Sir G. If Diggery had not been one of the dramatis personæ, I should have imagined, sister Bridget, that a red coat and a handsome young | fellow were things not very disagreeable to you. Dig. Yes, Sir; I'm here; I'm always your honour's personæ. Sir G. Get out of my sight this moment, thou[Exit DIGGERY. Miss B. Indeed, brother, I do not think, that acting is so foolish a thing as I thought for.-The captain here has repeated so many pretty speeches, that I could listen to them for an hour longer. However, I will go and prepare tea for yougood bye. [Erit. Har Miss Bridget has very kindly undertaken, Sir, to perform the part of Mrs. Peachum, in this evening's entertainment; and as she takes the part at a short notice, we must indulge her with the book. I shall make a proper apology to the audience upon that occasion, before the opera begins. Sir G. Mrs. Peachum! what, has my sister undertaken to play Mother Peachum ? Har. Most kindly, Sir. Sir G. She has ! then I shall not be surprised, if I see my she goat and all her family dancing the hays to-morrow morning-in short, after that, I shall not be surprised at any thing. But, tell me, my dear Stukely, tell me truly, do you think that you will be able to give them enough of it? do you think our plan will succeed? Har. I'll be bound for it, Sir. If there are any more plays acted in your house after this, I will consent to lose my head. Sir G. Then give them as much of it to-night as you can-do not spare them, Stukely. But, come, let us go in to tea. Diggery is hard at work, fixing the scenes in the hall, and the whole nighbourhood will be here by and by. Come along. [Exeunt, talking. SCENE III-A Room in the House. Enter KITTY, singing. Kit. This Charles, notwithstanding my singing, now and then makes me melancholy. He is so lively, and so tragic, and so comic, and so humoursome, and so every thing like myself, that I a much happier with him than any body else. Heigh-ho! what makes me sigh so, when I choose singing? "tol, lol, lol, la."-But here he is. Enter CHARLES. вех Cha. Come to my arms, thou loveliest of thy Kit. Keep off, Charles; I bid you; you must not lay hold of me in such a monstrous way; that's just like Cymon. Cha. What do I hear? death to my hopes, Cymon! does Cymon lay hold of my dear Kitty? Kit. To be sure. When I have no other person to rehearse with, I do take Cymon; and he does not perform badly, when I instruct him. Cha. But don't you think you had better take me? don't you imagine my performance would please you better than his? Kit. How can I tell, until I try you both. If you will give me a specimen, I'll soon tell you— try now. Cha. What the devil shal' I say? I do not immediately recollect a line of a play. No matter, the first thing that comes into my head. [Aside.] VOL. II....2 H 21 -Come, then, Kitty, you must play with me. Now mind-hear me, thou fairest of the fairhear me, dear goddess, hear Kit. Stop, stop; I do not know where that is. Cha. Nor I, upon my soul. [Aside.]—What, do not you recollect where that is? Kit. No. Can you repeat a speech out of Romeo, Crooked-back Richard, the Conscious Lovers, Scrub, the Journey to London, the Clandestine Marriage, the School for Wives Cha. Stop, stop; yes, yes, Kitty, I have the Journey to London, the Clandestine Marriage, and the School for Wives, strong at this moment in my recollection. I think I can do Kit. What then, you only think, you're not certain? Lord, lord! I do not believe you can do any thing-why, Cymon could say them all without missing a word. I only desired him, after supper, a few nights ago, to go into the barn, and get by heart the speech where the Blackamore smothers his wife, and I had not been in bed ten minutes, when he came into the room, and repeated every word of it. Cha. The devil he did! Kit. Ay, and more than that. Cha. What more, in the devil's name. Kit. Why to be sure, he was as black as old Harry, that 's certain. He had blacked all his face with soot and goose dripping; and he did look so charmingly frightful! but then he did play so well-he laid down the candle, and came up to the bed-side, and said-"one kiss and then." Cha. What then? Kit. Why then "put out the light." Why Charles, you know no more how to act this scene than Tippet. Cha. And pray, my dear Kitty, what does Sir Gilbert say to all this? Kit. Why, he'd never have known a word of it, if it was not that it discovered itself. Cha. How came that? you tell me it was but a few nights ago, and I do not think it could discover itself so soon. Kit. Why, you must know, that when Cymon kissed me in bed, he blacked my left cheek so abominably, that when I came down to breakfast in the morning, the family were all frightened out of their wits. Mrs. Bridget bid me to go to the glass; and when I looked at myself-lord. lord, how I did laugh! I told them the whole story. And, do you know, that I am locked into niy room every night since. Cha. So much the better. This is simplicity without vice. [Aside.]—Well, Kitty, you shall see this evening, how I'll play Captain Macheath. I am quite perfect in the captain. Kit. And I have Polly, every morsel of her.Lord, how all the country folks will stare! Miss Fanny Blubber, the rich farmer's daughter, in the next village, is to play Lucy; she will do it charmingly. Cha. Really! was ever any thing so lucky? Kit. Are you sure now, that you will not be out? Cha. You shall see now-come, lean on my shoulder-look fond-quite languishing-that will do-what do you say now? have you forgot? Kit. That I haven't-"and are you as fond as ever, my dear?" Cha. Suspect my honour, my courage, suspect any thing but my love. May my nistols want charging, and my mare slip her sho r-no, I'm wrong-zounds!-oh! I have it-"may my pis- Kit. 'Egad I have; but I don't know what's the matter with me; something comes across me, and frightens all my inclination away. Cha. Be resolute, my dear Kitty, and take to your arms the man who can only live when he is in your presence. Heavens! is it possible, that such a girl as you-a creature formed Kit. Lord! am I a creature? Cha. Ay, and a lovely creature; formed for the delight of our sex, and the envy of yours. To be caged up in such a damned old barn as this! seeing no company but Cymon, Wat, Diggery Ducklin, and such cannibals. Kit. Oh, monstrous! Sir G. What the devil's the matter now? Kit. [Sings] Oh, oh, ray! ob, Ambora! oh, oh! [Exeunt SIR GILBERT and KITTY. Cha. Well, certainly there does not exist such an unaccountable family as this. As to the girl, she is a composition of shrewdness and simplicity; and, if properly treated, would make an excellent wife. She has thirty thousand pounds to her fortune, and every shilling at her own disposal. What an old curmudgeon is my uncle, who might provide for his nephew, without putting a shilling out of his own pocket, by bestowing this girl upon him; and never once to hint at such a union-no matter-I'll take this litt's charming girl to my arms, and make a coup le main of it." Then, farewell the neighing steed, and the shrill trump; the spirit-stirring drum, the ear-piercing fife, the royal banner, and all quality, pride, pomp, and circumstance, of glon ous war!" Enter HARRY. Har. Bravo, bravo, Charles! the touch, I Cha. It's more than monstrous; it's shocking. fancy, has gone round the whole family. Kit. Is it, indeed? Cha. To be sure. Kit. Then I will do as you bid me from this moment. Cha. Come to my arms, and let me hold thee to my heart for ever. [Embraces her.] "If I were now to die, were now to be most happy; for I fear my soul hath her content so absolute, that not another comfort like this, succeeds in unknown fate." Enter SIR GILBERT. Sir G. Holla! what the devil, are you two at it already? why, Charles, are you not afraid she will bite you? Cha. Not in the least, Sir. If I don't make her out of humour with this kind of mumming, before she is twenty-four hours older, I will forfeit my commission. Sir G. If you do, I promise you a better.What noise is that? [A board is heard sawing without. Kit. It is only Diggery sawing a trap-hole in the floor of the hall. You know we can't play tragedy without it. Sir G. Death and hell! we shall have the house about our ears presently-mercy on us!Diggery, thou imp of the devil, give overCharles, do you stop him. [Exit CHARLES.] Who could have thought of such an infernal scheme? Re-enter CHARLES. Oh, Charles, Charles! cure the family of this madness, and I will make your fortune for you. Cha. He had only begun his work, there can be no mischief done, Sir. Sir G. Thank you, thank you, Charles. As for you, Miss Kitty, do you come with me; the folks will be all here presently. Cha. 'Egad, I believe so too, Harry. I have got it, you find. Har. I have been looking for you this half hour. Such a scene as I have had with old mouser. Cha. Ay, but such a scene as I have had with the kitten! 'egad, Harry! I have her in spite of all her tricks-but who do you think popped upon us at the critical moment? Har. Critical moment! Cha. Just as I had the lovely girl in my arms, repeating to her the first speech that came into my head, in popped old Jowler, my uncle. Har. Why he caught me much in the same situation in the garden; I was kneeling, kissing Miss Bridget Pumkin's old withered fist, and swearing by all the goddesses, their friends and relations, when plump he came upon us: no mischief ensued; for he thought I was giving her a specimen of my abilities in acting. She humoured the idea as completely as if she had but just come from a London boarding school; and the good old knight desired me to surfeit her, to give her a little more of it. Cha. "This night makes me, or undoes me quite." Har. Good again, Charles-damme, but I think you would make a tolerable actor in good earnest. Cha. I think I should; and you will shortly have a specimen of my abilities, in the character of a good husband. Enter WILLIAM, with a letter. Will. I received this letter, Sir, from an hostler, who belongs to an inn in the next village; he waits for an answer, Sir. Cha. What can this mean? I know no person hereabouts, except my uncle's family; let us see. [Reads. I this moment heard you was in the country, upon a [SIR GILBERT puts her arm under his; she visit to your uncle's; and as I propose staying here seizes CHARLES's hand, and imitates the to-night, (being heartily fatigued with my journey.) scene in the Beggar's Opera, where will be much obliged if you will favour me with your PEACHUM drags his daughter from MAC-company to supper; I am alone, but if the family can not spare you, I must insist you will use no ceremony with your old and sincere friend, Angels catch the sounds! HEATH. Kit. "Do not tear him from me." Isn't that night, Charles? Cha. Astonishing! JOE TACKUM. Har. With all my heart-but what's the matter? Cha. Who do you think is by accident arrived at the next village? Har. Who, who ?-you put me in a fever. Cha. Jo Tackum, my old fellow collegian, who took orders not a month ago, and who, I suppose, is now going to his father's-fly, William; get me pen, ink, and paper: he must not stir from the place he now is at, to get a bishopric. [Exeunt CHA. and WILL. SCENE IV-The Hall, with seats to see the Play. Dig. I never saw any thing better acted in all my life. Sir G. Very well, sister, indeed! bounce away -I did not think it was in you. Very well, indeed! ha, ha, ha! [BRIDGET shows great agitation Dig. It's very fine, indeed! I wish I may do my part half as well. Miss B. I shall go mad! you crazy fool you, hold your tongue, or I will-[Runs at DIGGERY.] As for you, brother Sir G. No, no; now you are out. Sir Gilbert, DiggeRY, &c. bustling to receive there, that impudent baggage, is married to that more impudent fellow, your nephew. company. Sir G. It can't be; it's all a lie. Parson Dosey Sir. G. Welcome, my good friends; welcome, would not have done such a thing for his other adies and gentlemen. Diggery, don't be mum-eye, and there's no other in the neighbourhood. bling your nonsense, but seat the company—you are all most heartily welcome. The actors will be here shortly. Diggery, where 's my nephew, and his friend? where 's Kitty too? Dig. She is just stepped out with Charles. Sir G. Ay, ay, to rehearse their parts together, so much the better. Now, neighbours, you shall see the Beggar's Opera in taste. Dig Here they are, here they are. Enter CHARLES, KITTY, and HARRY. Har. Are you sure none of the family know you are married? Cha. Not a soul; but they shall all know it now [CHARLES and KITTY go up to SIR GILBERT, and kneel] Sir, this young lady, who is now my wife, joins with me in requesting your blessing and forgiveness. Dig. No, no, no: you are all wrong; you are to confess the marriage at the end of the third act-we begin at the wrong end. [CHARLES and KITTY rise. Enter MISS BRIDGET, in a rage. Miss B. Brother, brother, we are all undone oh. Kitty! you are a sad slut-the wench is married, brother! Dig. Why, Mrs. Bridget, you are wrong too; you are to say that by and by. Sir G. You came in too soon, sister Bridget; you have forgot. Miss B. I tell you, brother, the wench is married; are you stupid? Sir G. I tell you again, sister Bridget, you are too soon; that rage will do well enough presently -Diggery shall tell you when to come. This foolish woman spoils all. I have seen the Beggar's Opera a thousand times. Har. It was not Parson Dosey that did the kind office, but honest Joe Tackum. Sir G. And pray, who the devil is honest Joe Tackum? Cha. A friend of mine, Sir, whom I detained for the purpose. Kit. Dear guardie, forgive me for this time, and I'll never do it again. [Kneeling. Miss B. Did you ever hear any thing so profligate and destitute? oh, you'll turn out finely, miss-to deceive us all-what, guilty of such an abomination, in so short a time, and at your age! Kit. Pray, Madam, excuse me; is it not quite as bad to do it in so short a time, and at your age? Miss B. What do you mean, you impertinent slut? Sir G. Ay, what do you mean, Miss Hotupon't? Kit. Ask this gentleman, pray. [Looks ashamed. Har. Since I am subpoenaed into court, I must speak the truth. That lady, in so short a time, and at her age, offered her hand for the same trip to matrimony; but I was not in a humour for travelling. Miss B. You are all a parcel of knaves, fools, and impertinent hussies-I'll never see your faces again. [Exit. Sir G. Well, as my sister, who ought to be wiser, would have done the same, I will forgive the less offence. [Kisses her] Make her a good husband, Charles: and permit me to recommend one thing to you; let her never read a play, or go within the doors of a theatre, if you do, I would not underwrite her. Cha. My life upon her faith. I am afraid, Sir, you judge severely of the drama: it is the busiMiss B. Was ever any thing to equal this?ness of the stage, to reflect the manners of the I'll raise the neighbourhood! murder! robbery! ravishment!-bless me, how my head turns round [They all arise and assist MISS BRIDGET, who faints. world; to show virtue her own feature, scorn her own image, and the very age and body of the time his form and pressure. We point just satire to correct the age, ALEXANDER THE GREAT: OR, THE RIVAL QUEENS: A TRAGEDY, IN FIVE ACTS. BY NATHANIEL LEE. REMARKS. A GREAT and glorious flight of a bold, but frenzied imagination; having as much assurdity as sublimity, and as much extravagance as passion-The poet, the genius and the scholar, are every where visible. This pla, ects well, and is still frequently performed. PROLOGUE. WRITTEN BY SIR CAR SCROOP, BART. How hard the fate is of the scribbling drudge Others there are that have the brutal will As for you, sparks, that hither come each day Till the coquet, sung in the next lampoon, The love you make is like the war you wage, ACT I. SCENE I-The Gardens of Semiramis. Enter HEPHESTION and LYSIMACHUS fighting, CLYTUS parting them. Cyt. What are ye madmen? This a time for quarrel? Put up, I say -or by the gods that form'd me, He who refuses makes a foe of Clytus. Lys. I have his sword. Clyt. But must not have his life. Lys. Must not, old Clytus! Clyt. Hair-brain'd boy, you must not. Clyt. Yes, Troy, they tell us, by a woman fell; Curse on the sex, they are the bane of virtue ! Death! I'd rather this right arm were lost, Than that the king should hear of your impru What, on a day thus set apart for triumph! Clyt. This memorable day, When our hot master, whose impatient soul Had passion not eclipsed the light of reason, Why are we thus enslav'd? Clyt. Because unmann'd, Heavens! that a face should thus bewitch his And ruin all that's great and godlike in it! Heph. Lend me thy sword, thou father of the A brace of rival queens embroil the court, war, Thou far-famed guard of Alexander's life, Know 'tis thy glory that thou diest by me. I bar you both. My body interposed, arm That first advances moves against the gods Heph. And cure the bleeding wounds my ho- Clyt. Some properer time! 'tis false-no hour No time should see a brave man do amiss.- When my blood boil'd, and nature work'd me Clytus ne'er bow'd his body to such shame; But know a less hath set the world in arms. And while each hand is thus employ'd in beauty Heph. In his heart. Clyt. Well said, young Minion! I indeed for got To whom I spoke-But Sysigambis comes: Enter SYSIGAMBIS with a letter, and PARISATIS. Sys. Why will ye wound me with your fond And urge a suit that I can never grant? temper Is there no victim, none but Parisatis? If still his name be dear, have pitv on me! For sixty rolling years my soul has stood |