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every man of them colonel or captain in the militia!-odds balls and barrels! say no more-I'm braced for it. The thunder of your words has soured the milk of human kindness in my breast!Z-ds! as the man in the play says, "I could do such deeds".

Sir L. Come, come, there must be no passion at all in the case-these things should always be done civilly.

Acres. I must be in a passion, Sir Lucius-I must be in a rage-Dear Sir Lucius, let me be in a rage, if you love me. Come, here's pen and paper. [Sits.] I would the ink were red!-Indite, I say, indite!-How shall I begin? Odds bullets and blades! I'll write a good bold hand, however. Sir L. Pray compose yourself. [Sits down. Acres. Come-now, shall I begin with an oath? Do, Sir Lucius, let me begin with a damme ? Sir L. Pho! pho! do the thing decently, and like a Christian. Begin now" Sir,"Acres. That's too civil by half.

Sir L. arise"

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ACT IV.

SCENE I.-Acres' Lodgings.

ACRES and DAVID discovered.

Dav. Then, by the mass, sir, I would do no such thing! ne'er a Sir Lucius O'Trigger in the kingdom should make me fight when I wasn't so minded. Oons! what will the old lady say when she hears o't?

Acres. But my honour, David, my honour! I must be very careful of my honour.

Dav. Ay, by the mass, and I would be very careful of it, and I think in return my honour couldn't do less than to be very careful of me.

Acres. Odds blades! David, no gentleman will ever risk the loss of his honour!

Dav. I say, then, it would be but civil in honour never to risk the loss of a gentleman.-Look ye, master, this honour seems to me to be a marvellous

To prevent the confusion that might false friend; ay, truly, a very courtier-like ser

Acres. Well

Sir L. " From our both addressing the lady"

same

Acres. Ay" both undressing the same lady"there's the reason-" same lady"-WellSir L.

pany"

I shall expect the honour of your com

vant. Put the case; I was a gentleman (which, thank Heaven, no one can say of me); well-my honour makes me quarrel with another gentleman of my acquaintance. So-we fight. (Pleasant enough that.) Boh! I kill him-(the more's my luck.) Now, pray, who gets the profit of it? why, my honour. But, put the case that he kills me! by the mass! I go to the worms, and my

Acres. Zds I'm not asking him to din-honour whips over to my enemy.

ner!

Sir L. Pray, be easy.

Acres. Well, then, "honour of your company.-"
Does company begin with a C or a K?

Sir L. To settle our pretensions'
Acres. Well.

Sir L. Let me see-ay, King's Mead-fields will do-" in King's Mead-fields."

Acres. So, that's done. Well, I'll fold it up presently; my own crest, a hand and dagger, shall be the seal.

Acres. No, David, in that case!-Odds crowns and laurels. your honour follows you to the grave! Dav. Now, that's just the place where I could make a shift to do without it.

Acres. Z-ds! David, you are a coward!-It doesn't become my valour to listen to you.- What, shall I disgrace my ancestors!-Think of that, David-think what it would be to disgrace my ancestors!

Dav. Under favour, the surest way of not disSir L. You see, now, this little explanation will their company. Look ye, now, master, to go to gracing them, is to keep as long as you can out of put a stop at once to all confusion or misunder-them in such haste-with an ounce of lead in your standing that might arise between you.

brains-I should think it might as well be let

Acres. Ay, we fight to prevent any misunder-alone. Our ancestors are very good kind of folks ; standing.

Sir L. Now, I'll leave you to fix your own time. Take my advice, and you'll decide it this evening, if you can; then, let the worst come of it, 'twill be off your mind to-morrow.

a visiting acquaintance with.
but they are the last people I should choose to have

such very, very-great danger, hey?—Odds life!
Acres. But, David, now, you don't think there is
people often fight without any mischief done!
Dav. By the mass, I think 'tis ten to one against

Acres. Very true. Sir L. So I shall see nothing more of you, un-you! Oons! here to meet some lion-headed fellow, less it be by letter, till the evening-I would do I warrant, with his d-d double-barrell'd swords myself the honour to carry your message; but, to tell you a secret, I believe I shall have just such another affair on my own hands. There is a gay taptain here who put a jest on me lately at the expense of my country, and I only want to fall in with the gentleman to call him out.

Acres. By my valour, I should like to see you fight first! Odds life, I should like to see you kill him, if it was only to get a little lesson!

Sir L. I shall be very proud of instructing you. Well, for the present-but remember now, when you meet your antagonist, do everything in a mild and agreeable manner. Let your courage be as keen, but at the same time as polished as your sword. [Exeunt.

and cut and-thrust pistols !-Lord bless us! it makes me tremble to think on't-those be such desperate bloody-minded weapons! well, I never could abide them!-from a child I never could fancy them!-I suppose there an't been so merciless a beast in the world as your loaded pistol!

Acres. Z-ds! I won't be afraid-odds fire and fury! you shan't make me afraid.-Here is the Absolute, to carry it for me. challenge, and I have sent for my dear friend, Jack

Dav. Ay, i'the name of mischief, let him be the messenger.- For my part, I would'nt lend a hand to it, for the best horse in your stable. By the mass! it don't look like another letter!-it is, as

I may say, a designing and malicious-looking

letter! and I warrant smells of gunpowder, like a soldier's pouch! Oons! I wouldn't swear it mayn't go off

Acres. Out, you poltroon !-you ha'n't the valour of a grasshopper.

Dav. Well, I say no more-'twill be sad news, to be sure, at Clod-Hall!-but I ha' done.-How Phillis will howl when she hears of it!-ay, poor bitch, she little thinks what shooting her master's going after!-and I warrant old Crop, who has carried your honour, field and road, these ten years, will curse the hour he was born!-[Whimpering. Acres. It won't do, David-I am determined to fight, so get along, you coward, while I'm in the mind.

Enter Servant.

Serv. Captain Absolute, sir.

Acres. O show him up.

[Exit Servant.

David. Well, Heaven send we be all alive this

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Capt. A. What's the matter, Bob? Acres. A vile, sheep-hearted blockhead !-If I hadn't the valour of St. George, and the dragon to boot

Acres. Oh!-there

Capt. A. But what did you want with me, Bob? [Gives him the challenge. Capt. A. [To Ensign BEVERLEY.] So-what's going on now? [Aside.] Well, what's this! Acres. A challenge!

Capt. A. Indeed!-Why, you won't fight him, vill you, Bob?

Acres. 'Egad, but I will, Jack.-Sir Lucius has Tought me to it. He bas left me full of rage, and I'll fight this evening, that so much good passion mayn't be wasted.

Capt. A. But what have I to do with this? Acres. Why, as I think you know something of this fellow, I want you to find him out for me, and give him this mortal defiance.

Capt. A. Well, give it me, and trust me he gets it.

Acres. Thank you, my dear friend, my dear Jack; but it is giving you a great deal of trouble. Capt. A. Not in the least-I beg you won't mention it. No trouble in the world, I assure you. Acres. You are very kind. What it is to have a friend-you couldn't be my second-could Jack?

you,

Capt. A. Why, no, Boh-not in this affair-it would not be quite so proper.

Acres. Well, then, I must get my friend, Sir Lucius. I shall have your good wishes, however, Jack?

Capt. A. Whenever he meets you, believe me. Enter Servant.

Serv. Sir Anthony Absolute is below, inquiring for the captain.

Capt. A. I'll come instantly. [Exit Servant. Well, my little hero, success attend you. [Going. Acres. Stay, stay, Jack. If Beverley should ask you what kind of a man your friend Acres is, do tell him I am a devil of a fellow-will you, Jack?

Capt. A. To be sure I shall. I'll say you are a determined dog-hey, Bob?

Capt. A. I will; I will; I'll say you are cail'd,

in the country, Fighting Bob."

Acres. Right, right-'tis all to prevent mischief; for I don't want to take his life, if I clear my honour.

Capt. A. No!-that's very kind of you.

Acres. Why, you don't wish me to kill him, do you, Jack?

Capt. A. No, upon my soul, I do not. But a devil of a fellow, hey? [Going. Acres. True, true.-But, stay-stay, Jack-you may add, that you never saw me in such a rage before-a most devouring rage.

Capt. 4. I will, I will.

Acres. Remember, Jack-a determined dog. Capt. A. Ay, ay, "Fighting Bob."

[Exeunt

SCENE II.-Mrs. Malaprop's Lodgings.

Enter Mrs. MALAPROP and LYDIA.

Mrs. M. Why, thou perverse one!-tell me what you can object to in him?-Isn't he a handsome man?-tell me that. A genteel man? A prett figure of a man?

Lyd. She little thinks whom she is praising. [Aside.] So is Beverley, ma'am.

Mrs. M. No caparisons, miss, if you please. Caparisons don't become a young woman. No! Captain Absolute is indeed a fine gentleman. Lyd. Ay, the Captain Absolute you have seen.

[Aside.

Mrs. M. Then he's so well bred;-so full of alacrity and adulation!-He has so much to say for himself, in such good language, too. His physiognomy so grammatical; then his presence so noble' I protest, when I saw him, I thought of what Hamlet says in the play :-" Hesperian curls-the front of Job himselt! an eye, like March, to threaten at command !—a station, like Harry Mercury, new"-Something about kissing-on a hillhowever, the similitude struck me directly. Lyd. How enraged she'll be presently, when she discovers her mistake! [Aside

Enter Servant.

Serv. Sir Anthony and Captain Absolute are below, ma'am.

Mrs. M. Show them up here. [Exit Servant. Now, Lydia, I insist on your behaving as becomes a young woman. Show your good breeding, at least, though you have forgot your duty.

Lyd. Madam, I have told you my resolution--I shall not only give him no encouragement, but I won't even speak to, or look at him.

[Flings herself into a chair, with her face from the door.

Enter Sir ANTHONY and Captain ABSOLUTE. Sir Anth. Here we are, Mrs. Malaprop; come to mitigate the frowns of unrelenting beauty-and difficulty enough I had to bring this fellow. I don't know what's the matter, but if I had not held him by force, he'd have given me the slip.

Mrs. M. You have infinite trouble, Sir Anthony, in the affair. I am ashamed for the cause! Lydia, Lydia, rise, I beseech you!-pay your respects! [Aside to her.

Sir Anth. I hope, madam, that Miss Languish has reflected on the worth of this gentleman, and Acres. Ay, do, do-and if that frightens him, the regard due to her aunt's choice, and my alliegad, perhaps be mayn't come. So tell him I ge-ance. Now, Jack, speak to her. [Aside to him. Berally kill a man a week; will you, Jack?

Capt. A. What the devil shall I do? [Aside.]

You see, sir, she won't even look at me whilst you are here, I knew she wouldn't!-I told you so -Let me entreat you, sir, to leave us together!

[Capt. A. seems to expostulate with his father. Sir Anth. I say, sir, I won't stir a foot yet. Mrs. M. I am sorry to say, Sir Anthony, that my affluence over my niece is very small. Turn round, Lydia, I blush for you!

has this fellow been playing us a rogue's trick
Come here, sirrah, who the devil are you?
Capt. A. 'Faith, sir, I am not quite clear my.
self; but I'll endeavour to recollect.

Sir Anth. Are you my son, or not?-answer for your mother, you dog, if you won't for me. Capt. A. Ye powers of impudence, befriend me! [Aside to her. [Aside.]-Sir Anthony, most assuredly I am your Sir Anth. May I not flatter myself, that Miss Lan-wife's son; and that I sincerely believe myself to guish will assign what cause of dislike she can be yours also, I hope my duty has always shown. have to my son?-why don't you begin, Jack? Mrs. Malaprop, I am your most respectful adSpeak, you puppy-speak! [Aside to him. mirer, and shall be proud to add affectionate neMrs. M. It is impossible, Sir Anthony, she can phew; I need not tell my Lydia that she sees her have any. She will not say she has. Answer, faithful Beverley, who knowing the singular genes hussy! why don't you answer? [Aside to her. rosity of her temper, assumed that name, and a Sir Anth. Then, madam, I trust that a childish station, which has proved a test of the most disinand hasty predilection will be no bar to Jack's hap-terested love, which he now hopes to enjoy in a piness. Z-ds! sirrah! why don't you speak? [Aside to him.

Capt. A. Hem! hem! Madam-hem! [Capt. ABSOLUTE attempts to speak, then returns to Sir ANTH.]| 'Faith! sir, I am so confounded!-and so-so confused! I told you I should be so, sir,-I knew it. The the tremour of my passion entirely takes away my presence of mind.

Sir Anth. But it don't take away your voice, fool, does it? Go up, and speak to her directly! [Capt. ABSOLUTE makes signs to Mrs. MALAPROP to leave them together.] What the devil are you at? unlock your jaws, sirrah, or[Aside to him. Capt. A. [Draws near LYDIA.] Now, Heaven send she may be too sullen to look round! I must disguise my voice. [Aside. Speaks in a low tone.] Will not Miss Languish lend an ear to the mild accents

of true love? Will not

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[Mrs. MALAPROP seems to chide LYDIA. Capt. A. So! all will out, I see! [Goes up to LYDIA, speaks softly.] Be not surprised, my Lydia, suppress all surprise at present.

Lyd. [Aside.] Heavens! 'tis Beverley's voice! [Looks round by degrees, then starts up.] Is this possible?-my Beverley! how can this be?-my Beverley!

more elevated character.

Lyd. So there will be no elopement after all! [Sullenly.

Sir Anth. Upon my soul, Jack, thou art a very impudent fellow! To do you justice, I think I never saw a piece of more consummate assurance!

Capt. A. Oh, you flatter me, sir; you compliment; 'tis my modesty, you know, sir; modesty, that has stood in my way.

Sir Anth. Well, I am glad you are not the dull, insensible varlet you pretended to be, however! I'm glad you have made a fool of your father, you dog, I am. So this was your penitence, your duty, and obedience; I thought it was d-n'd sudden. You never heard their names before, not you! What the Languishes of Worcestershire, hey? if you could please me in this affair, 'twas all you desired! Ah! you dissembling villain! What! [Pointing to LYDIA.] she squints, don't she? a little red haired girl! hey? Why, you hypocritical young rascalI wonder you an't ashamed to hold up your head!

Capt. A. 'Tis with difficulty, sir-I am confused -very much confused, as you must perceive.

Mrs. M. O lud! Sir Anthony!-a new light breaks in upon me! hey! how! what! captain, did you write the letters then? What!-am 1 to thank you for the elegant compilation of an "old weather-beaten she dragon," hey? O mercy-was it you that reflected on my parts of speech?

Capt. A. Dear sir! my modesty will be overpowered at last, if you don't assist me. I shall certainly not be able to stand it.

Sir Anth. Come, come, Mrs. Malaprop, we must forget and forgive; odds life! matters have taken so clever a turn all of a sudden, that I could find in my heart to be so good-humoured! and so gallant! [Aside.hey! Mrs. Malaprop! Come, we must leave Sir Anth. Beverley! the devil-Beverley! them together; Mrs. Malaprop, they long to fly What can the girl mean? This is my son, Jack into each other's arms, I warrant! Jack-isn't Absolute.

Capt. A. Ah! 'tis all over!

Mrs. M. For shame, hussy! for shame! your head runs so on that fellow, that you have him always in your eyes! beg Captain Absolute's pardon directly.

Lyd. I see no Captain Absolute, but my loved Beverley!

Sir Anth. Z-ds, the girl's mad! her brain's turned by reading!

Mrs. M. O'my conscience, I believe so!-what do you mean by Beverley, hussy?-you saw Captain Absolute before to-day, there he is-your husband that shall be.

Lyd. With all my soul, ma'am; when I refuse my Beverley

the cheek as I said, hey?-and the eye--you
rogue !-and the lip, hey! Come, Mrs. Malaprop,
we'll not disturb their tenderness-theirs is the
time of life for bappiness! Youth's the season made
for joy. [Sings.] Hey! Odd's life! I'm in such
spirits-I don't know what I could not do
mit me, ma'am-[Gives his hand to Mrs. Mala-
PROP.] [Sings]--Tol de rol-'gad I should like to
have a little fooling myself-Tol de vol! de rol!

Per

[Exit, singing, and handing Mrs. MALAPROP off, LYDIA sits sullenly in her chair. Capt. 4. So much thought bodes me no good. [Aside.] So grave, Lydia! Lyd. Sir!

Capt. A. So! 'egad! I thought as much! That Sir Anth. Oh! she's as mad as Bedlam!-ordeh'd monosyllable has froze me? [Aside.] What,

Lydia, now that we are as happy in our friends' consent as in cur mutual vows.

Lyd. Friends' consent, indeed! [Peevishly. Capt. A. Come, come, we must lay aside some of our romance; a little wealth and comfort may be endured after all. And for your fortune, the lawyers shall make such settlements as

Lyd. Lawyers! I hate lawyers!

Capt. A. Nay then we will not wait for their lingering forms, but instantly procure the license, and

Lyd. The license! I hate licenses !

Capt. A. Oh, my love, be not so unkind-thus let me entreat[Kneeling. Lyd. Pehaw! what signifies kneeling, when you know I must have you!

Capt. A. [Rising.] Nay, madam, there shall be no constraint upon your inclinations, I promise you. If I have lost your heart, I resign the rest. 'Gad, I must try what a little spirit will do.

[Aside. Lyd. [Rising.] Then, sir, let me tell you, the interest you had there was acquired by a mean, unmanly imposition, and deserves the punishment of fraud.-What, you have been treating me like a child!-humouring my romance; and, laughing, I suppose, at your success!

Capt. A. You wrong me, Lydia, you wrong me -only hear

Lyd. This is worse than your treachery and deceit, you base ingrate! [Sobbing.

Sir Anth. What the devil's the matter now! Z-ds! Mrs. Malaprop, this is the oddest billing and cooing I ever heard! but what the deuce is the meaning of it? I'm quite astonished! Capt. A. Ask the lady, sir.

Mrs. M. Oh, mercy! I'm quite analys'd, for my part! Why, Lydia, what is the reason of this? Lyd. Ask the gentleman, ma'am.

Sir Anth. Z-ds! I shall be in a frenzy! Why, Jack, you are not come out to be any one else, are you?

Mrs. M. Ay, sir, there's no more trick, is there? -you are not, like Cerberus, three gentlemen at once, are you?

Capt. A. You'll not let me speak-I say the lady can account for this much better than I can.

Lyd. Ma'am, you once commanded me never to think of Beverley again; there is the man-I now obey you: for, from this moment, I renounce him for ever. [Exit.

Mrs. M. O mercy and miracles! what a turn here is! Why sure, captain, you haven't behaved disrespectfully to my niece?

Sir Anth. Ha! ha! ha!-ha! ha! ha!-now I see it-Ha! ha! ha!-now I see it-you have been too lively, Jack.

Capt. A. Nay, sir, upon my word

Sir Anth. Come, no lying, Jack-I'm sure 'twas so. Come, no excuses, Jack; why, your father, you rogue, was so before you; the blood of the Absolutes was always impatient.

Capt. A. By all that's good, sir

Lud. So, while I fondly imagined we were deceiving my relations, and flattered myself that I should outwit and incense them all-behold, my hopes are to be crushed at once, by my aunt's consent and approbation-and I am myself the only dupe at last! [Walking about in a heat.]-But Sir Anth. Z-ds! say no more, I tell you-Mrs. here, sir, here is the picture-Beverley's picture! Malaprop shall make your peace. You must make [Taking a miniature from her bosom] which I have his peace, Mrs. Malaprop; you must tell her, 'tis worn, night and day, in spite of threats and en-Jack's way-tell her, 'tis all our ways-it runs in treaties! There, sir [Flings it to him]—and be the blood of our family! Come away, Jack, ha! assured, I throw the original from my heart as ha ha! Mrs. Malaprop-a young villain! easily.

Capt. A. Nay, nay, ma'am, we will not differ as to that-here-[Taking out a picture]- here is Miss Lydia Languish. What a difference!-ay, there is the heavenly assenting smile, that first gave soul and spirit to my hopes!-those are the lips which sealed a vow, as yet scarce dry in Cupid's calendar!-and there the half-resentful blush, that would have checked the ardour of my thanks. Well, all that's past; all over, indeed! There, madam, in beauty, that copy is not equal to you, but, in my mind, its merit over the original, in being still the same, is such-that-I'll put it in my pocket. [Puts it up again. Lyd. [Softening.] 'Tis your own doing, sir-I, I, I suppose you are perfectly satisfied.

[Pushes him out. Mrs. M. Oh, Sir Anthony! O, fie, captain!

SCENE III.-The North Parade.

[Exeunt.

Enter Sir LUCIUS O'TRIGGER. Sir L. I wonder where this Captain Absolute hides himself. Upon my conscience these officers are always in one's way in love affairs; I remember I might have married Lady Dorothy Carmine, if it had not been for a little rogue of a major, who ran away with her before she could get a sight of me! And I wonder too what it is the ladies can see in them to be so fond of them-unless it be a touch of the old serpent in them, that makes the little creatures be caught, like vipers, with a bit Hah, isn't this the captain coming? 'faith, it is! There is a probability of succeeding about that fellow, that is mighty provoking! who the devil is he talking to? [Retires.

Capt. A. Oh, most certainly: sure now, this is much better than being in love! ha! ha! ha!-of red cloth. there's some spirit in this! What signifies breaking some scores of solemn promises; all that's of no consequence, you know. To be sure people will say, that miss didn't know her own mind-but never mind that: or, perhaps, they may be illnatured enough to hint, that the gentleman grew tired of the lady, and forsook her-but don't let that fret you.

Lyd. There's no bearing his insolence! [Bursts into tears. Enter Mrs. MALAPROP and Sir ANTHONY. Mrs. M. [Entering.] Come, we must interrupt your billing and cooing awhile.

!

Enter Captain ABSOLUTE.

Capt. A. To what fine purposes have I been plotting a noble reward for all my schemes, upon my soul! A little gipsy! I did not think her romance could have made her so d-n'd absurd either. 'Sdeath, I never was in a worse humour in my life! I could cut my own throat, or any other person's, with the greatest pleasure in the world!

Sir L. O, 'faith! I'm in the luck of it. I neve:

would have found him in a sweeter temper for my
purpose-to be sure I'm just come in the nick!
now to enter into conve:sation with him, and so
quarrel genteelly.-[Aside. Advances to Capt. AB-
SOLUTE.] With regard to that matter, captain, I
must beg leave to differ in opinion with you.
Capt. A. Upon my word, then, you must be a
very subtle disputant; because, sir, I happened
just then to be giving no opinion at all.

Sir L. That's no reason; for give me leave to tell you, a man may think an untruth as well as speak one.

Capt. A. Very true, sir; but if a man never utters his thoughts, I should think they might stand a chance of escaping controversy.

Sir L. Then, sir, you differ in opinion with me, which amounts to the same thing.

Capt. A. Hark ye, Sir Lucius, if I had not before known you to be a gentleman, upon my soul, I should not have discovered it at this interview; for, what you can drive at, unless you mean to quarrel with me, I cannot conceive!

Faulk. Alas, Julia! I am come to take a loug farewell!

Jul. Heav'ns! what do you mean?

Faulk. You see before you a wretch whose life is forfeited:-Nay, start not; the infirmity of my temper has drawn all this misery on me: I left you fretful and passionate-an untoward accident drew me into a quarrel-the event is, that I must fly this kingdom instantly!-Oh, Julia, had I been so fortunate as to have called you mine entirely, before this mischance had fallen on me, I should not so deeply dread my banishment!

Jul. My soul is oppressed with sorrow at the nature of your misfortune: had these adverse circumstances arisen from a less fatal cause, I should have felt strong comfort in the thought, that I could now chase from your bosom every doubt of the warm sincerity of my love. My heart has long known no other guardian: I now intrust my person to your honour-we will fly together: when safe from pursuit, my father's will may be fulfilled, and I receive a legal claim to be the partner of your

Sir L. I humbly thank you, sir, for the quick-sorrows, and your tenderest comforter. ness of your apprehension-[Bowing]; you have named the very thing I would be at.

Capt. A. Very well, sir-I shall certainly not baulk your inclinations--but I should be glad if you would be pleased to explain your motives.

Sir L. Pray, sir, be easy-the quarrel is a very pretty quarrel, as it stands-we should only spoil it by trying to explain it. However, your memory is very short-or you could not have forgot an affront you passed on me within this week. So, no more, but name your time and place.

Capt. A. Well, sir, since you are so bent on it, he sooner the better; let it be this evening-here by the Spring Gardens. We shall scarcely be interrupted.

Sir L. 'Faith! that same interruption, in affairs of this nature, shows very great ill-breeding. I don't know what's the reason, but in England, if a thing of this kind gets wind, people make such a pother, that a gentleman can never fight in peace and quietness. However, if it's the same to you, captain, should take it as a particular kindness, if you'd let us meet in King's Mead-fields, as a little business will call me there about six o'clock, and I may despatch both matters at once.

Capt. A. 'Tis the same to me, exactly. A little after six, then, we will discuss this matter more seriously.

Sir L. If you please, sir; there will be very pretty small-sword light, though it won't do for a long shot. So that matter's settled; and my mind's [Exit.

at ease.

ACT V.

SCENF I.--Julia's Dressing-room.

Enter JULIA.

Jul. How this message has alarmed me! what dreadful accident can he mean? why such charge to be alcne? O Faulkland! how many unhappy moments, how mary tears, you have cost me!

Ever FAULKLAND

What means this? why this caution, Faulkland ?

Faulk. O Julia! I am bankrupt in gratitude !Would you not wish some hours to weigh the advantages you forego, and what little compensation poor Faulkland can make you, beside his solitary love?

Jul. I ask not a moment-No, Faulkland, I have Icved you for yourself; and if I now, more than ever, prize the solemn engagement which so long has pledged us to each other, it is because it leaves no room for hard aspersions on my fame, and puts the seal of duty to an act of love. But let us not linger-perhaps this delay

Faulk. Twill be better I should not venture out again till dark yet I am grieved to think what numberless distresses will press heavy on your gentle disposition!

Jul. Perhaps your fortune may be forfeited by this unhappy act? I know not whether 'tis so, but sure that alone can never make us unhappy.-The little I have will be sufficient to support us, and exile never should be splendid.

Faulk. Ay, but in such an abject state of life my wounded pride, perhaps, may increase the natural fretfulness of my temper, till I become a rude morose companion, beyond your patience to endure.

Jul. If your thoughts should assume so unhappy a bent, you will the more want some mild and affectionate spirit to watch over and console you; one who, by bearing your infirmities with gentleness and resignation, may teach you so to bear the evils of your fortune.

Faulk. Julia, I have proved you to the quick! and with this useless device, I throw away all my doubts. How shall I plead to be forgiven this last unworthy effect of my restless, unsatisfied disposition?

Jul. Has no such disaster happened as you related?

Faulk. I am ashamed to own that it was all pretended. Let me to-morrow, in the face of Heaven, receive my future guide and monitress, and expiate my past folly, by years of tender adoration.

crime, which I before feared to name, Heaven Jul. Hold, Faulkland! that you are free from a knows how sincerely I rejoice! These are tears of thankfulness for that! But, that your cruel doubts should have urged you to an imposition that has wrung my heart, gives me now a pang more keen than I can express!

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