if he lets me see it, I shall be sure to make me still-believe the worst you can-'tis all him infinitely easy-here he comes. Enter DARNLEY. Darn. Your humble servant, madam. Char. Your servant, sir. Darn. You have been abroad, I hear. true I don't justify myself. Why do you trouble me with your complaints? if you are master of that manly reason you have boasted, give a manly proof of it; at once resume your liberty; despise me; go off in triumph now, like a king in a tragedy. Char. Yes, and now I am come home, you see. Darn. Is this the end of all then? and are Darn. You seem to turn upon my words, those tender protestations you have made me madam! Is there any thing particular in them? (for such I thought them) when, with a kind relucChar. As much as there is in my being tance, you gave me something more than hope abroad, I believe. Darn. Might I not say you had been abroad, without giving offence? Char. And might I not as well say I was come home, without your being so grave upon't? Darn. Do you know any thing that should make me grave? Char. I know, if you are so, I am the worst person in the world you can possibly show it to. Darn. Nay, I don't suppose you do any thing you won't justify. Char. Oh, then I find I have done something you think I can't justify. Darn. I don't say that neither; perhaps I am wrong in what I have said; but I have been so often used to ask pardon for your being in the wrong, that I am resolved henceforth never to rely on the insolent evidence of my own senses. Char. You don't know now perhaps that I think this pretty smart speech of yours is very dull; but, since that's a fault you can't help, I will not take it ill; come now, be as sincere on your side, and tell me seriously- Is not what real business I had abroad the very thing you want to be made easy in? Darn. If I thought you would make me easy, I would own it. -what all-Oh, Charlotte! all come to this? Char. Oh, lud! I am growing silly; if I hear on, I shall tell him every thing; 'tis but another struggle and I shall conquer it. So, you are not gone, I sec. Darn. Do you then wish me gone, madam? Char. Your manly reason will direct you. Darn. This is too much-my heart can bear no more- -What, am I rooted here? Enter SEYWARD. Char. At last I am relieved-Well, Mr. Seyward, is it done? Sey. I did not stir from the desk till it was entirely finished. Char. Where's the original? Sey. This is it, madam. Char. Very well; that, you know, you must keep; but come, we must lose no time; we will examine this in the next room-now I feel for him. [Exit. Darn. This is not to be borne-Pray, Mr. Charles, what business have you with that lady? Sey. Sir! Darn. I must know, young man. Sey. Not quite so young,but I can keep a secret, and a lady's too-you'll excuse me, sir! [Exit. Darn: 'Sdeath! to be laughed at by every Char. Now we come to the point.-To- body—I shall run distracted-this young fellow morrow morning then I give you my word, should repent his pertness, did not this house to let you know it all; till then, there is a ne- protect him-this is Charlotte's contrivance to cessity for its being a secret; and I insist distract me -but what? Oh! I have love upon your believing it. enough to bear this, and ten times as much. Enter COLONEL LAMBERT. Darn. But pray, madam, what am I to do with private imagination in the mean time? that is not in my power to confine; and sure you won't be offended, if, to avoid the tortures that may give me, I beg you'll trust me with the secret now. and insolent jealousies. Col. L. What, in raptures! Char.Don't press me; for, positively, I will not. Darn. Will not-can not had been a kinder term-Is my disquiet of so little moment to you? Char. Of none, while your disquiet dares not trust the assurances I have given you. If you expect I should confide in you for life, Darn. Perhaps she'll be less reserved to you, don't let me see you dare not take my word and tell you wherein I have mistaken her. for a day; and, if you are wise, you'll think Col. L. Poor Frank! every plot I lay upon so fair a trial a favour.-Come, come, there's my sister's inclination for you, you are sure nothing shows so low a mind, as those grave to ruin by your own conduct. Darn. I own I have too little temper, and Darn. However, madam, mine you won't too much real passion, for a modish lover. find so low as you imagine; and since I see Col. L. Come, come! make yourself easy your tyranny arises from your mean opinion once more; I'll undertake for you: if you'll of me, 'tis time to be myself, and disavow your fetch a cool turn in the Park, upon Constitupower; you use it now beyond my bearing; tion hill, in less than half an hour I'll come not only impose on me to disbelieve my senses, to you, and make you perfectly easy. but do it with such an imperious air, as if Darn. Dear Tom, you are a friend indeed! my manly reason were your slave; and this I have a thousand things—but you shall find despicable frame that follows you, durst show me there. no signs of life but what you vouchsafe to give it. Char. You are in the right: go on-suspect [Exit. Enter CHARLOTTE and SEYWARD. done to Darnley? the poor fellow looks as if he had killed your parrot. Char. Pshaw! you know him well enough! I've only been setting him a love lesson; it a little puzzles him to get through it at first, but he'll know it all by to-morrow-you will be sure to be in the way, Mr. Seyward. Sey. Madam, you may depend upon me; I have my full instructions. Dr. C. I speak it from my heart: indeed, indeed, indeed I do. Lady L. O dear! you hurt my hand, sir. Dr. C. Impute it to my zeal, and want of words for expression: precious soul! I would not hurt you for the world: no, it would be the whole business of my life Lady L. But to the affair I would speak to you about. Dr. C. Ah! thou heavenly woman! [Exit. Col. L. O, ho! here's the business then; and it seems Darnley was not to be trusted with Lady L. Your hand need not be there, sir. it; ha! ha!—and, pry'thee, what is the mighty Dr. C. I was admiring the softness of this secret that is transacting between Seyward silk. They are indeed come to prodigious perand you? fection in all manufactures: how wonderful is Char. That's what he would have known, human art! Here it disputes the prize with naindeed; but you must know, I don't think it ture; that all this soft and gaudy lustre should proper to let you tell him neither, for all your be wrought from the labours of a poor worm! sly manner of asking. Lady L. But our business, sir, is upon an Col. L. Pray take your own time, dear ma- other subject; sir John informs me, that he dam; I am not in haste to know, I assure you. thinks himself under no obligations to Mr. Char. Well, but hold; on second thoughts, Darnley, and therefore resolves to give his you shall know part of this affair between daughter to you. Seyward and me; nay, I give you leave to Dr. C. Such a thing has been mentioned, tell Darnley too, on some conditions; 'tis true, madam; but, to deal sincerely with you, that I did design to have surprised you-but now is not the happiness I sigh after; there is a soft my mind's altered, that's enough. and serious excellence for me, very different Col. L. Ay, for any mortal's satisfaction-from what your step-daughter possesses. but here comes my lady. Enter LADY LAMBERT. Lady L. Away, away, colonel and Charlotte; both of you away this instant. Char. What's the matter, madam? Lady L. I am going to put the doctor to his trial, that's all. I have considered the proposal you have made me to-day, colonel, and am convinced it ought not to be delayed an instant; so just now I told the doctor, in a half-whisper, that I should be glad to have a word in private with him here; and he said he would wait upon me presently: but must I play a traitorous part now, and instead of persuading you to the doctor, persuade the doctor against you? Lady L. Well, sir, pray be sincere, and open your heart to me. Dr. C. Open my heart! can you then, sweet life been able to inform you of my real thoughts? lady, be yet a stranger to it? has no action of my Lady L. Well, sir, I take all this, as I suppose you intend it, for my good and spiritual welfare. Dr. C. Indeed, I mean you cordial service. the low, momentary views of this world. Lady L. I dare say you do: you are above I Dr. C. Why, I should be so; and yet, alas! find this mortal clothing of my soul is made like other men's, of sensual flesh and blood, and has its frailties. well corrected by your divine and virtuous Lady L. We all have those, but yours are Dr. C. Alas! madam, my heart is not of stone: I may resist, call all my prayers, my fastings, tears, and penance, to my aid; but yet, I am not an angel; I am still but a man; and virtue may strive, but nature will be uppermost. I love you then, madam. Char. Dear madam, why not? one moment's contemplations. truce with the prude, I beg of you; don't startle at his first declaration, but let him go on, till he shows the very bottom of his ugly heart. Lady L. I warrant you, I'll give a good account of him-but, as I live, here he comes! Char. Come then, brother, you and I will be commode, and steal off. [Exeunt Char lotte and Col. L. who listens. Enter DOCTOR CANTWELL. Dr. C. Here I am, madam, at your lady ship's command; how happy am I that you think me worthy Lady L. Please to sit, sir. let my husband, your benefactor, know the Lady L. Hold, sir! suppose I now should favour you design him? Dr. Č. You cannot be so cruel! Lady L. Nor will, on this condition; that instantly you renounce all claim and title to Charlotte, and use your utmost interest with sir John, to give her, with her full fortune, to Mr. Darnley. Enter COLONEL LAMBERT. Dr. C. Well but, dear lady, ha! you can't conceive the joyousness I feel at this so much desired interview. Ah! ah! I have a thousand Col. L. Villain! monster! perfidious and unfriendly things to say to you: and how stands grateful traitor! your hypocrisy, your false zeal, your precious health? is your naughty cold is discovered; and I am sent here, by the hand abated yet? I have scarce closed my eyes these of insulted heaven, to lay you open to my two nights with my concern for you. father, and expose you to the world. Dr. C. Ha! Lady L. Your charity is too far concerned for me. Dr. C. Ah! don't say so; don't say so; you merit more than mortal man can do for you. Lady L. Indeed, you overrate me: Lady L. O, unthinking colonel! Col. L. Well, sir, what have you yourself? Dr. C. I have nothing to say to you, colonel, nor for you-but you shall have my prayers. tion of my sister's name! directly, plainly, Col. L. Why, you profligate hypocrite! do grossly tending to abuse the honour of your bed. you think to carry off your villany with that Sir J. Villain! this instant leave my sight, my house, my family, for ever. sanctified air? Dr. C. I know not what you mean, sir; I have been in discourse here with my good lady, by permission of your worthy father. Col. L. Dog! did my father desire you to talk of love to my lady? Dr. C. Hold, good sir John; I am now recovered from my surprise; let me then be an humble mediator-on my account this must not be-1 grant it possible, your son loves me not; but you must grant it too as possible, Dr. C. Call me not dog, colonel: I hope we he might mistake me; to accuse me then, are both brother Christians.-Yes, I will own I did beg leave to talk to her of love: for, alas! I am but a man; yet if my passion for your dear sister, which I cannot control, be sinful was but the error of his virtue; you ought to love him, thank him, for his watchful care. Sir J. O miracle of charity! Dr. C. Come, come; such breaches must not be betwixt so good a son and father; forLady L. Your noise, I perceive, is bringing get, forgive, embrace him, cherish him, and up sir John; manage with him as you will at let me bless the hour I was the occasion of present: I will withdraw, for I have an after-so sweet a reconcilement. game to play, which may yet put this wretch Sir J. Hear this, preverse and reprobate! effectually into our power. [Exit. Oh! couldst thou wrong such more than mortal virtue? Enter SIR JOHN LAMBERT. Sir J. What uproar is this? Col. L. Nothing, sir, nothing; only a little broil of the good doctor's here-You are well Col. L. Wrong him! the hardened impudence of this painted charity Sir J. Peace, graceless infidel! Col. L. No, sir, though I would hazard rewarded for your kindnesses; and he would life to gain you from the clutches of that fain pay it back with triple interest to your wretch; could die to reconcile my duty to wife: in short, I took him here in the very your favour; yet, on the terms his villany of fact of making a criminal declaration of love fers, it is merit to refuse it but, sir, I'll trouto my lady. ble you no more; to-day is his, to-morrow may be mine. Dr. C. Why, why, sir John, would you not let me leave your house? I knew some dreadful method would be taken to drive me hence -O, be not angry, good colonel: but indeed, and indeed, you use me cruelly. Sir J. Horrible, wicked, creature!-Doctor, let me hear it from you. [Exil Sir J. Come, my friend, we'll go this instant and sign the settlement: for that wretch ought to be punished, who I now see is incorrigible, and given over to perdition. Dr. C. And do you think I take your estate with such view?-No, sir-I receive it Dr. C. Alas, sir, I am in the dark as much that I may have an opportunity to rouse his as you; but it should seem, for what purpose mind to virtue, by showing him an instance he best knows, your son hid himself hereabouts; of the forgiveness of injuries; the return of and while I was talking to my lady, rushed good for evil!in upon us-you know the subject, sir, on Dr. C. The will of heaven be done in all Sir. J. O, my dear friend! my stay and which I was to entertain her; and I might my guide! I am impatient till the affair is speak of my love for your daughter with more concluded. warmth than, perhas, I ought; which the colonel overhearing, he might possibly imagine I was addressing my lady herself; for I will not suspect, no, heaven forbid, I will not suspect that he would intentionally forge a falsehood to dishonour me. things. Sir J. Poor, dear, man! ACT IV. [Exeunt SCENE L-A Parlour at SIR JOHN LAMBERT'S. Char. And all passed without the least suspicion? Sir J. Now, vile detracter of all virtue! is your outrageous malice confounded? what he tells you is true; he has been talking to my lady by my consent, and what he said was by my orders-Good man! be not concerned; for I see through their vile design - Here, thou curse of my life, if thou art not lost to conscience and all sense of honour, repair the in- Sey. Sir John signed it with such earnestjury you have attempted, by confessing your ness, and the doctor received it with such rancour, and throwing yourself at his feet. seeming reluctance, that neither had the cuDr. C. Oh, sir John! for my sake-I will riosity to examine a line of it. throw myself at the colonel's feet; nay, if that will please him, he shall tread on my neck. Sir J. What, mute, defenceless, hardened in thy malice? Char. Well, Mr. Seyward, whether it succeeds to our ends or not, we have still the same obligations to you. You saw with what friendly warmth my brother heard your story; and I don't in the least doubt his being able to do something for you. Col. L. I sorn the imputation, sir; and with the same repeated honesty avow (however Sey. What I have done, my duty bound cunningly he may have devised this gloss), me to; but pray, madam, give me leave, that you are deceived-what I tell you, sir, without offence, to ask you one innocent is true-these eyes, these ears, were witnes- question. ses of his audacious love, without the men- Char. Freely. Sey. Have you never suspected, that in all notwithstanding your good father's favour, I this affair, I have had some secret, stronger, am not the man you would desire to be alone motive than barely duty? with upon this occasion. Char. Yes.-But have you been in no apprehensions I should discover that motive? Sey. Pray, pardon me; I see already I have gone too far. Char. Your modesty is pleased to be in the right. Dr. C. I'm afraid too, notwithstanding all my endeavours to the contrary, that you entertain a pretty bad opinion of me. Char. A worse, sir, of no mortal breathing. Char. Not at all; it loses you no merit with me; nor is it my nature to use any one ill that loves me, unless I loved that one again: then, indeed, there might be danger. Come, don't look grave; my inclinations to another Dr. C. I am afraid then it will be a vain shall not hinder me paying every one what's pursuit, when I solicit you, in compliance due to their merit: I shall therefore always with my worthy friend's desire and my own think myself obliged to treat your misfortunes inclinations, to become my partner in that and your modesty with the utmost tenderness. blessed estate in which we may be a comfort Sey. Your good opinion is all I aim at. and support to each other. Char. Ay; but the more I give it you, the better you'll think of me still; and then I must think the better of you again; and then you the better of me, upon that too; and so at last I shall seriously, and you'll begin to think ill of me. But I hope, Mr. Seyward, your good sense will prevent all this. Sey. I see my folly, madam, and blush at my presumption. Madam, I humbly take my leave. [Exit. Char. Well, he's a pretty young fellow after all, and the very first, sure, that ever heard reason against himself with so good an understanding. Char. I would die rather than consent to it, Dr. C. Well, there is sincerity at least in your confession: you are not, I see, totally deprived of all virtue, though I must say I never could perceive in you but very little. Char. Oh, fie! you flatter me. Dr. C. No, I speak it with sorrow, because you are the daughter of my best friend. But how are we to proceed now? are we to preserve temper? Char. Oh! never fear me, sir, I shall not fly out, being convinced that nothing gives so sharp a point to one's aversion as good breeding; as, on the contrary, ill manners Lady L. Dear Charlotte, what will become often hide a secret inclination. Enter LADY LAMBERT. of us?-The tyranny of this subtle hypocrite Dr. C. Well then, young lady, be assured is insupportable. He has so fortified himself so far am I from the unchristian disposition in sir John's opinion, by this last misconduct of returning injuries, that your antipathy to of your brother, that I begin to lose my pow-me causes no hatred in my soul towards you; er with him. Char. Pray explain, madam, Lady L. In spite of all I could urge, has consented that the doctor shall this nute come, and be his own advocate. on the contrary, I would willingly make you happy, if it may be done according to my he conscience, with the interest of heaven in mi-view. Char. Why, I can't see, sir, how heaven Char. I'm glad on't; for the beast must can be any way concerned in a transaction come like a bear to the stake. I'm sure, he between you and me. knows I shall bait him. Lady L. No matter for that; he presses it, to keep sir John still blind to his wicked design upon me.-Therefore I come to give you notice, that you might be prepared to re ceive him. Dr. C. When you marry any other person, my consent is necessary. Char. So I hear, indeed!--but pray, doctor, how could your modesty receive so insolent a power, without putting my poor father out of countenance with your blushes? Char. I'm obliged to your ladyship. Our Dr. C. I sought it not; but he would meeting will be a tender scene, no doubt on't. crowd it among other obligations. He is good Lady L. But I think I hear the doctor com-natured; and I foresaw it might serve to pious ing up stairs. My dear girl, at any rate keep your temper. I shall expect you in my dressingroom, to tell me the particulars of your conduct. [Exit. Char. He must have a great deal of impudence, to come in this manner to me. Enter BETTY. purposes. Char. I don't understand you. Dr. C. I take it for granted, that you would marry Mr. Darnley. Am I right? Char. Once in your life, perhaps, you may. Dr. C. Nay, let us be plain. Would you marry him? Char. You're mighty nice, methinks. Well, Bet. Doctor Cantwell desires to be admit-I would. ted, madam. Char. Let him come in. Enter DOCTOR CANTWELL. Dr. C. Then I will not consent. Dr. C. My conscience will not suffer me. I know you to be both luxurious and worldly Your servant, sir-Give us chairs, Betty, and minded; and you would squander upon the leave the room.-[exit Betty.]-Sir, there's vanities of the world, those treasures which a seat -What can the ugly cur say to me? ought to be better laid out. -he seems a little puzzled. Char. Hum!-I believe I begin to conceive Dr. C. Look ye, young lady, I am afraid,|you.-— Dr. C. If you can think of any project to| Darn. Come, you shall not be serious: satisfy my conscience, I am tractable. You you can't be more agreeable. know there is a considerable moiety of your fortune which goes to my lady in case of our disagreement. Char, That's enough, sir.-You think we should have a fellow feeling in it. At what sum do you rate your concurrence to my inclinations? that seitled, I am willing to strike the bargain. Dr. C. What do you think of half? Char. Ilow! two thousand pounds ? Dr. C. Why, you know you gain two thousand pounds; and really the severity of the times for the poor, and my own stinted pittance, which cramps my charities, will not suffer me to require less. Char. But how is my father to be brought into this? Dr. C. Leave that to my management. Char. And what security do you expect for the money ? Dr. C. Oh! Mr. Darnley is wealthy: when I deliver my consent in writing, he shall lay it down to me in bank-bills. Char. Pretty good security! On one proviso though. Dr. C. Name it. Char. Oh! but I am serious. Darn. Then I'll be so.-Do you forgive me all? Darn. Are we friends, Charlotte? Darn. Must you needs know that, before |you answer me. Char. Lord! you are never well till you have talked one out of countenance. Darn. Come, I won't be too particular; you shall answer nothing- Give me but your hand only. Char. Pshaw! I won't pull off my glove, not I. Darn. I'll take it as it is then, Char. Lord! there, there; eat it, eat it. Char. Oh, my glove! my glove! my glove! you are in a perfect storm! Lord! if you make such a rout with one's hand, what would you do if you had one's heart ? Darn. That's impossible to tell-But you were asking me of Seyward, madam? Char. Oh, ay! that's true. Well, now you are very good again.-Come, tell me all Char. That you immediately tell my father, the affair, and then you shall see-how I will that you are willing to give up your interest like you. to Mr. Darnley Darn. There is not much to tell - only this: Dr. C. Hum!-stay-I agree to it; but in we met the attorney-general, to whom he the mean time, let me warn you child, not to has given a very sensible account of himself, expect to turn that, or what has now passed and the doctor's proceedings.-The attorneybetween us, to my confusion, by sinister con- general seems very clear in his opinion, that, struction, or evil representation to your fa- as the doctor, at the time of the death of ther. I am satisfied of the piety of my own Seyward's mother, was entrusted with her intentions, and care not what the wicked whole affairs, the Court of Equity 1) will think of them; but force me not to take ad- oblige him to be accountable. vantage of sir John's good opinion of me, in order to shield myself from the consequences of your malice. Char. Oh! I shall not stand in my own light: I know your conscience and your power too well, dear doctor! Dr. C. Well, let your interest sway you. Thank heaven, I am actuated by more worthy motives. Char. No doubt on't. Dr. C. Farewell, and think me your friend. [Exit. Char. What this fellow's original was, I know not; but by his conscience and cunning, he would make an admirable Jesuit. Enter SERVANT. Sero. Madan, Mr. Darnley. Char. Desire him to walk in. [Exit Servant. Enter DARNLEY. Darn. To find you thus alone, madam, is a happiness I did not expect, from the temper of our last parting. Char. I should have been as well pleased now, to have been thanked, as reproached, for my good nature; but you will be in the right, I find. Darn. Indeed, you take me wrong. I literally mean that I was afraid you would not so soon think I had deserved this favour.. Char. Well, but were you not silly now? Char. If Seyward does not recover his fortune, you must absolutely get him a commission, and bring him into acquaintance. Darn. Upon my word I will. Char. And show him to all the women of taste; and I'll have you call him my pretty fellow, too. Darn. I will, indeed ! -- but hear meChar. You can't conceive how prettily he makes love. 1) Early in the history of the English jurisprudence, the administration of justice, by the ordinary courts, appears to have been incomplete, To supply this defect the Courts of Equity have obtained their establishment; assuming the power of enforcing the principles upon which the ordinary courts also decide, when the powers of those courts, or their modes of proceeding, are insufficient for that purpose; of preventing those principles, as literally enforced by the ordinary coarts, from producing decisions contrary to their spirit, and becoming instruments of actual injustice in particular cases; and of deciding on principles of universal justice, where the interference of a court of judicature is necessary to prevent a wrong, in matters wherein the positive law is silent. The courts of equity also administer to the ends of justice, by removing impediments to the fair decision of a question in other courts; by providing for the safety of property in dispute, pending a legislation; by restraining the assertion of doubtful rights, in a manner productive of irreparable damage by preventing injury to a third person from the doubtful title of others; by putting bound to vexatious and oppressive litigations, and preventing unnecessary multiplicity of suits; by compelling, without pronouncing any judgment on the subject, a discovery which may enable other courts to give their judgment; and by preserving testimony, when in danger of being lost before the maller to which it relates can be made the subject of judicial investigation, |