Page images
PDF
EPUB
[blocks in formation]

Inkle. Our language! Trudge. Zounds, she has thrown me into a cold sweat.

Yarico. Hark! I heard a noise! Wowski, awake! whence can it proceed?

[She wakes Wowski, and they both come forward Yarico towards Inkle; Wowski towards Trudge.

Yar. Ah! what form is this?—are you a man? Inkle. True flesh and blood, my charming heathen, I promise you.

Yar. What harmony in his voice! what a shape! How fair his skin too!- [Gazing.

Trudge. This must be a lady of quality, by her staring.

Yar. Say, stranger, whence come you? Inkle. From a far distant island; driven on this coast by distress, and deserted by my companions.

Yar. And do you know the danger that surrounds you here? our woods are filled. with beasts of prey-my countrymen, too(yet, I think they couldn't find the heart)might kill you. It would be a pity if you fell in their way—I think I should weep if you came to any harm.

--

Trudge. O ho! it's time, I see, to begin making interest with the chambermaid. [Takes Wowski apart. Inkle. How wild and beautiful! sure, there's magic in her shape, and she has rivetted me to the place. But where shall I look for safety? let me fly, and avoid my death.

decked in silks, my brave maid, and have house drawn with horses to carry you. Yar. Nay, do not laugh at me-but is it se Inkle. It is, indeed!

Yar. Oh, wonder! I wish my countrys men could see me-But won't your wan kill us?

Inkle. No, our only danger, on land, is he Yar. Then let us retire further into cave. Come-your safety is in my keep Inkle. I follow you-Yet, can you run risque in following me?

[blocks in formation]

And journey, all over the both together. Trudge. Why, you speak English » as I, my little Wowski."

Wows. Iss.

Trudge. Iss! and you learnt it from as man, that tumbled from a big boat, moons ago, you say!

Wows. Iss-teach me-teach good Trudge. Then, what the devil made surpris'd at seeing us! was he like me? [" Yar. Oh! no-But-[as if puzzled] well shakes her head] Not so smart a body, then, die stranger, but, don't depart. But I hap. Was his face, now, round, and will try to preserve you; and if you are kill-and-eh! [Stroking his chin] Was ed, Yarico must die too! Yet, 'tis I alone can mine? save you your death is certain without my Wows. Like dead leaf-brown and s assistance; and indeed, indeed, you shall not Trudge. Oh, oh, an old shipwrecked want it. I warrant. With white and grey bar my pretty beauty spot?

Inkle. My kind Yarico! what means, then, must be used for my safety?

Wows. Iss; all white. When night

Yar. My cave must conceal you: none enter he put it in pocket.

believe."

it, since my father was slain in battle. I will Trudge. Oh! wore a wig. But the c bring you food, by day, then lead you to our taught you something more than Eng unfrequented groves, by moonlight, to listen to the nightingale. If you should sleep, I'll watch you, and wake you when there's danger. Inkle. Generous maid! then, to you I will owe my life; and whilst it lasts, nothing shall párt us.

Yar. And shan't it, shan't it indeed? Inkle. No, my Yarico! for, when an opportunity offers to return to my country, you shall be my companion.

Yar. What! cross the seas!

Inkle. Yes. Help me to discover a vessel, and you shall enjoy wonders. You shall be

Wows. Iss.
Trudge. The devil he did! What w
Wows. Teach me put dry grass, re
in hollow white stick.

Trudge. Aye, what was that for?
Wows. Put in my mouth-go poff, [
Trudge. Zounds! did he teach you to s
Wows. Iss.

Trudge. And what became of him at What did your countrymen do for the fellow?

Wows. Eat him one day—Our chief kil. :

Trudge. Mercy on us! what damned sto- a little after their spouses. Well, as my master machs, to swallow a tough old tar! though, seems king of this palace, und has taken his for the matter of that, there's many of our Indian queen already, I'll e'en be usher of the captains would eat all they kill, I believe! Ah, black rod here. But you have had a lover or poor Trudge! your killing comes next. two in your time; eh, Wowski? Wow's. Oh iss-great many-I tell you.

Wows. No, no-not you-no

[Anxiously.

[Running to him. Trudge. No? why what shall I do, if I get in their paws?

Wows. I fight for you!

Trudge. Will you? ecod she's a brave, good-natured, wench! she'll be worth a hun-| red of your English wives-Whenever they ight on their husband's account, it's with him nstead of for him, I fancy. But how the lague am I to live here?

Wows. I feed you-bring you kid.

White man, never go away-
Tell me why need you?
Stay, with your Wowski, stay:
Wowsky will feed you.
Cold moons are now coming in:
Ah don't go grieve me!
I'll wrap you in leopard's skin:
White man, don't leave me.

And when all the sky is blue,
Sun makes warm weather,

I'll catch you a cockatoo,
Dress you in feather.

When cold comes, or when 'tis hot

Ah don't go grieve me!

Poor Wowski will be forgot

[blocks in formation]

Both.

With a rosy posey,
When I'm dosey,

Bear-skin night-caps, too, shall

warm my head.

Bear-skin night-caps, etc. etc.

ACT II.

[Exeunt.

White man, don't leave me! Trudge. Zounds! leopard's skin for winter ear, and feathers for a summer's suit! Ha, ! I shall look like a walking hammer-cloth, Christmas, and an upright shuttlecock, in e dog-days. And for all this, if my master SCENE 1.-The Quay at Barbadoes. id I find our way to England, you shall be Enter several PLANTERS. art of our travelling equipage; and, when 1 et there, I'll give you a couple of snug rooms, 1st Plant. I saw her this morning, gentlea first floor, and visit you every evening men, you may depend on't. My telescope soon as I come from the counting house. o you like it? Vows. Iss.

never fails me. I pop'd upon her as I was taking a peep from my balcony. A brave tight ship, I tell you, bearing down directly

2d Plant. Ods my life! rare news! We have not had a vessel arrive in our harbour

Trudge. Damme, what a flashy fellow for Barbadoes here.
all seem in the city! I'll get her a white
y) to bring up the tea-kettle. Then I'll
ach you to write and dress hair.

these six weeks.

Wows. You great man in your country? 3d Plant. And the last brought only madam Trudge. Oh yes, a very great man. I'm Narcissa, our Governor's daughter, from Engad clerk of the counting-house, and first land; with a parcel of lazy, idle, white folks let-de-chambre of the dressing-room. Ipounce about her. Such cargoes will never do for archments, powder hair, black shoes, ink pa- our trade, neighbour.

Wows. No:

chum-chum!

er, shave beards, and mend pens. But, hold; | 4th Plant. No, no: we want slaves. A terhad forgot one material point-you arn't rible dearth of 'em in Barbadoes, lately! but arried, I hope? your dingy passengers for my money. Give me a vessel like a collier, where all the lading you be my Trudge. So I will. It's best, however, to tumbles out as black as my hat. But are you e sure of her being single; for Indian hus-sure, now, you aren't mistaken? nds are not quite so complaisant as English [To 1st Planter. es, and the vulgar dogs might thing of looking 1st Plant, Mistaken! 'sbud, do you doubt a) In the time when people easily made great fortunes, my glass? I can discover a gull by it six leaa short time, in the Indies, it was customary for gues off: I could see every thing as plain as these persons to bring over with them a black boy to if I was on board.

in

wait at table, and act as lady's footman, (probably 2d Plant. Indeed! and what were her cofrom the idea that they would make better servants,

as not having the same ideas of liberty as an English lours?

servant) so that Trudge's idea of having a white boy for black Wowski makes a laughable contrast, not

1st Plant. Um! why English-or Dutch

only of the lady with that of the boy; but also the or French-I don't exactly remember.

custom that was, with that he pretended to introduce

3d Plant. What were the sailors aboard?

1st Plant. Eh! why they were English too Patty. Not I, ma'am, not 1. But, if our -or Dutch-or French-I can't perfectly re- voyage from England was so pleasant, it collect. wasn't owing to Mr. Inkle, I'm certain. He 4th Plant. Your glass, neighbour, is a little didn't play the fiddle in our cabin, and danc like a glass to much: it makes you forget on the deck, and come languishing with every thing you ought to remember. glass of warm water in his hand, when w [Cry without, A sail, a sail. were seasick. Ah, ma'am, that water warr 1st Plant. Egad, but I'm right tho'. Now, your heart, I'm confident. Mr. Inkle; no, n gentlemen! Captain CamAll. Aye, aye; the devil take the hindmost. [Exeunt, hastily.

Enter NARCISSA and PATTY.

Nar. Freshly now the breeze is blowing;
As yon ship at anchor rides,
Sullen waves, incessant flowing,
Rudely dash against the sides:
So my heart, its course impeded,

Beats in my perturbed breast;
Doubts, like waves by waves succeeded,
Rise, and still deny it rest.
Patty. Well, ma'am, as I was saying-
Nar. Well, say no more of what you were
saying-Sure, Patty, you forget where you
are: a little caution will be necessary now, I
think.

Patty. Lord, madam, how is it possible to help talking? We are in Barbadoes, here, to be sure-but then, ma'am, one may let out a little in a private morning's walk by ourselves. Nar. Nay, it's the same thing with you indoors. [for a gown. Patty. I never blab, ma'am, never, as I hope Nar. And your never blabbing, as you call it, depends chiefly on that hope, I believe. The unlocking my chest, locks up all your faculties. An old silk gown makes you turn your back on all my secrets; a large bonnet blinds your eyes; and a fashionable high handkerchief covers your ears, and stops your mouth at once, Patty.

Nar. There is no end to this! Remembe Patty, keep your secrecy, or you entirely h my favour.

Patty. Never fear me, ma'am. But if som body I know is not acquainted with governor, there's such a thing as dancing. balls, and squeezing hands when you lead and squeezing them again when you cast dǝr and walking on the quay in a morning. I won't utter a syllable. [Archly] But member, I'm as close as a patch-box. M the word, ma'am, I promise you.

This maxim let ev'ry one hear,

Proclaim'd from the north to the sour
Whatever comes in at your ear,

Should never run out at your mouth.
We servants, like servants of state,
Should listen to all, and be dumb;
Let others harangue and debate,
We look wise-shake our heads,-and- !

mum.

The judge in dull dignity drest,

In silence hears barristers preach; And then, to prove silence is best,

He'll get up, and give them a speech By saying but little, the maid

Will keep her swain under her thum And the lover that's true to his trade,

Is certain to kiss, and cry mum. [E Nar. How awkward is my present situat promised to one, who, perhaps, may Patty. Dear ma'am, how can you think a again be heard of; and who, I am sure body so mercenary! am I always teasing you he ever appears to claim me, will do it m about gowns and gew-gaws, and fal-lals and ly on the score of interest-pressed too finery? Or do you take me for a conjuror, another, who has already, I fear, too that nothing will come out of my mouth but interest in my heart-what can I do? W: ribbons? I have told the story of our voyage, plan can I follow? indeed, to old Guzzle, the butler, who is very inquisitive; and, between ourselves, is the ugliest old quiz I ever saw in my life.

Nar. Well, well, I have seen him; pitted with the small-pox, and a red face.

Enter CAMPLEY.

Camp. Follow my advice, Narcissa, b means. Enlist with me, under the best ners in the world. General Hymen for Pully. Right, ma'am. It's for all the world money! little Cupid's his drummer: be like his master's cellar, full of holes and li- been beating a round rub-a-dub on our be quor. But, when he asks me what you and and we have only to obey the word of c I think of the matter, why I look wise, and mand, fall into the ranks of matrimony, cry, like other wise people who have nothing march through life together. to say-All's for the best.

Nar. And, thus, you lead him to imagine I am but little inclined to the match.

al

Nar. Then consider our situation. Camp. That has been duly considered short, the case stands exactly thus-your Patty. Lord, ma'am, how could that be? tended spouse is all for money: I am Why, I never said a word about Captain love: he is a rich rogue: I am rather ap Campley. honest fellow. He would pocket your for I will take you without a fortune in yo

Nar. Hush! bush, for heaven's sake.

Patty. Ay! there it is now. There, ma'am, pocket. I'm as mute as a mackarel-That name stri- Nar. Oh! I am sensible of the favour, kes me dumb in a moment. I don't know gallant Captain Campley; and my father, how it is, but Captain Campley some how doubt, will be very much obliged to you. or other has the knack of stopping my mouth Camp. Aye, there's the devil of it! oftener than any body else, ma'am.

Nar. His name again!-Consider. mention it; I desire you.

Christopher Curry's confounded good char Never ter-knocks me up at once. Yet I

acquainted with him, neither; not known

1

him, even by sight; being here only as a private gentleman on a visit to my old relation, out of regimentals, and so forth; and not introduced to the Governor as other officers of the place: but then the report of his hospitality-his odd, blunt, whimsical, friendship-his whole behaviour

Nar. All stare you in the face, eh, Campley? Camp. They do, till they put me out of countenance: but then again, when I stare you in the face, I can't think I have any reason to be ashamed of my proceedings-I stick here, between my love and my principle, like a song between a toast and a sentiment.

Nar. And, if your love and your principle were put in the scales, you doubt which would weigh most?

Camp. Oh, no! I should act like a rogue,

[blocks in formation]

Enter TRUDGE and WowsкI, as from the ship; with a dirty RUNNER from one of the inns.

Run. This way, sir; if you will let me re

and let principle kick the beam: for love, Nar-commendissa, is as heavy as lead, and, like a bullet

Trudge. Come along, Wows! Take care rom a pistol, could never go through the of your furs, and your feathers, my girl.

heart, if it wanted weight.

Nar. Or rather like the pistol itself, that

Wows. Iss.

Trudge. That's right.

Somebody might

Wows. Steal!-What that?

ften goes off without any harm done. Your steal 'em perhaps.
re must end in smoke, I believe.
Camp. Never, whilst-

Trudge. Oh, lord! see what one loses by

Nar. Nay, a truce to protestations at pre-not being born in a Christian country. ent. What signifies talking to me, when Run. If you would, sir, but mention to ou have such opposition from others? Why your master, the house that belongs to my over about the city, instead of boldy attack-master; the best accommodations on the quay.g the guard? Wheel about, captain! face ie enemy! march! charge! rout 'em-Drive m before you, and then-Camp. And then

Nar. Lud have mercy on the poor city!
Mars would oft, his conquest over,
To the Cyprian goddess yield;
Venus gloried in a lover,
Who, like him, could brave the field.
Mars would oft, etc.

In the cause of battles hearty,
Still the God would strive to prove,
He, who fac'd an adverse party,
Fittest was to meet his love.

Hear then, captains, ye who bluster,
Hear the God of war declare,
Cowards never can pass muster;
Courage only wins the fair.

Enter PATTY, hastily.

Trudge. What's your sign, my_lad?

Run. The Crown, sir-Here it is. Trudge. Well, get us a room for half an hour, and we'll come: and hark'ee! let it be light and airy, d'ye hear? My master has been used to your open apartments lately.

sir.

Run. Depend on it.-Much obliged to you, [Exit. Wows. Who be that fine man? He great prince?

Trudge. A prince-Ha! ha!-No, not quite how do you like this, Wows? Isn't it fine? a prince-but he belongs to the crown. But

Wows. Wonder!

Trudge. Fine men, eh!

Wows. Iss! all white; like you.

Trudge. Yes, all the fine men are like me: as different from your people as powder and ink, or paper and blacking.

Wows. And fine lady-Face like snow. Trudge. What! the fine ladies' complexiPatty. Oh lud, ma'am, I'm frightened out ons? Oh, yes, exactly; for too much heat very my wits! sure as I'm alive, ma'am, Mr. Ink- often dissolves 'em! Then their dress, too. is not dead; I saw his man, ma'am, just Wows. Your countrymen dress so? w, coming ashore in a boat with other pas- Trudge. Better, better, a great deal. Why, ngers, from the vessel that's come to the a young flashy Englishman will sometimes and. [Exit. carry a whole fortune on his back. But did Nar. [To Camp.] Look'ye, Mr. Campley, you mind the women? All here- and there; mething has happened which makes me waive [Pointing before and behind] they have it remonies. If you mean to apply to my fa- all from us in England. And then the fine er, remember that delays are dangerous. Camp. Indeed!

things they carry on their heads, Wowski. Wows. Iss. One lady carry good fish-so fine, she call every body to look at her.

Wows. You not love me now.

Nar. I mayn't be always in the same mind, u know. [Smiling Trudge. Pshaw! an old woman bawling Camp. Nay, then-Gad, I'm almost afraid flounders. But the fine girls we meet, here, o-but living in this state of doubt is tor- on the quay-so round, and so plump! ent. I'll e'en put a good face on the mat-; cock my hat; make my bow; and try to ason the Governor into compliance. Faint art never won a fair lady. Why should I vain fears dicover,

Prove a dying, sighing swain?

Trudge. Not love you! Zounds, have not 1 given you proofs?

Wows. Iss. Great many: but now you get here, you forget poor Wowski!

Trudge. Not I: I'll stick to you like wax.

Wows. Ah, I fear! What make you love me now?

Trudge. Gratitude, to be sure.

Wows. What that?

Trudge. Not she-she never went to market in all her life.

Plant. I mean, is she for our sale of siaves? Our Black Fair?

Trudge. Ha! this it is, now, to live without education. The poor dull devils of her coun-it try are all in the practice of gratitude, without finding out what it means; while we can tell the meaning of it, with little or no practice at all.-Lord, lord, what a fine advantage Christian learning is! Hark'ee, Wows! Wows. Iss.

Trudge. Now we've accomplished our landing, I'll accomplish you. You remember the instructions I gave you on the voyage?

Wows. Iss.

Trudge. Let's see now-What are you to do, when I introduce you to the nobility, gentry, and others of my acquaintance?

I

Trudge. A black fair! ha, ha, ha! You ho
on a brown green, I suppose.
Plant, She's your slave, I take it?
Trudge. Yes; and I'm her humble serva
take it.

Plant. Aye, aye, natural enough at sea-
But at how much do you value her?
Trudge. Just as much as she has saved:
-My own life.

Plant. Pshaw! you mean to sell her? Trudge. [Staring] Zounds! what a c of a fellow! Sell Wows!-my poor, dingy wife!

Plant. Come, come, I've heard your s from the ship. Don't let's haggle; I'll b Wows. Make believe sit down; then get up. fair as any trader amongst us: but no tr Trudge. Let me see you do it. [She makes upon travellers, young man, to raise a low curtesy] Very well! And how are you price. - Your wife, indeed! Why she's to recommend yourself, when you have no-Christian?

thing to say, amongst all our great friends? Trudge. No; but I am; so I shall d Wows. Grin-shew my teeth. I'd be done by, Master Black-market: ar

Trudge. Right! they'll think you lived with you were a good one yourself, you'd people of fashion. But suppose you meet an that fellow-feeling for a poor body, who v old shabby friend in misfortune, that you don't your help, is the noblest mark of our relig wish to be seen to speak to-what would you I wouldn't be articled clerk to such a Wows. Look blind-not see him. [do? for the world.

Trudge. Why would you do that?

Plant. Hey-dey! The booby's in love Wows. 'Cause I can't see good friend in her! Why, sure, friend, you would not distress. here with a black?

[ocr errors]

Trudge. That's a good girl! and I wish Trudge. Plague on't; there it is. I every body could boast of so kind a motive, be laughed out of my honesty, here.-B for such cursed cruel behaviour.-Lord! how may be jogging, friend; I may feel a some of your flashy banker's clerks have cut queer, perhaps, at showing her faceme in Threadneedle-street. But come, though dam'me, if ever I do any thing to mak we have got among fine folks, here, in an ashamed of showing my own. English settlement, I won't be ashamed of my Plant. Why, I tell you, her very ce old acquaintance: yet, for my own part, I Trudge. Rot her complexion.-1' te. should not be sorry, now, to see my old friend what, Mr. Fair-trader; if your head and with a new face. Odsbobs! I see Mr. Inkle were to change places, I've a notion -Go in, Wows;-call for what you like best. be as black in the face as an ink-bottle. Wows. Then, I call for you-ah! I fear I Plant. Pshaw! The fellow's a foolnot see you often now. But you come soon-rascal-he ought to be sent back to the ges, again. He's not fit to live ame.

Remember when we walk'd alone,

And heard, so gruff, the lion growl; And when the moon so bright it shone, We saw the wolf look up and howl; I led you well, safe to our cell,

While, tremblingly

You said to me,

-And kiss'd so sweet-dear Wowski tell,
How could I live without ye?

But now you come across the sea,
And tell me here no monsters roar;
You'll walk alone and leave poor me,
When wolves to fright you howl no more.
But ah! think well on our old cell,

Where, tremblingly,
You kiss'd poor me-
Perhaps, you'll say-dear Wowski tell,
How can I live without ye?

[Exit. Trudge. Eh! oh! my master's talking to somebody on the quay. Who have we here!

Enter first PLanter.

Plant. Hark'ee, young man! Is that young Indian of your's going to our market?

Christians..
Trudge. Oh, here he is at last.

Enter INKLE, and a second PLANTE Inkle. Nay, sir, I understand your well: your Indian markets are not unc

to me.

2 Plant. And, as you seem to unders business, I need not tell you that despat the soul of it. Her name you say is

Inkle. Yarico: but urge this no more, you. I must not listen to it: for to freely, her anxious care of me demands here, though here it may seem stra should avow my love for her.

[ocr errors]

Plant. Lord help you, for a merchant.-the first time I ever heard trader ta love; except, indeed, the love of trade, the love of the Sweet Molly, my ship.

Inkle. Then, sir, you cannot feel my situs Plant. Oh yes, I can! We have a bu such cases just after a voyage; but they a last long on land. It's amazing how cens a young man is in a ship! But, in two w will you dispose of her, or no?

« EelmineJätka »