, returns] One word with you, sir! -The height of your passion, and Mrs. Oakly's Rus. Where is this-ha! fainting! [Runs strange misapprehension of this whole affair, to her] O, my dear Harriot! my child! makes it impossible to explain matters to you child! at present. I will do it when you please, and how you please. Oak. Your coming so abruptly shocked her spirits. But she revives. How do you do, madam? Har. [To Russet] O, sir! Rus. Ö, my dear girl! how could you run away from your father, that loves you with such fondness?-But I was sure I should find you here Rus. Yes, yes; I'll have satisfaction.-So, madam! I have found you at last.-You have made a fine confusion here. Har, I have indeed been the innocent cause of a great deal of confusion. Rus. Innocent!-What business had you to be running hither after Mrs. O. There-there!-sure he should find Har. My dear sir, you misunderstand the her here! Did I not tell you so?-Are not whole affair. I have not been in this house you a wicked man, to carry on such base half an hour. underhand doings, with a gentleman's daughter? Rus. Zounds, girl, don't put me in a pasRus. Let me tell you, sir, whatever you sion!-You know I love you-but a lie puts may think of the matter, I shall not easily me in a passion. But come along-we'll leave put up with this behaviour.-How durst you this house directly. [Charles sings without] encourage my daughter to an elopement, and -Hey-day? what now? receive her in your house? Mrs. O. There, mind that!-The thing is as After a Noise without, enter CHARLES, drunk. plain as the light. Oak. I tell you, you misunderstand Rus. Look you, Mr. Oakly, I shall expect satisfaction from your family for so gross an affront.-Zounds, sir, I am not to be used ill by any man in England. Charles. [Sings] But my wine neither nurses nor babies can bring, And a big-bellied bottle's a mighty good thing. What's here? a woman? Harriot! impossible! My dearest, sweetest Harriot! I have been looking all over the town for you, and at Har. My dear sir, I can assure youRus. Hold your tongue, girl! You'll put last-when I was tired-and weary-and disme in a passion. Oak. Sir, this is all a mistake. appointed-why then the honest major and I sat down together to drink your health in [Runing to her. Rus. A mistake! Did not I find her in pint bumpers. your house? Rus. Stand off!-How dare you take any liber ty with my daughter before me? Zounds, sir,| O'Cut. Avast, avast, my dear!-I have a I'll be the death of you. little business with your name; but as I was Charles. Ha! 'Squire Russet too!-You jol- to let nobody know it, I can't mention it till ly old cock, how do you do?-But, Harriot! you clear the decks, fait. my dear girl; [Taking hold of her] My life, my soul, my— [Pointing to the Major. Charles. This gentleman, sir, is my most intimate friend, and any thing that concerns me may be mentioned before him. Rus. Let her go, sir-come away, Harriot! -Leave him this instant, or I'll tear you asunder. [Pulling her. O'Cut. O, if he's your friend, my dear, we Har. There needs no violence to tear me may do all above board. It's only about your from a man who could disguise himself in deciding a deferance with my lord Trinket. such a gross manner, at a time when he knew He wants to show you a little warm work; I was in the utmost distress. and, as I was steering this way, he desired me [Disengages herself, and exit with Russet. to fetch you this letter. [Gives a Letter. Charles. Only hear me, sir-madam!—my Maj. O. How, sir, a challenge! dear Harriot-Mr. Russet-gone!-she's gone! O'Cut. Yes, fait, a challenge. I am to be and, 'egad, in very ill humour, and in very his lordship's second; and if you are fond of bad company! I'll go after her-but hold!-a hot birth, and will come along with that I shall only make it worse-as I did-now I jontleman, we'll all go to it together, and recollect-once before. How the devil came make a little line of battle a-head of our own, they here? Who would have thought of my dear. finding her in my own house?-My head turns round with conjectures.-I believe I am drunk -very drunk-so, 'egad, I'll e'en go and sleep myself sober, and then inquire the meaning of all this. For. I love Sue, and Sue loves me, etc. ACT IV. SCENE I.-OAKLY'S House. Enter CHARLES and MAJOR OAKLY. Charles. [Reads] Ha! what's this? This may be useful. [Aside. Maj. O. Sir, I am infinitely obliged to you.A rare fellow this! [Aside] Yes, yes, I'll meet all the good company. Fl be there in my waistcoat and pumps, and take a morning's breathing with you. Are you very fond of fighting, sir? O'Cut. Indeed, and I am; I love it better than grog. Maj. O. But pray, sir, how are you inter ested in this difference? Do you know what Maj. O. Poor Charles! What a scene of it is about? confusion! I would give the world to have been there. Charles. And I would give the world to have been any where else.-May wine be my poison, if ever I am drunk again! Maj. O. Ay, ay, so every man says the next morning. O'Cut. O, the devil burn me, not I. What signifies what it's about, you know? so we do but tilt a little. Maj. O. What, fight, and not know for what? O'Cut. When the signal's out for engaging, what signifies talking? Maj. O. I fancy, sir, a duel's a common Charles. Where, where can she be? Her breakfast with you. I'll warrant now, you father would hardly carry her back to lady have been engaged in many such affairs. Freelove's, and he has no house in town O'Cut. Upon my shoul, and I have: sea or himself, nor sir Harry-I don't know what to land, it's all one to little Terence O'Cutter.think I'll go in search of her, though I don't When I was last in Dublin, I fought one know where to direct myself. Enter WILLIAM. jontleman for cheating me out of a tousand pounds; I fought two of the Mermaid's crew about Sally Macguire; tree about politics; and one about the playhouse in Smock Alley. But upon my fait, since I am in England, Í have Wil. A gentleman, sir, that calls himself captain O'Cutter, desires to speak with you. Charles. Don't trouble me- -I'll see no bo-done noting at all, at all. dy-I'm not at home Charles. This is lucky-but my transport par-will discover me. [Aside] -Will you be so kind, sir, [To O'Cutter] as to make my compliments to his lordship, and assure him, that shall do myself the honour of waiting on him. Wil. The gentleman says he has very ticular business, and he must see you. Charles. What's his name? Who did you say? Wil. Captain O'Cutter, sir. Charles. Captain O'Cutter! I never heard of him before. Do you know any thing of him, major? Maj. O. Not I-But you hear he has particular business. I'll leave the room. Charles. He can have no business that need be a secret to you.-Desire the captain to walk up. [Exit William. Enter CAPTAIN O'CUTTER. O'Cut. Jontlemen, your sarvant. Is either of your names Charles Oakly, esq.? Charles. Charles Oakly, sir, is my name, if you have any business with it. O'Cut. Indeed, and I will.-Arrah, my dear, won't you come too? [To Major Oakly. Maj. O. Depend upon it, captain.-A very extraordinary fellow! [Aside. Charles. Now to get my intelligence. [Aside] I think, the time, sir, his lordship appoints in his letter, is-a— O'Cut. You say right-Six o'clock. Charles. And the place-a-a-is-I think, behind Montague House? O'Cut. No, my dear!-Avast, by the ring in Hydepark, 'fait-1 settled it there myself, for fare of interruption. Charles. True, as you say, the ring in Hyde-park-I had forgot-Very well, I'll not for me, perhaps!-What a strange world we fail you, sir. live in! No two people in it love one another O'Cut. Devil burn me, nor I. Upon my better than my brother and sister, and yet shoul, little Terence O'Cutter will see fair play, the bitterest enemies could not torment each or he'll know the reason-And so, my dear, other more heartily. However, yesterday, to your sarvant. You'll not forget to come, my give him his due, he behaved like a man. dear? [Exit. Keep it up, brother! keep it up! or it's all Maj. O. Ha, ha, ha! What a fellow!-He over with you. Since mischief is on foot, loves fighting like a game cock. I'll even set forwards on all sides. I'll in Charles. O uncle! the luckiest thing in the to him directly, read him one of my morworld! ning lectures, and persuade him, if I possibly can, to go out with me immediately; or work him to some open act of rebellion against fortune. the sovereign authority of his lady wife. Zounds, Charles. Wish me joy, wish me joy! I brother! rant, and roar, and rave, and turn have found her, my dear girl, my Harriot!-the house out of the window. If I was a She is at an inn in Holborn, major! husband!-'Sdeath, what a pity it is that nobody Maj. O. Ay! how do you know? knows how to manage a wife but a bachelor. Charles. Why, this dear, delightful, charming, blundering captain has delivered me a wrong letter. Maj. O. What, to have the chance of being run through the body? I desire no such good Maj. O. A wrong letter! Charles. Yes, a letter from lord Trinket to lady Freelove. [Exit. SCENE II.-The Bull and Gate Inn. Har. What will become of me? Among all my distresses, I must confess that Charles's Maj. O. The devil! What are the contents? behaviour yesterday is not the least. So wild! Charles. The news I told you just now, so given up to excesses! And yet I am that she's at an inn in Holborn: and, besides, ashamed to own it even to myself-I love him: an excuse from my lord, for not waiting on and death itself shall not prevail on me to her ladyship this morning according to his give my hand to sir Harry-But here he copromise, as he shall be entirely taken up with mes! What shall I do with him? his design upon Harriot. Maj. O. So! so!-A plot between the lord and the lady. Charles. There! read, read, man! [Giving the Letter. Maj. O. [Reading] Um-um-um-Very fine! And what do you propose doing? Charles. To go thither immediately. Charles. No, no; pray mind your own business. If I find there is any need of your assistance, I'll send for you. Enter SIR HARRY BEAGLE. Sir H. Your servant, miss! What! Not speak!-Bashful, mayhap-Why then I will -Lookye, miss, I am a man of few wordsWhat signifies haggling? It looks just like a dealer. What d'ye think of me for a husband?-I am a tight young fellow sound wind and limb-free from all natural blemishes -Rum1) all over, damme. Har. Sir, I don't understand you. Speak English, and I'll give you an answer. - Sir H. English! Why so I do-and good plain English too. What d'ye think of me for a husband? That's English-e'nt it? Maj. O. You'll manage this affair like a boy,-I know none of your French lingo, none now - Go on rashly with noise and bustle, of your parlyvoos, not I.-What d'ye think and fury, and get yourself into another scrape. of me for a husband? The squire says you Charles. No-no-Let me alone; I'll go shall marry me. I warrant you. incog.-Leave my chariot at some distance- Har. What shall I say to him? I had best Proceed prudently, and take care of myself, be civil. [Aside]-I think, sir, you deserve I did not imagine that a much better wife, and begshould ever rejoice at receiving a challenge, Sir H. Better! No, no,-though you're so but this is the most fortunate accident that knowing, I'm not to be taken in so.-You're could possibly have happened. B'ye, b'ye, uncle! a fine thing-Your points are all good2). Har. Sir Harry! Sincerity is above all ceMaj. O. I don't half approve of this-and remony. Excuse me, if I declare I never will yet I can hardly suspect his lordship of any be your wife. very deep designs neither.-Charles may easily outwit him.-Harkye, Willliaɔn! [Exit, hastily [At seeing William at some distance. Sir H. Hey! how! what! be off!-Why, it's a match, miss!-It's done and done on both sides 3). Har. For heaven's sake, sir, withdraw your claim to me.-I never can be prevailed onindeed I can't Sir H. What, make a match and then draw stakes! That's doing of nothing-Play or pay all the world over. Har. I am determined not to marry you, at all events. 1) Good. 2) Expressions in speaking of a horse. 5) In making a bargain, or betting a wager, on the turf, it is customary to shake hands and say done. Sir H. But your father's determined you-You know your poor fond father dotes on shall, miss-So the odds are on my side.- you to madness.-I would not force you, if I am not quite sure of my horse, but I have I did not love you-Don't I want you to be the rider hollow 1) happy?-But I know what you would have. Har. Your horse! sir-d'ye take me for-You want young Oakly, a rakehelly, drunkenbut I forgive you.-I beseech you, come into my proposal. It will be better for us both in the end. Har. I beseech you. [Sir Harry whistles] How! laughed at? Har. Release me from sir Harry, and if I ever marry against your consent, renounce me for ever. Rus. I will renounce you, unless you'll have sir Harry. Har. Consider, my dear sir, you'll make me miserable.-Absolve me from this hard command, and in every thing else it will be happiness to obey you. you Rus. You'll break my heart, Harriot, you'll Sir H. Will you marry me, dear Ally, break my heart-Make miserable! Don't Ally Croker? [Singing, I want to make you happy? Is not be the Har. Marry you! I had rather be married richest man in the county? That will make to a slave, a wretch-You! [Walks about. you happy.-Don't all the pale-faced girls in Sir H. A fine going thing-She has a deal the country long to get him?-And yet you of foot3)-treads well upon her pasterns- are so perverse, and wayward, and stubborn goes above her ground-Zounds, you shall have him. Har. Peace, wretch!- Do you talk to me as if I were your horse? Har. For heaven's sake, sirRus. Hold your tongue, Harriot!-I'll hear Sir H. Horse! Why not speak of my horse? none of your nonsense. You shall have him, If your fine ladies had half as many good I tell you, you shall have him-He shall marry qualities, they would be much better bargains. you this very night-I'll go for a licence and Har. And if their wretches of husbands a parson immediately. Zounds! Why do I liked them half so well as they do their horses, stand arguing with you? An't I father? your they would lead better lives. Have not I a right to dispose of you? You shall have him. -- Sir H. Mayhap so.-But what signifies talking to you? The squire shall know your tricks He'll doctor you.-I'll go and talk to him. Har. Go any where, so that you go from me. Sir H. He'll break you in-If you won't go in a snaffle, you must be put in a curb He'll break you, damme. Har. Sir! Rus. I won't hear a word. You shall have him. [Exit. Har, Sir!-Hear me !-but one word-He will not hear me, and is gone to prepare for [Exit. this odious marriage. I will die before I con Har. A wretch!-But I was to blame to sent to it. suffer his brutal behaviour to ruffle my temper -I could expect nothing else from him, and he is below my anger. Enter RUSSET. Enter CHARLES, in a Frock, etc. Ha! What do I see?, [Screaming. Charles. Peace, my love!- My dear life, make no noise! I have been hovering about Rus. Are not you a sad girl! a perverse, the house this hour-I just now saw your father stubborn, obstinate Har. My dear sir - and sir Harry go out, and have seized this precious opportunity to throw myself at your feet. Rus. Lookye, Harriot, don't speak, you'll Har. You have given yourself, sir, a great put me in a passion-Will you have him?- deal of needless trouble. I did not expect or Answer me that-Why don't the girl speak? hope for the favour of such a visit. -Will you have him? Har. Dearest sir, there is nothing in the world else Charles. O, my Harriot, upbraid me, reproach me, do any thing but look and talk with that air of coldness and indifference. Let Rus. Why there!-there!-Lookye there! me, while their absence allows it, convey you -Zounds, you shall have him-Hussy, you shall from the brutal violence of a constrained marhave him-you shall marry him to-night-Did riage. not you promise to receive him civilly?-How Har. No, I will wait the event, be it what came you to affront him it may;-Oh, Charles, I am too much inclined Har. Sir, I did receive him very civilly; they shan't force me to marry sir Harry— but his behaviour was so insolent and insup- but your behaviour - Not half an hour ago, portablemy father reproached me with the looseness Rus. Insolent!-Zounds, I'll blow his brains of your character. [Weeping out.-Insolent to my dear Harriot!-A rogue, Charles. I see my folly, and am ashamed a villain! a scoundrel! I'll-but it's a lie of it;-you have reclaimed me, Harriot, on my I know it's a lie-He durst not behave insolent-soul you have. If all women were as attenWill you have him? Answer me that. Will tive as yourself to the morals of their lovers, you have him?-Zounds, you shall have him. a libertine would be an uncommon character. Har. If you have any love for me, sir— But let me persuade you to leave this place Rus. Love for you! You know I love you while you may. Major Oakly will receive us at his house with pleasure. I am shocked at the thougths of what your stay here may re 1) To have a person hollow, is to be sure of him. 2) To be off is the same as to hedge. 3) A good strong foot-Walks well on her houghs-lifts serve you to. her feet gracefully from the ground. Har. No, I am determined to remain. To |