settled between lord Ogleby and Mr Sterling; and Miss Sterling herself ready to receive you as a husband. Sir John. Why, the banns have been published, and nobody has forbidden them, 'tis true. But, you know, either of the parties may change their minds, even after they enter the church. Love. You think too lightly of this matter. To carry your addresses so far-and then to desert her-and for her sister, too!—It will be such an affront to the family, that they can never put up with it. Sir John. I don't think so; for, as to my transferring my passion from her to her sister, so much the better! for then, you know, I don't carry my affection out of the family. Love. Nay; but, prithee, be serious, and think better of it. Sir John. I have thought better of it already, you see. Tell me honestly, Lovewell? Can you blame me? Is there any comparison between them? Love. As to that now-why, that-is justjust as it may strike different people. There are many admirers of Miss Sterling's vivacity. Sir John. Vivacity! a medley of Cheapside pertness, and Whitechapel pride.-No, no-if I do go so far into the city for a wedding dinner, it shall be upon turtle at least. Love. But I see no probability of success; for, granting that Mr Sterling would have consented to it at first, he cannot listen to it now. Why did not you break this affair to the family before? Sir John. Under such embarrassed circumstances as I have been, can you wonder at my irresolution or perplexity! nothing but despair, the fear of losing my dear Fanny, could bring me to a declaration even now; and yet, I think I know Mr Sterling so well, that, strange as my proposal may appear, if I can make it advantageous to him as a money transaction; as I am sure I can, he will certainly come into it. Love. But, even suppose he should, which I very much doubt, I don't thiuk Fanny herself would listen to your addresses. Sir John. You are deceived a little in that particular. Love. You'll find I am in the right. Sir John. I have some little reason to think otherwise. Love. You have not declared your passion to her already. Sir John. Yes, I have. Love. Indeed!-And-and-and how did she receive it? Sir John. I think it is not very easy for me to make my addresses to any woman, without receiving some little encouragement. Love. Encouragement! did she give you any encouragement? Sir John. I don't know what you call encouragement—but she blushed-and cried-and de sired me not to think of it any more: -Upon which I pressed her hand-kissed it-swore she was an angel-and I could see it tickled her to the soul. Love. And did she express no surprise at your declaration? Sir John. Why, faith, to say the truth, she was a little surprised--and she got away from me, too, before I could thoroughly explain myself. If I should not meet with an opportunity of speaking to her, I must get you to deliver a letter for me. Love. I-a letter!I had rather have nothing ance Sir John. Nay; you promised me your assist-and I am sure you cannot scruple to make yourself useful on such an occasion. You may, without suspicion, acquaint her verbally of my determined affection for her, and that I am resolved to ask her father's consent. Love. As to that, I--your commands, you know -that is, if she- -Indeed, sir John, I think you are in the wrong. Sir John. Well---well-that's my concernHa! there she goes, by Heaven! along that walk yonder, d'ye see! I'll go to her immediately. Love. You are too precipitate. Consider what you are doing. Sir John. I would not lose this opportunity for the universe. Love. Nay, pray don't go! Your violence and eagerness may overcome her spirits. The shock will be too much for her. [Detaining him. Sir John. Nothing shall prevent me.—-— -Ha! now she turns into another walk-Let me go! [Breaks from him.] I shall lose her! [Going, turns back.] Be sure, now, to keep out of the way! If you interrupt us, I shall never forgive you. [Exit hastily. Love. 'Sdeath! I can't bear this. In love with my wife! acquaint me with his passion for her! make his addresses before my face!I shall break out before my time.-This was the meaning of Fanny's uneasiness. She could not encourage him-I am sure she could not. Ha! they are turning into the walk, and coming this way! Shall I leave the place!-Leave him to solicit my wife! I can't submit to it.-They come nearer and nearer-If I stay, it will look suspicious--It may betray us, and incense himn-They are here I must go-I am the most unfortunate fellow in the world! [Exit. Enter FANNY and SIR JOHN. Fan. Leave me, sir John, I beseech you leave me! nay, why will you persist to follow me with idle solicitations, which are an affront to my character, and an injury to your own honour. Sir John. I know your delicacy, and tremble to offend it: but let the urgency of the occasion be my excuse! Consider, madam, that the future happiness of my life depends on my present ap 844 BRITISH DRAMA. plication to you! consider that this day must de- of [COLMAN & Fan. Hear me, sir; hear my final determina tion. heart for ever to remain disengaged to any other, Were my father and sister as insensible as you are pleased to represent them; were my Fun. For shame, for shame, sir John! Think You, on the very eve of a marriage with my sisI could not listen to your proposals. What! your previous engagements! Think of your ter; I living under the same roof with her, bound, own situation, and think of mine! What have you discovered in my conduct, that might en- ty, but even the ties of blood, to contribute to courage you to so bold a declaration? I am shock- her happiness, and not to conspire against her not only by the laws of friendship and hospitalied that you should venture to say so much, and blush that I should even dare to give it a hear-of my own too!--Away, away, sir John!—At ing.- -Let me be gone! peace, the peace of a whole family, and that such a time, and in such circumstances, your admust detain me no longer-I will go. dresses only inspire me with horror. Nay, you pair! Give me a glimpse of hope! [Falling on his knees. Fan. I cannot. Pray, sir John! Sir John. Nay; stay, madam, but one moment- -Your sensibility is too great.-Engagements! what engagements have been pretended on either side more than those of family convenience? I went on in the trammels of matrimonial negociation with a blind submission to your father and lord Ogleby; but my heart soon claimed a right to be consulted. It has devoted itself to you, and obliges me to plead earnestly---[Kissing her hand.]--No; I cannot endure it. for the same tender interest in yours. of my life is in your power. My whole soul is yours, and the whole happiness Fan. Have a care, sir John! do not mistake a depraved will for a virtuous inclination. By these common pretences of the heart, half our sex are made fools, and a greater part of yours despise them for it. Sir John. Affection, you will allow, is involuntary. We cannot always direct it to the object on which it should fix-But when it is once inviolably attached-inviolably as mine is to you, it often creates reciprocal affection. When I last urged you on this subject, you heard me with more temper, and, I hoped, with some compas sion. Sir John. Shall this hand be given to another? [Struggling to go. Enter MISS STERLING. Fan. Ha! my sister is here. Rise, for shame, sir John! Sir John. Miss Sterling! madam! I have broke in upon you a little unopportunely, I believe---but I did not mean to inMiss Ster. I beg pardon, sir; you'll excuse me, [Rising. terrupt you-I only came, sir, to let you know that breakfast waits, if you have finished your morning's devotions. that this may appear particular, but- self to the trouble of an apology-the thing ex- Very fine, truly !---And you, madam! my sweet, delicate, innocent, sentimental sister! Will you Miss Ster. Respect! Insolence! Esteem! [Exit SIR JOHN in confusion. convince my papa, too, of the integrity of your Fan. You deceived yourself. If I forbore to exert a proper spirit; nay, if I did not even express the quickest resentment of your behaviour, it was only in consideration of that respect I wish to pay you, in honour to my sister: and, be assured, sir, woman as I am, that my vanity could time, I can only assure you of my profound rereap no pleasure from a triumph, that must result spect and esteem for you, and make no doubt of Sir John. It will soon, madam. In the mean from the blackest treachery to her. Sir John. One word, and I have done. [Stop-grity of my intentions. And-and--your hum- ping her.] Your impatience and anxiety, and the ble servant, madam! [Going. convincing Mr Sterling of the honour and inteurgency of the occasion, oblige me to be brief and explicit with you. I appeal, therefore, from your delicacy to your justice.Your sister, I verily believe, neither entertains any real affection for me, or tenderness for you. Your father, I am inclined to think, is not much concern-intentions? ed by means of which of his daughters the families are united.-Now, as they cannot, shall not, be connected, otherwise than by my union with you, why will you, from a false delicacy, oppose a measure so conducive to my happiness, and, I hope, your own? I love you, most passionately and sincerely love youterms agreeable to Mr Sterling:and hope to propose don't absolutely loath, abhor, and scorn me--if there is no other happier manIf, then, you can deed, I don't deserve it. Believe me, you mightily deceived, madam; it gives me no sort posed upon me. I always knew you to be sly, my papa and my aunt, for they shall both know and envious, and deceitful. Fan. Indeed, you wrong me. Miss Ster. Oh, you are all goodness, to be sure! Did not I find him on his knees before you? Did not I see him kiss your sweet hand? Did not I hear his protestations? Was not I a witness of your dissembled modesty? No, no, my dear! don't imagine that you can make a fool of your elder sister so easily. Fan. Sir John, I own, is to blame; but I am above the thoughts of doing you the least injury. Miss Ster. We shall try that, madam. I hope, miss, you'll be able to give a better account to SCENE I-A hall. of this matter, I promise you. [Exit MISS STER. Fan. How unhappy I am! My distresses multiply upon me. Mr Lovewell must now become acquainted with sir John's behaviour to me, and in a manner that may add to his uneasiness. My father, instead of being disposed, by fortunate circumstances, to forgive any transgression, will be previously incensed against me. My sister and my aunt will become irreconcileably my enemies, and rejoice in my disgrace. Yet, in all events, I am determined on a discovery. I dread it, and am resolved to hasten it. It is surrounded with more horrors every instant, as it appears every instant more necessary. [Exit. ACT III. Enter a Servant, leading in SERJEANT FLOWER, and COUNSELLORS TRAVERSE and TRUEMAN, all booted. Ser. THIS way, if you please, gentlemen; my master is at breakfast with the family at present, but I'll let him know, and he will wait on you immediately. Flow. Mighty well, young man: mighty well. Ser. Please to favour me with your names, gentlemen. Flow. Let Mr Sterling know, that Mr Serjeant Flower, and two other gentlemen of the bar, are come to wait on him, according to his appointment. Ser. I will, sir. an estate to A, and his heirs for ever, they'll make a query whether he takes in fee or in tail! Flow. Do you expect to have much to do on the Home Circuit these assizes? Tra. Not much nisi prius business, but a good deal on the crown side, I believe. The gaols are brim-full, and some of the felons in good circumstances, and likely to be tolerable clients. Let me see! I am engaged for three highway robberies, two murders, one forgery, and half a dozen larcenies, at Kingston. Flow. A pretty decent gaol-delivery!—Do you expect to bring off Darkin, for the robbery on Putney-Common? Can you make out your alibi? Tra. Oh! no! the crown-witnesses are sure to prove our identity. We shall certainly be [Going. hanged: but that don't signify. But, Mr SerFlow. And hark'e, young man-[Servant re-jeant, have you much to do? Any remarkable turns.]-desire my servant-Mr Serjeant Flower's servant, to bring in my green and gold saddlecloth and pistols, and lay them down here in the hall with my portmanteau. Ser. I will, sir. [Exit Ser. Flow. Well, gentlemen! the settling these marriage articles falls conveniently enough, almost just on the eve of the circuits. Let me see -the Home, the Midland, and Western; ay, we can all cross the country well enough to our several destinations. Traverse, when do you begin at Hertford? Tra. The day after to-morrow. Flow. That is commission-day with us at Warwick, too. But my clerk has retainers for every cause in the paper, so it will be time enough if I am there the next morning. Besides, I have about half a dozen cases that have lain by me ever since the spring assizes, and I must tack opinions to them before I see my country clients again; so I will take the evening before me, and then currente calamo, as I say-eh, Traverse? Tra. True, Mr Serjeant; and the easiest thing in the world, too; for those country attornies are such ignorant dogs, that in case of the devise of cause on the midland this circuit? Flow. Nothing very remarkable—except two rapes, and Rider and Western at Nottingham, for crim. con.but, on the whole, I believe a good deal of business. Our associate tells me, there are above thirty venires for Warwick. Tra. Pray, Mr Serjeant, are you concerned in Flow. I am--for the plaintiff. Tra. I thought so. Flow. Oh, no manner of doubt on't---luce clarius-we have no right in us--we have but one chance. True. I am, sir--I have the honour to be rela- | death of Mr Sterling, a further sum of seventy ted to his lordship, and hold some courts for him thousandin Somersetshire-go the Western circuit--and attend the sessions at Exeter, merely because his lordship's interests and property lie in that part of the kingdom. Flow. Ha!---and pray, Mr Trueman, how long have you been called to the bar? True. About nine years and three quarters. Flow. Ha!---I don't know that I ever had the pleasure of seeing you before. I wish you success, young gentleman! Enter STERLING. Ster. Oh, Mr Serjeant Flower, I am glad to see you---Your servant, Mr Serjeant! gentlemen, your servant!---Well, are all matters concluded? Has that snail-paced conveyancer, old Ferret, of Gray's-Inn, settled the articles at last? Do you approve of what he has done? Will his tackle hold, tight and strong? Eh, master Serjeant? Flow. My friend Ferret's slow and sure, sir--But then, serius aut citius, as we say, sooner or later, Mr Sterling, he is sure to put his business out of hand as he should do. My clerk has brought the writings, and all other instruments, along with him, and the settlement is, I believe, as good a settlement as any settlement on the face of the earth! Ster. But that damned mortgage of 60,0001.There don't appear to be any other incumbrances, I hope? Tra. I can answer for that, sir--and that will be cleared off immediately on the payment of the first part of Miss Sterling's proportion.You agree, on your part, to come down with 80,0001. Ster. Down on the nail. Ay, ay, my money is ready to-morrow if he pleases-he shall have it in India-bonds, or notes, or how he chooses.-Your lords, and your dukes, and your people at the court end of the town, stick at payments sometimes-debts unpaid, no credit lost with thein-but no fear of us substantial fellows. Eh, Mr Serjeant? Flow. Sir John having last term, according to agreement, levied a fine, and suffered a recovery, has hitherto cut off the entail of the Ogleby estate, for the better effecting the purposes of the present intended marriage; on which above-mentioned Ogleby estate, a jointure of 2000l. per annum is secured to your eldest daughter, now Elizabeth Sterling, spinster; and the whole estate, after the death of the aforesaid earl, descends to the heirs-male of sir John Melvil, on the body of the aforesaid Elizabeth Sterling, lawfully to be begotten. Tra. Very true-and sir John is to be put in immediate possession of as much of his lordship's Somersetshire estate, as lies in the manors of Hogmore and Cranford, amounting to between two and three thousand per annum; and at the Enter SIR JOHN MELVILL Ster. Ah, sir John! Here we are-hard at it— paving the road to matrimony-First the law vers, then comes the doctor-Let us but dispatch the long robe, we shall soon get pudding-sleeves to work, I warrant you. Sir John. I am sorry to interrupt you, sir———— but I hope that both you and these gentlemen will excuse me- -Having something very particular for your private ear, I took the liberty of following you, and beg you will oblige me with an audience immediately. Ster. Ay, with all my heart!-Gentlemen, Mr Serjeant, you'll excuse it-Business must be done, you know. The writings will keep cold till tomorrow morning. Flow. I must be at Warwick, Mr Sterling, the day after. Ster. Nay, nay, I shan't part with you to-night, gentlemen, I promise you. My house is very full, but I have beds for you all, beds for your servants, and stabling for all your horses. Will you take a turn in the garden, and view some of my improvements, before dinner? Or will you amuse yourselves on the green, with a game of bowls, and a cool tankard? My servants shall attend you. Do you chuse any other refreshment? Call for what you please; do as you please; make yourselves quite at home, I beg of you.— Here, Thomas! Harry! William! wait on these gentlemen! [Follows the lawyers out, bawling and talking, and then returns to SIR JOHN. And now, sir, I am entirely at your service. What are your commands with me, sir John? Sir John. After having carried the negocia tion between our families to so great a length; after having assented so readily to all your proposals, as well as received so many instances of your cheerful compliance with the demands made on our part, I am extremely concerned, Mr Sterling, to be the involuntary cause of any uneasi ness. Ster. Uneasiness! what uneasiness? Where business is transacted as it ought to be, and the parties understand one another, there can be no uneasiness. You agree, on such and such conditions, to receive my daughter for a wife; on the same conditions, I agree to receive you as a son-in-law; and as to all the rest, it follows of course, you know, as regularly as the payment of a bill after acceptance. Sir John. Pardon me, sir, more uneasiness has arisen than you are aware of. I am myself, at this instant, in a state of inexpressible embarrassment; Miss Sterling, I know, is extremely dis concerted, too; and, unless you will oblige me with the assistance of your friendship, I foresee the speedy progress of discontent and animosity agree to pay down the gross sum of eighty thouthrough the whole family. sand pounds. Ster. Well! Ster. What the deuce is all this? I don't understand a single syllable. Sir John. In one word then-it will be absolutely impossible for me to fulfil my engagements in regard to Miss Sterling. Ster. How, sir John! Do you mean to put an affront upon my family? What? refuse to Sir John. Be assured, sir, that I neither mean to affront, nor forsake your family. My only fear is, that you should desert me; for the whole happiness of my life depends on my being connected with your family, by the nearest and tenderest ties in the world. Ster. Why, did not you tell me, but a moment ago, that it was absolutely impossible for you to marry my daughter? Sir John. True. But you have another daughter, sir Ster. Well! Sir John. Who has obtained the most absolute dominion over my heart. I have already declared my passion to her; nay, Miss Sterling herself is also apprised of it; and if you will but give a sanction to my present addresses, the uncommon merit of Miss Sterling will, no doubt, recommend her to a person of equal, if not superior, rank to myself, and our families may still be allied by my union with Miss Fanny. Sir John. Now if you will but consent to my waving that marriage Ster. I agree to your waving that marriage! Impossible, sir John! Sir John. I hope not, sir; as, on my part, I will agree to wave my right to thirty thousand pounds of the fortune I was to receive with her. Ster. Thirty thousand, d'ye say? Sir John. Yes, sir; and accept of Miss Fanny with fifty thousand, instead of fourscore. Ster. Fifty thousand [Pausing. Sir John. Instead of fourscore. Ster. Why-why---there may be something in that.--Let me see---Fanny with fifty thousand, instead of Betsy with fourscore.---But how can this be, sir John? For you know I am to pay this money into the hands of my lord Ogleby, who, I believe, between you and me, sir John, is not overstocked with ready money at present; and threescore thousand of it, you know, is to go to pay off the present incumbrances on the estate, sir John. Sir John. That objection is easily obviated.--Ten of the twenty thousand, which would remain as a surplus of the fourscore, after paying off the mortgage, was intended by his lordship for my use, that we might set off with some little eclat Ster. Mighty fine, truly! Why, what the plague on our marriage, and the other ten for his own. do you make of us, sir John? Do you come to ---Ten thousand pounds, therefore, I shall be market for my daughters, like servants at a sta- able to pay you immediately; and for the retute-fair? Do you think that I will suffer you, or maining twenty thousand, you shall have a mortany man in the world, to come into my house, gage on that part of the estate which is to be like the grand signior, and throw the handker-made over to me, with whatever security you chief hrst to one, and then to t'other, just as he pleases? Do you think I drive a kind of African slave-trade with them? and Sir John. A moment's patience, sir! Nothing but the excess of my passion for Miss Fanny should have induced me to take any step that had the least appearance of disrespect to any part of your family; and, even now, I am desirous to atone for my transgression, by making the most adequate compensation that lies in my power. Ster. Compensation! what compensation can you possibly make in such a case as this, sir John? Sir John. Come, come, Mr Sterling; I know you to be a man of sense, a man of business, a man of the world. I'll deal frankly with you; and you shall see, that I don't desire a change of measures for my own gratification, without endeavouring to make it advantageous to you. shall require for the regular payment of the interest, till the principal is duly discharged. Ster. Why--to do you justice, sir John, there is something fair and open in your proposal; and since I find you do not mean to put an affront upon the family Sir John. Nothing was ever farther from my thoughts, Mr Sterling.---And, after all, the whole affair is nothing extraordinary---such things happen every day; and, as the world has only heard generally of a treaty between the families, when this marriage takes place, nobody will be the wiser, if we have but discretion enough to keep our own counsel. Ster. True, true; and, since you only transfer from one girl to the other, it is no more than transferring so much stock, you know. Sir John. The very thing! Ster. Odso! I had forgot.---We are reckoning without our host here---there is another difficul Ster. What advantage can your inconstancy | tybe to me, sir John? Sir John. I'll tell you, sir. You know, that, by the articles at present subsisting between us, on the day of my marriage with Miss Sterling, you Sir John. You alarm me! What can that be? Ster. I can't stir a step in this business without consulting my sister Heidelberg.---The family has very great expectations from her, and we must not give her any offence. |