O'Cut. Some advanced wages from my new post, my lord! This pressing is hot work, though it entitles us to smart) money. Lady F. And pray in what perilous adventure did you get that scar, captain? ACT III. SCENE L-LADY FREELOVE's House. Enter LADY FREELOVE and LORD TRINKET. Lord T. Doucement, doucement, my dear lady Freelove!-Excuse me, I meant no harm, O'Cut. Quite out of my element, indeed, 'pon honour! my lady. I got it in an engagement by land. Lady F. Indeed, indeed, my lord Trinket, A day or two ago, I spied three stout fellows, this is absolutely intolerable! What, to offer belonging to a merchantman. They made rudeness to a young lady in my house! What down Wapping. I immediately gave my lads will the world say of it? the signal to chase, and we bore down right Lord T. Just what the world pleases. It upon them. They tacked, and lay to 2)-We does not signify a doit what they say.-How- gave them a thundering broadside, which they I ask pardon; but, 'egad, I thought it resaved3) like men; and one of them made was the best way. use of small arms, which carried off the weLady F. For shame, for shame, my lord! I athermost+) corner of Ned Gage's hat; so I am quite hurt at your want of discretion; and immediately stood in with him, and raked 5) as this is rather an ugly affair in regard to him, but resaved a wound on my starboard") me as well as your lordship, and may make eye, from the stock of the pistol. However some noise, I think it absolutely necessary, we took them all, and they now lie under the merely to save appearances, that you should hatches, with fifty more, aboard a tender 7) off wait on her father, palliate matters as well as the Tower. you can, and make a formal repetition of your Lord T. Well done, noble captain! — But proposal of marriage. however you will soon have better employment, for I think the next step to your present post, is commonly a ship. ever, honour. Enter Servant. Lord T. Your ladyship is perfectly in the right. You are quite au fait of the affair. It shall be done immediately, and then your re- O'Cut. The sooner the better, my lord! putation will be safe, and my conduct justified Honest Terence O'Cutter shall never flinch, I to all the world. But should the old rustic warrant you; and has had as much sea-sarcontinue as stubborn as his daughter, your vice as any man in the navy. ladyship I hope has no objections to my be- Lord T. You may depend on my good ofing a little rusé, for I must have her, 'pon fices, captain! But, in the mean time, it is in your power to do me a favour. O'Cut. A favour, my lord?. -your lordship does me honour. I would go round the world, Serv. Captain O'Cutter, to wait on your from one end to the other, by day or by night, ladyship. to sarve your lordship, or my good lady here. Lady F. O the hideous fellow! The Irish Lord T. Dear madam, the luckiest thought sailor-man, for whom I prevailed on your in nature! [Apart to Lady F.] The favour I lordship to get the post of regulating captain. have to ask of you, captain, need not carry I suppose he is come to load me with his you so far out of your way. The whole afodious thanks. I won't be troubled with him fair is, that there are a couple of impudent fellows at an inn in Holborn, who have afLord T. Let him in, by all means. He is fronted me, and you would oblige me infinithe best creature to laugh at in nature. He tely, by pressing them into his majesty's service. is a perfect seamonster, and always looks and Lady F. Now I understand-Admirable! talks as if he was upon deck. Besides, a thought strikes me-He may be of use. now. Lady F. Well-send the creature up then. [Exit Servant] But what fine thought is this? Lord T. A coup de maitre, 'pon honour! I intend-but, hush! here the porpus comes. Enter CAPTAIN O'CUTTer. Lady F. Captain, your humble servant! am very glad to see you. I O'Cut. I am much obliged to you, my lady! Upon my conscience, the wind favours me at all points. I had no sooner got under weigh,1) to tank your ladyship, but I have borne down upon) my noble friend his lordship too. I hope your lordship's well? Lord T. Very well, I thank you, captain:— But you seem to be hurt in the service: what [Apart. O'Cut. With all my heart, my lord, and tank you too, 'fait.") But, by-the-by, I hope they are not house-keepers, or freemen of the city. There's the devil to pay in meddling with them. They boder) one so about liberty, and property, and stuff. - It was but t'other day, that Jack Trowser was carried before my lord mayor, and lost above a twelvemonth's pay for nothing at all, at all. Lord T. T'll take care you shall be brought into no trouble. These fellows were formerly 1) The smart is the money which is sometimes taken to obtain the discharge of any one who has entered as a sailor, or enlisted as a soldier. 1) Turned round and stood still. 3) Received. 4) Windward-side, that side of any thing from which the wind comes. 5) I went up to him, and began fighting. 6) Right eye. is the meaning of that patch over your right7) The tender is a vessel which rec ives the men who eye? 1) Captain O'Cutter's mixture of Irish and sea-terms is laughable enough on the stage, because the actor must not only speak Irish, but look Irish also, if he will perform his part well. To get under weigh means, to raise the anchor, set the sails; and when the wind has filled them, the vessel moves on its way. 2) Sail towards. have been pressed for the service, xevious to their being sent on board any of the king's ships wasting hands; from here the parties can appeal to the magis trates for their release; and if they can prove they do not come within the persons denominated by the act, they are liberated, and the press-gang punished. 8) And thank you too in faith. 9) Bother, Irish for trouble. my grooms. If you'll call on me in the mor-me, and gain intelligence, aud so forward the ning, I'll go with you to the place. match; but I'll forbid the banns, I warrant you. O'Cut. I'll be with your lordship, and bring-Whatever she wants, I'll draw some sweet with me four or five as pretty boys as you'll mischief out of it.-But away! away!-I think wish to clap your two good looking eyes upon I hear her-slip down the back stairs—or of a summer's day. stay, now I think on't, go out this way-meet Lord T. I am much obliged to you- But, her-and be sure to make her a very respectcaptain, I have another little favour to beg of ful bow, as you go out. Lord T. Will you carry him a letter from me? O'Cut. Indeed and I will:-and I'll take you in tow1) too; and you shall engage him yardarm and yard-arm. 2) Lord T. Why then, captain, you'll come a little earlier to-morrow morning than you proposed, that you may attend him with my billet, before you proceed on the other affair. O'Cut. Never fear it, my lord - Your sarvant!-My ladyship, your humble sarvant! Lady F. Captain, yours-Pray give my service to my friend Mrs. O'Cutter. How does she do? Lord T. Hush! here she is! Enter MRS. OAKLY. [Lord Trinket bows, and exit. Mrs. G. I beg pardon, for giving your ladyship this trouble. Lady F. I am always glad of the honour of seeing Mrs. Oakly. Mrs. O. There is a letter, madam, just come from the country, which has occasioned some alarm in our family. It comes from Mr. RussetLady F. Mr. Russet! Mrs. O. Yes, from Mr. Russet, madam; and is chiefly concerning his daughter. As she has the honour of being related to your ladyship, I took the liberty of waiting on you. Lady F. She is indeed, as you say, madam, a relation of mine; but, after what has happened, I scarce know how to acknowledge her. Mrs. O. Ilas she been so much to blame then? Lady F. So much, madam !-Only judge for not to say indecent in her conduct, as to elope from her father, I was in hopes to have hushed up that matter, for the honour of our family, --But she has run away from me too, mádain:-went off in the most abrupt manner, not an hour ago. O'Cut. I tank your ladyship's axing - The yourself.-Though she had been so indiscreet, dear creature is purely tight and well. Lord T. How many children have you, captain? O'Cut. Four, and please your lordship, and another upon the stocks. Mrs. O. You surprise me. Indeed, her father, by his letter, seems apprehensive of the worst consequences. But does your ladyship imagine any harm has happened? Lord T. When it is launched, I hope to be at the christening. I'll stand godfather, captain. O'Cut. Your lordship's very good. Lord T. Well, you'll come to-morrow. O'Cut. Ay, my lord, and every day next week. -Little Terence O'Cutter never fails, fait, when Lady F. I can't tell-I hope not-But ina troat is to be cut. [Exit. deed she's a strange girl. You know, madam, Lady F. Ha, ha, ha! But, sure you don't young women can't be too cautious in their intend to ship off both her father and her conduct. She is, I am sorry to declare it, a country lover for the Indies? very dangerous person to take into a family. Mrs. O. Indeed! Lord T. O no! Only let them contemplate the inside of a ship, for a day or two. Lady F. Well, my lord, what use do you propose to make of this stratag m? Lord T. Every use in nature. This artifice must, at least, take them out of the way for some time; and in the mean while measures may be concerted to carry off the girl. Re-enter Servant. Sero. Mrs. Oakly, madam, is at the door, in her chariot, and desires to have the honour of speaking to your ladyship on particular business. Lord T. Mrs. Oakly! what can that jealouspated woman want with you? Lady F. No matter what.-I hate her mortally. Let her in. [Exit Servant. Lord T. What wind blows her hither? Lady F. A wind that must blow us some good. Lord T. How?-I was amazed you chose to see her [Alarmed, Lady F. If I was to say all I knowMrs. O. Why sure your ladyship knows of nothing that has been carried on clandestinely between her and Mr. Oakly? [In disorder. Lady F. Mr. Oakly! Mrs. O. Mr. Oakly-no, not Mr. Oaklythat is, not my husband-I don't mean him-not him-but his nephew-young Mr. Oakly. Lady F. Jealous of her husband! So, so! now I know my game. [Aside. Mrs. O. But pray, madam, give me leave to ask, was there any thing very particular in her conduct while she was in your ladyship's house? Lady F. Why really, considering she was here scarce a week, her behaviour was rather mysterious;-letters and messages, to and fro, between her and I don't know who.-I suppose you know that Mr. Oakly's nephew has been here, madam? Mrs. O. I was not sure of it. Has he been to wait on your ladyship already on this oc Lady F. How can you be so slow of ap-casion? prehension?-She comes, you may be sure, Lady F. To wait on me!-The expression on some occasion relating to this girl: in or- is much too polite for the nature of his visit. der to assist young Oakly, perhaps, to sooth-My lord Trinket, the nobleman whom you a) Conduct, defend. *) Closely. met as you came in, had, you must know, madam, some thoughts of my niece, and, as it would have been an advantageous match, I was glad of it: but I believe, after what he has been witness to this morning, he will drop all thoughts of it. Mrs. O. I am sorry that any relation of mine should so far forget himself— Lord T. Ha, ha, ha! - My dear lady Freelove, you have a deal of ingenuity, a deal of esprit, 'pon honour. Lady F. A little shell 1) thrown into the enemy's works, that's all. Both. Ha, ha, ha, ha! Lady F. But I must leave you-I have twenty Lady F. It's no matter his hehaviour indeed, visits to pay. You'll let me know how you as well as the young lady's, was pretty extra-succeed in your secret expedition. ordinary-and yet, after all, I don't believe he Lord T. That you may depend on. is the object of her affections. Lady F. Remember then that to-morrow Mrs. O. Ha! [Much alarmed. morning I expect to see you. At present, your Lady F. She has certainly an attachment lordship will excuse me. somewhere, a strong one; but his lordship, SCENE II.-MR. OAKLY'S House. who was present all the time, was convinced, Mrs. O. Nothing-madam-nothing-a little His unpar [Exeunt. Enter HARRIOT, following WILLIAM. Har. Not at home! Are you sure that Mrs. Oakly is not at home, sir? Wil. She is just gone out, madam. Har. I have something of consequence-If you will give me leave, sir, I will wait till she returus. Wil. You would not see her, if you did, madam. She has given positive orders not to donable rudeness-But I am not well-I am be interrupted with any company to-day. sorry I have given your ladyship so much trouble-I'll take my leave. Lady F. I declare, madam, you frighten me. Your being so visibly affected makes me quite uneasy. I hope I have not said any thingI really don't believe your husband is in fault. Men, to be sure, allow themselves strange liberties-But I think, nay, I am sure, it cannot be so-It is impossible! Don't let what I have said have any effect on you. Har. Sure, sir, if you was to let her know that I had particular business Wil. I should not dare to trouble her, indeed, madam. I Har. How unfortunate this is! What can do?-Pray, sir, can I see Mr. Oakly then? Wil. Yes, madam: I'll acquaint my master, if you please. Har. Pray do, sir. Wil. Will you favour me with your name, madam? Har. Be pleased, sir, to let him know that Mrs. O. No, it has not-I have no idea of such a thing. Your ladyship's most obedient -[Going, returns] But sure, madam, you a have not heard—or don't know any thing[Exit. Lady F. Come, come, Mrs. Oakly, I see Har. I wish I could have seen Mrs. Ŏakly. how it is, and it would not be kind to say What an unhappy situation am I reduced to all I know. I dare not tell you what I have by my father's obstinate perseverance to force heard. Only be on your guard-there can me into a marriage which my soul abhors. be no harm in that. Do you be against giv-| ing the girl any countenance, and see what effect it has. Enter OAKLY. Oak. [At entering] Where is this lady? Mrs. O. I will-I am much obliged - But [Seeing her]-Bless me, miss Russet, is ́it does it appear to your ladyship then that Mr. you?-Was ever any thing so unlucky? [AsiOakly[de] Is it possible, madam, that I see you here? Lady F. No, not at all-nothing in't, I dare Har. It is too true, sir; and the occasion say-I would not create uneasiness in a fa- on which I am now to trouble you, is so mily-but I am a woman myself, have been much in need of an apology, thatmarried, and can't help feeling for you.-But Oak. Pray make none, madam.-If my wife don't be uneasy; there's nothing in't, I dare say. should return before I get her out of the house Mrs. O. I think so.-Your ladyship's humble again! servant. [Aside. Har. I dare say, sir, you are not quite a Lady F. Your servant, madam.-Pray don't stranger to the attachment your nephew has be alarmed; I must insist on your not making professed to me. yourself uneasy. Mrs. O. Not at all alarmed—not in ihe least uneasy-Your most obedient. [Exit Lady F. Ha, ha, ha! There she goes, brimful of anger and jealousy, to vent it all on her husband.-Mercy on the poor man! Re-enter LORD TRINKET. Bless me, my lord, I thought you was gone! Lord T. Only into the next room. My curiosity would not let me stir a step further. I heard it all, and was never more diverted in my life, 'pon honour. Ha, ha, ha! Lady F. How the silly creature took it.-Ha, ha, ha! Oak. I am not, madam.-I hope Charles has not been guilty of any baseness towards you. If he has, I'll never see his face again. Har. I have no cause to accuse him.-But— Oak. But what, madam? Pray be quick!The very person in the world I would not [Aside. have seen! Har. You seem uneasy, sir! Oak. No, nothing at all-Pray go on, madam. Har. I am at present, sir, through a concurrence of strange accidents, in a very unfortunate situation, and do not know what will become of me without your assistance, 1) A bomb-shell. [Aside. Oak. I'll do every thing in my power to Mrs. O. My dear madam!-Mighty well!serve you. I know of your leaving your father, by a letter we have had from him. Pray Oak. Hush!-hark!-what noise?-no-nolet me know the rest of your story. thing. But I'll be plain with you, madam; Har. My story, sir, is very short. When we may be interrupted. The family consideI left my father's, I came immediately to Lon- ration I hinted at is nothing else than my wife. don, and took refuge with a relation; where, She is a little unhappy in her temper, madam: instead of meeting with the protection I ex--and if you were to be admitted into the pected, I was alarmed with the most infamous house, I don't know what would be the condesigns upon my honour. It is not an hour sequence. ago since your nephew rescued me from the attempts of a villain. I tremble to think that I left him actually engaged in a duel. [Aside. Mrs. O. Very fine! Har. My behaviour, sir!— Oak. My dear life, it would be impossible Oak. He is very safe. He has just sent home for you to behave in such a the chariot from the St. Albans tavern, where to give her suspicion. he dines today.-But what are your commands for me, madam? Har. The favour, sir, I would now request of you is, that you would suffer me to remain, for a few days, in your house. Oak. Madam! Har. And that, in the mean time, you will use your utmost endeavours to reconcile me to my father, without his forcing me into a marriage with sir Harry Beagle. manner as not Har. But if your nephew, sir, took every thing upon himself Oak. Still that would not do, madam.Why, this very morning, when the letter came from your father, though I positively denied any knowledge of it, and Charles owned it, yet it was almost impossible to pacify her. Har. What shall I do?-What will become of me? Oak. Why lookye, my dear madam, since Oak. This is the most perplexing situation! my wife is so strong an objection, it is abso-Why did not Charles take care to bestow lutely impossible for me to take you into the you properly? house. Nay, if I had not known she was gone Har. It is most probable, sir, that I should out, just before you came, I should be uneasy not have consented to such a measure myself. at your being here, even now. So we must The world is but too apt to censure, even manage as well as we can.-I'll take a private without a cause: and if you are so kind as lodging for you a little way off, unknown to to admit me into your house, I must desire Charles, or my wife, or any body; and if Mrs. not to consider Mr. Oakly in any other light Oakly should discover it at last, why the whole than as your nephew. matter will light upon Charles, you know. Mrs. O. Upon Charles! Oak. What an unlucky circumstance! Upon my soul, madam, I would do any thing to serve you-but being in my house creates a difficulty that Har. I hope, sir, you do not doubt the truth of what I have told you? Oak. I religiously believe every tittle of it, madam; but I have particular family considerations, that Har. Sure, sir, you cannot suspect me to be base enough to form any connexions in your family contrary to your inclinations, while I am living in your house! Oak. Such connexions, madam, would do me and all my family great honour. I never dreamt of any scruples on that account. What can I do?-Let me see-let me seesuppose[Pausing. Enter MRS. OAKLY behind, in a Capuchin, Tippet, etc. Mrs. O. I am sure I heard the voice of a woman, conversing with my husband- Ha! [Seeing Harriot] It is so indeed! Let me contain myself-f'll listen. [Aside. Har. I see, sir, you are not inclined to serve me-good heaven! what am I reserved to? -Why, why did I leave my father's house, to expose myself to greater distresses? [Ready to weep. Oak. I would do any thing for your sake, indeed I would. So pray be comforted, and I'll think of some proper place to bestow you in. Mrs. O. So! so! [Aside. Har. What place can be so proper as your own house? Oak. My dear madam, I—I— Har. How unhappy is my situation! [Weeping] I am ruined for ever. Oak. Ruined! Not at all. Such a thing as this has happened to many a young lady before you, and all has been well again-Keep up your spirits! I'll contrive, if I possibly can, to visit you every day. Mrs. O. [Advances] Will you so? O, Mr. Oakly! have I discovered you at last? I'll visit you, indeed! And you, my dear madam, I'll— Har. Madam, I don't understand Mrs. O. I understand the whole affair, and have understood it for some time past. - You shall have a private lodging, miss!-It is the fittest place for you, I believe.-How dare you look me in the face? Oak. For heaven's sake, my love, don't be so violent.-You are quite wrong in this affair-you don't know who you are a talking to. This lady is a person of fashion. Mrs. O. Fine fashion indeed! to seduce other women's husbands! Har. Dear madam, how can you imagineOak. I tell you, my dear, this is the young lady that Charles Mrs. O. Mighty well! but that won't do, sir! Did not I hear you lay the whole intrigue together? Did not I hear your fine plot of throwing all the blame upon Charles?— Oak. Nay, be cool a moment. You must know, my dear, that the letter which came this morning related to this ladyMrs. O. I know it. Oak. And since that, it seems, Charles has been so fortunate as to Mrs. O. O, you deceitful man!—That trick is too stale to pass again with me. It is plain now what you meant by your proposing to take her into the house this morning. -- But the gentlewoman could introduce herself, I see. Oak. Fie! fie! my dear, she came on purpose to inquire for you. Mrs. O. For me!-better and better!--Did not she watch her opportunity, and come to you just as I went out? But I am obliged to you for your visit, madam. It is sufficiently paid. Pray, don't let me detain you. Oak. For shame! for shame! Mrs. Oakly! How can you be so absurd? Is this proper behaviour to a lady of her character? Mrs. O. I have heard her character. Go, my fine, runaway madam! Now you have eloped from your family, and run away from your aunt! Go!-You shau't: 't stay here, I promise you. Oak. Pr'ythee, be quiet. You don't know what you are doing. She shall stay. a Mrs. O. She shan't stay a minute. Oak. She shall stay a minute, an hour, day, a week, a month, a year!-'Sdeath, madam, she shall stay for ever, if I choose it. Mrs. O. How! Har. For heaven's sake, sir, let me go. am frightened to death. I Oak. Don't be afraid, madam!- She shall stay, I insist upon it. Rus. [Within] I tell you, sir, I will go up. I am sure the lady is here, and nothing shall hinder me. Har. O, my father! my father! [Faints. Oak. See! she faints. [Catches her] Ring the bell! Who's there? Mrs. O. What! take her into your arms too!-I have no patience. Enter RUSSET. my Mrs. O. Did not you eceive me about the letter this morning?" Oak. No-no-no-I tell you, no. Mrs. O. Yes-yes-yes-I tell you, yes. Rus. Shan't I believe my own eyes? Mrs. O. Shan't I believe my own ears? Oak. I tell you you are both deceived. Rus. Zounds, sir, I'll have satisfaction. Mrs. O. I'll stop these fine doings, 'I warrant you. Oak. 'Sdeath, you will not let me speakand you are both alike, I think.—I wish you were married to one another with all my heart. Mrs. O. Mighty well! mighty well! Rus. I shall soon find a time to talk with you. Oak. Find a time to talk! you have talked enough now for all your lives. Mrs. O. Very fine! Come along, sir! Leave that lady with her father. Now she is in the properest hands. [Exit. Oak. I wish I could leave you in his hands, [Going, returns] One word with you, sir! -The height of your passion, and Mrs. Oakly's Rus. Where is this-ha! fainting! [Runs strange misapprehension of this whole affair, to her] O, my dear Harriot! my child! makes it impossible to explain matters to you at present. I will do it when you please, and how you please. child! Oak. Your coming so abruptly shocked her spirits. But she revives. How do you do, madam? Har. [To Russet] O, sir! Rus. Yes, yes; I'll have satisfaction.-So, madam! I have found you at last.-You have made a fine confusion here. Rus. O, my dear girl! how could you run away from your father, that loves you with of a great deal of confusion. such fondness?-But I was sure I should find you here Har. I have indeed been the innocent cause Rus. Innocent!-What business had you to be running hither after Mrs. O. There-there!-sure he should find Har. My dear sir, you misunderstand the her here! Did I not tell you so?-Are not whole affair. I have not been in this house you a wicked man, to carry on such base half an hour. underhand doings, with a gentleman's daughter? Rus. Zounds, girl, don't put me in a pasRus. Let me tell you, sir, whatever you sion!-You know I love you-but a lie puts may think of the matter, I shall not easily me in a passion. But come along-we'll leave put up with this behaviour.-How durst you this house directly. [Charles sings without ] encourage my daughter to an elopement, and Hey-day? what now? receive her in your house? Mrs. O. There, mind that!-The thing is as After a Noise without, enter CHARLES, drunk. plain as the light. Oak. I tell you, you misunderstand Rus. Look you, Mr. Oakly, I shall expect satisfaction from your family for so gross an affront.-Zounds, sir, I am not to be used ill by any man in England. Har. My dear sir, I can assure you Charles. [Sings] But my wine neither nurses nor babies can bring, And a big-bellied bottle's a mighty good thing. What's here? a woman? Harriot! impossible! My dearest, sweetest Harriot! I have been looking all over the town for you, and at Rus. Hold your tongue, girl! You'll put last-when I was tired-and weary-and disme in a passion. Oak. Sir, this is all a mistake. appointed-why then the honest major and 1 sat down together to drink your health in [Runing to her. Rus. A mistake! Did not I find her in pint bumpers. your house? Rus. Stand off!-How dare you take any fiber |