atom of her I have ventur'd at, if she is but obey. [Turns his back] Come, madam, beginmistress of thy wit, balances ten times the sum.-Pr'ythee, let me see thy face. Mir. By no means; that may spoil your opinion of my sense

Sir G. Rather confirm it, madam.

Patch. So rob the lady of your gallantry, sir. Sir G. No child, a dish of chocolate in the morning never spoils my dinner: the other lady I design for a set meal; so there's no danger.

Mir. First, then, it was my unhappy lot to
see you at Paris [Draws back a little way,
and speaks] at a ball upon a birth-day; your
shape and air charm'd my eyes, your wit and
complaisance my soul, and from that fatal
night I lov'd you.
[Drawing back.
And when you left the place grief seiz'd me so,
Nor rest my heart nor sleep my eyes could
know;

Last I resolv'd a hazardous point to try,
And quit the place in search of liberty.

Mir. Matrimony! ha, ha, ha! what crimes have you committed against the god of love, [Exit, followed by Patch. that he should revenge 'em so severely, as to Sir G. Excellent-I hope she's handsomestamp husband on your forehead?. Well now, madam, to the two other things, Sir G. For my folly, in having so often your name, and where you live-I am a gentlemet you here without pursuing the laws of man, and this confession will not be lost upon nature and exercising her command But Ime-Nay, pr'ythee, don't weep, but go on, resolve ere we part now to know who you for I find my heart melts in thy behalf-Speak are, where you live, what kind of flesh and quickly, or I shall turn about-Not yet-Poor blood your face is; therefore unmask, and lady! she expects I should comfort her, and don't put me to the trouble of doing it for you. to do her justice, she has said enough to enMir. My face is the same flesh and blood courage me. [Turns about] Ha! gone! the with my hand, sir George; which if you'll be devil! jilted! Why, what a tale she has inso rude to provokevented-of Paris, balls, and birth-days!—'Egad, Sir G. You'll apply it to my cheek—the la- I'd give ten guineas to know who the gipsy dies' favours are always welcome, but I must is-A curse of my folly-I deserve to lose her. have that cloud withdrawn. [Taking hold of What woman can forgive a man that turns her] Remember you are in the Park, child; his back! and what a terrible thing would it be to lose this pretty white hand!1)

Mir. And how will it sound in a chocolatehouse, that sir George Airy rudely pulled off a lady's mask, when he had given her his honour that he never would, directly or indirectly, endeavour to know her till she gave him leave? Sir G. But if that lady thinks fit to pursue

The bold and resolute in love and war
To conquer take the right and swiftest way:
The boldest lover soonest gains the fair,
As courage makes the rudest force obey:
Take no denial, and the dames adore ye;
Closely pursue them, and they fall before ye.
[Exit.

ACT II.

and meet me at every turn, like some troubled SCENE I.—A Room in SIR FRANCIS Gripe's

spirit, shall I be blamed if I inquire into the reality? I would have nothing dissatisfied in a female shape.

Mir. What shall I do?. [Pauses. Sir G. Ay, pr'ythee, consider, for thou shalt find me very much at thy service.

Patch. Suppose, sir, the lady should be love with you.

Sir G. Oh! I'll return the obligation in

moment.

Patch. And marry her?

House.

Enter SIR FRANCIS GRIPE and MIRANDA.
Sir F. Ha, ha, ha, ha!

Mir. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Oh! I shall die with laughing-the most romantic adventure in-Ha, ha, ha! What does the odious young fop mean? A hundred pieces to talk ten mia nutes with me! ha, ha, ha, ha!

Sir G. Ha, ha, ha! that's not the way to love her, child.

Sir F. And I am to be by too, there's the jest; adad, 1) if it had been in private I should not have car'd to trust the young dog.

Mir. Indeed and indeed but you might, Mir. If he discovers me I shall die-Which Gardy-Now methinks there's nobody handway shall I escape? – let me see. [Pauses. somer than you: so neat, so clean, so goodSir G. Well, madamhumoured, and so loving

Mir. I have it-Sir George, 'tis fit you should Sir F. Pretty rogue, pretty rogue! and so allow something; if you'll excuse my face, and thou shalt find me, if thou dost prefer thy turn your back (if you look upon me I shall Gardy before these caperers of the age: thou sink, even masked as I am), I will confess why shalt outshine the queen's box on an opera I have engaged you so often, who I am, and night; thou shalt be the envy of the ring 2) where I live. (for I will carry thee to Hyde-park), and thy equipage shall surpass the-what d'ye call 'em ambassador's.

Sir G. Well, to show you I am a man of bonour, I accept the conditions: let me but once know those, and the face won't be long

Mir. Nay, I am sure the discreet part of my sex will envy me more for the inside furniture, when you are in it, than my outside equipage.

Sir F. A cunning baggage, i'faith thou art, and a wise one too! and to show thee that

1 For "egad," softened from "by God."

2) The ring in Hyde-park, where the fashionables sport their fine carriages, horses, and liveries, in the spring; something like the Longchamps in Paris.

thou hast not chose amiss, I'll this moment| Charles. If you please to intrust me with disinherit my son, and settle my whole estate the management of my estate I shall endeavupon thee. our it, sir. Mir. There's an old rogue now. [Aside] Sir F. What, to set upon a card, and buy No, Gardy, I would not have your name be a lady's favour at the price of a thousand pieso black in the world-You know my father's ces, to rig out an equipage for a wench, or will runs that I am not to possess my estate, by your carelessness to enrich your steward, without your consent, till I am five-and-twenty; to fine for sheriff, 1) or put up for a parliayou shall only abate the odd seven years, and ment man?

make me mistress of my estate to-day, and I'll Charles. I hope I should not spend it this make you master of my person to-morrow. way: however I ask only for what my uncle Sir F. Humph! that may not be safe - No, left me; yours you may dispose of as you Chargy, I'll settle it upon thee for pin-money, please, sir.

and that will be every bit as well, thou know'st. Sir F. That I shall, out of your reach, I Mir. Unconscionable old wretch! bribe me assure you, sir. Adad, these young fellows with my own money!- Which way shall I think old men get estates for nothing but them get out of his hands? [Aside. to squander away in dicing, wenching, drinking, dressing, and so forth.

Sir F. Well, what art thou thinking on, my girl, ha? how to banter sir George? Charles. I think I was born a gentleman, Mir. I must not pretend to banter; he knows sir; I'm sure my uncle bred me like one. my tongue too well. [Aside] No, Gardy, I Sir F. From which you would infer, sir, have thought of a way will confound him more that gaming and wenching are requisites for than all I could say, if I should talk to him a gentleman. seven years. Charles. Monstrous! when I would ask him Sir F. How's that? oh! I'm transported, I'm only for a support he falls into these unmanravish'd, I'm madnerly reproaches. I must, though against my Mir. It would make you mad if you knew will, employ invention, and by stratagem reall. [Aside] I'll not answer him a word, but lieve myself. [Aside. be dumb to all he says. Sir F. Sirrah, what is it you mutter, sirrah, Sir F. Dumb! good; ha, ha, ha! Excellent! ha? [Holds up his Cane] I say you ha, ha, ha, ha! I think I have you now, sir have a groat out of my hands till I pleaseGeorge. Dumb! he'll go distracted-well, she's and may be I'll never please; and what's that the wittiest rogue.-Ha, ha, dumb! I can't but to you? laugh, ha, ha! to think how damn'd mad he'll Charles. Nay, to be robb'd or have one's be when he finds he has given his money throat cut is not muchaway for a dumb show! ha, ha, ha! Mir. Nay, Gardy, if he did but know my thoughts of him it would make him ten times madder; ha, ha, ha, ha!

shan't

Sir F. What's that, sirrah? would you rob me or cut my throat, you rogue ?

Charles. Heaven forbid, sir!—I said no such thing.

Sir F. Mercy on me! what a plague it is

Sir F. Ay, so it would, Chargy, to hold him in such derision, to scorn to answer him, to have a son of one-and-twenty, who wants to be dumb; ha, ha, ha!

Enter CHARLES.

Sir F. How now, sirrah! who let you
Charles. My necessities, sir.

in?

to elbow one out of one's life to edge himself into the estate!

Enter MARPlot.

Mar. 'Egad, he's here-I was afraid I had Sir F. Your necessities are very impertinent, lost him: his secret could not be with his faand ought to have sent before they enter'd. ther; his wants are public there. - Guardian, Charles. Sir, I knew 'twas a word would your servant - O Charles, are you there? I gain admittance no where. know by that sorrowful countenance of thine, the old man's fist is as close as his strong box - But Tll help thee.

Sir F. Then, sirrah, how durst you rudely thrust that upon your father, which nobody else would admit?

Charles. Sure the name of a son is a sufficient plea. I ask this lady's pardon, if I have

intruded.

Sir F. Ay, ay, ask her pardon and her blessing too, if you expect any thing from me. Mir. I believe yours, sir Francis, in a purse of guineas, would be more material. Your son may have business with you; I'll retire.

Sir F. I guess his business, but I'll dispatch him; I expect the knight every minute: you'll be in readiness?

Mir. Certainly. My expectation is more upon the wing than yours, old gentleman. [Aside, and exit.

[Aside.

Sir F. So! here's another extravagant coxcomb that will spend his fortune before he comes to't, but he shall pay swinging interest, 2) and so let the fool go on.-Well, what does necessity bring you too, sir?

Mar. You have hit it, Guardian-I want a hundred pounds.

Sir F. For what?

Mar. Pugh! for a hundred things; I can't for my life tell you for what.

Charles. Sir, I suppose I have received all the answer I am like to have? Mar. Oh, the devil! if he gets out before me I shall lose him again. [Aside.

1) All good substantial citizens are subject to be chosen as sheriff; but by paying a sum of money as fine, they are exempt from the fatigues of business, which would be too great now a days, besides it is wery wulgur te have any sort of occupation,

2) Swinging sometimes means, great.

Sir F. Ay, sir, and you may be marching mind, or would you capitulate? ha, ha, ha! as soon as you please-I must see a change Look, here are the guineas; [Chinks them] in your temper, ere you find one in mine. ha, ha, ha! Mar. Pray, sir, dispatch me; the money, sir; I'm in mighty haste.

Sir F. Fool, take this and go to the cashier. I shan't be long plagu'd with thee.

Sir G. Not if they were twice the sum, sir Francis; therefore be brief, call in the lady, and take your post.

Sir F. Agreed. Miranda!

[Exit.

[Gives him a Note. Sir G. If she's a woman, and not seduc'd Mar. Devil take the cashier! I shall cer- by witchcraft, to this old rogue, I'll make his tainly have Charles gone before I come back. heart ache; for if she has but one grain of [Exit, running. inclination about her, I'll vary a thousand Charles. Well, sir, I take my leave-but shapes but find it.

remember you expose an only son to all the

miseries of wretched poverty, which too often Re-enter SIR FRANCIS GRIPE and MIRANDA. lays the plan for scenes of mischief. Sir G. So from the eastern chambers breaks Sir F Stay, Charles! I have a sudden the sun, dispels the clouds, and gilds the vales thought come into my head, which may prove below.

to thy advantage.

Charles. Ha! does he relent?

[Salutes her. Sir F. Hold, sir; kissing was not in our agreement.

Sir F. My lady Wrinkle, worth forty thou-
sand pounds, sets up for a handsome young thee, old mammon, to thy post.

Sir G. Oh! that's by way of prologue. Pr'y

husband; she prais'd thee t'other day; though Sir F. [Takes out his Watch] Well, the match-makers can get twenty guineas for young Timon, 'tis now four exactly; ten mia sight of her, I can introduce thee for nothing. nutes, remember, is your utmost limit; not a Charles. My lady Wrinkle, sir! why, she minute more.

has but one eye.

[vagance, sir.

[Retires to the Bottom of the Stage. Sir F. Then she'll see but half your extra- Sir G. Madam, whether you'll excuse or Charles. Condemn me to such a piece of blame my love, the author of this rash prodeformity! a toothless, dirty, wry-neck'd. ceeding depends upon your pleasure, as also hunch-back'd bag! the life of your admirer; your sparkling eyes

Sir F. Hunch-back'd! so much the better! speak a heart susceptible of love, your vivacity then she has a rest for her misfortunes, for a soul too delicate to admit the embraces of thou wilt load her swingingly. Now, I war- decayed mortality. Shake off this tyrant guarrant, you think this is no offer of a father; dian's yoke; assume yourself, and dash his forty thousand pounds is nothing with you. bold, aspiring hopes. The deity of his desires Charles. Yes, sir, I think it is too much; a is avarice, a heretic in love, and ought to be young beautiful woman with half the money banished by the queen of beauty. See, madam, would be more agreeable.-I thank you, sir; a faithful servant kneels, and begs to be adbut you choose better for yourself, I find. mitted in the number of your slaves. Sir F. Out of my doors, you dog! you pretend to meddle with my marriage, sirrah! Charles. Sir, I obey you, but—

Sir F. But me no buts-be gone, sir! dare
to ask me for money again-refuse forty
thousand pounds! Out of my doors, I say,
without reply.
[Exit Charles.

Enter MARPLOT, running.
Mar. Ha! gone! is Charles gone, Gardy?
Sir F. Yes, and I desire your wise worship
to walk after him.

A

[Miranda gives him her Hand to raise him. Sir F. [Running up] Hold, hold, hold! no palming; that's contrary to articles

Sir G. 'Sdeath, sir, keep your distance, or I'll write another article in your guts.

[Lays his Hand to his Sword. Sir F. [Going back] A bloody-minded fellow!

Sir G. Not answer me! perhaps she thinks my address too grave: I'll be more free. [Aside] Can you be so unconscionable, madam, to let me say all these fine things to you without one single compliment in return?

Mar. Nay, 'egad I shall run, I tell you that. pox of the cashier for detaining me so long! Sir F. [Running up with his Watch in Where the devil shall I find him now? I shall his Hand] There's five of the ten minutes certainly lose this secret, and I had rather by gone, sir George-Adad, I don't like those half lose my money-Where shall I find him close conferencesnow-D'ye know where Charles is gone, Gardy? Sir G. More interruptions-you will have Sir F. Gone to the devil, and you may go it, sir! [Lays his Hand to his Sword. after him. Sir F. [Going back] No, no; you shan't Mar. Ay, that I will as fast as I can. [Going, have her neither. [Aside. returns] Have you any commands there, Gardy? Sir G. Dumb still-sure this old dog has [Exit. enjoin'd her silence. I'll try another way. [Aside] Madam, these few minutes cost me an hundred pounds-and would you answer me, I could purchase the whole day so. HowSero. Sir George Airy inquires for you, sir. ever, madam, you must give me leave to Sir F. Desire sir George to walk up.- make the best interpretation I can for my [Exit Servant]-Now for a trial of skill that money, and take the indication of your silence will make me happy and him a fool. Ha, ha, for the secret liking of my person; therefore, ha! In my mind he looks like an ass already. madam, I will instruct you how to keep your word inviolate to sir Francis, and yet answer Well, sir George, do you hold in the same me to every question: as for example, when

Sir F. What, is the fellow distracted?

Enter Servant.

Enter SIR GEORGE AIRY.

I ask any thing to which you would reply in presently; ha, ha, ha, ha!

[Exit Miranda. the affirmative, gently nod your head thus, Sir G. Adsheart, madam, you won't leave Nods] and when in the negative, thus, me just in the nick, 1) will you? [Shakes his Head] and in the doubtful, a Sir F. Ha, ha, ha! she has nick'd you, sir tender sigh thus. [Sighs. George, I think! ha, ha, ha! Have you any but I'll more hundred pounds to throw away upon [Aside. courtship? ha, ha, ha!

Mir. How every action charms me fit him for signs, I warrant him. Sir G. Was it by his desire that you are Sir G. He, he, he, he! A curse of your dumb, madam, to all I can say? [Miranda fleering jests!-Yet, however ill I succeeded, nods] Very well, she's tractable, I find! [Aside] I'll venture the same wager she does not value And is it possible that you can love him? thee a spoonful of snuff-nay more, though [Miranda nods] Miraculous! Pardon the you enjoin'd her silence to me, you'll never bluntness of my questions, for my time is short. make her speak to the purpose with yourself. May I not hope to supplant him in your es- Sir F. Ha, ha, ha! Did I not tell thee thou teem? [Miranda sighs] Good! she answers wouldst repent thy money? Did I not say she me as I could wish. [Aside] You'll not con- hated young fellows? ha, ha, ha!

sent to marry him then? Miranda sighs] Sir G. And I'm positive she's not in love How! doubtful in that? Undone again-with age.

humph! but that may proceed from his power Sir F. Ha, ha, ha! no matter for that, ha, to keep her out of her estate 'till twenty-five: ha! She's not taken with your youth, nor your I'll try that. [Aside] Come, madam, I cannot rhetoric to boot; ha, ha!

think you hesitate in this affair out of any Sir G. VVhate'er her reasons are for dismotive but your fortune-let him keep it till liking of me, I am certain she can be taken those few years are expired; make me happy with nothing about thee.

with your person, let him enjoy your wealth. Sir F. Ha, ha, ha! how he swells with envy [Miranda holds up her Hands] Why, what-Poor man! poor man! ha, ha, ha! I must sign is that now? Nay, nay, madam, except beg your pardon, sir George; Miranda will you observe my lesson I can't understand your be impatient to have her share of mirth. Vemeaning. rily we shall laugh at thee most egregiously;

Sir F. What a vengeance! are they talking ha, ha, ha! by signs? 'Ad, I may be fool'd here. [Aside] What do you mean, sir George?

Sir G. To cut your throat, if you dare mutter another syllable.

Sir F. 'Od, I wish he were fairly out of my house.

Sir G. With all my heart, faith-I shall laugh in my turn too-for if you dare marry her, old Belzebub, you will be cuckolded most egregiously; remember that, and tremble. [Exeunt. [Aside. SCENE II.—SIR JEALOUS TRAFFICK'S House. Sir G. Pray, madam, will you answer me to the purpose? [Miranda shakes her Head, Enter SIR JEALOUS TRAFFICK, ISABINDA, and and points to Sir Francis] What does she mean? She won't answer me to the purpose, Sir J. What, in the balcony again, notor is she afraid yon' old cuff should under-withstanding my positive commands to the stand her signs?-ay, it must be that. [Aside] contrary?-Why don't you write a bill on I perceive, madam, you are too apprehensive your forehead to show passengers there's someof the promise you have made to follow my thing to be let?

PATCH, following.

rules, therefore I'll suppose your mind, and Isa. What harm can there be in a little answer for you. First for myself, madam; fresh air, sir?

"that I am in love with you is an infallible Sir J. Is your constitution so hot, mistress, truth." Now for you. [Turns on her Side] that it wants cooling, ha? Apply the virtuous "Indeed, sir! and may I believe it?"-"As Spanish rules; banish your taste and thoughts certainly, madam, as that 'tis daylight, or that of flesh, feed upon roots, and quench your I die if you persist in silence."-"Bless me thirst with water.

with the music of your voice, and raise my Isa. That, and a close room, would cerspirits to their proper heaven. Thus low let tainly make me die of the vapours. me entreat ere I'm obliged to quit this place; Sir J. No, mistress, 'tis your high-fed, lusty, grant me some token of a favourable recep- rambling, rampart ladies-that are troubled tion to keep my hopes alive." [Arises hastily, with the vapours: 'tis your ratafia, persico, and turns on her Side] "Rise, sir, and since cinnamon, citron, and spirit of clara, cause my guardian's presence will not allow me pri- such swimming in the brain, that carries many vilege of tongue, read that, and rest assur'd a guinea full tide to the doctor: but you are you are not indifferent to me." [Offers her not to be bred this way: no galloping abroad, a Letter, she strikes it down] Ha, right wo-no receiving visits at home, for in our loose man! but no matter; I'll go on. country the women are as dangerous as the

Sir F. Ha! what's that? a letter! Ha, ha, men. ha! thou art balk'd.

Patch. So I told her, sir, and that it was Sir G. Ha! a letter! oh! let me kiss it with not decent to be seen in a balcony-but she the same raptures that I would do the dear threatened to slap my chops, and told me I hand that touch'd it. [Opens it] Now for a was her servant, not her governess. quick fancy, and a long extempore.

Sir J. Did she so? but I'll make her to

Sir F. Coming up hustily] The time is know that you are her duenna. Oh, that inexpired, sir, and you must take your leave. comparable custom of Spain! Why, here's no There, my girl, there's the hundred pounds depending upon old women in my country which thou hast won. Go; I'll be with you! The critical moment.

-for they are as wanton at eighty as a girl sage for any body there?- O'my conscience of eighteen; and a man may as safely trust to this is some he baw'd

Asgil's translation, as to his great grandmother's not marrying again.

Isa. Or to the Spanish ladies' veils and duennas for the safeguard of their honour.

Whis. Letter or message, sir?
Sir J. Ay, letter or message, sir?
Whis. No, not I, sir.

Sir J. Sirrah, sirrah! I'll have you set in Sir J. Dare to ridicule the cautious conduct the stocks1) if you don't tell your business of that wise nation, and I'll have you lock'd immediately. up this fortnight, without a peep-hole.

Whis. Nay, sir, my business-is no great Isa. If we had but the ghostly helps in En-matter of business neither, and yet 'tis busigland which they have in Spain, I might de-ness of consequence too. ceive you if you did-Let me tell you, sir, confinement sharpens the invention, as want of sight strengthens the other senses, and is often more pernicious than the recreation that innocent liberty allows.

Sir J. Sirrah, don't trifle with me.
Whis. Trifle, sir! have you found him, sir?
Sir J. Found what, you rascal?

Whis. Why, Trifle is the very lapdog my
lady lost, sir; I fancied I saw him run into
this house. I'm glad you have him-Sir, my
lady will be overjoy'd that I have found him.
Sir J. Who is your lady, friend?
Whis. My lady Lovépuppy, sir.

Sir J. Say you so, mistress! who the devil taught you the art of reasoning? I assure you they must have a greater faith than I pretend to, that can think any woman innocent who requires liberty; therefore, Patch, to your Sir J. My lady Lovepuppy, sir! then pr'ycharge I give her; lock her up till I come thee carry thyself to her, for I know of no back from 'Change. I shall have some saun- other whelp that belongs to her; and let me tering coxcomb, with nothing but a red coat catch you no more puppy-hunting about my and a feather, think by leaping into her arms doors, lest I have you press'd into the service, to leap into my estate - but I'll prevent them; sirrah. she shall be only signior Babinetto's.

[Aside. Exit.

Whis. By no means, sir-Your humble Patch. Really, sir, I wish you would employ servant.-I must watch whether he goes or no any body else in this affair; I lead a life like before I can tell my master. a dog in obeying your commands. Come, Sir J. This fellow has the officious leer of madam, will you be locked up? a pimp, and I half suspect a design; but I'll Isa. Ay, to enjoy more freedom than he is be upon them before they think on me, I aware of. [Aside. Exit with Patch. warrant 'em. Sir J. I believe this wench is very true to my interest: I am happy I met with her, if I can but keep my daughter from being blown upon till signior Babinetto arrives, who shall

[Exit.

SCENE IV.-CHARLES's Lodgings.
Enter CHARLES and MARPLOT.
Charles. Honest Marplot, I thank thee for

marry her as soon as he comes, and carry this supply. I expect my lawyer with a thouher to Spain as soon as he has married her. sand pounds I have ordered him to take up, She has a pregnant wit, and I'd no more have and then you shall be repaid, her an English wife than the grand signior's Mar. Pho, pho! no more of that. Here comes sir George Airy,

mistress.

[Exit

SCENE III.-Outside of SIR JEALOUS TRAF

FICK'S House.

Enter WHisper.

Enter SIR GEORGE AIRY, cursedly out of humour at his disappointment. See how he looks! ha, ha, ha!

Sir G. Ah, Charles! I am so humbled in

Wi.is. So, there goes sir Jealous: where my pretensions to plots upon women, that I shail I find Mrs. Patch, now?

Enter PATCH.

Paich. Oh, Mr. Whisper! my lady saw you out of the window, and order'd me to bid you fly and let your master know she's now alone.

Whis. Hush! speak softly! I go, I go! But harkye, Mirs. Patch, shall not you and I have a little confabulation, when my master and your lady are engag'd? Patch. Ay, ay; farewell.

[Goes in and shuts the Door. Whisper peeps after her through the Key-hole. Re-enter SIR JEALOUS TRAFFICK, meeting WHISPER.

Sir J. Sure, whilst I was talking with Mr.
Tradewell, I heard my door clap. [Seeing
Whisper] Ha! a man lurking about my house!
Who do you want there, sir?

Whis. Want-want-a pox! Sir Jealous!
What must I say now?
[Aside.
Sir J. Ay, want! Have you a letter or mes-

believe I shall never have courage enough to attempt a chambermaid again-I'll tell thee

Charles. Ha, ha! I'll spare you the relation by telling you-Impatient to know your business with my father, when I saw you enter I slipp'd back into the next room, where I overheard every syllable,

Mar. Did you, Charles? I wish I had been with you.

Sir G. That I said-but I'll be hang'd if you heard her answer-But pr'ythee tell me, Charles, is she a fool?

Charles. I never suspected her for one; but Marplot can inform you better, if you'll allow him a judge.

Mar. A fool! I'll justify she has more wit than all the rest of her sex put together. Why, she'il rally me till I han't a word to say for myself.

1) The stocks are now the punishment of the poor conatry-fellows for getting tipsey, swearing etc, towus and cities are too refined for these things, and now the tread-mill generally employs the wicked. It would seem as if these inventions came from China, if We are to believe Goldsmith's geography.