Re-enter LUCETTA. Luc. Sir! If he should suspect, and search me now, I'm undone. Aside. Strict. She is a sly girl, and may be serviceable. [Aside.] Lucetta, you are a good girl, and have an honest face. I like it. It looks as if it carried no deceit in it-Yet, if she should be false, she can do me most harm. Luc. Pray, sir, speak out. [Aside. Strict. [Aside.] No; she is a woman, and it is reveal it to my wife; and her insolence upon it the highest imprudence to trust her. Luc. I am not able to understand you. Strict. I am glad of it. I would not have you understand me. will be more insupportable to me than cuckoldom itself. [Aside.] I have not leisure now, Lucetta-Some other time--Hush! Did not the bell ring? Yes, yes; my wife wants you. Go, go, go to her. [Pushes her out.] There is no hell on earth like being a slave to suspicion. [Exit. Luc. Then, what did you call me for?-If he should be in love with my face, it would be rare sport. [Aside. Strict. Tester, ay, Tester is the proper person. [Aside.] Lucetta, tell Tester I want him. Luc. Yes, sir. Mighty odd, this! It gives me time, however, to send Buckle with this letter to his master. [Aside. Exit. Strict. Could I but be once well satisfied that my wife had really finished me, I believe I should be as quiet as if I were sure to theI contrary: but, whilst I am in doubt, I am miserable. SCENE IV.---The Piazza, Covent-Garden. Enter BELLAMY and JACK MEGGOT. Bel. Nay, nay, I would not put your family into any confusion. J. Meg. None in life, my dear, I assure you. will go and order every thing this instant for her reception. Bel. You are too obliging, sir; but you need not be in this hurry, for I am in no certainty when I shall trouble you; I only know, that my Jacintha has taken such a resolution. J. Meg. Therefore, we should be prepared; for, when once a lady has such a resolution in her head, she is upon the rack till she executes it. 'Foregad, Mr Bellamy, this must be a girl of fire. Enter FRANKLY. Frank. Buxom and lively as the bounding doe!-Fair as painting can express, or youthful poets fancy, when they love! Tol, de rol, dol! [Singing and dancing. Bel. Who is this you talk thus rapturously of? Frank. Who should it be, but---I shall know her name to-morrow. [Sings and dances, J. Meg. What is the matter, ho? Is the man mad? Frank. Even so, gentlemen; as mad as love and joy can make me. Bel. But inform us whence this joy proceeds. Frank. Joy! joy! my lads! She's found! my Perdita! my charmer! J. Meg. Egad! her charms have bewitched the man, I think!--But who is she? Bel. Come, come, tell us, who is this won der? Frank. But will you say nothing? Frank. Nor you? J. Meg. I'll be as silent as the grave— Frank. With a tomb-stone upon it, to tell every one whose dust it carries. J. Meg. I'll be as secret as a debauched prude Frank. Whose sanctity every one suspects. Jack, Jack, 'tis not in thy nature; keeping a secret is worse to thee than keeping thy accounts. But to leave fooling, listen to me both, that I may whisper it into your ears, that echo may not catch the sinking sound- -I cannot tell who she is, faith-Tol de rol, lol J. Meg. Mad! mad! very mad! Frank. All I know of her is, that she is a charming woman, and has given me liberty to visit her again-Bellamy, 'tis she, the lovely she! Bel. So I did suppose. Enter RANGER. Ran. Why-Hey!—is there never a wench to be got for love or money? Bel. Pshaw! Ranger here? Ran. Yes, Ranger is here, and perhaps does not come so impertinently as you may imagine. Faith! I think I have the knack of finding out secrets. Nay, never look so queer-Here is a letter, Mr Bellamy, that seems to promise you better diversion than your hugging one another. Bel. What do you mean? Ran. Do you deal much in these paper-to [Aside.kens? [To FRANK. J. Meg. Poor Charles! for Heaven's sake, Mr Bellamy, persuade him to go to his chamber, whilst I prepare every thing for you at home. Adieu. [Aside to BEL.] B'ye Charles; ha, ha, ha! [Exit. Frank. Oh, love! thou art a gift worthy of a god, indeed! dear Bellamy, nothing could add to my pleasure, but to see my friend as deep in love as I am. Bel. I shew my heart is capable of love, by the friendship it bears to you. Frank. The light of friendship looks but dim before the brighter flame of love: love is the spring of cheerfulness and joy. Why, how dull and phlegmatic do you shew to me now! whilst I am all life; light as feathered Mercury-You, dull and cold as earth and water; I, light and warm as air and fire. These are the only elements in love's world! Why, Bellamy, for shame! get thee a mistress, and be sociable. Bel. Frankly, I am now going toFrank. Why that face now? Your humble servant, sir. My flood of joy shall not be stopped by your melancholy fits, I assure you. [Going. Bel. Stay, Frankly; I beg you stay. What would you say now, if I really were in love? Frank. Why, faith, thou hast such romantic notions of sense and honour, that I know not what to say. Bel. To confess the truth, then, I am in love. Frank. And do you confess it as if it were a sin? Proclaim it aloud; glory in it; boast of it as your greatest virtue; swear it with a lover's oath, and I will believe you. Bel. Why, then, by the bright eyes of her I love Bel. Oh, the dear kind creature! it is from herself. [TO FRANK. Ran. What, is it a pair of laced shoes she wants? or have the boys broke her windows? Bel. Hold your profane tongue! Frank. Nay, prithee, Bellamy, don't keep it to yourself, as if her whole affections were contained in those few lines. Ran. Prithee, let him alone to his silent raptures. But it is as I always said-your grave men ever are the greatest whoremasters. Bel. I cannot be disobliged now, say what you will. But how came this into your hands? Ran. Your servant Buckle and I changed commissions; he went on my errand, and I came on his. Bel. 'Sdeath! I want him this very instant. Ran. He will be here presently; but I demand to know what I have brought you? Frank. Av, ay! out with it! you know we never blab, and may be of service. Bel. Twelve o'clock! oh, the dear hour! Ran. Why, it is a pretty convenient time, indeed. Bel. By all that's happy, she promises in this letter here to leave her guardian this very night and run away with me. Ran. How is this? Bel. Nay, I know not how myself-she says at the bottom-' Your servant has full instruc'tions from Lucetta how to equip me for my expedition. I will not trust myself home with you to-night, because I know it is inconvenient; therefore, I beg you would procure me a lodg 'ing; it is no matter how far off my guardian's. Yours, JACINTHA.' Ran. Carry her to a bagnio, and there you may lodge with her. Frank. Why, this must be a girl of spirit, faith! Bel. And beauty equal to her sprightliness. I love her, and she loves me. She has thirty thousand pounds to her fortune. Ran. The devil she has! Ran. Nor does ar jone thing like any other woman, I suppose? Frank. Laugh at thee, for loving a woman with thirty thousand pounds? thou art a most unaccountable fellow! Ran. How the devil could he work her up to this! I never could have had the face to have done it. But-I don't know how-there is a degree of assurance in you modest gentlemen, which we impudent fellows never can come up to. Bel. Oh! your servant, good sir. You should not abuse me now, Ranger, but do all you can to assist me. Ran. Why, look ye, Bellamy, I am a damnable unlucky fellow, and so will have nothing to do in this affair: I'll take care to be out of the way, so as to do you no harm; that's all I can answer for; and so-success attend you. [Going.] I cannot leave you quite to yourself neither; for if this should prove a round-house affair, as I make no doubt it will, I believe I have more inmay terest there than you; and so, sir, you may hear of me at[Whispers. Bel. For shame, Ranger! the most noted gaming-house in town. Ran. Forgive me this once, my boy. I must go, faith, to pay a debt of honour to some of the greatest rascals in town. [Exit RAN. Frank. But where do you design to lodge her? Bel. At Mr Meggot's-He is already gone to prepare for her reception. Frank. The properest place in the world: his aunts will entertain her with honour. Bel. And the newness of her acquaintance will prevent its being suspected. Frankly, give me your hand: this is a very critical time. Buckle. And because a hoop, as the ladies wear them now, is not the most decent dress to come down a ladder in, I have, in this other bundle, a suit of boy's clothes, which, I believe, will fit her; at least, it will serve the time she wants it. You will soon be for pulling it off, I Suppose. Bel. Why, you are in spirits, you rogue. Buckle. These I am now to convey to Lucetta-Have you any thing to say, sir? Bel. Nothing, but that I will not fail at the hour appointed. Bring me word to Mr Meggot's how you go on. Succeed in this, and it shall make your fortune. ACT III. [Exeunt. SCENE I.—The street before Mr STRICTLAND'S palace by moonlight-Ay, here stands the temple where my goddess is adored—the doors open! [Retires. house. Enter BELLAMY in a chairman's coat. Bel. How tediously have these minutes passed these last few hours! and the envious rogues will fly, no lightning quicker, when we would have them stay. Hold, let me not mistakethis is the house. [Pulls out his watch.] By Heaven, it is not yet the hour! I hear somebody coming. The moon's so bright-I had better not be here till the happy instant comes. Enter FRANKLY. [Exit BEL. Frank. Wine is no antidote to love, but rather feeds the flame: Now am I such an amorous puppy, that I cannot walk straight home, but must come out of my way to take a view of my queen's Enter LUCETTA. Luc. [Under the window.] Madam, madam, hist! madam-How shall I make her hear? JACINTHA, in boy's clothes, at the window. Jac. Who is there? What's the matter? Luc. It is I, madam: you must not pretend to stir till I give the word; you'll be discovered if you do Frank. [Aside.] What do I sec? A man !— My heart misgives me. Luc. My master is below, sitting up for Mrs Clarinda. He raves as if he were mad about her being out so late. Frank. [Aside.] Here is some intrigue or other. I must see more of this before I give further | home at this instant. I shall spoil his sport I beway to love. lieve. Do you know me, sir? Luc. One minute he is in the street; the next he is in the kitchen: now he will lock her out, and then he'll wait himself, and see what figure she makes when she vouchsafes to venture home. Jac. I long to have it over. Get me but once out of his house. Frank. [Aside.] Cowardly rascal! would I were in his place! Luc. If I can but fix him any where, I can let you out myself- -You have the ladder ready in case of necessity? Jac. Yes, yes. [Exit Luc. Frank. [Aside.] The ladder! This must lead to some discovery; I shall watch you, my young gentleman, I shall. Enter CLARINDA and Servant. Cla. This whist is a most enticing devil. I am afraid I'm too late for Mr Strictland's sober hours. Jac. Ha! I hear a noise! Cla. No; I see a light in Jacintha's window. You may go home. [Giving the servant money.] I am safe. Jac. Sure it must be he! Mr Bellamy-sir. Frank. Yes, yes; 'tis I, 'tis I. Frank. I will; 'tis open-There is no noise: all's quiet. Cla. Sure it is my spark-and talking to Jacintha. [Aside. [FRANKLY and CLARINDA retire. Luc. Hist! hist! are you ready? Luc. Now is your time. He is in high conference with his privy counsellor, Mr Tester.You may come down the back stairs, and I'll let you out. [Exit LUCETTA. Jac. I will, I will; and am heartily glad of it. [Exit Jac. Frank. [Advancing.] May be so: but you and I shall have a few words before you get off so cleanly. Cla. [Advancing.] How lucky it was I came Frank. I am amazed! You here! This was unexpected, indeed! Cla. Why, I believe, I do come a little unexpectedly, but I shall amaze you more. I know the whole course of your amour: all the process of your mighty passion, from its first riseFrank. What is all this! Cla. To the very conclusion, which you vainly hope to effect this night. Frank. By Heaven, madam, I know not what you mean! I came hither purely to contemplate on your beauties. Čla. Any beauties, sir, I find, will serve your turn. Did I not hear you talk to her at the win dow? Enter MR STRICTLAND, TESTER, and Servants. Strict. She's gone! she's lost! I am cheated! pursue her! seck her! Test. Sir, all her clothes are in her chamber. Ser. Sir, Mrs Clarinda said she was in boy's clothes. Strict. Ay, ay, I know it-Bellamy has herCome along-Pursue her. [Exeunt. Enter RANGer. Ran. Hark! Was not the noise this way? No, there is no game stirring. This same goddess, Diana, shines so bright with her chastity, that, egad, I believe the wenches are ashamed to look her in the face. Now am I in an admirable mood for a frolic: have wine in my head, and money in my pocket, and so am furnished out for the cannonading of any countess in Christendom. Ha! what have we here! a ladder! this cannot be placed here for nothing and a window open! Is it love or mischief now that is going on within? I care not which-I am in a right cue for either. Up I go, neck or nothing. Stay-do I not run a greater chance of spoiling sport, than I do of making any? that I hate, as much as I love the other. There can be no harm in seeing how the land lies-I'll up.[Goes up softly. All is hush-Ha! a light, and a woman! by all that's lucky, neither old nor crooked! I'll in-Ha! she is gone again! I will after her. [Gets in at the window.] And for fear of the squalls of virtue, and the pursuit of the family, I will make sure of the ladder. Now, Fortune, be my guide! SCENE IL-MRS STRICTLAND's dressing-room. Enter MRS STRICTLAND, followed by LUCETTA. Mrs Strict. Well, I am in great hopes she will escape. Luc. Never fear, madam; the lovers have the start of him, and I warrant they keep it. Mrs Strict. Were Mr Strictland ever to suspect my being privy to her flight, I know not what might be the consequence. Luc. Then you had better be undressing. He may return immediately. [As she is sitting down at the toilet, RANGER enters behind.] Ran. Young and beautiful. [Aside. Luc. I have watched him pretty narrowly of late, and never once suspected till this morning Mrs Strict. And who gave you authority to watch his actions, or pry into his secrets? I Luc. I hope, madain, you are not angry. thought it might have been of service to you to know my master was jealous. Ran. And her husband jealous! If she does out send away the maid, I am happy. Mrs Strict. [Angrily.] Leave me. Luc. This it is to middle with other people's affairs. [Exit in anger. Ran. What a lucky dog I am! I never made a gentleman a cuckold before. Now, impudence, assist me! Mrs Strict. [Rising.] Provoking! I am sure I never have deserved it of him. Ran. Oh, cuckold him by all means, madam; I am your man! [She shrieks.] Oh, fy, madam! if you squall so cursedly, you will be discovered. Mrs Strict. Discovered! What mean you, sir! do you come to abuse me? Ran. I'll do my endeavour, madam; you can have no more. Mrs Strict. Whence came you? How got you here? Ran. Dear madam, so long as I'm here, what signifies how I got here, or whence I came ? but that I may satisfy your curiosity, first, as to your whence came you? I answer, out of the street: and to your how got you here? I say, in at the window: it stood so invitingly open, it was irresistible. But, madam-you were going to undress. I beg I may not incommode you. Mrs Strict. This is the most consummate piece of impudence! Ran. For Heaven's sake, have one drop of pity for a poor young fellow, who has long loved you. Mrs Strict. What would the fel ow have? Ran. Your husband's usage will excuse you to the world. Mrs Strict. I cannot bear this insolence! Help! Help! Ran. Oh, hold that clamorous tongue, madam! Speak one word more, and I am gone, positively gone. Mrs Strict. Gone! So I would have you. Mrs Strict. Shall I not speak, when a thief, a robber, breaks into my house at midnight! Help! help! Ran. Ha! no one hears. Now, Cupid assist me!-Look ye, madam, I never could make fine speeches, and cringe, and bow, and fawn, and flatter, and lie. I have said more to you already, than ever I said to a woman in such circumstances in all my life. But since I find you will yield to no persuasion to your good, I will gently force you to be grateful. [Throws down his hat, and seizes her. Come, come, unbend that brow, and look more kindly on me! Mrs Strict. For shame, sir! Thus on my knees let me beg for mercy. [Kneeling. Ran. And thus on mine, let me beg the same. [He kneels, catches, and kisses her. Strict. [Within.] Take away her sword! she'll hurt herself! Mrs Strict. Oh, Heavens! that's my husband's voice! Ran. [Rising.] The devil it is! Strict. Within.] Take away her sword, I say, and then I can close with her. |