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Pray put them up; they're all not examine them.

right; you need [Gives a box. Miss R. Hey day! right, Sir! Why these are not my diamonds; these are quite different; and, as it should seem, of much greater value.

Bel. Upon my life, I'm glad on't; for then I hope you value them more than your own.

Miss R. As a purchaser I should, but not as an owner; you mistake; these belong to somebody else.

Bel. 'Tis yours, I'm afraid, that belong to somebody else. [Aside. Miss R. What is it you mean? I must insist upon your taking them back again.

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Is this your doing, Sir? Never was generosity so worthily exerted.

Bel. Or so greatly overpaid.

Miss R. After what you have now done for this noble, but indigent family, let me not scruple to unfold the whole situation of my heart to you. Bel. Pray, Madam, don't do that; I shall in- Know then, Sir, (and don't think the worse of fallibly lose them; I have the worst luck with dia-me for the frankness of my declaration,) that such monds of any man living. is my attachment to the son of that worthy officer, whom you relieved, that the moment I am of age, and in possession of my fortune, I should hold myself the happiest of women to share it with

Miss R. That you might well say, was you to give me these in the place of mine; but, pray, Sir, what is the reason of all this? Why have you changed the jewels? And where have you dis-young Dudley. posed of mine?

Bel. Say you so, Madam! then let me perish Bel. Miss Rusport, I cannot invent a lie for my if I don't love and reverence you above all wolife; and, if it was to save it, I couldn't tell one: I am mankind: and, if such is your generous resolu an idle, dissipated, unthinking fellow, not worth tion, never wait till you are of age; life is too your notice: in short, I am a West Indian; and short, pleasure too fugitive; the soul grows naryou must try me according to the charter of my rower every hour. I'll equip you for your escape colony, not by a jury of English spinsters: the-I'll convey you to the man of your heart, and truth is, I have given away your jewels; caught away with you then to the first hospitable parson with a pair of sparkling eyes, whose lustre blind- that will take you in. ed theirs, I served your property as I should my Miss R. Oh, blessed be the torrid zone for own, and lavished it away; let me not totally ever, whose rapid vegetation quickens nature into despair of your forgiveness; I frequently do wrong, such benignity! But, had I spirit to accept your but never with impunity; if your displeasure is offer, which is not improbable, wouldn't it be a added to my own, my punishment will be too se-mortifying thing, for a fond girl to find herself When I parted from the jewels, I had not mistaken, and sent back to her home, like a vathe honour of knowing their owner. grant?—and such, for what I know, might be my case.

vere.

Miss R. Mr. Belcour, your sincerity charms me; I enter at once into your character, and I Bel. Then he ought to be prescribed the somake all the allowances for it you can desire. Iciety of mankind for ever.-Ay, ay, 'tis the sham take your jewels for the present, because I know sister, that makes him thus indifferent; 'twill be there is no other way of reconciling you to your- a meritorious office, to take that girl out of the self; but, if I give way to your spirit in one point, you must yield to mine in another: remember, Í will not keep more than the value of my own jewels: there is no need to be pillaged by more than one woman at a time, Sir.

Bel. Now, may every blessing that can crown your virtues, and reward your beauty, be showered upon you; may you meet admiration without envy, love without jealousy, and old age without malady; may the man of your heart be ever constant, and you never meet a less penitent or less grateful offender than myself!

Enter SERVANT, and delivers a Letter. Miss R. Does your letter require such haste? Serv. I was bade to give it into your own hands, Madam.

Miss R. From Charles Dudley, I see-have I your permission? Good Heaven, what do I read! Mr. Belcour, you are concerned in this!

way.

Enter a SERVANT.

[Aside.

Serv. Miss Dudley, to wait on you, Madam.
Bel. Who?

Serv. Miss Dudley.

Miss R. What's the matter, Mr. Belcour? Are you frighted at the name of a pretty girl? "Tis the sister of him we were speaking of-Pray admit her. [Exit SERVANT.

Bel. The sister!-So, so; he has imposed on
her too-this is an extraordinary visit, truly. Upon
my soul, the assurance of some folks is not to be
accounted for.
[Aside.

Miss R. I insist upon your not running away;
--you'll be charmed with Louisa Dudley.
Bel. Oh yes, I am charmed with her.
Miss R. You have seen her then, have you?
Bel. Yes, yes, I've seen her.

Miss R. Well, isn't she a delightful girl?
Bel. Very delightful.

court of justice. O'my conscience, I believe you
Miss R. Why, you answer as if you was in a
are caught; I've a notion she has tricked you out
of your heart.

[Reads. Dear Charlotte-In the midst of our distress, Providence has cast a benefactor in our way, after the most unexpected manner: a young West Indian, rich, and with a warmth of heart peculiar to his climate, has rescued my father from his troubles, satisfied his wants, and enabled him to accomplish his exchange: when I relate to you the manner in which this was done, you will be charmed: I can only now add, that Miss R. You gave her my jewels! Louisa at was by chance we found out that his name is Bel-Dudley my jewels! admirable! inimitable! Oh,

Bel. I believe she has, and you out of your jewels; for, to tell you the truth, she 's the very person I gave them to.

the sly little jade!-but, hush! here she comes; | playing at cross-purposes: how entered it into I don't know how I shall keep my countenance. your head that Mr. Belcour was the man of my choice?

Enter LOUISA.

My dear, I'm rejoiced to see you; how do you do -I beg leave to introduce Mr. Belcour, a very worthy friend of mine. I believe, Louisa, you have seen him before.

Lou. I have met the gentleman.

Miss R. You have met the gentleman!-well, Sir, and you have met the lady; in short, you, have met each other, why, then, don't you speak to each other? How you both stand! tongue-tied and fixed as statues-Ha, ha, ha! Why, you'll fall asleep by and by.

a

Lou. Fy upon you, fy upon you! is this fair? Bel. Upon my soul, I never looked so like fool in my life-the assurance of that girl puts me quite down. [Aside. Miss R. Sir-Mr. Belcour-Was it your pleasure to advance any thing? Not a syllable. Come, Louisa, woman's wit, they say, is never at a loss -Nor you neither?-Speechless both-Why, Vou was merry enough before this lady came in. Lou. I am sorry I have been any interruption to your happiness, Sir.

Bel. Madam!

Miss R. Madam! Is that all you can say? But come, my dear girl, I wont tease you-apropos! I must show you what a present this dumb gentleman has made me-Are not these handsome diamonds?

Lou. Yes, indeed, they seem very fine; but am no judge of these things.

I

Miss R. Oh, you wicked, little hypocrite: you are no judge of these things, Louisa; you have no diamonds, not you.

Lou. You know I haven't, Miss Rusport: you know those things are infinitely above my

reach.

Lou. Why, didn't he present you with those diamonds?

Miss R. Well: perhaps he did-and pray, Louisa, have you no diamonds?

Lou. I diamonds, truly? Who should give me diamonds?

Miss R. Who but this very gentleınan : apropos; here comes your brother

Enter CHARLES.

I insist upon referring our dispute to him: your sister and I, Charles, have a quarrel: Belcour, the hero of your letter, has just left us-somehow or other, Louisa's bright eyes have caught him; and the poor fellow's fallen desperately in love witn her-(don't interrupt me, hussy)-Well, that's excusable enough, you'll say; but the jest of the story is, that this hair-brained spark, who does nothing like other people, has given her the very identical jewels, which you pledged for me to Mr. Stockwell; and will you believe that this little demure slut made up a face, and squeezed out three or four hypocritical tears, because I rallied

her about it?

Charles. I'm all astonishment! Louisa, tell me, without reserve, has Mr. Belcour given you any diamonds?

Lou. None, upon my honour.

Charles. Has he made any professions to you? Lou. He has; but altogether in a style so whimsical and capricious, that the best which can be said of them is to tell you, that they seemed more the result of good spirits than good man

ners.

in love with her, and she has no very great Miss R. Ay, ay, now the murder's out: he's like to him; trust to my observations, Charles, for that as to the diamonds, there's some mistake minutes' conversation with him will put every about them, and you must clear it up: three thing in a right train: go, go, Charles, tis a brother's business; about it instantly; ten to one you'll find him over the way, at Mr. Stockwell's.

Miss R. Ha, ha, ha! Bel. She does tell a lie with an admirable countenance, that's true enough. [Aside. Lou. What ails you, Charlotte ?-What im pertinence have I been guilty of, that you should find it necessary to humble me at such a rate?— If you are happy, long may you be so: but surely, case cleared up; I'll take your advice, and find Charles. I confess I'm impatient to have the it can be no addition to it to make me miserable.him out: good bye to you. Miss R. So serious; there must be some mystery in this-Mr. Belcour, will you leave us to gether? You see I treat you with all the familiarity of an old acquaintance already.

Bel. Oh, by all means; pray, command me. Miss Rusport, I am your most obedient' By your condescension in accepting these poor trifles, I am under eternal obligations to you.-To you, Miss Dudley, I shall not offer a word on that subject-you despise finery; you have a soul above it; I adore your spirit; I was rather unprepared for meeting you here, but I shall hope for an opportunity of making myself better known to you. [Exit.

Miss R. Louisa Dudley, you surprise me; I never saw you act thus before: can't you bear a little innocent raillery before the man of your heart?

Lou. The man of my heart, Madam! Be assured, I never was so visionary to aspire to any man whom Miss Rusport honours with her choice?

Miss R. My choice, my dear! Why, we are
VOL. IL... H

find Belcour a man of honour. Come, Louisa, Miss R. Your servant: my life upon it, you'll let us adjourn to my dressing-room; I've a little old lady comes up to tea, and interrupts us. private business to transact with you, before the

ACT IV.

[Exeunt.

SCENE I-A Room in FULMER'S House.

Enter FULMER and MRS. FULMER. Ful. Patty, wasn't Mr. Belcour with you? Mrs. Ful. He was; and is now shut up in the chamber, in high expectation of an interview with Miss Dudley: she 's at present with her brother, and 'twas with some difficulty I persuaded my hot-headed spark to wait till he has left her. Ful. Well, child, and what then?

Mrs. Ful. Why, then, Mr. Fulmer, I think it will be time for you and me to steal a march and be gone.

Ful. So this is all the fruit of your ingenious | project; a shameful overthrow, or a sudden flight. Mrs. Ful. Why, my project was a mere impromptu, and can at worst but quicken our departure a few days; you know we had fairly outlived our credit here, and a trip to Boulogne is no ways unseasonable. Nay, never droop, man -Hark! hark! here 's enough to bear charges. [Showing a purse. Ful. Let me see, let me see: this weighs well; this is of the right sort: why your West Indian bled freely.

one, Miss Dudley, and am resolved to snatch you from it; 'twill be a meritorious act; the old captain shall rejoice; Miss Rusport shall be made happy; and even he, even your beloved brother, with whose resentment you threaten me, shall in the end applaud and thank me. Come, thou art a dear, enchanting girl, and I'm determined not to live a minute longer without thee.

Lou. Hold! are you mad? I see you are a bold, assuming man; and know not where to stop.

For

Bel. Who that beholds such beauty can? ProMrs. Fal. But that's not all: look here!-voking girl! is it within the stretch of my fortune Here are the sparklers. [Showing the jewels.] to content you? What is it you can further ask, Now, what d'ye think of my performances? that I am not ready to grant ? Heh! a foolish scheme, isn't it?-a silly woman— Ful. Thou art a Judith, a Joan of Arc, and I'll march under thy banners, girl, to the world's end: come, let's be gone; I've little to regret; my creditors may share the old books amongst them; they'll have occasion for philosophy to support their loss; they'll find enough upon my shelves: the world is my library; I read mankind-Now, Patty, lead the way.

Lou. Yes, with the same facility, that you bestowed upon me Miss Rusport's diamonds. shame! for shame! was that a manly story?

Mrs. Ful. Adieu, Belcour.

[Exeunt.

Enter CHARLES DUDLEY and LOUISA. Charles. Well, Louisa, I confess the force of what you say: I accept Miss Rusport's bounty; and when you see my generous Charlotte, tell her-but have a care, there is a selfishness even in gratitude, when it is too profuse; to be overthankful for any one favour, is in effect to lay out for another; the best return I could make my benefactress would be, never to see her more.

Lou. I understand you.

Charles. We, that are poor, Louisa, should be cautious: for this reason, I would guard you against Belcour; at least, till I can unravel the mystery of Miss Rusport's diamonds; I was disappointed of finding him at Mr. Stockwell's, and I am now going in search of him again: he may intend honourably; but, I confess to you, I am staggered; think no more of him, therefore, for the present: of this be sure, while I have life and you have honour, I will protect you or perish in your defence. [Exit. Lou. Think of him no more! Well, I'll obey; but if a wandering, uninvited thought should creep by chance into my bosom, must I not give the harinless wretch a shelter? Fy, fy upon it! Belcour pursues, insults me; yet, such is the fatality of my condition, that what should rouse my resentment, only calls up love.

Enter BELCOUR.

Bel. Alone, by all that's happy!
Lou. Ah!

Bel. So! so! these devilish diamonds meet me every where. Let me perish if I meant you any harm: Oh! I could tear my tongue out for saying a word about the matter.

Lou. Go to her then, and contradict it; till that is done, my reputation is at stake.

Bel. Her reputation!-Now she has got upon that, she'll go on for ever. [Aside]-What is there I will not do for your sake? I will go to Miss Rusport.

Lou. Do so; restore her own jewels to her, which I suppose you kept back for the purpose of presenting others to her of a greater value; but for the future, Mr. Belcour, when you would do a gallant action to that lady, don't let it be at

my expense.

Bel. I see where she points; she is willing enough to give up Miss Rusport's diamonds, now she finds she shall be a gainer by the exchange. Be it so! 'tis what I wished.-Well, Madam, I will return to Miss Rusport her own jewels, and you shall have others of tenfold their value.

Lou. No, Sir, you err most widely; it is my good opinion, not my vanity, which you must bribe.

Bel. Why what the devil would she have now? -Miss Dudley, it is my wish to obey and please you; but I have some apprehension that we mistake each other.

Lou. I think we do: tell me, then, in few words, what it is you aim at.

I

Bel. In few words, then, and in plain honesty, must tell you, so entirely am I captivated with you, that had you but been such as it would have become me to have called my wife, I had been happy in knowing you by that name; as it is, you are welcome to partake my fortune, give me in return your person, give me pleasure, give me love; free, disencumbered, antimatrimonial love.

Lou. Stand off, and never let me see you more.
Bel. Hold, hold, thou dear, tormenting, tanta-

Bel. Oh! shriek not, start not, stir not, love-lizing girl! Upon my knees, I swear you shall liest creature! but let me kneel and gaze upon not stir till you have consented to my bliss. your beauties. Lou. Unhand me, Sir; O, Charles! protect me, rescue me, redress me. [Exit.

Lou. Sir! Mr. Belcour, rise! What is it you do? Should he that parted from me but this minute, now return, I tremble for the consequence.

Bel. Fear nothing; let him come: I love you, Madam; he'll find it hard to make me unsay

that.

Lou. You terrify me; your impetuous temper frightens me; you know my situation; it is not generous to pursue me thus.

Bel. True, I do know your situation, your real

Enter CHARLES DUDLEY.

Charles. How's this?-Rise, villain, and defend yourself. Bel. Villain!

Charles. The man who wrongs that lady is a villain-Draw!

Bel. Never fear me, young gentleman; brand me for a coward if I balk you.

Charles. Yet hold! let me not be too hasty: your name, I think, is Belcour.

Bel. Well, Sir.

Charles. How is it, Mr. Belcour, you have done this mean, unmanly wrong; beneath the mask of generosity, to give this fatal stab to our domestic peace? You might have had my thanks, my blessing: take my defiance now. 'Tis Dudley speaks to you; the brother, the protector of that injured lady.

Bel. The brother! give yourself a truer title. Charles. What is't you mean?

Bel. Come, come, I know both her and you: I found you, Sir, (but how or why I know not,) in the good graces of Miss Rusport-(yes, colour at that name,) I gave you no disturbance there, never broke in upon you in that rich and plenteous quarter, but, when I could have blasted all your projects with a word, spared you, in foolish pity spared you, nor roused her from the fond credulity in which your artifice had lulled her.

Charles. No, Sir, nor boasted to her of the splendid present you had made my poor Louisa; the diamonds, Mr. Belcour: how was that? What can you plead to that arraignment?

Bel. You question me too late; the name of Belcour and of villain never met before; had you inquired of me before you uttered that rash word, you might have saved yourself or me a mortal error; now, Sir, I neither give nor take an explanation; so, come on! [They fight.

Enter LOUISA and O'FLAHERTY.

Lou. Hold, hold, for Heaven's sake! O'Fla. Hell and confusion! What's all this uproar for? Can't you leave off cutting one another's throats, and mind what the poor girl says to you? You've done a notable thing, haven't you both, to put her into such a flurry? I think, o'my conscience, she's the most frighted of the three.

Charles. Dear Louisa, recollect yourself; why did you interfere ? 'tis in your cause.

Bel. Now could I kill him for caressing her. O'Fla. O Sir, your most obedient! You are the gentleman I had the hononr of meeting here before; you was then running off at full speed, like a Calmuck, now you are tilting and driving like a bedlamite, with this lad here, that seems as mad as yourself: 'tis pity but your country had a little more employment for you both.

Bel. Mr. Dudley, when you have recovered the lady, you know where I am to be found.

[Exit. O'Fla. Well, then, can't you stay where you are, and that will save the trouble of looking after you? You volatile fellows think to give a man the meeting by getting out of his way: by my soul, 'tis a roundabout method that of his. But I think he called you Dudley: harkye, young man, are you son of my friend, the old captain?" Charles. I am. Help me to convey this lady to her chamber, and I shall be more at leisure to answer your questions.

O'Fla. Ay, will I come along, pretty one; if you've had wrong done you, young man, you need look no further for a second; Dennis O'Flaherty's your man for that: but never draw your sword before a woman, Dudley; damn it, never while you live draw your sword before a woman. [Exeunt.

SCENE II-LADY RUSPORT's House. Enter LADY RUSPORT and SERVANT. Serv. An elderly gentleman, who says his name is Varland, desires leave to wait on your ladyship.

Lady R. Show him in: the very man I wish to see. Varland, he was Sir Oliver's solicitor, and privy to all his affairs: he brings some good tidings; some fresh mortgage or another bond come to light: they start up every day.

Enter VARLAND.

Mr. Varland, I'm glad to see you; you are heartily welcome, honest Mr. Varland; you and I haven't met since our late irreparable loss: how have you passed your time this age?

Var. Truly, my lady, ill enough: I thought I must have followed good Sir Oliver.

Lady R. Alack-a-day, poor man! Well, Mr. Varland, you find me here overwhelmed with trouble and fatigue; torn to pieces with a multiplicity of affairs; a great fortune poured upon me, unsought for and unexpected: 'twas my good father's will and pleasure it should be so, and I must submit.

Var. Your ladyship inherits under a will made in the year forty-five, immediately after Captain Dudley's marriage with your sister.

Lady R. I do so, Mr. Varland; I do so. Var. I well remember it; I engrossed every syllable, but I am surprised to find your ladyship set so little store by this vast accession.

Lady R. Why, you know, Mr. Varland, I am a moderate woman: I had enough before; a small matter satisfies me; and Sir Stephen Rusport (heaven be his portion!) took care I shouldn't want that.

Var. Very true, very true; he did so; and I am overjoyed to find your ladyship in this disposition; for, truth to say, I was not without apprehension the news I have to communicate would have been of some prejudice to your ladyship's tranquillity.

Lady R. News, Sir! what news have you for

me!

Var. Nay, nothing to alarm you, a trifle in your present way of thinking: I have a will of Sir Oliver's, you have never seen.

Lady R. A will! impossible! how came you by it, pray?

Var. I drew it up, at his command, in his last illness: it will save you a world of trouble: it gives his whole estate from you to his grandson, Charles Dudley.

Lady R. To Dudley! his estate to Charles Dudley? I can't support it! I shall faint! You have killed me, you vile man! I never shall survive it!

Var. Lookye there, now: I protest, I thought you would have rejoiced at being clear of the encumbrance.

Lady R. 'Tis false; 'tis all a forgery, concerted between you and Dudley; why else did I never hear of it before?

Var. Have patience, my lady, and I'll tell you. By Sir Oliver's direction, I was to deliver this will into no hands but his grandson Dudley's: the young gentleman happened to be then in Scotland; I was despatched thither in search of him: the hurry and fatigue of my journey brought on a fever by the way, which confined me in ex

treme danger for several days; upon my recovery, me, Heaven, there is not a circumstance on earth I pursued my journey, found young Dudley had so valuable as your happiness, so dear to me as left Scotland in the interim, and am now directed your person; but to bring poverty, disgrace, rehither; where, as soon as I can find him, doubt-proach from friends, ridicule from all the world, less, I shall discharge my conscience, and fulfil upon a generous benefactress; thievishly to steal my commission. into an open and unreserved ingenuous heart, O Charlotte! dear, unhappy girl, it is not to be done.

Lady R. Dudley then, as yet, knows nothing of this will?

Var. Nothing: that secret rests with me. Miss R. Come, my dear Charles, I have Lady R. A thought occurs: by this fellow's enough; make that enough still more by sharing talking of his conscience, I should guess it was it with me: sole heiress of my father's fortune, a upon sale. [Aside.]—Come, Mr. Varland, if 'tis short time will put it in my disposal; in the mean as you say, I must submit. I was somewhat flur- while you will be sent to join your regiment; let ried at first, and forgot myself: I ask your pardon:us prevent a separation, by setting out this very this is no place to talk of business; step with me night for that happy country, where marriage into my room; you will there compare the will, still is free: carry me this moment to Belcour's and resolve accordingly-Oh! would your fever lodgings. had you, and I had your paper! [Exeunt.

Enter Miss RUSPORT, CHARLES, and O'FLAHERTY.

Miss R. So, so! My lady and her lawyer have retired to close confabulation: now, major, if you are the generous man I take you for, grant me one favour.

O'Fla. 'Faith will I, and not think much of my generosity neither; for, though it may not be in my power to do the favour you ask, look you, it can never be in my heart to refuse it.

Charles. Could this man's tongue do justice to his thoughts, how eloquent would he be! [Aside. Miss R. Plant yourself, then, in that room: keep guard for a few moments upon the enemy's motions in the chamber beyond; and, if they should attempt a sally, stop their mouth a moment, till your friend here can make good his retreat

down the back stairs.

O'Fla. A word to the wise! I'm an old campaigner: make the best use of your time; and trust me for tying the old cat up to the picket.

Miss R. Hush! hush! not so loud. Charles. 'Tis the office of a sentinel, major, you have undertaken, rather than that of a field officer.

O'Fla. 'Tis the office of a friend, my dear boy; and therefore no disgrace to a general. [Exit. Miss R. Well, Charles, will you commit yourself to me for a few minutes?

Charles. Most readily: and let me, before one goes by, tender you the only payment I can ever make for your abundant generosity.

Miss R. Hold, hold! so vile a thing as money must not come between us. What shall I say? Oh, Charles! Oh, Dudley! What difficulties have you thrown upon me! Familiarly as we have lived, I shrink now at what I am doing; and, anxiously as I have sought this opportunity, my fears almost persuade me to abandon it. Charle.. You alarm me!

Miss R. Your looks and actions have been so distant, and at this moment are so deterring, that, was it not for the hope that delicacy, and not disgust, inspires this conduct in you, I should sink with shame and apprehension; but time presses; and I must speak, and plainly too-Was you now in possession of your grandfather's estate, as justly you ought to be, and was you inclined to seek a companion for life, should you, or should you not, in that case, honour your unworthy Charlotte with your choice?

Charles. My unworthy Charlotte! So judge

Charles. Belcour's?-The name is ominous; there 's murder in it: bloody, inexorable honour! [Aside.

Miss R. D'ye pause? Put me into his hands, while you provide the means for our escape: he is the most generous, the most honourable, of men. Charles. Honourable! most honourable! Miss R. Can you doubt it? Do you demur? Have you forgot your letter? Why, Belcour, 'twas that prompted me to this proposal, that promised to supply the means, that nobly offered his unasked assistance

Enter O'FLAHERTY, hastily.

O'Fla. Run, run; for holy St. Anthony's sake, to horse, and away! The conference is broke up, and the enemy advances upon a full Piedmontese trot, within pistol-shot of your encampment.

Charles, remember me!
Miss R. Here, here, down the back stairs! O

Charles. Farewell! Now, now I feel myself a coward. [Exit.

Miss R. What does he mean?

O'Fla. Ask no questions, but be gone: she has cooled the lad's courage, and wonders he feels like a coward. There's a damned deal of mischief brewing between this hyena and her lawyer: good soldier must sometimes fight in ambush, as 'egad, I'll step behind this screen and listen: a well as open field. [Retires.

Enter VARLAND.

Var. Let me consider-Five thousand pounds, prompt payment, for destroying this scrap of paper, not worth five farthings; 'tis a fortune easily earned; yes, and 'tis another man's fortune easily thrown away: 'tis a good round sum, to be paid down at once for a bribe; but 'tis a damned rogue's trick in me to take it.

O'Fla. So, so! this fellow speaks truth to himself, though he lies to other people. [Aside.

Var. "Tis breaking the trust of my benefactor, that 's a foul crime; but he 's dead, and can never reproach me with it: and 'tis robbing young Dudley of his lawful patrimony, that's a hard case; but he 's alive, and knows nothing of the matter.

O'Fla. These lawyers are so used to bring off the rogueries of others, that they are never without an excuse for their own. [Aside.

Var. Were I assured now that Dudley would give me half the money for producing this will, that Lady Rusport does for concealing it, I would deal with him and be an honest man at half price; and I wish every gentleman of my profes

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