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 your confession: you are not, I see, totally 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 beard reason against himself with so good an understanding. Enter LADY LAMBERT. Char. I would die rather than consent to it, Dr. C. Well, there is sincerity at least in 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. 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; on the contrary, I would willingly make you Char. Pray explain, madam, happy, if it may be done according to my Lady L. In spite of all I could urge, he conscience, with the interest of heaven in has consented that the doctor shall this mi-view.. Lute come, and be his own advocate. er with him. 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 dekan upon me.-Therefore I come to give you tice, 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 up stairs. My dear girl, at any rate keep purposes. our temper. I shall expect you in my dressing- Char. I don't understand you. Dr. C. I take it for granted, that you would [Exit. marry Mr. Darnley. Am I right? , to tell me the particulars of your conduct. Char. He must have a great deal of impurace, to come in this manner to me. Enter BETTY. 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. 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 ave the room.-[exit Betty.]-Sir, there's vanities of the world, those treasures which seat - What can the ugly cur say to me? ought to be better laid out. -be seems a little puzzled. Char. Hum!-I believe I begin to conceive Dr C. Look ye, young lady, I am afraid,¦you.- Char. Oh! but I am serious. 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 settled, I am willing to strike the bargain. Dr. C. What do you think of half? 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. 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. 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 Char. Pretty good security! On one pro-were asking me of Seyward, madam? viso though. Dr. C. Name it. Char. Ŏh, 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. Serv. Madam, 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 li terally 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 me— Char. You can't conceive how prettily he makes love. 1) Early in the history of the English jurisprudence, the Darn. Not so well as you make your de- tea's ready, what have you to do but to drink fence, Charlotte. it?-but you, I suppose, expect a lover's heart, Char. Lord! I had forgot, he is to teach like your lamp, should be always flaming at me Greek, too. your elbow; and when it's ready to go out, Darn. Trifling tyrant! how long, Charlotte, you indolently supply it with the spirit of do you think you can find new evasions for contradiction." what I say unto you? Char. Lord! you are horrid silly; but since tis love that makes you such a dunce-poor Darnley, I forgive you. Enter COLONEL LAMBERT, unobserved. Darn. That's kind, however.-But, to complete my joy, be kinder yet-and Char. Oh! I can't! I can't!-Lord! did you never ride a horse-match? Char. And so you suppose, that your as- Char. That then would complete it. Char. Why then take it, Darnley. Now I presume you are in high triumph, sir. Col. L. No, sister; now you are consistent with that good sense I always thought you mistress of. Darn. Was ever so wild a question! Char. Because, if you have, it runs in my Char. And now I beg we may separate; head you galloped a mile beyond the win- for our being seen together, at this critical ning-post, to make sure on't. juncture, may give that devil, the doctor, susDarn. Now, I understand you. But since picion of a confederacy, and make him set you will have me touch every thing so very some engine at work that we are not aware of. tenderly, Charlotte, how shall I find proper Col. L. It's a very proper caution. Come words to ask you the lover's last necessary along, Darnley; nay, you must leave her now, question? whatever violence you do yourself. Char. Oh! there's a thousand points to be adjusted before that's answered. Col. L. [advances] Name them this moment; for, positively, this is the last time of asking1). Char. Pshaw! who sent for you? Col. L. I only came to teach you to speak plain English, my dear. Char. Lord! mind your own business; can't Col L So I will; for I will make you do more of yours in two minutes, than you Char. Ay, ay, take him with you, brother -or stay, Darnley; if you please, you may come along with me. [Exeunt. ACT V. SCENE I-A Parlour at SIR JOHN LAMBERT'S. would have done without me in a twelvemonth. Darn. Why not? you shall not break your Col. L. You'll say so on Thursday se'nnight slighted me of late. for (let affairs take what turn they will in the Char. No matter-here he comes-this may family), that's positively your wedding-day-open another scene of action to that I believe Nay, you shan't stir. my brother's preparing for. Char. Was ever such assurance! Enter SIR JOHN and LADY LAMBErt. Sir J. Mr. Darnley, I am glad I have met you here. Darn. I have endeavoured twice to-day, sir, Col. L. Ha ha! if I was to leave you to to pay my respects to you. yourselves, what a couple of pretty out of Sir J. Sir, T'll be plain with you-I went countenanced figures you would make! hum-out to avoid you; but where the welfare of a ing and hawing 2) upon the vulgar points of child is concerned, you must not take it ill if pure and pin-money. Come, come, I know we don't stand upon ceremony-However, since proper on both sides; you shall leave I have reason now to be more in temper than perhaps I was at that time, I shall be glad to Darn. I had rather Charlotte would name talk with you. what's it to me. her own terms to me. Col L. Have you a mind to any thing particular, madam? Char. Why, sure! what do you think I'm ely to be filled out as you please, and sweetened and sipped up like a dish of tea? Darn. I take it as a favour, sir. Sir J. You must allow, Mr. Darnley, that conscience is the rule which every honest man ought to walk by. Darn. Tis granted, sir. Sir J. Then give me leave to tell you, sir, Col. L. Why pray, madam, when your that giving you my daughter would be to act 1) The banus of marriage, when the parties have no licenses, think you an ill liver; and consequently the e given out in the following words: "I publish the against that conscience I pretend to, while I bans of marriage between-of-and-of-any same tie obliges me to bestow her on a better e knowing any just cause or impediment why man these should not be joined together in holy matri mony are now to declare it; and this is the first time Darn. Well but, sir, come to the point, of asking" and so on to the second and third, which Suppose the doctor (whom I presume you is the last time. 3) Hum and ha interjections, used as verbs. design her for) actually consents to give me up his interest? Sir J. But why do you suppose, sir, he fact, and I shall soon accuse myself, and own will give up his interest? Darn. I only judge from what your daughter tells me, sir. Sir J. My daughter! Darn. I appeal to her. my folly equal to his baseness. Lady L. Behind that screen you may easily conceal yourself. Sir J. Be it so. Lady L. Mr. Darnley, shall we beg your Char. And I appeal even to yourself, sir-leave; and you, Charlotte, take the least sus Has not the doctor, just now in the garden, spoke in favour of Mr. Darnley to you? Nay, pray, sir, be plain; because more depends on that than you can easily imagine or believe. Sir J. What senseless insinuation have you got into your head now? Char. Be so kind, sir, first to answer me, that I may be better able to inform you. pected way to send the doctor to me directly. Char. I have a thought will do it, madam. Sir J. Oh, Charlotte! Oh, Mr. Darnley! Darn. Have but resolution, sir, and fear nothing. [Exeunt Durnley and Charlotte. Lady L. Now, 'sir, you are to consider what a desperate disease I have undertaken to cure: therefore, be sure keep close and still; and Sir J. Well, I own he has declined his in- when the proof is full, appear at your discretion. terest in favour of Mr. Darnley; but I must Sir J. Fear not; I will conform myselftell you, madam, he did it in so modest, so Yet, be not angry, my love, if, in a case like friendly, so good natured, so conscientious a this, I have also charity enough to hope you manner, that I now think myself more than ever bound in honour to espouse him. Char. But now, sir, only for argument's sake, suppose I could prove that all this seeming virtue was artificial; that his regard for Mr. Darnley was neither founded upon modesty, friendship, good nature, nor conscience; or in short that he has, like a villain, bartered, bargained to give me to Mr. Darnley, for half the four thousand pounds you valued his consent at; I say, sir, suppose this could be proved, where would be his virtue then? Sir. J. It is impious to suppose it. Char. Then, sir, from what principle must you suppose that I accuse him? Sir J. From an obstinate prejudice to all that's good and virtuous. may yet be deceived in what you charge him with, till the evidence of my own senses assure me of the contrary. Lady L. 'Tis just. Sir J. Hark! I think I hear him coming. Lady L. To your post then. [Sir John goes behind the screen. Enter DOCTOR CANTWELL, with a book. Dr. C. Madam, your woman tells me, that, being here and alone, you desired to speak with me. Dr. C. I have taken care, madam. Lady L. But I am afraid I interrupt your meditation. Lady L. I did, sir-but that we may be sure that we are alone, pray shut the outward door Char. That's too hard, sir. But the worst-another surprise might ruin us-is all safe? your opinion can provoke me to, is to marry Mr. Darnley, without either his consent or yours. Sir J. What, do you brave me, madam? Char. No, sir; but I scorn a lie; and will Dr. C. No, madam, no; I was only looking so far vindicate my integrity, as to insist on over some pious exhortations here, for the use your believing me; if not, as a child you of a society of chosen brethren. abandon, I have a right to throw myself into other arms for protection. Sir. J. I am confounded. These tears cannot be counterfeit; nor can this be true. Lady L. Indeed, my dear, I fear it is. Give me leave to ask one question. In all our mutual course of happiness, have I ever yet deceived you with a falsehood? Lady L. Ah, doctor, what have you done to me? the trouble of my mind since our last unfortunate conference is not to be expressed. You indeed discovered to me what, perhaps, for my own peace, 'twere better I had never been acquainted with; but I had not sufficient time to lay my heart open to you. Dr. C. Whither, madam, would you lead me? Sir J. Never. Lady L. I have been uneasy too, not knowLady L. Would you then believe me, ing how far you might mistake my behaviour should I accuse him even of crimes which on the last accident that happened, but I was virtue blushes but to mention ? really so shocked, so terrified, I knew not Sir J. To what extravagance would you what I was doing: only, had I joined in your drive me! defence against the colonel, it would have been Lady L. I would before have undeceived evident that I was his enemy, and I have uses you, when his late artifice turned the honest for his friendship. Silence, therefore, was my duty of your son into his own reproach and own prudent part: and I knew your credit ruin; but, knowing then your temper was with sir John needed no support. inaccessible, I durst not offer it. But sup- Dr. C. Let me presume then to hope, that pose I should be able to let you see his vil- what I did, you judge was self-defence and lany, make him repeat his odious love to me pure necessity. in your own hearing, at once throw off the Lady L. And perhaps, after all, the accident mask, and show, the barefaced traitor? Sir J. Is it possible? Lady L. But then, sir, I must prevail you to descend to the poor shifts we are duced to. was lucky; for sir John, in order to obviat any ill constructions that may be put upon it on insists now that we should be more together re-to let the world see his confidence in us both This relieves us from restraint; and I now dar of tell you-but no-I won't Sir J. All; to any thing, to ease me my doubts; make me but a witness of this Dr. C. But why, madam? let me beseech you me Lady L. No-besides—what need you ask of all my follies, which is it tells you, that if you stay much longer, I shall not be tempted to wrest you out of the hands of the law, and punish you as you deserve? Dr. C. Ah! do not endeavour to decoy my foolish heart, too apt to flatter itself. You cannot sure think kindly of me! Lady L. Well, well, I would have you imagine so. Dr. C. Well; but first let me ask you, sir, who is it you menace? consider your own condition, and where you are? Dr. C. Besides, may I not with reason susSir J. What would the villain drive at? pect, that this apparent goodness is but arti- leave me. 1 forgive you but once more I tell fice; a shadow of compliance, meant only to you, seek some other place; out of my house. persuade me from your daughter. This instant be gone, and see my shameful Lady L Methinks, this doubt of me seems face no more. rather founded on your settled resolution not Dr. C. Nay, then, 'tis my duty to exert myto resign ber.-I am convinced of it. I can self, and let you know that I am master here. assure you, sir, I should have saved you this Turn you out, sir; this house is mine; and trouble, had I known how deeply you were now, sir, at your peril, dare to insult me. engaged to her. посевсе, Sir J. O heavens! 'tis true: whither shall I fly to hide me from the world? a Dr. C. Tears-then I must believe youbut indeed you wrong me. To prove my init is not an hour since I pressed sir John to give Charlotte to young Darnley. Lady L. Mere artifice. You knew that modest resignation would make sir John warmer in your interest. He dares not Dr. C. No, indeed, indeed. I had other act with such abandoned insolence. No, sir, motives, which you may hereafter be made possession still is yours. If he pretends a right, acquainted with, and will convince you— let him by open course of law maintain it. Lady L. Well, sir, now I'll give you reason to guess the reason why, at our last meeting, I pressed you so warmly to resign Charlotte. Dr. C. Ah dear! ah dear! Lady L. Whither are you going, sir? Sir J. I know not-but here it seems I am trespasser-the master of the house has warned me hence-and, since the right is now in him, 'tis just I should resign it. Lady L. You shall not stir. Lady L. You cannot blame me for having opposed your happiness, when my own, perhaps, depended upon it. Dr. C. Spare me, spare me; you kill me with this kindness. Dr. C. Ha! Here! Seyward! [Exit. Enter OLD LADY LAMBERT and MAWWORM. Sir J. Who is this fellow? what do you want, man? Maw. My lady, come up. Old Lady L. How now! Maw. He wants to know who I be. Old Lady L. The gentleman is a friend of Lady L. But now that I have discovered my mine, son. I was carrying him in a coach to weakness, be secret; for the least imprudence-attend a controversy that's to be held this Dr. C. It is a vain fear. evening, at the Rev. Mr. Scruple's, about an Lady L. Call it not vain; my reputation is affair of simony; and called to take up the dearer to me than life. Dr. C. Where can it find so sure a guard? The grave austerities of my life will dumbfound suspicion, and yours may defy detraction. Lady L. Well, doctor, 'tis you must answer for my folly. Dr. C. I take it all upon myself. Lady L. But there's one thing still to be afraid of. Dr. C. Nothing, nothing. Lady L. My husband, sir John. doctor. But what strange tales are these I hear below? Sir J. The doctor's a villain, madam; I have detected him; detected him in the horrible design of seducing my wife. Maw. It's unpossible. Sir J. What do you say, man? Maw. I say, it's unpossible. He has been locked up with my wife for hours together, morning, noon, and night, and I never found her the worse for him. Old Lady L. Ah, son! son! Sir. J. What is your ladyship going to Dr. C. Alas, poor man! I will answer for him. Between ourselves, madam, your husband is weak; I can lead him by the nose any where. say now? Sir J. [Comes forward.] No, caítiff, I'm to be led no further. Dr. C. Ah! woman. Old Lady L. The doctor is not in fault. Old Lady L. Oh, he swears! he swears! Sir J. Is this your sanctity? this your doc-years in growing good, we become profligate trine? these your meditations? in a moment. If you swear again, I won't Dr. C. Is then my brother in a conspiracy stay in the house. against me? Maw. Nor I neither; aren't you ashamed of Sir J. Your brother! I have been your friend, yourself? have you no commenseration 2) on indeed, to my shame; your dupe; but your your poor soul?-Ah! poor wicked sinner! I spell has lost its hold: no more canting; it pity you. will not serve your turn any longer. I Sir J. Ungrateful wretch! but why do reproach you! Had I not been the weakest of mankind, you never could have proved so great Sir J. 'Sdeath! and the devil! Maw. If you swear any more, I'll inform against you. Sir. J. Why would you bring this idiot, madam? Maw. Ay, do despise me, I'm the prouder for it; I likes to be despised. a villain. Get out of my sight; leave my house: 1) God's life. 2) Commiseration. |
