Love for love. A comedy: Acted at the Theatre in Little-Lincoln's-Inn-Fields, by His Majesty's servants. Written by Mr. Congreve.

Table of contents

- [titlepage]

- To the Right Honourable CHARLES Earl of Dorset and Middlesex, Lord Chamberlain of His Majesty's Houshold, and Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, &c.

- A PROLOGUE FOR The Opening of the New Play-House, propos'd to be spoken by Mrs. Bracegirdle in Man's Cloaths.

- PROLOGUE. Spoken at the Opening of the New House, By Mr. Betterton.

- EPILOGUE, Spoken at the Opening of the New House. By Mrs. Bracegirdle.

- Personae Dramatis.

- ACT I. SCENE I.

- ACT II. SCENE I.

- ACT III. SCENE I.

- ACT IV. SCENE I.

- ACT V. SCENE I.

LOVE for LOVE.

FINIS.

LOVE for LOVE. A COMEDY. Acted at the THEATRE in Little-Lincoln's-Inn-Fields, BY His Majesty's Servants.

Written by Mr. CONGREVE.

Nudus agris, nudus nummis paternis,

Insanire parat certa ratione modoque.

Hor.

The FOURTH EDITION.

LONDON, Printed for Jacob Tonson: And Sold by R. Wellington, G. Strahan, and B. Lintott. 1704.

To the Right Honourable CHARLES Earl of Dorset and Middlesex, Lord Chamberlain of His Majesty's Houshold, and Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, &c.

MY LORD,

A Young Poet is liable to the same Vanity and Indiscretion with a Young Lover; and the Great Man that smiles upon one, and the Fine Woman that looks kindly upon t'other, are each of 'em in Danger of having the Favour publish'd with the first Opportunity.

But there may be a different Motive, which will a little distinguish the Offenders. For tho' one should have a Vanity in ruining another's Reputation, yet the other may only have an Ambition to advance his own. And I beg leave, my Lord, that I may plead the latter, both as the Cause and Excuse of this Dedication.

Whoever is King, is also the Father of his Country; and as no Body can dispute Your Lordship's Monarchy in Poetry; so all that are concern'd, ought to acknowledge Your Universal Patronage: And it is only presuming on the Privilege of a Loyal Subject, that I have ventur'd to make this my Address of Thanks to your Lordship, which at the same time includes a Prayer for Your Protection.

I am not Ignorant of the Common Form of Poetical Dedications, which are generally made up of Panegyricks, where the Authors endeavour to distinguish their Patrons, by the shining Characters they give them above other Men. But that, my Lord, is not my Business at this time, nor is Your Lordship now to be distinguish'd. I am contented with the Honour I do my self in this Epistle, without the Vanity of attempting to add to, or explain Your Lordship's Character.

I confess it is not without some struggling, that I behave my self in this Case as I ought: For it is very hard to be pleased with a Subject, and yet forbear it. But I chuse rather to follow Pliny's Precept, than his Example, when in his Panegyrick to the Emperor Trajan, he says,

Nec minus considerabo quid aures ejus pati

possint, Quam quid virtutibus debeatur.

I hope I may be excus'd the Pedantry of a Quotation, when it is so justly apply'd. Here are some Lines in the Print, (and which Your Lordship read before this Play was Acted) that were omitted on the Stage; and particularly one whole Scene in the Third Act, which not only helps the Design forward with less Precipitation, but also heightens the ridiculous Character of Foresight, which indeed seems to be maim'd without it. But I found my self in great Danger of a long Play, and was glad to help it where I could. Tho' notwithstanding my Care, and the kind Reception it had from the Town, I could heartily wish it yet shorter: But the Number of different Characters represented in it, would have been too much crowded in less room.

This Reflection on Prolixity, (a Fault for which scarce any one Beauty will attone) warns me not to be tedious now, and detain Your Lordship any longer with the Trifles of,

MY LORD,
Your Lordship's most Obedient, and most Humble Servant, William Congreve.

A PROLOGUE FOR The Opening of the New Play-House, propos'd to be spoken by Mrs. Bracegirdle in Man's Cloaths.

Sent from an unknown Hand.

CUstom, which every where bears mighty Sway,

Brings me to Act the Orator to Day:

But Women, you will say, are ill at Speeches,

'Tis true, and therefore I appear in Breeches:

Not for Example to you City-Wives,

That by Prescription's settled for your Lives.

Was it for Gain the Husband first consented?

O yes, their Gains are mightily augmented:

Making Horns with her Hands over her Head.

And yet, methinks, it must have cost some Strife:

A Passive Husband, and an Active Wife!

'Tis aukward, very aukward, by my Life.

But to my Speech. Assemblies of all Nations

Still are suppos'd to open with Orations:

Mine shall begin, to shew our Obligations.

To you, our Benefactors, lowly Bowing,

Whose Favours have prevented our Undoing;

A long Egyptian Bondage we endur'd,

'Till Freedom, by your Justice, we procur'd:

Our Taskmasters were grown such very Jews,

We must at length have Play'd in Wooden Shoos,

Had not your Bounty taught us to refuse.

Freedom's of English Growth, I think, alone;

What for lost English Freedom can attone?

A Free-born Player loaths to be compell'd;

Our Rulers Tyranniz'd, and We Rebell'd.

Freedom! the Wise Man's Wish, the Poor Man's Wealth;

Which you, and I, and most of us enjoy by Stealth;

The Soul of Pleasure, and the Sweet of Life,

The Woman's Charter, Widow, Maid or Wife,

This they'd have cancell'd, and thence grew the Strife.

But you, perhaps, wou'd have me here confess

How we obtain'd the Favour;—Can't you guess?

Why then I'll tell you, (for I hate a Lie)

By Brib'ry, errant Brib'ry, let me die:

I was their Agent, but by Jove I swear

No honourable Member had a share,

Tho' young and able Members bid me Fair:

I chose a wiser way to make you willing,

Which has not cost the House a single Shilling;

Now you suspect at least I went a Billing.

Y•… see I'm Young, and to that Air of Youth,

Some will add Beauty, and a little Truth;

These pow'rful Charms, improv'd by pow'rful Arts,

Prevail'd to captivate your op'ning Hearts.

Thus furnish'd, I preferr'd my poor Petition,

And brib'd ye to commiserate our Condition:

I laugh'd, and sigh'd, and sung, and leer'd upon ye,

With roguish loving Looks, and that way won ye:

The Young Men kiss'd me, and the Old I kiss'd,

And luringly I led them as I list.

The Ladies in meer Pity took our Parts,

Pity's the Darling Passion of their Hearts.

Thus Bribing, or thus Brib'd, fear no Disgraces;

For thus you may take Bribes, and keep your Places.

PROLOGUE. Spoken at the Opening of the New House, By Mr. Betterton.

THE Husbandman in vain renews his Toil,

To cultivate each Tear a hungry Soil;

And fondly hopes for rich and generous Fruit,

When what shou'd feed the Tree, devours the Root:

Th' unlanden Boughs, he sees, bode certain Dearth,

Unless transplanted to more kindly Earth.

So the poor Husbands of the Stage, who found

Their Labours lost upon th' ungrateful Ground,

This last and only Remedy have prov'd;

And hope new Fruit from ancient Stocks remov'd.

Well may they hope, when you so kindly aid,

And plant a Soil which you so rich have made.

As Nature gave the World to Man's first Age,

So from your Bounty we receive this Stage;

The Freedom Man was born to you've restor'd,

And to our World such Plenty you afford,

It seems like Eden, fruitful of its own Accord.

But since in Paradise frail Flesh gave way,

And when but two were made, both went astray;

Forbear your Wonder, and the Fault forgive,

If in our larger Family we grieve

One falling Adam, and one tempted Eve.

We who remain, would gratefully repay

What our Endeavours can, and bring this Day,

The First-fruit Off'ring of a Virgin Play.

We hope there's something that may please each Taste,

And tho' of homely Fare we make the Feast,

Yet you will find Variety at least.

There's Humour, which for chearful Friends we got;

And for the thinking Party there's a Plot.

We've something too to gratifie ill Nature,

(If there be any here) and that is Satire.

Tho' Satire scarce dares grin, 'tis grown so mild;

Or only shews its Teeth, as if it smil'd.

As Asses Thistles, Poets mumble Wit;

And dare not bite, for fear of being bit.

They hold their Pens, as Swords are held by Fools,

And are afraid to use their own Edge-Tools.

Since the Plain-Dealer's Scenes of Manly Rage,

Not one has dar'd to lash this Crying Age.

This time, the Poet owns the bold Essay,

Yet hopes there's no ill Manners in his Play:

And he declares by me, he has design'd

Affront to none, but frankly speaks his Mind.

And shou'd th' ensuing Scenes not chance to hit,

He offers but this one Excuse, 'Twas writ

Before your late Encouragement of Wit.

EPILOGUE, Spoken at the Opening of the New House. By Mrs. Bracegirdle.

SURE Providence, at first, design'd this Place

To be the Player's Refuge in Distress;

For still in every Storm they all run hither,

As to a Shed, that shields 'em from the Weather.

But thinking of this Change which last befel us,

It's like what I have heard our Poets tell us:

For when behind our Scenes their Suits are pleading,

To help their Love, sometimes they show their Reading;

And wanting ready Cash to pay for Hearts,

They top their Learning on us, and their Parts.

Once of Philosophers they told us Stories,

Whom, as I think, they call'd—Py—Pythagories.

I'm sure 'tis some such Latin Name they give 'em,

And we, who know no better, must believe 'em.

Now to these Men (say they) such Souls were given,

That after Death ne'er went to Hell nor Heaven,

But liv'd, I know not how, in Beasts; and then,

When many Years were past, in Men again.

Methinks, we Players resemble such a Soul,

That does from Bodies, we from Houses stroll.

Thus Aristotle's Soul, of old that was,

May now be damn'd to animate an Ass;

Or in this very House, for ought we know,

Is doing painful Pennance in some Beau:

And this our Audience, which did once resort

To shining Theatres to see our Sport,

Now find us toss'd into a Tennis-Court.

These Walls but t'other Day were fill'd with Noise

Of roaring Gamesters, and your Damme Boys:

Then bounding Balls and Rackets they encompass'd,

And now they're fill'd with Jests, and Flights, and Bombast!

I vow, I don't much like this Transmigration,

Strolling from Place to Place, by Circulation.

Grant, Heaven, we don't return to our first Station.

I know not what these think, but for my Part,

I can't reflect without an aking Heart,

How we should end in our Original, a Cart.

But we can't fear, since you're so good to save us,

That you have only set us up to leave us.

Thus from the past, we hope for future Grace,

I beg it—

And some here know I have a begging Face.

Then pray continue this your kind Behaviour,

For a clear Stage won't do, without your Favour.

Personae Dramatis.

MEN.

- Sir Sampson Legend, Father to Valentine and Ben. By Mr. Underhill.

- Valentine, Fallen under his Father's Displeasure by his expensive way of living, in love with Angelica. Mr. Betterton.

- Scandal, His Friend, a Free Speaker. Mr. Smith.

- Tattle, A half-witted Beau, vain of his Amours, yet valuing himself for Secresie. Mr. Bowman.

- Ben. Sir Sampson's Younger Son, half home-bred, and half Sea-bred, design'd to marry Miss Prue.Mr. Dogget.

- Foresight, An illiterate Old Fellow, peevish and positive, superstitious, and pretending to understand Astrology, Palmistry, Phisiognomy, Omens, Dreams, &c. Uncle to Angelica. Mr. Sanford.

- Jeremy, Servant to Valentine. Mr. Bowen.

- Tr••••nd, A Scrivener. Mr. Triffusis.

- Buckram, A Lawyer. Mr. Freeman.

WOMEN.

- Angelica, Niece to Foresight, of a considerable Fortune in her own Hands. By Mrs. Bracegirdle.

- Mrs. Foresight, Second Wife to Foresight. Mrs. Bowman.

- Mrs. Frail, Sister to Mrs. Foresight, a Woman of the Town. Mrs. Barry.

- Miss Prue, Daughter to Foresight by a former Wife, a silly, aukward, Country Girl. Mrs. Ayliff.

- Nurse to Miss. Mrs. Leigh.

- Jenny, Maid to Angelica. Mrs. Lawson.

- A Steward, Officers, Sailers, and several Servants.

The SCENE in LONDON.

ACT I. SCENE I.

Valentine in his Chamber Reading. Jeremy Waiting. Several Books upon the Table.

Val.

JEremy.

Jere.

Sir.

Val.

Here, take away; I'll walk a Turn, and digest what I have read—

Jere.

You'll grow Devilish Fat upon this Paper-Diet. [Aside, and taking away the Books.

Val.

And d'ye here, go you to Breakfast—There's a Page doubled down in Epictetus, that is a Feast for an Emperor.

Jere.

Was Epictetus a real Cook, or did he only write Receipts?

Val.

Read, read, Sirrah, and refine your Appetite; learn to live upon Instruction; feast your Mind, and mortifie your Flesh; read, and take your Nourishment in at your Eyes; shut up your Mouth, and chew the Gud of Understanding. So Epictetus advises.

Jere.

O Lord! I have heard much of him, when I waited upon a Gentleman at Cambridge: Pray what was that Epictetus?

Val.

A very rich Man.—Not worth a Groat.

Jere.

Humph, and so he has made a very fine Feast, where there is nothing to be eaten.

Val.

Yes.

Jere.

Sir, you're a Gentleman, and probably understand this fine Feeding: But if you please, I had rather be at Board-Wages. Does your Epictetus, or your Seneca here, or any of these poor, rich Rogues, teach you how to pay your Debts without Mony? Will they shut up the Mouths of your Creditors? Will Plato be Bail for you! Or Diogenes, because he understands Confinements, and liv'd in a Tub, go to Prison for you? 'Slife, Sir, what do you mean, to mew your self up here with three or four musty Books, in Commendation of Starving and Poverty.

Val.

Why, Sirrah, I have no Mony, you know it; and therefore resolve to rail at all that have: And in that I but follow the Examples of the wisest and wittiest Men in all Ages; these Poets and Philosophers whom you naturally hate, for just such another Reason; because they abound in Sense, and you are a Fool.

Jere.

Ay, Sir, I am a Fool, I know it: And yet, Heav'n help me, I'm poor enough to be a Wit—But I was always a Fool, when I told you what your Expences would bring you to; your Coaches and your Liveries; your Treats and your Balls; your being in Love with a Lady, that did not care a Farthing for you in your Prosperity; and keeping Company with Wits, that car'd for nothing but your Prosperity; and now when you are poor, hate you as much as they do one another.

Val.

Well; and now I am poor, I have an opportunity to be reveng'd on 'em all; I'll pursue Angelica with more Love than ever, and appear more notoriously her Admirer in this Restraint, than when I openly rival'd the rich Fops that made Court to her; so shall my Poverty be a Mortification to her Pride, and perhaps make her compassionate the Love, which has principally reduc'd me to this Lowness of Fortune. And for the Wits, I'm sure I'm in a Condition to be even with them.—

Jere.

Nay, your Condition is pretty even with theirs, that's the truth on't.

Val.

I'll take some of their Trade out of their Hands.

Jere.

Now Heav'n of Mercy continue the Tax upon Paper; you don't mean to Write!

Val.

Yes, I do; I'll write a Play.

Jere.

Hem!—Sir, if you please to give me a small Certificate of three Lines—only to certifie those whom it may concern, That the Bearer hereof, Jeremy Fetch by Name, has for the space of seven Years truly and faithfuly serv'd Valentine Legend, Esq and that he is not now turn'd away for any Misdemeanour, but does voluntarily dismiss his Master from any future Authority over him.—

Val.

No, Sirrah, you shall live with me still.

Jere.

Sir, it's impossible—I may die with you, starve with you, or be damn'd with your Works: But to live even three Days, the Life of a Play, I no more expect it, than to be Cannoniz'd for a Muse after my Decease.

Val.

You are witty, you Rogue, I shall want your help;—I'll have you learn to make Couplets, to tag the Ends of Acts; d'ye hear, get the Maids to Crambo in an Evening, and learn the knack of rhiming, you may arrive at the height of a Song, sent by an unknown Hand, or a Chocolate-House Lampoon.

Jere.

But Sir, is this the way to recover your Father's Favour? Why Sir Sampson will be irreconcilable. If your younger Brother shou'd come from Sea, he'd never look upon you again. You're undone, Sir; you're ruin'd; you won't have a Friend left in the World, if you turn Poet—Ah Pox confound that Will's Coffee-House, it has ruin'd more Young Men than the Royal-Oak Lottery—Nothing thrives that belongs to't. The Man of the House would have been an Alderman by this time with half the Trade, if he had set up in the City—For my part, I never sit at the Door, that I don't get double the Stomach that I do at a Horse-Race. The Air upon Banstead-Downs is nothing to it for a Whetter; yet I never see it, but the Spirit of Famine appears to me, sometimes like a decay'd Porter, worn out with Pimping, and carrying Billet-doux and Songs; not like other Porters for Hire, but for the Jest's sake. Now like a thin Chair-man, melted down to half his Proportion, with carrying a Poet upon Tick to visit some great Fortune; and his Fare to be paid him like the Wages of Sin, either at the Day of Marriage, or the Day of Death.

Val.

Very well, Sir; can you proceed?

Jere.

Sometimes like a bilk'd Bookseller, with a meagre terrify'd Countenance, that looks as if he had written for himself, or were resolv'd to turn Author, and bring the rest of his Brethren into the same Condition. And lastly, in the Form of a worn-out Punk, with Verses in her Hand, which her Vanity had preferr'd to Settlements, without a whole Tatter to her Tail, but as ragged as one of the Muses; or as if she were carrying her Linnen to the Paper-Mill, to be converted into Folio Books, of Warning to all young Maids not to prefer Poetry to good Sense; or lying in the Arms of a needy Wit, before the Embraces of a wealthy Fool.

Enter Scandal.

Scan.

What, Jeremy holding forth?

Val.

The Rogue has (with all the Wit he could muster up) been declaiming against Wit.

Scan.

Ay? Why then I'm afraid Jeremy has Wit: For whereever it is, it's always contriving its own Ruin.

Jere.

Why so I have been telling my Master, Sir: Mr. Scandal, for Heaven's sake, Sir, try if you can dissuade him from turning Poet.

Scan.

Poet! He shall turn Soldier first, and rather depend upon the outside of his Head than the Lining. Why, what the Devil has not your Poverty made you Enemies enough? Must you needs shew your Wit to get more?

Jere.

Ay, more indeed; for who cares for any Body that has more Wit than himself?

Scan.

Jeremy speaks like an Oracle. Don't you see how worthless great Men, and dull rich Rogues, avoid a witty Man of small Fortune? Why, he looks like a Writ of Enquiry into their Titles and Estates, and seems Commission'd by Heav'n to seize the better half.

Val.

Therefore I would rail in my Writings, and be reveng'd.

Scan.

Rail? At whom? the whole World? Impotent and Vain? Who would die a Martyr to Sense in a Country where the Religion is Folly? You may stand at Bay for a while; but when the full Cry is against you, you won't have fair Play for your Life. If you can't be fairly run down by the Hounds, you will be treacherously shot by the Huntsmen.—No, turn Pimp, Flatterer, Quack, Lawyer, Parson, be Chaplain to an Atheist, or Stallion to an Old Woman, any thing but Poet; a Modern Poet is worse, more servile, timorous and fawning, than any I have nam'd: Without you could retrieve the Ancient Honours of the Name, recal the Stage of Athens, and be allow'd the force of open honest Satire.

Val.

You are as inveterate against our Poets, as if your Character had been lately expos'd upon the Stage.—Nay, I am not violently bent upon the Trade— [One knocks.] Jeremy, see who's there. [Ex. Jeremy.] But tell me what you would have me do?—What do the World say of me, and my forc'd Confinement?

Scan.

The World behaves it self as it used to do on such Occasions; some pity you, and condemn your Father; others excuse him, and blame you; only the Ladies are merciful, and wish you well, since Love and pleasurable Expence have been your greatest Faults.

Enter Jeremy.

Val.

How now?

Jere.

Nothing new, Sir; I have dispatch'd some half a Dozen Duns, with as much Dexterity as a hungry Judge do's Causes at Dinner-time.

Val.

What Answer have you given 'em?

Scan.

Patience, I suppose, the old Receipt.

Jere.

No, Faith Sir; I have put 'em off so long with Patience and Forbearance, and other fair Words, that I was forc'd now to tell 'em in plain downright English—

Val.

What?

Jere.

That they should be paid.

Val.

When?

Jere.

To Morrow.

Val.

And how the Devil do you mean to keep your Word?

Jere.

Keep it? Not at all; it has been so very much stretch'd, that I reckon it will break of course by to Morrow, and no Body be surpriz'd at the Matter— [Knocking.]—Again! Sir, if you don't like my Negotiation, will you be pleas'd to answer these your self.

Val.

See who they are,

[Exit Jere.

By this, Scandal, you may see what it is to be great; Secretaries of State, Presidents of the Council, and Generals of an Army lead just such a Life as I do; have just such Crowds of Visitants in a Morning, all solliciting of past Promises; which are but a civiller sort of Duns, that lay claim to voluntary Debts.

Scan.

And you, like a true great Man, having engaged their Attendance, and promis'd more than ever you intend to perform, are more perplex'd to find Evasions, than you would be to invent the honest Means of keeping your Word, and gratifying your Creditors.

Val.

Scandal, learn to spare your Friends, and do not provoke your Enemies; this Liberty of your Tongue, will one Day bring a Confinement on your Body, my Friend.

Re-enter Jeremy.

Jere.

O Sir, there's Trapland the Scrivener, with two suspicious Fellows, like lawful Pads, that would knock a Man down with Pocket-Tipstaves—And there's your Father's Steward, and the Nurse with one of your Children from Twitnam.

Val.

Pox on her, cou'd she find no other time to fling my Sins in my Face? Here, give her this [Gives Mony.] and bid her trouble me no more; a thoughtless two-handed Whore, she knows my Condition well enough, and might have over-laid the Child a Fortnight ago, if she had had any Fore-cast in her.

Scan.

What, is it bouncing Margery, and my God-son?

Jere.

Yes, Sir.

Scan.

My Blessing to the Boy, with this Token of my Love. [Gives Mony.] And d'ye hear, bid Margery put more Flocks in her Bed, shift twice a Week, and not work so hard, that she may not smell so vigorously.—I shall take the Air shortly.

Val.

Scandal, don't spoil my Boy's Milk:—Bid Trapland come in. If I can give that Cerberus a Sop, I shall be at rest for one day.

[Exit Jeremy. Enter Trapland and Jeremy.

O Mr. Trapland! my old Friend! Welcome. Jeremy, a Chair quickly: A Bottle of Sack and a Toast—fly—a Chair first.

Trap.

A good Morning to you Mr. Valentine, and to you Mr. Scandal.

Scan.

The Morning's a very good Morning, if you don't spoil it.

Val.

Come sit you down, you know his way.

Trap.

sits. There is a Debt, Mr. Valentine, of 1500l. of pretty long standing—

Val.

I cannot talk about Business with a thirsty Palate.—Sirrah the Sack.

Trap.

And I desire to know what Course you have taken for the Payment?

Val.

Faith and Troth, I am heartily glad to see you,—my Service to you—fill, fill, to honest Mr. Trapland; fuller.

Trap.

Hold, Sweet-heart.—This is not to our Business:—my Service to you, Mr. Scandal— [Drinks.]—I have forborn as long—

Val.

T'other Glass, and then we'll talk. Fill, Jeremy.

Trap.

No more, in truth.—I have forborn, I say—

Val.

Sirrah, fill when I bid you.—And how does your handsom Daughter?—Come, a good Husband to her.

[Drinks.

Trap.

Thank you—I have been out of this Mony—

Val.

Drink first. Scandal, why do you not drink?

[They Drink.

Trap.

And in short I can be put off no longer.

Val.

I was much oblig'd to you for your Supply: It did me signal Service in my Necessity. But you delight in doing good.—Scandal, Drink to me, my Friend Trapland's Health. An honester Man lives not, nor one more ready to serve his Friend in Distress, tho' I say it to his Face. Come, fill each Man his Glass.

Scan.

What! I know Trapland has been a Whoremaster, and loves a Wench still. You never knew a Whoremaster, that was not an honest Fellow.

Trap.

Fie, Mr. Scandal, you never knew—

Scan.

What don't I know?—I know the Buxom black Widow 〈◊〉 the Poultry—800l. a Year Joynture, and 20000l. in Mony. A hah! Old Trap.

Val.

Say you so, I'faith? Come, we'll remember the Widow: I know whereabouts you are; come, to the Widow—

Trap.

No more indeed.

Val.

What, the Widow's Health; give it him—off with it:

[They drink.

A lovely Girl, I'faith, black sparkling Eyes, soft pouting Ruby-Lips! better sealing there, than a Bond for a Million; hah!

Trap.

No, no, there's no such thing, we'd better mind our Business—You're a Wag.

Val.

No faith, we'll mind the Widow's Business; fill again—Pretty round heaving Breasts—a Barbary Shape, and a Jut with her Bum, would stir an Anchoret: And the prettiest Foot! Oh if a Man could but fasten his Eyes to her Feet, as they steal in and out, and play at Bo-peep under her Petticoats, ah! Mr. Trapland?

Trap.

Verily, give me a Glass—you're a Wag,—and here's to the Widow.

[Drinks.

Scan.

He begins to Chuckle;—ply him close, or he'll relapse into a Dun.

Enter Officer.

Off.

By your Leave, Gentlemen,—Mr. Trapland, if we must do our Office tell us.—We have half a dozen Gentlemen to arrest in Pall-mall and Covent-Garden; and if we don't make haste the Chair-men will be abroad, and block up the Chocolate-Houses, and then our Labour's lost.

Trap.

Udso that's true. Mr. Valentine, I love Mirth, but Business must be done, are you ready to—

Jere.

Sir, your Father's Steward says he comes to make Proposals concerning your Debts.

Val.

Bid him come in: Mr. Trapland, send away your Officer, you shall have an Answer presently.

Trap.

Mr. Snap, stay within Call

[Exit Officer. [Enter Steward and whispers Valentine.

Scan.

Here's a Dog now, a Traitor in his Wine; Sirrah refund the Sack: Jeremy, fetch him some warm Water, or I'll rip up his Stomach, and go the shortest way to his Conscience.

Trap.

Mr. Scandal, you are uncivil; I did not value your Sack, but you cannot expect it again when I have drank it.

Scan.

And how do you expect to have your Mony again, when a Gentleman has spent it?

Val.

You need say no more, I understand the Conditions, they are very hard, but my Necessity is very pressing, I agree to 'em; take Mr. Trapland with you, and let him draw the Writing—Mr. Trapland, you know this Man, he shall satisfie you.

Trap.

Sincerely, I am loth to be thus pressing, but my necessity

Val.

No Apology, good Mr. Scrivener, you shall be paid.

Trap.

I hope you forgive me, my Business requires—

[Exeunt Steward, Trap. and Jere.

Scan.

He begs Pardon like a Hangman at an Execution.

Val.

But I have got a Reprieve.

Scan.

I am surpriz'd; what, does your Father relent?

Val.

No; he has sent me the hardest Conditions in the World: You have heard of a Booby-Brother of mine, that was sent to Sea three Years ago? This Brother my Father hears is landed; whereupon he very affectionately sends me word, If I will make a Deed of Conveyance of my Right to his Estate after his Death to my younger Brother, he will immediately furnish me with four thousand Pound to pay my Debts, and make my Fortune. This was once propos'd before, and I refus'd it; but the present Impatience of my Creditors for their Mony, and my own Impatience of Confinement, and Absence from Angelica, force me to consent.

Scan.

A very desperate Demonstration of your Love to Angelica: And I think she has never given you any Assurance of hers.

Val.

You know her Temper; she never gave me any great reason either for Hope or Despair.

Scan.

Women of her airy Temper, as they seldom think before they act, so they rarely give us any Light to guess at what they mean: But you have little reason to believe that a Woman of this Age, who has had an Indifference for you in your Prosperity, will fall in love with your ill Fortune; besides, Angelica has a great Fortune of her own; and great Fortunes either expect another great Fortune, or a Fool.

Enter Jeremy.

Jere.

More Misfortunes, Sir.

Val.

What, another Dun?

Jere.

No Sir, but Mr. Tattle is come to wait upon you.

Val.

Well, I can't help it,—you must bring him up; He knows I don't go abroad.

[Exit Jeremy.

Scan.

Pox on him, I'll be gone.

Val.

No, prithee stay: Tattle and you should never be asunder; you are Light and Shadow, and shew one another; he is perfectly thy Reverse both in Humour and Understanding; and as you set up for Defamation, he is a Mender of Reputations.

Scan.

A Mender of Reputations! ay, just as he is a Keeper of Secrets, another Virtue that he sets up for in the same manner. For the Rogue will speak aloud in the posture of a Whisper; and deny a Woman's Name, while he gives you the Marks of her Person: He will forswear receiving a Letter from her, and at the same time shew you her Hand upon the Superscription: And yet perhaps he has counterfeited the Hand too, and sworn to a Truth; but he hopes not to be believ'd; and refuses the Reputation of a Ladies Favour, as a Doctor says No to a Bishoprick, only that it may be granted him.—In short, he is a publick Professor of Secresie, and makes Proclamation that he holds private Intelligence.—He's here.

Enter Tattle.

Tatt.

Valentine, good Morrow; Scandal, I am yours,—that is, when you speak well of me.

Scan.

That is, when I am yours; for while I am my own, or any body's else, that will never happen.

Tatt.

How Inhuman!

Val.

Why, Tattle, you need not be much concern'd at any thing that he says: For to converse with Scandal, is to play at Losing Loadum; you must lose a good Name to him, before you can win it for your self.

Tatt.

But how barbarous that is, and how unfortunate for him, that the World shall think the better of any Person for his Calumniation!—I thank Heav'n, it has always been a part of my Character, to handle the Reputation of others very tenderly.

Scan.

Ay, such rotten Reputations as you have to deal with, are to be handl'd tenderly indeed.

Tatt.

Nay, but why rotten? Why should you say rotten, when you know not the Persons of whom you speak? How cruel that is?

Scan.

Not know 'em? Why, thou never hadst to do with any Body that did not stink to all the Town.

Tatt.

Ha, ha, ha; nay, now you make a Jest of it indeed. For there is nothing more known, than that no Body knows any thing of that nature of me: As I hope to be sav'd, Valentine, I never expos'd a Woman since I knew what Woman was.

Val.

And yet you have convers'd with several.

Tatt.

To be free with you, I have—I don't care if I own that—Nay more (I'm going to say a bold Word now) I never could meddle with a Woman that had to do with any Body else.

Scan.

How!

Val.

Nay Faith, I'm apt to believe him—Except her Husband, Tattle.

Tatt.

Oh that—

Scan.

What think you of that Noble Commoner, Mrs. Drab?

Tatt.

Pooh, I know Madam Drab has made her Brags in three or four places, that I said this and that, and writ to her, and did I know not what—But, upon my Reputation, she did me wrong—Well, well, that was Malice—But I know the bottom of it. She was brib'd to that by one that we all know—A Man too. Only to bring me into Disgrace with a certain Woman of Quality—

Scan.

Whom we all know.

Tatt.

No matter for that—Yes, yes, every Body knows—No doubt on't, every Body knows my Secrets—But I soon satisfy'd the Lady of my Innocence; for I told her—Madam, says I, there are some Persons who make it their Business to tell Stories, and say this and that of one and t'other, and every thing in the World; and, says I, if your Grace—

Scan.

Grace!

Tatt.

O Lord, what have I said? my unlucky Tongue!

Val.

Ha, ha, ha.

Scan.

Why, Tattle, thou hast more Impudence than one can in reason expect: I shall have an Esteem for thee, well, and ha, ha, ha, well, go on, and what did you say to her Grace?

Val.

I confess this is something extraordinary.

Tatt.

Not a Word, as I hope to be sav'd; an errant Lapsus Linguae—Come, let's talk of something else.

Val.

Well, but how did you acquit your self?

Tatt.

Pooh, pooh, nothing at all, I only rally'd with you—a Woman of ord'nary Rank was a little jealous of me, and I told her something or other, Faith—I know not what—Come, let's talk of something else.

[Hums a Song.

Scan.

Hang him, let him alone, he has a Mind we should enquire.

Tatt.

Valentine, I Supp'd last Night with your Mistress, and her Uncle Old Foresight: I think your Father lyes at Foresight's.

Val.

Yes.

Tatt.

Upon my Soul Angelica's a fine Woman—And so is Mrs. Foresight, and her Sister Mrs. Frail.

Scan.

Yes, Mrs. Frail is a very fine Woman, we all know her.

Tatt.

Oh that is not fair.

Scan.

What?

Tatt.

To tell.

Scan.

To tell what? Why, what do you know of Mrs. Frail?

Tatt.

Who I? Upon Honour I don't know whether she be Man or Woman, but by the smoothness of her Chin, and roundness of her Lips.

Scan.

No!

Tatt.

No.

Scan.

She says otherwise.

Tatt.

Impossible!

Scan.

Yes Faith. Ask Valentine else.

Tatt.

Why then, as I hope to be sav'd, I believe a Woman only obliges a Man to Secresie, that she may have the Pleasure of telling her self.

Scan.

No doubt on't. Well, but has she done you Wrong, or no? You have had her? Ha?

Tatt.

Tho' I have more Honour than to tell first; I have more Manners than to contradict what a Lady has declar'd.

Scan.

Well, you own it?

Tatt.

I am strangely surpriz'd! Yes, yes, I can't deny't, if she taxes me with it.

Scan.

She'll be here by and by, she sees Valentine every Morning.

Tatt.

How!

Val.

She does me the Favour—I mean of a Visit sometimes. I did not think she had granted more to any Body.

Scan.

Nor I, Faith—But Tattle does not use to belie a Lady; it is contrary to his Character—How one may be deceiv'd in a Woman, Valentine?

Tatt.

Nay, what do you mean, Gentlemen?

Scan.

I'm resolv'd I'll ask her.

Tatt.

O Barbarous! why did you not tell me—

Scan.

No, you told us.

Tatt.

And bid me ask Valentine.

Val.

What did I say? I hope you won't bring me to confess an Answer, when you never ask'd me the Question.

Tatt.

But, Gentlemen, this is the most Inhuman Proceeding—

Val.

Nay, if you have known Scandal thus long, and cannot avoid such a palpable Decoy as this was, the Ladies have a fine time, whose Reputations are in your keeping.

Enter Jeremy.

Jere.

Sir, Mrs. Frail has sent to know if you are stirring.

Val.

Shew her up when she comes.

[Exit Jere.

Tatt.

I'll be gone.

Val.

You'll meet her.

Tatt.

Have you not a back way?

Val.

If there were, you have more Discretion, than to give Scandal such an Advantage; why, your running away will prove all that he can tell her.

Tatt.

Scandal, you will not be so ungenerous—O, I shall lose my Reputation of Secresie for ever—I shall never be receiv'd but upon Publick Days, and my Visits will never be admitted beyond a Drawing-Room: I shall never see a Bed-Chamber again, never be lock'd in a Closet, nor run behind a Screen, or under a Table; never be distinguish'd among the Waiting-Women by the Name of Trusty Mr. Tattle more—You will not be so cruel.

Val.

Scandal, have Pity on him; he'll yield to any Conditions.

Tatt.

Any, any Terms.

Scan.

Come then, sacrifice half a Dozen Women of good Reputation to me presently—Come, where are your familiar—And see that they are Women of Quality too, the first Quality.—

Tatt.

'Tis very hard—Won't a Baronet's Lady pass?

Scan.

No, nothing under a Right Honourable.

Tatt.

O Inhuman! You don't expect their Names.

Scan.

No, their Titles shall serve.

Tatt.

Alas, that's the same thing: Pray spare me their Titles; I'll describe their Persons.

Scan.

Well, begin then: But take notice, if you are so ill a Painter, that I cannot know the Person by your Picture of her, you must be condemn'd, like other bad Painters, to write the Name at the bottom.

Tatt.

Well, first then—

Enter Mrs. Frail.

O unfortunate! she's come already; will you have Patience 'till another time—I'll double the number.

Scan.

Well, on that Condition—Take heed you don't fail me.

Mrs. Frail.

Hey Day! I shall get a fine Reputation by coming to see Fellows in a Morning. Scandal, you Devil, are you here too? Oh Mr. Tattle, every thing is safe with you, we know.

Scan.

Tattle.

Tatt.

Mum—O Madam, you do me too much Honour.

Val.

Well Lady Galloper, how does Angelica?

Frail.

Angelica? Manners!

Val.

What, you will allow an absent Lover—

Frail.

No, I'll allow a Lover present with his Mistress to be particular—But otherwise I think his Passion ought to give place to his Manners.

Val.

But what if he have more Passion than Manners?

Frail.

Then let him Marry and reform.

Val.

Marriage indeed may qualifie the Fury of his Passion, but it very rarely mends a Man's Manners.

F••il.

You are the most mistaken in the World; there is no Creature perfectly Civil but a Husband. For in a little time he grows only rude to his Wife, and that is the highest good Breeding, for it begets his Civility to other People. Well, I'll tell you News; but I suppose you hear your Brother Benjamin is landed: And my Brother Foresight's Daughter is come out of the Country—I assure you, there's a Match talk'd of by the Old People—Well, if he be but as great a Sea-Beast as she is a Land-Monster, we shall have a most Amphibious Breed—The Progeny will be all Otters; he has been bred at Sea, and she has never been out of the Country.

Val.

Pox take'em, their Conjunction bodes me no good, I'm sure.

Frail.

Now you talk of Conjunction, my Brother Foresight has cast both their Nativities, and Prognosticates an Admiral and an eminent Justice of the Peace to be the Issue-Male of their two Bodies; 'tis the most superstitious Old Fool! He would have persuaded me, that this was an unlucky Day, and would not let me come abroad: But I invented a Dream, and sent him to Artimedorus for Interpretation, and so stole out to see you. Well, and what will you give me now? Come, I must have something.

Val.

Step into the next Room—and I'll give you something.

Scan.

Ay, we'll all give you something.

Frail.

Well, what will you all give me?

Val.

Mine's a Secret.

Frail.

I thought you would give me something, that would be a Trouble to you to keep.

Val.

And Scandal shall give you a good Name.

Frail.

That's more than he has for himself. And what will you give me, Mr. Tattle?

Tatt.

I? My Soul, Madam.

Frail.

Pooh, No I thank you, I have enough to do to take care of my own. Well; but I'll come and see you one of these Mornings: I here you have a great many Pictures.

Tatt.

I have a pretty good Collection at your Service, some Originals.

Scan.

Hang him, he has nothing but the Seasons and the Twelve Caesars, paultry Copies; and the Five Senses, as ill represented as they are in himself: And he himself is the only Original you will see there.

Frail.

Ay, but I hear he has a Closet of Beauties.

Scan.

Yes, all that have done him Favours, if you will believe him.

Frail.

Ay, let me see those, Mr. Tattle.

Tatt.

Oh Madam, those are sacred to Love and Contemplation. No Man but the Painter and my self was ever bless'd with the Sight.

Frail.

Well, but a Woman—

Tatt.

Nor Woman, 'till she consented to have her Picture there too—for then she is obliged to keep the Secret.

Scan.

No, no; come to me if you wou'd see Pictures.

Frail.

You?

Scan.

Yes faith, I can shew you your own Picture, and most of your Acquaintance to the Life, and as like as at Kneller's.

Frail.

O lying Creature—Valentine, does not he lye?—I can't believe a Word he says.

Val.

No indeed, he speaks Truth now: For as Tattle has Pictures of all that have granted him Favours, he has the Pictures of all that have refus'd him; if Satires, Descriptions, Characters and Lampoons are Pictures.

Scan.

Yes, mine are most in black and white.—And yet there are some set out in their true Colours, both Men and Women. I can shew you Pride, Folly, Affectation, Wantonness, Inconstancy, Covetousness, Dissimulation, Malice, and Ignorance, all in one Piece. Then I can shew you Lying, Foppery, Vanity, Cowardise, Bragging, Lechery, Impotence, and Ugliness, in another Piece; and yet one of these is a celebrated Beauty, and t'other a profest Beau. I have Paintings too, some pleasant enough.

Frail.

Come, let's hear 'em.

Scan.

Why, I have a Beau in a Bagnio, Cupping for a Complexion, and Sweating for a Shape.

Frail.

So.

Scan.

Then I have a Lady burning of Brandy in a Cellar with a Hackney-Coachman.

Frail.

O Devil! Well, but that Story is not true.

Scan.

I have some Hieroglyphicks too, I have a Lawyer with a hundred Hands, two Heads, and but one Face; a Divine with two Faces, and one Head; and I have a Soldier with his Brains in his Belly, and his Heart where his Head should be.

Frail.

And no Head?

Scan.

No Head.

Frail.

Pooh, this is all Invention. Have you ne'er a Poet?

Scan.

Yes, I have a Poet weighing Words, and selling Praise for Praise, and a Critick picking his Pocket. I have another large Piece too, representing a School, where there are huge proportion'd Criticks, with long Wigs, lac'd Coats, Steinkirk Cravats, and terrible Faces; with Cat-calls in their Hands, and Hornbooks about their Necks. I have many more of this kind, very well Painted, as you shall see.

••ail.

Well, I'll come, if it be only to disprove you.

Enter Jeremy.

Jere.

Sir, here's the Steward again from your Father.

Val.

I'll come to him—will you give me leave, I'll wait on you again presently.

Frail.

No, I'll be gone. Come, who Squires me to the Exchange? I must call my Sister Foresight there.

Scan.

I will; I have a mind to your Sister.

Frail.

Civil!

Tatt.

I will; because I have a Tender for your Ladyship.

Frail.

That's somewhat the better Reason, to my Opinion.

Scan.

Well, if Tattle entertains you, I have the better Opportunity to engage your Sister.

Val.

Teli Angelica, I am about to make hard Conditions to come abroad, and be at Liberty to see her.

Scan.

I'll give an account of you and your Proceedings. If Indiscretion be a sign of Love, you are the most a Lover of any Body that I know: You fancy that parting with your Estate, will help you to your Mistress—In my Mind he is a thoughtless Adventurer,

Who hopes to purchase Wealth, by selling Land;

Or win a Mistress, with a losing Hand.

[Exeunt.

ACT II. SCENE I.

A Room in Foresight's House.

Enter Foresight and Servant.

Fore.

HEY day! What, are all the Women of my Family abroad? Is not my Wife come home? Nor my Sister, nor my Daughter?

Serv.

No, Sir.

Fore.

Mercy on us, what can be the meaning of it? Sure the Moon is in all her Fortitudes. Is my Niece Angelica at home?

Serv.

Yes, Sir.

Fore.

I believe you lie, Sir.

Serv.

Sir?

Fore.

I say you lie, Sir. It is impossible that any thing should be as I would have it; for I was born, Sir, when the Crab was ascending, and all my Affairs go backward.

Serv.

I can't tell indeed, Sir.

Fore.

No, I know you can't, Sir: But I can tell, Sir, and foretell, Sir.

[Enter Nurse.

Nurse, where's your Young Mistress?

Nurse.

Wee'st heart, I know not, they're none of 'em come home yet: Poor Child, I warrant she's fond o'seeing the Town—Marry, pray Heav'n they ha' given her any Dinner—Good lack aday, ha, ha, ha, O strange; I'll vow and swear now, ha, ha, ha, Marry, and did you ever see the like!

Fore.

Why how now, what's the matter?

Nurse.

Pray Heav'n send your Worship good Luck, Marry and Amen with all my heart, for you have put on one Stocking with the wrong side outward.

Fore.

Ha, How? Faith and troth I am glad of it, and so I have, that may be good Luck in troth, in troth it may, very good Luck: Nay I have had some Omens, I got out of Bed backwards too this Morning, without Premeditation; pretty good that too: But then I stumbled coming down Stairs, and met a Weasel; bad Omens those; some bad, some good, our Lives are checquer'd: Mirth and Sorrow, Want and Plenty, Night and Day, make up our Time.—But in troth I am pleas'd at my Stocking, very well pleas'd at my Stocking—Oh here's my Niece!—

Enter Angelica.

Sirrah, go tell Sir Sampson Legend I'll wait on him, if he's at leisure,—'tis now Three a Clock, a very good Hour for Business, Mercury governs this Hour.

[Exit Servant.

Ang.

Is not it a good Hour for Pleasure too, Uncle? Pray lend me your Coach, mine's out of Order.

Fore.

What, wou'd you be gadding too? Sure all Females are mad today—It is of evil Portent, and bodes Mischief to the Master of a Family—I remember an old Prophecy written by Messehalah the Arabian, and thus translated by a Reverend Buckinghamshire Bard:

When Housewifes all the House forsake,

And leave good Man to Brew and Bake,

Withouten Guile then be it said,

That House doth stond upon its Head;

And when the Head is set in Grond,

Ne marl, if it be fruitful fond.

Fruitful, the Head fruitful, that bodes Horns; the Fruit of the Head is Horns.—Dear Niece, stay at home—for by the Head of the House is meant the Husband; the Prophecy needs no Explanation.

Ang.

Well, but I can neither make you a Cuckold, Uncle, by going abroad; nor secure you from being one, by staying at home.

Fore.

Yes, yes; while there's one Woman left the Prophecy is not in full Force.

Ang.

But my Inclinations are in force; I have a mind to go abroad, and if you won't lend me your Coach, I'll take a Hackney, or a Chair, and leave you to erect a Scheme, and find who's in Conjunction with your Wife. Why don't you keep her at home, if you're Jealous when she's abroad? You know my Aunt is a little Retrograde (as you call it) in her Nature. Uncle, I'm afraid you are not Lord of the Ascendant; ha, ha, ha.

Fore.

Well, Jill-flirt, you are very pert—and always ridiculing that Celestial Science.

Ang.

Nay Uncle, don't be angry—If you are, I'll reap up all your false Prophecies, ridiculous Dreams, and idle Divinations. I'll swear you are a Nusance to the Neighbourhood—What a Bustle did you keep against the last invisible Eclipse, laying in Provision as 'twere for a Siege? What a world of Fire and Candle, Matches and Tinderboxes did you purchase! one would have thought we were ever after to live under Ground, or at least making a Voyage to Greenland, to inhabit there all the dark Season.

Fore.

Why, you malapert Slut.—

Ang.

Will you lend me your Coach, or I'll go on—Nay, I'll declare how you Prophecy'd Popery was coming, only because the Butler had mislaid some of the Apostle's Spoons, and thought they were lost. Away went Religion and Spoon-meat together—Indeed, Uncle, I'll Indite you for a Wizard.

Fore.

How Hussy! was there ever such a provoking Minx?

Nurse.

O merciful Father, how she talks!

Ang.

Yes, I can make Oath of your unlawful Midnight Practices; you and the Old Nurse there.—

Nurse.

Marry Heav'n defend—I at Midnight Practices—O Lord, what's here to do?—I in unlawful Doings with my Master's Worship—Why, did you ever hear the like now—Sir, did ever I do any thing of your Midnight Concerns—but warm your Bed, and tuck you up, and set the Candle, and your Tobacco-Box, and your Urinal by you, and now and then rub the Soles of your Feet?—O Lord, I!—

Ang.

Yes, I saw you together, through the Key-hole of the Closet, one Night, like Saul and the Witch of Endor, turning the Sieve and Sheers, and pricking your Thumbs to write poor innocent Servant's Names in Blood about a little Nutmeg-Grater, which she had forgot in the Caudle-Cup—Nay, I know something worse, if I would speak of it.—

Fore.

I defie you, Hussy; but I'll remember this, I'll be reveng'd on you, Cockatrice; I'll hamper you—You have your Fortune in your own Hands—but I'll find a way to make your Lover, your Prodigal Spendthrift Gallant, Valentine, pay for all, I will.

Ang.

Will you? I care not, but all shall out then—Look to it, Nurse; I can bring Witness that you have a great unnatural Teat under your Left Arm, and he another; and that you Suckle a young Devil in the shape of a Tabby-Cat, by turns, I can.

Nurse.

A Teat, a Teat, I an unnatural Teat! O the false slanderous thing; feel, feel here, if I have any thing but like another Christian, [Crying.] or any Teats but two that han't given Suck this Thirty Years.

Fore.

I will have Patience, since it is the Will of the Stars I should be thus tormented—This is the Effect of the malicious Conjunctions and Oppositions in the Third House of my Nativity; there the Curse of Kindred was foretold—But I will have my Doors lock'd up—I'll punish you, not a Man shall enter my House.

Ang.

Do, Uncle, lock 'em up quickly before my Aunt come home—You'll have a Letter for Alimony tomorrow Morning—But let me be gone first, and then let no Mankind come near the House, but Converse with Spirits and the Celestial Signs, the Bull, and the Ram, and the Goat. Bless me! there are a great many Horn'd Beasts among the Twelve Signs, Uncle. But Cuckolds go to Heav'n.

Fore.

But there's but one Virgin among the Twelve Signs, Spitfire, but one Virgin.

Ang.

Nor there had not been that one, if she had had to do with any thing but Astrologers, Uncle. That makes my Aunt go abroad.

Fore.

How? how? is that the reason? Come, you know something; tell me, and I'll forgive you; do, good Neice—Come, you shall have my Coach and Horses,—Faith and Troth you shall—Does my Wife complain? Come, I know Women tell one another—She is young and sanguine, has a wanton Hazle Eye, and was born under Gemini, which may incline her to Society; she has a Mole upon her Lip, with a moist Palm, and an open Liberality on the Mount of Venus.

Ang.

Ha, ha, ha.

Fore.

Do you laugh?—Well Gentlewoman, I'll—But come, be a good Girl, don't perplex your poor Uncle, tell me—won't you speak? Odd I'll—

Enter Servant.

Serv.

Sir Sampson is coming down to wait upon you.—

Ang.

Good bu'y Uncle—Call me a Chair—I'll find out my Aunt, and tell her, she must not come home.

[Exit Angelica and Servant.

Fore.

I'm so perplex'd and vex'd, I am not fit to receive him; I shall scarce recover my self before the Hour be past: Go Nurse tell Sir Sampson I'm ready to wait on him.

Nurse.

Yes, Sir.

[Exit.

Fore.

Well—Why, if I was born to be a Cuckold, there's no more to be said—

Enter Sir Sampson Legend with a Paper.

Sir Samp.

Nor no more to be done, Old Boy; that's plain—here 'tis, I have it in my Hand, Old Ptolomee; I'll make the ungracious Prodigal know who begat him; I will, Old Nostrodamus. Why, I warrant my Son thought nothing belong'd to a Father, but Forgiveness and Affection; no Authority, no Correction, no Arbitrary Power; nothing to be done, but for him to offend, and me to pardon. I warrant you, if he danc'd 'till Dooms-day, he thought I was to pay the Piper. Well, but here it is under Black and White, Signatum, Sigillatum, and Deliberatum; that as soon as my Son Benjamin is arriv'd, he is to make over to him his Right of Inheritance. Where's my Daughter that is to be—Hah! old Merlin! Body o'me, I'm so glad I'm reveng'd on this undutiful Rogue.

Fore.

Odso, let me see; let me see the Paper—Ay, Faith and Troth, here 'tis, if it will but hold—I wish things were done, and the Conveyance made—When was this Sign'd? what Hour? Odso, you should have consulted me for the time. Well, but we'll make haste—

Sir Samp.

Haste, ay, ay; haste enough, my Son Ben will be in Town to Night—I have order'd my Lawyer to draw up Writings of Settlement and Jointure—All shall be done to Night—No matter for the time; prithee, Brother Foresight, leave Superstition—Pox o' th' time; there's no time but the time present, there's no more to be said of what's past, and all that is to come will happen. If the Sun shine by Day, and the Stars by Night, why, we shall know one another's Faces without the help of a Candle, and that's all the Stars are good for.

Fore.

How, how? Sir Sampson, that all? Give me leave to contradict you, and tell you, you are ignorant.

Sir Samp.

I tell you I am wise; and sapiens dominabitur astris; there's Latin for you to prove it, and an Argument to confound your Ephemeris—Ignorant!—I tell you I have travell'd old Fircu, and know the Globe. I have seen the Antipodes, where the Sun rises at Midnight, and sets at Noon-day.

Fore.

But I tell you I have travell'd, and travell'd in the Celestial Spheres, know the Signs and the Planets, and their Houses. Can judge of Motions Direct and Retrograde, of Sextiles, Quadrates, Trines and Oppositions, Fiery Trigons and Aquatical Trigons. Know whether Life shall be long or short, happy or unhappy, whether Diseases are curable or incurable. If Journeys shall be prosperous, Undertakings successful; or Goods stol'n recover'd, I know—

Sir Samp.

I know the length of the Emperor of China's Foot; have kiss'd the Great Mogul's Slipper, and rid a Hunting upon an Elephant with the Cham of Tartary,—Body o'me, I have made a Cuckold of a King, and the present Majesty of Bantam is the Issue of these Loins.

Fore.

I know when Travellers Lie or speak Truth, when they don't know it themselves.

Sir Samp.

I have known an Astrologer made a Cuckold in the twinkling of a Star; and seen a Conjurer, that could not keep the Devil out of his Wives Circle.

Fore.

What does he twit me with my Wife too? I must be better inform'd of this,— [Aside.]—Do you mean my Wife, Sir Sampson? Tho' you made a Cuckold of the King of Bantam, yet by the Body of the Sun—

Sir Samp.

By the Horns of the Moon, you would say, Brother Capricorn.

Fore.

Capricorn in your Teeth, thou Modern Mandevil; Ferdinand Mendez Pinto was but a Type of thee, thou Liar of the first Magnitude. Take back your Paper of Inheritance; send your Son to Sea again. I'll Wed my Daughter to an Egyptian Mummy, e'er she shall Incorporate with a Contemner of Sciences, and a Defamer of Virtue.

Sir Samp.

Body o' me, I have gone too far;—I must not provoke honest Albumazar,—an Egyptian Mummy is an Illustrious Creature, my trusty Hieroglyphick, and may have Significations of Futurity about him; Odsbud, I would my Son were an Egyptian Mummy for thy sake. What, thou art not angry for a Jest, my good Haly—I reverence the Sun, Moon and Stars with all my Heart.—What, I'll make thee a Present of a Mummy: Now I think on't, Body o' me, I have a Shoulder of an Egyptian King, that I purloin'd from one of the Pyramids, powder'd with Hieroglyphicks, thou shalt have it sent home to thy House, and make an Entertainment for all the Philomaths and Students in Physick and Astrology in and about London.

Fore.

But what do you know of my Wife, Sir Sampson?

Sir Samp.

Thy Wife is a Constellation of Virtues; she's the Moon•… and thou art the Man in the Moon: Nay, she is more Illustrious than the Moon; for she has her Chastity without her Inconstancy, 'Sbud I was but in Jest.

Enter Jeremy.

How now? who sent for you? Ha! what wou'd you have?

Fore.

Nay; if you were but in Jest—Who's that Fellow? I don't like his Physiognomy.

Sir Samp.

My Son, Sir; what Son, Sir? My Son Benjamin, hoh?

Jere.

No, Sir, Mr. Valentine, my Master,—'tis the first time he has been abroad since his Confinement, and he comes to pay his Duty to you.

Sir Samp.

Well, Sir.

Enter Valentine.

Jere.

He is here, Sir.

Val.

Your Blessing, Sir.

Sir Samp.

You've had it already, Sir, I think I sent it you to Day in a Bill of Four Thousand Pound: A great deal of Mony, Brother Foresight.

Fore.

Aye indeed, Sir Sampson, a great deal of Mony for a young Man, I wonder what he can do with it!

Sir Samp.

Body o' me, so do I.—Hark ye, Valentine, if there is too much, refund the Superfluity: Dost hear Boy?

Val.

Superfluity, Sir; it will scarce pay my Debts,—I hope you will have more Indulgence, than to oblige me to those hard Conditions which my Necessity sign'd to.

Sir Samp.

Sir, how, I beseech you, what were you pleas'd to intimate concerning Indulgence?

Val.

Why, Sir, that you would not go to the extremity of the Conditions, but release me at least from some part.—

Sir Samp.

Oh Sir, I understand you.—that's all, ha?

Val.

Yes, Sir, all that I presume to ask.—But what you, out of fatherly Fondness, will be pleas'd to add, shall be doubly welcome.

Sir Samp.

No doubt of it, sweet Sir, but your filial Piety and my fatherly Fondness wou'd fit like two Tallies.—Here's a Rogue, Brother Foresight, makes a Bargain under Hand and Seal in the Morning, and would be releas'd from it in the Afternoon; here's a Rogue, Dog, here's Conscience and Honesty; this is your Wit now, this is the Morality of your Wits! You area Wit, and have been a Beau, and may be a—Why Sirrah, is it not hereunder Hand and Seal—Can you deny it?

Val.

Sir, I don't deny it.—

Sir Samp.

Sirrah, you'll be hang'd; I shall live to see you go up Holborn-Hill—Has he not a Rogue's Face?—Speak, Brother, you understand Physiognomy, a Hanging-look to me—of all my Boys the most unlike me; he has a damn'd Tyburn-face, without the Benefit o'the Clery.

Fore.

Hum—truly I don't care to discourage a young Man,—he has a violent Death in his Face; but I hope no Danger of Hanging.

Val.

Sir, is this Usage for your Son?—for that old Weatherheaded Fool, I know how to laugh at him; but you, Sir—

Sir Samp.

You, Sir; and you, Sir.—Why, who are you, Sir?

Val.

Your Son, Sir.

Sir Samp.

That's more than I know, Sir, and I believe not.

Val.

Faith, I hope not.

Sir Samp.

What, wou'd you have your Mother a Whore! Did you ever hear the like! Did you ever hear the like! Body o' me—

Val.

I would have an Excuse for your Barbarity and unnatural Usage.

Sir Samp.

Excuse! Impudence! why Sirrah, may'nt I do what I please? Are not you my Slave? Did not I beget you? And might not I have chosen whether I would have begot you or no? Ouns who are you? Whence came you? What brought you into the World? How came you here, Sir? Here, to stand here, upon those two Legs, and look erect with that audacious Face, hah? Answer me that: Did you come a Voluntier into the World? Or did I beat up for you with the lawful Authority of a Parent, and press you to the Service?

Val.

I know no more why I came, than you do why you call'd me. But here I am, and if you don't mean to provide for me, I desire you would leave me as you found me.

Sir Samp.

With all my Heart: Come, uncase, strip, and go naked out of the World, as you came into't.

Val.

My Cloaths are soon put off:—But you must also deprive me of Reason, Thought, Passions, Inclinations, Affections, Appetites, Senses, and the huge Train of Attendants that you begot along with me.

Sir Samp.

Body o' me, what a many-headed Monster have I propaged!

Val.

I am of my self a plain easie simple Creature, and to be kept at small Expence; but the Retinue that you gave me are craving and invincible; they are so many Devils that you have rais'd, and will have Employment.

Sir Samp.

'Oons, what had I to do to get Children?—Can't a private Man be born without all these Followers?—Why nothing under an Emperor should be born with Appetites.—Why at this rate, a Fellow that has but a Groat in his Pocket may have a Stomach capable of a ten Shilling Ordinary.

J••e.

Nay that's as clear as the Sun; I'll make Oath of it before any Justice in Middlesex.

Sir Samp.

Here's a Cormorant too,—'S'heart this Fellow was not born with you?—I did not beget him, did I?—

Jere.

By the Provision that's made for me, you might have begot me too:—Nay, and to tell your Worship another Truth, I believe you did, for I find I was born with those same Whoreson Appetites too, that my Master speaks of.

Sir Samp.

Why look you there now,—I'll maintain it, that by the rule of right Reason, this Fellow ought to have been born without a Palate.—'S'heart, what should he do with a distinguishing Taste?—I warrant now he'd rather eat a Pheasant, than a piece of poor John; and smell now, why I warrant he can smell, and loves Perfumes above a stink,—why there's it; and Musick, don't you love Musick, Scoundrel?

Jere.

Yes, I have a reasonable good Ear, Sir, as to Jiggs and Country Dances, and the like; I don't much matter your Sola's or Sonata's, they give me the Spleen.

Sir Samp.

The Spleen, ha, ha, ha, a Pox confound you—Sola's and Sonata's? 'Oons, whose Son are you? how were you engender'd, Muckworm?

Jere.

I am by my Father the Son of a Chair-man, my Mother sold Oisters in Winter, and Cucumbers in Summer; and I came up stairs into the World, for I was born in a Cellar.

Fore.

By your Looks, you shou'd go up stairs out of the World too, Friend.

Sir Samp.

And if this Rogue were anatomiz'd now, and dissected, he has his Vessels of Digestion and Concoction, and so forth, large enough for the Inside of a Cardinal, this Son of a Cucumber.—These things are unaccountable and unreasonable,—Body o'me, why was not I a Bear, that my Cubs might have liv'd upon sucking their Paws? Nature has been provident only to Bears and Spiders; the one has its Nutriment in his own Hands, and t' other spins his Habitation out of his Entrails.

Val.

Fortune was provident enough to supply all the Necessities of my Nature; if I had my right of Inheritance.

Sir Samp.

Again! 'Ouns han't you four thousand Pound?—if I had it again, I would not give thee a Groat.—What, wouldst thou have me turn Pelican, and feed thee out of my own Vitals?—'S'heart, live by your Wits,—You were always fond of the Wits,—Now let's see, if you have Wit enough to keep your self?—Your Brother will be in Town to Night, or to Morrow Morning, and then look you perform Covenants, and so your Friend and Servant.—Come Brother Foresight.

[Exeunt Sir Samp. and Foresight.

Jere.

I told you what your Visit would come to.

Val.

'Tis as much as I expected—I did not come to see him, I came to Angelica: But since she was gone abroad, it was easily turn'd another way; and at least look'd well on my side: What's here? Mrs. Foresight and Mrs. Frail, they are earnest,—I'll avoid 'em,—Come this way, and go and enquire when Angelica will return.

Enter Mrs. Foresight and Mrs. Frail.

Frail.

What have you to do to watch me?—'S'life I'll do what I please.

Mrs. Fore.

You will?

Frail.

Yes marry will I—A great piece of Business to go to Covent-Garden Square in a Hackney-Coach, and take a Turn with one's Friend.

Mrs. Fore.

Nay, two or three Turns, I'll take my Oath.

Frail.

Well, what if I took twenty—I warrant, if you had been there, it had been only innocent Recreation,—Lord, where's the Comfort of this Life, if we can't have the Happiness of conversing where we like.

Mrs. Fore.

But can't you converse at home?—I own it, I think there's no Happiness like conversing with an agreeable Man: I don't quarrel at that, nor I don't think but your Conversation was very innocent; but the Place is publick, and to be seen with a Man in a Hackney-Coach is scandalous: What if any Body else should have seen you alight, as I did?—How can any Body be happy, while they're in perpetual Fear of being seen and censur'd?—Besides it would not only reflect upon you, Sister, but me.

Frail.

Pooh, here's a Clutter—why should it reflect upon you?—I don't doubt but you have thought your self happy in a Hackney-Coach before now.—If I had gone to Knights-bridge, or to Chelsey, or to Spring-Garden, or Barn-Elms with a Man alone—something might have been said.

Mrs. Fore.

Why, was I ever in any of these Places? What do you mean, Sister?

Frail.

Was I? what do you mean?

Mrs. Fore.

You have been at a worse Place.

Frail.

I at a worse Place, and with Man!

Mrs. Fore.

I suppose you would not go alone to the World's-End.

Frail.

The World's End! What, do you mean to Banter me?

Mrs. Fore.

Poor innocent! You don't know that there's a Place call'd the World's-End? I'll swear you can keep your Countenance purely, you'd make an Admirable Player.

Frail.

I'll swear you have a great deal of Impudence, and in my Mind too much for the Stage.

Mrs. Fore.

Very well, that will appear who has most, You never were at the World's-End?

Frail.

No.

Mrs. Fore.

You deny it positively to my Face.

Frail.

Your Face, what's your Face?

Mrs. Fore.

No matter for that, it's as good a Face as yours.

Frail.

Not by a dozen Years wearing.—But I do deny it positively to your Face then.

Mrs. Fore.

I'll allow you now to find fault with my Face;—for I'll swear your Impudence has put me out of Countenance:—But look you here now,—where did you lose this Gold Bodkin?—O Sister, Sister!

Frail.

My Bodkin!

Mrs. Fore.

Nay, 'tis yours, look at it.

Frail.

Well, if you go to that, where did you find this Bodkin?—Oh Sister, Sister!—Sister every way.

Mrs. Fore.

O Devil on't, that I could not discover her without betraying my self. [Aside.

Frail.

I have heard Gentlemen say, Sister, that one should take great care, when one makes a Thrust in Fencing, not to lye open ones self.

Mrs. Fore.

It's very true, Sister: Well, since all's out, and as you say, since we are both wounded, let us do that is often done in Duels, take care of one another, and grow better Friends than before.

Frail.

With all my Heart, ours are but slight Flesh Wounds, and if we keep 'em from Air, not at all dangerous: Well, give me your Hand in token of Sisterly Secresie and Affection.

Mrs. Fore.

Here 'tis with all my Heart.

Frail.

Well, as an Earnest of Friendship and Confidence, I'll acquaint you with a Design that I have: To tell Truth, and speak openly one to another, I'm afraid the World have observ'd us more than we have observ'd one another. You have a Rich Husband, and are provided for, I am at a loss, and have no great Stock either of Fortune or Reputation; and therefore must look sharply about me. Sir Sampson has a Son that is expected to Night; and by the Account I have heard of his Education, can be no Conjurer: The Estate you know is to be made over to him:—Now if I could wheedle him, Sister, ha? You understand me?

Mrs. Fore.

I do; and will help you to the utmost of my Power—And I can tell you one thing that falls out luckily enough; my aukward Daughter-in-Law, who you know is design'd for his Wife, is grown fond of Mr. Tattle; now if we can improve that, and make her have an Aversion for the Booby, it may go a great way towards his liking of you. Here they come together; and let us contrive some way or other to leave 'em together.

Enter Tattle and Miss Prue.

Miss Prue.

Mother, Mother, Mother, look you here.

Mrs. Fore.

Fie, fie, Miss, how you bawl—besides, I have told you, you must not call me Mother.

Miss Prue.

What must I call you then, are you not my Father's Wife?

Mrs. Fore.

Madam; you must say Madam—By my Soul, I shall fancy my self Old indeed, to have this great Girl call me Mother—Well, but Miss, what are you so overjoy'd at?

Miss Prue.

Look you here, Madam then, what Mr. Tattle has given me—Look you here Cousin, here's a Snuff-box; nay, there's Snuff in't;—here, will you have any—Oh good! how sweet it is—Mr. Tattle is all over sweet, his Perruke is sweet, and his Gloves are sweet,—and his Handkerchief is sweet, pure sweet, sweeter than Roses—Smell him Mother, Madam, I mean—He gave me this Ring for a Kiss.

Tatt.

O fie Miss, you must not kiss and tell.

Miss Prue.

Yes; I may tell my Mother—And he says he'll give me something to make me smell so—Oh pray lend me your Handkerchief—Smell Cousin; he says he'll give me something that will make my Smocks smell this way—Is not it pure?—It's better than Lavender mun—I'm resolv'd I won't let Nurse put any more Lavender among my Smocks—ha, Cousin?

Frail.

Fie, Miss; amongst your Linnen, you must say—You must never say Smock.

Miss Prue.

Why, it is not Bawdy, is it Cousin?

Tatt.

Oh Madam, you are too severe upon Miss; you must not find Fault with her pretty Simplicity, it becomes her strangely—pretty Miss, don't let 'em persuade you out of your Innocency.

Mrs. Fore.

Oh, Demm you Toad—I wish you don't persuade her out of her Innocency.

Tatt.

Who I, Madam?—Oh Lord, how can your Ladyship have such a Thought—sure you don't know me?

Frail.

Ah Devil, sly Devil—He's as close, Sister, as a Confessor—He thinks we don't observe him.

M•s. Fore.

A cunning Cur, how soon he could find out a fresh harmless Creature; and left us, Sister, presently.

Tatt.

Upon Reputation—

Mrs. Fore.

They're all so, Sister, these Men—they love to have the spoiling of a Young Thing, they are as fond of it, as of being first in the Fashion, or of seeing a new Play the first Day,—I warrant it would break Mr. Tattle's Heart, to think that any Body else should be before-hand with him.

Tatt.

Oh Lord, I swear I would not for the World—

Frail.

O hang you; who'll believe you?—You'd be hang'd before you'd confess—we know you—she's very pretty!—Lord, what pure red and white!—she looks so wholesome;—ne'er stir, I don't know, but I fancy, if I were a Man—

Miss Prue.

How you love to jeer one, Cousin.

Mrs. Fore.

Hark ye, Sister,—by my Soul the Girl is spoil'd already—d'ye think she'll ever endure a great lubberly Tarpawlin —Gad I warrant you, she won't let him come near her, after Mr. Tattle.

Frail.

O' my Soul, I'm afraid not—eh!—filthy Creature, that smells all of Pitch and Tar—Devil take you, you confounded Toad—why did you see her, before she was Married?

Mrs. Fore.

Nay, why did we let him—my Husband will hang us—He'll think we brought 'em acquainted.

Frail.

Come, Faith let us be gone—If my Brother Foresight should find us with them;—he'd think so, sure enough.

Mrs. Fore.

So he would—but then leaving 'em together is as bad—And he's such a sly Devil, he'll never miss an Opportunity.

Frail.

I don't care; I won't be seen in't.

Mrs. Fore.

Well, if you should, Mr. Tattle, you'll have a World to answer for; remember I wash my Hands of it, I'm throughly Innocent.

[Exeunt Mrs. Foresight and Frail.

Miss Prue.

What makes 'em go away, Mr. Tattle? What do you mean, do you know?

Tatt.

Yes, my Dear—I think I can guess—But hang me if I know the reason of it.

Miss Prue.

Come, must not we go too?

Tatt.

No, no, they don't mean that.

Miss Prue.

No! what then? what shall you and I do together?

Tatt.

I must make Love to you, pretty Miss; will you let me make Love to you?

Miss Prue.

Yes, if you please.

Tatt.

Frank, I Gad, at least. What a Pox does Mrs. Foresight mean by this Civility? is it to make a Fool of me? or does she leave us together out of good Morality, and do as she would be done by—Gad I'll understand it so. [Aside.

Miss Prue.

Well; and how will you make Love to me—Come, I long to have you begin—must I make Love too? You must tell me how.

Tatt.

You must let me speak, Miss, you must not speak first; I must ask you Questions, and you must answer.

Miss Prue.

What, is it like the Catechism?—Come then ask me.

Tatt.

D'ye think you can Love me?

Miss Prue.

Yes.

Tatt.

Pooh, Pox, you must not say yes already; I shan't care a Farthing for you then in a twinkling.

Miss Prue.

What must I say then?

Tatt.

Why you must say no, or you believe not, or you can't tell—

Miss Prue.

Why, must I tell a Lie then?

Tatt.

Yes, if you would be well bred. All well-bred Persons Lie—Besides, you are a Woman, you must never speak what you think: Your Words must contradict your Thoughts; but your Actions may contradict your Words. So, when I ask you if you can Love me, you must say no, but you must Love me too—If I tell you you are Handsome, you must deny it, and say I flatter you—But you must think your self more Charming than I speak you;—and like me, for the Beauty which I say you have, as much as if I had it my self—If I ask you to Kiss me, you must be angry, but you must not refuse me. If I ask you for more, you must be more angry,—but more complying; and as soon as ever I make you say you'll cry out, you must be sure to hold your Tongue.

Miss Prue.

O Lord, I swear this is pure,—I like it better than our old fashion'd Country way of speaking ones Mind;—and must not you Lie too?

Tatt.

Hum—Yes—But you must believe I speak Truth.

Miss Prue.

O Gemini! well, I always had a great mind to tell Lies—but they frighted me, and said it was a Sin.

Tatt.

Well, my pretty Creature; will you make me happy by giving me a Kiss?

Miss Prue.

No, indeed; I'm angry at you.—

[Runs and kisses him.

Tatt.

Hold, hold, that's pretty well—but you should not have given it me, but have suffer'd me to take it.

Miss Prue.

Well, we'll do it again.

Tatt.

With all my Heart,—Now then, my little Angel.

[Kisses her.

Miss Prue.

Pish.

Tatt.

That's right,—Again, my Charmer.

[Kisses again.

Miss Prue.

O fie, nay, now I can't abide you.

Tatt.

Admirable! That was as well as if you had been born and bred in Covent-Garden all the Days of your Life;—And won't you shew me, pretty Miss, where your Bed-Chamber is?

Miss Prue.

No, indeed won't I; but I'll run there, and hide my self from you behind the Curtains.

Tatt.

I'll follow you.

Miss Prue.

Ah, but I'll hold the Door with both Hands, and be angry;—and you shall push me down before you come in.

Tatt.

No, I'll come in first, and push you down afterwards.

Miss Prue.

Will you? then I'll be more angry, and more complying.

Tatt.

Then I'll mak you cry out.

Miss Prue.

Oh but you shan't, for I'll hold my Tongue—

Tatt.

Oh my dear apt Scholar.

Miss Prue.

Well, now I'll run, and make more haste than you.

[Exit Miss Prue.

Tatt.

You shall not fly so fast as I'll pursue.

[Exit after her.

The End of the Second Act.

ACT III. SCENE I.

Enter Nurse.

Nurse.

MIss, Miss, Miss Prue—Mercy on me, marry and Amen. Why, what's become of the Child?—Why Miss, Miss Foresight—Sure she has not lock'd her self up in her Chamber, and gone to Sleep, or to Prayers: Miss, Miss; I hear her—Come to your Father, Child: Open the Door—Open the Door, Miss—I hear you cry husht—O Lord, who's there? [Peeps.] What's here to do?—O the Father! A Man with her!—Why Miss I say, God's my Life, here's fine Doings towards—O Lord, we're all undone—O you young Harlotry [Knocks.] Od's my Life, won't you open the Door? I'll come in the back way.

[Exit.

Tattle and Miss at the Door.

Miss.

O Lord, she's coming—and she'll tell my Father, what shall I do now?

Tatt.

Pox take her; if she had staid two Minutes longer I should have wish'd for her coming.

Miss.

O Dear, what shall I say? Tell me, Mr. Tattle, tell me a Lie.

Tatt.

There's no occasion for a Lie, I could never tell a Lie to no purpose—But since we have done nothing, we must say nothing, I think. I hear her—I'll leave you together, and come off as you can.

[Thrusts her in, and shuts the Door.

Enter Valentine, Scandal, and Angelica.

Ang.

You can't accuse me of Inconstancy; I never told you that I lov'd you.

Val.

But I can accuse you of Uncertainty, for not telling me whether you did or no.

Ang.

You mistake Indifference for Uncertainty; I never had Concern enough to ask my self the Question.

Scan.

No• good Nature enough to answer him that did ask you: I'll say that to• you, Madam.

Ang.

What, are you setting up for good Nature?

Scan.

Only for the Affectation of it, as the Women do for ill Nature.

Ang.

Persuade your Friend that it is all Affectation.

Val.

I shall receive no Benefit from the Opinion: For I know no effectual Difference between continued Affectation and Reality.

Tatt.

coming up. Scandal, are you in private Discourse, any thing of Secresie? [Aside to Scandal.

Scan.

Yes, but I dare trust you; we were talking of Angelica's Love for Valentine; you wont speak of it.

Tatt.

No, no, not a Syllable—I know that's a Secret, for it's whisper'd every where.

Scan.

Ha, ha, ha.

Ang.

What is, Mr. Tattle? I heard you say something was whisper'd every where.

Scan.

Your Love of Valentine.

Ang.

How!

Tatt.

No, Madam, his Love for your Ladyship—Gad take me, I beg your Pardon—for I never heard a Word of your Ladyship's Passion, 'till this Instant.

Ang.

My Passion! And who told you of my Passion, pray Sir?

Scan.

Why, is the Devil in you? Did not I tell it you for a Secret?

Ta•t.

Gadso; but I thought she might have been trusted with her own Affairs.

Scan.

Is that your Discretion? Trust a Woman with her self?

Tatt.

You say true, I beg your Pardon;—I'll bring all off—It was impossible, Madam, for me to imagine, that a Person of your Ladyship's Wit and Gallantry, could have so long receiv'd the passionate Addresses of the accomplish'd Valentine, and yet remain insensible; therefore you will pardon me, if from a just Weight of his Merit, with your Ladyship's good Judgment, I form'd the Ballance of a reciprocal Affection.

Val.

O the Devil, what damn'd Costive Poet has given thee this Lesson of Fustian to get by Rote?

Ang.

I dare swear you wrong him, it is his own—And Mr. Tattle only judges of the Success of others, from the Effects of his own Merit. For certainly Mr. Tattle was never deny'd any thing in his Life.

Tatt.

O Lord! yes indeed, Madam, several times.

Ang.

I swear I don't think 'tis possible.

Tatt.

Yes, I vow and swear I have; Lord, Madam, I'm the most unfortunate Man in the World, and the most cruelly us'd by the Ladies.

Ang.

Nay, now you're ungrateful.

Tatt.

No, I hope not—'tis as much Ingratitude to own some Favours, as to conceal others.

Val.

There, now it's out.

Ang.

I don't understand you now. I thought you had never ask'd any thing, but what a Lady might modestly grant, and you confess.

Scan.

So faith, your Business is done here; now you may go brag somewhere else.

Tatt.

Brag! O Heav'ns! Why, did I name any body?

Ang.

No; I suppose that is not in your Power; but you wou'd if you cou'd, no doubt on't.

Tatt.

Not in my Power, Madam! What, does your Ladyship mean, that I have no Woman's Reputation in my Power?

Scan.

Ouns, why you won't own it, will you? [Aside.

Tatt.

Faith, Madam, you are in the right; no more I have, as I hope to be sav'd; I never had it in my Power to say any thing to a Lady's Prejudice in my Life—For as I was telling you, Madam, I have been the most unsuccesful Creature living, in things of that Nature; and never had the good Fortune to be trusted once with a Lady's Secret, not once.

Ang.

No!

Val.

Not once, I dare answer for him.

Scan.

And I'll answer for him; for I'm sure if he had, he would have told me: I find, Madam, you don't know Mr. Tattle.

Tatt.

No indeed, Madam, you don't know me at all, I find: For sure my intimate Friends would have known—

Ang.

Then it seems you would have told, if you had been trusted.

Tatt.

O Pox, Scandal, that was too far put—Never have told Particulars, Madam. Perhaps I might have talk'd as of a Third Person—or have introduc'd an Amour of my own, in Conversation, by way of Novel: But never have explain'd Particulars.

Ang.

But whence comes the Reputation of Mr. Tattle's Secresie, if he was never trusted?

Scan.

Why thence it arises—The Thing is proverbially spoken; but may be apply'd to him—As if we should say in general Terms, he only is Secret who never was trusted; a Satyrical Proverb upon our Sex—There's another upon yours —As she is chaste, who was never ask'd the Question. That's all.

Val.

A couple of very civil Proverbs, truly: 'Tis hard to tell whether the Lady or Mr. Tattle be the more oblig'd to you. For you found her Virtue upon the Backwardness of the Men; and his Secresie upon the Mistrust of the Women.

Tatt.

Gad, it's very true, Madam, I think we are oblig'd to acquit our selves—And for my part—But your Ladyship is to speak first—

Ang.

Am I? Well, I freely confess I have resisted a great deal of Temptation.

Tatt.

And I Gad, I have given some Temptation that has not been resisted.

Val.

Good.

Ang.

I cite Valentine here, to declare to the Court, how fruitless he has found his Endeavours, and to confess all his Sollicitations and my Denials.

Val.

I am ready to plead, Not guilty, for you; and Guilty, for my self.

Scan.

So, why this is fair, here's Demonstration with a Witness.

Tatt.

Well, my Witnesses are not present—But I confess I have had Favours from Persons—But as the Favours are numberless, so the Persons are nameless.

Scan.

Pooh, pox, this proves nothing.

Tatt.

No? I can shew Letters, Lockets, Pictures, and Rings; and if there be occasion for Witnesses, I can summon the Maids at the Chocolate-Houses, all the Porters of Pall-Mall and Covent-Garden, the Door-keepers at the Play-House, the Drawers at Locket's, Pontack's, the Rummer, Spring-Garden; my own Landlady and Valetde Chambre; all who shall make Oath, that I receive more Letters than the Secretary's Office; and that I have more Vizor-Masks to enquire for me, than ever went to see the Hermaphrodite, or the Naked Prince. And it is notorious, that in a Country Church, once, an Enquiry being made, who I was, it was answer'd, I was the famous Tattle, who had ruin'd so many Women.

Val.

It was there, I suppose, you got the Nick-name of the Great Turk

Tatt.

True; I was call'd Turk-Tattle all over the Parish—The next Sunday, all the Old Women kept their Daughters at home, and the Parson had not half his Congregation. He would have brought me into the Spiritual Court, but I was reveng'd upon him, for he had a handsom Daughter whom I initiated into the Science. But I repented it afterwards, for it was talk'd of in Town—And a Lady of Quality that shall be nameless, in a raging Fit of Jealousie, came down in her Coach and Six Horses, and expos'd her self upon my Account; Gad, I was sorry for it with all my Heart—You know whom I mean—You know where we raffled—

Scan.

Mum, Tattle.

Val.

'Sdeath, are not you asham'd?

Ang.

O barbarous! I never heard so Insolent a piece of Vanity—Fie, Mr. Tattle—I'll swear I could not have believ'd it—Is this your Secresie?

Tatt.

Gad so, the Heat of my Story carry'd me beyond my Discretion, as the Heat of the Lady's Passion hurry'd her beyond her Reputation—But I hope you don't know whom I mean; for there was a great many Ladies raffled—Pox on't, now could I bite off my Tongue.

Scan.

No don't; for then you'll tell us no more—Come, I'll recommend a Song to you upon the Hint of my two Proverbs, and I see one in the next Room that will sing it.

[Goes to the Door.

Tatt.

For Heaven's sake, if you do guess, say nothing; Gad, I'm very unfortunate.

Re-enter Scandal, with one to Sing.

Scan.

Pray sing the first Song in the last New Play.

SONG. Set by Mr. John Eccles.

A Nymph and a Swain to Apollo once pray'd,

The Swain had been filted, the Nymph been Betray'd;

Their Intent was to try if his Oracle knew

E'er a Nymph that was Chaste, or a Swain that was True.

2.

Apollo was mute, and had like t' have been pos'd,

But sagely at length he this Secret disclos'd;

He alone won't Betray in whom none will Confide,

And the Nymph may be Chaste that has never been Try'd.

Enter Sir Sampson, Mrs. Frail, Miss and Servant.

Sir Samp.

Is Ben come? Odso, my Son Ben come? Odd, I'm glad on't: Where is he? I long to see him. Now, Mrs. Frail, you shall see my Son Ben—Body o' me, he's the Hopes of my Family—I han't seen him these Three Years—I warrant he's grown—Call him in, bid him make haste—I'm ready to Cry for Joy.

[Exit Servant.

Frail.

Now Miss you shall see your Husband.

Miss Prue.

Pish, he shall be none of my Husband. [Aside to Frail.

Frail.

Hush: Well he shan't, leave that to me—I'll beckon Mr. Tattle to us.

Ang.

Won't you stay and see your Brother?

Val.

We are the Twin-Stars, and cannot shine in one Sphere; when he rises I must set—Besides, if I should stay, I don't know but my Father in good Nature may press me to the immediate Signing the Deed of Conveyance of my Estate, and I'll defer it as long as I can—Well, you'll come to a Resolution.

Ang.

I can't. Resolution must come to me, or I shall never have one.

Scan.

Come, Valentine, I'll go with you; I've something in my Head to Communicate to you.

[Ex. Val. and Scandal.

Sir Samp.

What, is my Son Valentine gone? What, is he sneak'd off, and would not see his Brother? There's an Unnatural Whelp! There's an Ill-natur'd Dog! What, were you here too, Madam, and could not keep him! Could neither Love, nor Duty, nor Natural Affection oblige him. Odsbud, Madam, have no more to say to him; he is not worth your Consideration. The Rogue has not a Drachm of generous Love about him: All Interest, all Interest; he's an undone Scoundrel, and Courts your Estate: Body o' me, he does not care a Doit for your Person.

Ang.

I'm pretty even with him, Sir Sampson; for if ever I could have lik'd any thing in him, it should have been his Estate too: But since that's gone, the Bait's off, and the naked Hook appears.

Sir Samp.

Odsbud, well spoken; and you are a Wiser Woman than I thought you were: For most young Women now a-days are to be tempted with a naked Hook.

Ang.

If I Marry, Sir Sampson, I'm for a good Estate with any Man, and for any Man with a good Estate: Therefore if I were oblig'd to make Choice, I declare I'd rather have you than your Son.

Sir Samp.

Faith and Troth you're a Wise Woman, and I'm glad to hear you say so; I was afraid you were in Love with the Reprobate: Odd, I was sorry for you with all my Heart: Hang him, Mungrel; cast him off; you shall see the Rogue shew himself, and make Love to some desponding Cadua of Fourscore for Sustenance. Odd, I love to see a young Spendthrift forc'd to cling to an Old Woman for Support, like Ivy round a dead Oak: Faith I do; I love to see 'em hug and cotten together, like Down upon a Thistle.

Enter Ben. Legend, and Servant.

Ben.

Where's Father?

Serv.

There, Sir, his Back's toward you.

Sir Samp.

My Son Ben! bless thee my dear Boy; Body o'me, thou art heartily welcome.

Ben.

Thank you, Father, and I'm glad to see you.

Sir Samp.

Odsbud, and I'm glad to see thee; kiss me Boy, kiss me again and again, dear Ben.

[Kisses him.

Ben.

So, so, enough Father—Mess, I'd rather kiss these Gentlewomen.

Sir Samp.

And so thou shalt,—Mrs. Angelica, my Son Ben.

Ben.

Forsooth an you please— [Salutes her.] Nay Mistress, I'm not for dropping Anchor here; about Ship, I'faith— [Kisses Frail.] Nay, and you too, my little Cock-boat—so— [Kisses Miss.

Tatt.

Sir, you're welcome a-shoar.

Ben.

Thank you, thank you, Friend.

Sir Samp.

Thou hast been many a weary League, Ben, since I saw thee.

Ben.

Ey, ey, been! Been far enough, an that be all—well Father, and how do all at home? How does Brother Dick, and Brother Val.

Sir Samp.

Dick, Body o'me, Dick has been dead these two Years; I writ you Word, when you were at Legorne.

Ben.

Mess, and that's true; marry I had forgot. Dick's dead as you say—Well, and how, I have a many Questions to ask you; well, you ben't marry'd again, Father, be you?

Sir Samp.

No, I intend you shall marry, Ben; I would not marry for thy sake.

Ben.

Nay, what does that signifie?—An you marry again—why then I'll go to Sea again; so there's one for t'other, an that be all—Pray don't let me be your hindrance; e'en marry a God's Name an the Wind sit that way. As for my part, may-hap I have no Mind to marry.

Frail.

That would be pity, such a Handsome Young Gentleman.

Ben.

Handsome! he, he, he, nay forsooth, an you be for Joking, I'll Joke with you, for I love my Jest, an the Ship were sinking, as we sayn at Sea. But I'll tell you why I don't much stand towards Matrimony. I love to roam about from Port to Port, and from Land to Land: I could never abide to be Port-bound, as we call it: Now a Man that is marry'd, has as it were, d'ye see, his Feet in the Bilboes, and may-hap mayn't get 'em out again when he would.

Sir Samp.

Ben's a Wag.

Ben.

A Man that is marry'd, d'ye see, is no more like another Man, than a Gally-slave is like one of us free Sailors, he is chain'd to an Oar all his Life, and may-hap forc'd to tug a leaky Vessel into the Bargain.

Sir Samp.

A very Wag, Ben's a very Wag; only a little rough, he wants a little Polishing.

Frail.

Not at all; I like his Humour mightily, it's plain and honest, I should like such a Humour in a Husband extreamly.

Ben.

Say'n you so Forsooth? marry and I shou'd like such a Handsom Gentlewoman for a Bed-fellow hugely; how say you, Mistress, would you like going to Sea? Mess, you're a tight Vessel, and well Rigg'd, an you were but as well Mann'd.

Frail.

I should not doubt that, if you were Master of me.

Ben.

But I'll tell you one thing, an you come to Sea in a high Wind, or that Lady—You mayn't carry so much Sail o'your Head—Top and Top-gallant, by the Mess.

Frail.

No, why so?

Ben.

Why, an you do, you may run the risk to be over-set, and then you'll carry your Keels above Water, he, he, he.

Ang.

I swear, Mr. Benjamin is the verriest Wag in Nature, an absolute Sea-wit.

Sir Samp.

Nay, Ben has Parts, but, as I told you before, they wa•… a little Polishing: You must not take any thing ill, Madam.

Ben.

No, I hope the Gentlewoman is not angry; I mean all in good part: For if I give a Jest, I'll take a Jest: And so Forsooth you may be as free with me.

Ang.

I thank you, Sir, I am not at all offended;—but methinks, Sir Sampson, you should leave him alone with his Mistress. Mr. Tattle, we must not hinder Lovers.

Tatt.

Well, Miss, I have your Promise. [Aside to Miss.

Sir Samp.

Body o' me, Madam, you say true:—Look you, Ben; this is your Mistress,—Come, Miss, you must not be shamefac'd, we'll leave you together.

Miss.

I can't abide to be left alone, mayn't my Cousin stay with me?

Sir Samp.

No, no. Come, let's away.

Ben.

Look you, Father, may-hap the Young Woman mayn't take a liking to me.—

Sir Samp.

I warrant thee, Boy; come, come, we'll be gone; I'll venture that.

[Exeunt all but Ben. and Miss.

Ben.

Come Mistress, will you please to sit down? for an you stand a stern a that'n, we shall never grapple together—Come, I'll haule a Chair; there, an you please to sit, I'll sit by you.

Miss.

You need not sit so near one, if you have any thing to say, I can hear you farther off, I an't deaf.

Ben.

Why that's true, as you say, nor I an't dumb, I can be heard as far as another,—I'll heave off to please you. [Sits further off. An we were a League asunder, I'd undertake to hold Discourse with you, an 'twere not a main high Wind indeed, and full in my Teeth. Look you forsooth, I am as it were bound for the Land of Matrimony; 'tis a Voyage, d'ye see, that was none of my seeking, I was commanded by Father, and if you like of it, may-hap I may steer into your Harbour. How say you, Mistress, the short of the thing is this, that if you like me, and I like you, we may chance to swing in a Hammock together.

Miss.

I dont know what to say to you, nor I don't care to speak with you at all.

Ben.

No, I'm sorry for that—But pray, why are you so scornful?

Miss.

As long as one must not speak one's Mind, one had better not speak at all, I think, and truly I won't tell a Lie for the matter.

Ben.

Nay, you say true in that, it's but a folly to lie: For to speak one thing, and to think just the contrary way; is as it were, to look one way, and to row another. Now, for my part d'ye see, I'm for carrying things above Board, I'm not for keeping any thing under Hatches,—so that if you ben't as willing as I, say so a God's name, there's no harm done; may-hap you may beshamefac'd; some Maidens, thof' they love a Man well enough, yet they don't care to tell'n so to's Face: If that's the Case, why Silence gives Consent.

Miss.

But I'm sure it is not so, for I'll speak sooner than you should believe that; and I'll speak Truth, tho' one should always tell a Lie to a Man; and I don't care, let my Father do what he will; I'm too big to be whipp'd, so I'll tell you plainly, I don't like you, nor love you at all, nor never will, that's more: So, there's your Answer for you; and don't trouble me no more, you ugly thing.

Ben.

Look you, Young Woman, you may learn to give good Words however. I spoke you fair, d'ye see, and civil.—As for your Love or your Liking, I don't value it of a Rope's end;—And may-hap I like you as little as you do me:—What I said was in obedience to Father; Gad, I fear a whipping no more than you do. But I tell you one thing, if you should give such Language at Sea, you'd have a Cat o' Nine-tails laid cross your Shoulders. Flesh! who are you? You heard t'other handsome Young Woman speak civilly to me, of her own accord: Whatever you think of your self, Gad I don't think you are any more to compare to her, than a Can of Small-beer to a Bowl of Punch.

Miss.

Well, and there's a handsome Gentleman, and a fine Gentleman, and a sweet Gentleman that was here, that loves me, and I love him; and if he sees you speak to me any more, he'll thrash your Jacket for you, he will, you great Sea-calf.

Ben.

What, do you mean that fair-weather Spark that was here just now? Will he thrash my Jacket?—Let'n—let'n—But an he comes near me, may-hap I may giv'n a Salt Eelfor's Supper, for all that. What does Father mean, to leave me alone as soon as I come home with such a dirty Dowdy.—Sea-calf? I an't Calf enough to lick your chalk'd Face, you Cheese-curd you,—marry thee! Oons, I'll marry a Lapland Witch as soon, and live upon selling of contrary Winds, and wrack'd Vessels.

Miss.

I won't be call'd Names, nor I won't be abus'd thus, so I won't.—If I were a Man— [Cries.]—You durst not talk at this rate—No you durst not, you stinking Tar-Barrel.

Enter Mrs. Foresight and Mrs. Frail.

Mrs. Fore.

They have quarrell'd, just as we could wish.

Ben.

Tar-barrel? Let your Sweet-heart there call me so, if he'll take your part, your Tom Essence, and I'll say something to him; Gad I'll lace his Musk-Doublet for him, I'll make him stink; he shall smell more like a Weasel than a Civet-Cat, afore I ha' done with 'en.

Mrs. Fore.

Bless me, what's the matter, Miss? What, does she cry?—Mr. Benjamin, what have you done to her?

Ben.

Let her cry: The more she cries, the less she'll—she has been gathering foul Weather in her Mouth, and now it rains out at her Eyes.

Mrs. Fore.

Come, Miss, come along with me, and tell me, poor Child.

Frail.

Lord, what shall we do? There's my Brother Foresight and Sir Sampson coming. Sister, do you take Miss down into the Parlour, and I'll carry Mr. Benjamin into my Chamber, for they must not know that they are fall'n out.—Come, Sir, will you venture your self with me?

[Looks kindly on him.

Ben.

Venture, Mess, and that I will, tho' 'twere to Sea in a Storm.

[Exeunt.

Enter Sir Sampson and Foresight.

Sir Samp.

I left 'em together here; What, are they gone? Ben's a brisk Boy; he has got her into a Corner, Father's own Son, faith, he'll touzle her, and mouzle her: The Rogue's sharp set, coming from Sea; if he should not stay for saying Grace, old Foresight, but fall to without the help of a Parson, ha? Odd if he should I could not be angry with him; 'twould be but like me, A Chip of the Old Block. Ha! thou'rt melancholy, old Prognostication; as melancholy as if thou hadst spilt the Salt, or par'd thy Nails of a Sunday:—Come, cheer up, look about thee: Look up, old Star-Gazer. Now is he poring upon the Ground for a crooked Pin, or an old Horse-nail, with the Head towards him.

Fore.

Sir Sampson, we'll have the Wedding to morrow Morning.

Sir Samp.

With all my Heart.

Fore.

At Ten a Clock, punctually at Ten.

Sir Samp.

To a Minute, to a Second; thou shalt set thy Watch, and the Bridegroom shall observe its Motions; they shall be marry'd to a Minute, go to Bed to a Minute; and when the Alarm strikes, they shall keep time like the Figures of St. Dunstan's Clock, and Consummatum est shall ring all over the Parish.

Enter Scandal.

Scan.

Sir Sampson, sad News.

Fore.

Bless us!

Sir Samp.

Why, what's the Matter?

Scan.

Can't you guess at what ought to afflict you and him and all of us, more than any thing else?

Sir Samp.

Body o' me, I don't know any universal Grievance, but a new Tax, and the Loss of the Canary Fleet; without Popery should be Landed in the West, or the French Fleet were at Anchor at Blackwall.

Scan.

No. Undoubtedly, Mr. Foresight knew all this, and might have prevented it.

Fore.

'Tis no Earthquake!

Scan.

No, not yet; nor Whirlwind. But we don't know what it may come to—But it has had a Consequence already that touches us all.

Sir Samp.

Why, body o' me, out with't.

Scan.

Something has appear'd to your Son Valentine—He's gone to Bed upon't, and very ill—He speaks little, yet says he has a World to say. Asks for his Father and the wise Foresight; talks of Raymond Lully, and the Ghost of Lilly. He has Secrets to impart I suppose to you two. I can get nothing out of him but Sighs. He desires he may see you in the Morning, but would not be disturb'd to Night, because he has some Business to do in a Dream.

Sir Samp.

Hoity toity, what have I to do with his Dreams or his Divination—Body o' me, this is a Trick to defer Signing the Conveyance. I warrant the Devil will tell him in a Dream, that he must not part with his Estate: But I'll bring him a Parson to tell him, that the Devil's a Liar—Or if that won't do, I'll bring a Lawyer that shall out-lie the Devil. And so I'll try whether my Black-Guard or his shall get the better of the Day.

[Exit.

Scan.

Alas, Mr. Foresight, I'm afraid all is not right—You are a wise Man, and a conscientious Man; a Searcher into Obscurity and Futurity; and if you commit an Error, it is with a great deal of Consideration, and Discretion, and Caution—

Fore.

Ah, good Mr. Scandal.

Scan.

Nay, nay, 'tis manifest; I do not flatter you—But Sir Sampson is hasty, very hasty;—I'm afraid he is not scrupulous enough, Mr. Foresight—He has been wicked, and Heav'n grant he may mean well in his Affair with you—But my Mind gives me, these things cannot be wholly insignificant. You are wise, and should not be over-reach'd, methinks you should not—

Fore.

Alas, Mr. Scandal—Humanum est errare.

Scan.

You say true, Man will err; meer Man will err—but you are something more—There have been wise Men; but they were such as you—Men who consulted the Stars, and were Observers of Omens—Salomon was Wise, but how?—by his Judgment in Astrology—So says Pineda, in his Third Book and Eighth Chapter—

Fore.

You are learn'd, Mr. Scandal—

Scan.

A Trifler—but a Lover of the Art—And the Wise Men of the East ow'd their Instruction to a Star, which is rightly observ'd by Gregory the Great in Favour of Astrology: And Albertus Magnus makes it the most valuable Science, Because, says he, it teaches us to consider the Causation of Causes, in the Causes of Things.

Fore.

I protest I honour you, Mr. Scandal—I did not think you had been read in these Matters—Few young Men are inclin'd—

Scan.

I thank my Stars that have inclin'd me—But I fear this Marriage, and making over this Estate, this transferring of a rightful Inheritance, will bring Judgments upon us. I prophesie it, and I would not have the Fate of Cassandra, not to be believ'd. Valentine is disturb'd, what can be the Cause of that? and Sir Sampson is hurry'd on by an unusual Violence—I fear he does not act wholly from himself; methinks he does not look as he used 〈◊〉 do.

Fore.

He was always of an impetuous Nature—B•… as to this Marriage I have consulted the Stars; and all Appearances are prosperous—

Scan.

Come, come, Mr. Foresight, let not the Prospect of worldly Lucre carry you beyond your Judgement, nor against your Conscience—You are not satisfy'd that you act justly.

Fore.

How!

Scan.

You are not satisfy'd, I say—I am loath to discourage you—But it is palpable that you are not satisfy'd.

Fore.

How does it appear, Mr. Scandal, I think I am very well satisfy'd.

Scan.

Either you suffer your self to deceive your self, or you do not know your self,

Fore.

Pray explain your self.

Scan.

Do you Sleep well o' Nights?

Fore.

Very well.

Scan.

Are you certain? You do not look so.

Fore.

I am in Health, I think.

Scan.

So was Valentine this Morning; and look'd just so.

Fore.

How! Am I alter'd any way? I don't perceive it.

Scan.

That may be, but you Beard is longer than it was two Hours ago.

Fore.

Indeed! Bless me.

Enter Mrs. Foresight.

Mrs. Fore.

Husband, will you go to Bed? it's Ten a Clock. Mr. Scandal, your Servant.

Scan.

Pox on her, she has interrupted my Design—But I must work her into the Project. You keep early Hours, Madam.

Mrs. Fore.

Mr. Foresight is punctual, we sit up after him.

Fore.

My Dear, pray lend me your Glass, your little Looking-glass.

Scan.

Pray lend it him, Madam—I'll tell you the reason. [She gives him the Glass: Scandal and she whisper.] My Passion for you is grown so violent—that I am no longer Master of my self—I was interrupted in the Morning, when you had Charity enough to give me your Attention, and I had Hopes of finding another Opportunity of explaining my self to you—but was disappointed all this Day; and the Uneasiness that has attended me ever since, brings me now hither at this unseasonable Hour.—

Mrs. Fore.

Was there ever such Impudence, to make Love to me before my Husband's Face? I'll swear I'll tell him.

Scan.

Do, I'll die a Martyr, rather than disclaim my Passion. But come a little farther this way, and I'll tell you what Project I had to get him out of the way; that I might have an Opportunity of waiting upon you.

[Whisper. [Foresight looking in the Glass.

Fore.

I do not see any Revolution here;—Methinks I look with a serene and benign Aspect—pale, a little pale—but the Roses of these Cheeks have been gather'd many Years;—ha! I do not like that sudden Flushing—Gone already!—hem, hem, hem! faintish. My Heart is pretty good; yet it beats; and my Pulses, ha!—I have none—Mercy on me—hum—Yes, here they are—Gallop, gallop, gallop, gallop, gallop, gallop, hey! Whither will they hurry me?—Now they're gone again—And now I'm faint again; and pale again, and hem! and my hem!—breath, hem!—grows short; hem! hem! he, he, hem!

Scan.

It takes, pursue it in the Name of Love and Pleasure.

Mrs. Fore.

How do you do, Mr. Foresight?

Fo••

Hum, not so well as I thought I was. Lend me your Hand.

Scan.

Look you there now—Your Lady says your Sleep has been unquiet of late.

Fore.

Very likely.

Mrs. Fore.

O, mighty restless, but I was afraid to tell him so—He has been subject to Talking and Starting.

Scan.

And did not use to be so.

Mrs. Fore.

Never, never; 'till within these three Nights; I cannot say, that he has once broken my Rest, since we have been marry'd.

Fore.

I will go to Bed.

Scan.

Do so, Mr. Foresight, and say your Prayers;—He looks better than he did.

Mrs. Fore.

Nurse, Nurse!

Fore.

Do you think so, Mr. Scandal?

Scan.

Yes, yes, I hope this will be gone by Morning, taking it in time.—

Fore.

I hope so.

Enter Nurse.

Mrs. Fore.

Nurse, your Master is not well; put him to Bed.

Scan.

I hope you will be able to see Valentine in the Morning,—you had best take a little Diacodion and Couslip-water, and lye upon your Back, may be you may Dream.

Fore.

I thank you, Mr. Scandal, I will—Nurse, let me have a Watch-light, and lay the Crums of Comfort by me.—

Nurse.

Yes, Sir.

Fore.

And—hem, hem! I am very faint—

Scan.

No, no, you look much better.

Fore.

Do I? And d'ye hear—bring me, let me see—within a Quarter of Twelve—hem—he, hem!—just upon the turning of the Tide, bring me the Urinal;—And I hope, neither the Lord of my Ascendant, nor the Moon will be combust; and then I may do well.

Scan.

I hope so—Leave that to me; I will erect a Scheme; and I hope I shall find both Sol and Venus in the sixth House.

Fore.

I thank you, Mr. Scandal, indeed that would be a great Comfort to me. Hem, hem! good Night.

[Exit.

Scan.

Good Night, good Mr. Foresight;—and I hope Mars and Venus will be in Conjunction;—while your Wife and I are together.

Mrs. Fore.

Well, and what Use do you hope to make of this Project? You don't think that you are ever like to succeed in your Design upon me.

Scan.

Yes, Faith I do; I have a better Opinion both of you and my self than to despair.

Mrs. Fore.

Did you ever hear such a Toad—harkye Devil; do you think any Woman honest?

Scan.

Yes, several, very honest;—they'll cheat a little at Cards, sometimes, but that's nothing.

Mrs. Fore.

Pshaw! but Virtuous, I mean.

Scan.

Yes, Faith, I believe some Women are Virtuous too; but 'tis as I believe some Men are Valiant, thro' Fear—For why should a Man court Danger, or a Woman shun Pleasure.

Mrs. Fore.

O Monstrous! What are Conscience and Honour?

Scan.

Why, Honour is a Publick Enemy, and Conscience a Domestick Thief; and he that would secure his Pleasure, must pay a Tribute to one, and go halves with t'other. As for Honour, that you have secur'd, for you have purchas'd a perpetual Opportunity for Pleasure.

Mrs. Fore.

An Opportunity for Pleasure!

Scan.

Ay, your Husband, a Husband is an Opportunity for Pleasure, so you have taken care of Honour, and 'tis the least I can do to take care of Conscience.

Mrs. Fore.

And so you think we are free for one another?

Scan.

Yes, Faith, I think so; I love to speak my Mind.

Mrs. Fore.

Why then I'll speak my Mind. Now as to this Affair between you and me. Here you make Love to me; why, I'll confess it does not displease me. Your Person is well enough, and your Understanding is not amiss.

Scan.

I have no great Opinion of my self; yet, I think, I'm neither Deform'd, nor a Fool.

Mrs. Fore.

But you have a Villanous Character; you are a Libertine in Speech, as well as Practice.

Scan.

Come, I know what you would say,—you think it more dangerous to be seen in Conversation with me, than to allow some other Men the last Favour; you mistake, the Liberty I take in Talking is purely affected for the Service of your Sex. He that first cries out stop Thief, is often he that has stoln the Treasure. I am a Juggler, that act by Confederacy; and if you please, we'll put a Trick upon the World.

Mrs. Fore.

Ay; but you are such an universal Juggler,—that I'm afraid you have a great many Confederates.

Scan.

Faith, I'm sound.

Mrs. Fore.

O, fie—I'll swear you're Impudent.

Scan.

I'll swear you're Handsom.

Mrs. Fore.

Pish, you'd tell me so, tho' you did not think so.

Scan.

And you'd think so, tho' I should not tell you so: And now I think we know one another pretty well.

Mrs. Fore.

O Lord, who's here?

Enter Mrs. Frail and Ben.

Ben.

Mess, I love to speak my Mind—Father has nothing to do with me—Nay, I can't say that neither; he has something to do with me. But what does that signifie? If so be, that I ben't minded to be steer'd by him; 'tis as tho'f he should strive against Wind and Tide.

Frail.

Ay, but my Dear, we must keep it secret 'till the Estate be settled; for you know Marrying without an Estate, is like Sailing in a Ship without Ballast.

Ben.

He, he, he; why that's true; just so for all the World it is indeed, as like as two Cable Ropes.

Frail.

And tho' I have a good Portion; you know one would not venture all in one Bottom.

Ben.

Why that's true again; for may-hap one Bottom may spring a Leak. You have hit it indeed, Mess you've nick'd the Channel.

Frail.

Well, but if you should forsake me after all, you'd break my Heart.

Ben.

Break your Heart? I'de rather the Mary-gold should break her Cable in a Storm, as well as I love her. Flesh, you don't think I'm false-hearted, like a Land-man. A Sailer will be honest, thof' may-hap he has never a Penny of Mony in his Pocket—May-hap I may not have so fair a Face, as a Citizen or a Courtier; but for all that, I've as good Blood in my Veins, and a Heart as sound as a Bisket.

Frail.

And will you love me always?

Ben.

Nay, an I love once, I'll stick like Pitch; I'll tell you that. Come, I'll sing you a Song of a Sailor.

Frail.

Hold, there's my Sister, I'll call her to hear it.

Mrs. Fore.

Well; I won't go to Bed to my Husband to night; because I'll retire to my own Chamber, and think of what you have said.

Scan.

Well; you'll give me leave to wait upon you to your Chamber-door; and leave you my last Instructions?

Mrs. Fore.

Hold, here's my Sister coming toward us.

Frail.

If it won't interrupt you, I'll entertain you with a Song.

Ben.

The Song was made upon one of our Ships-Crew's Wife; our Boat-swain made the Song, may-hap you may know her, Sir. Before she was marry'd, she was call'd Buxom Joan of Deptford.

Scan.

I have heard of her.

[Ben. Sings.

BALLAD. Set by Mr. John Eccles.

A Soldier, and a Sailor,

A Tinker, and a Tailor,

Had once a doubtful Strife, Sir,

To make a Maid a Wife, Sir,

Whose Name was Buxom Joan.

For now the Time was ended,

When she no more intended,

To lick her Lips at Men, Sir,

And gnaw the Sheets in vain, Sir,

And lie o' Nights alone.

2.

The Soldier swore like Thunder,

He lov'd her more than Plunder;

And shew'd her many a Scar, Sir,

That he had brought from far, Sir,

With fighting for her sake.

The Tailor thought to please her,

With off'ring her his Measure.

The Tinker too with Mettle,

Said he could mend her Kettle,

And stop up ev'ry Leak.

3.

But while these three were prating,

The Sailor slily waiting,

Thought if it came about, Sir,

That they should all fall out, Sir:

He then might play his Part.

And just e'en as he meant, Sir,

To Loggerheads they went, Sir,

And then he let flie at her,

A Shot 'twixt Wind and Water,

That won this Fair Maid's Heart.

Ben.

If some of our Crew that came to see me are not gone, you shall see, that we Sailors can Dance sometimes, as well as other Folks. [Whistles.] I warrant that brings 'em, an they be within hearing.

Enter Seamen.

Oh here they be—And Fiddles along with 'em: Come, my Lads, let's have a Round, and I'll make one.

[Dance.

Ben.

We're merry Folk, we Sailors, we han't much to care fore. Thus we live at Sea; eat Bisket, and drink Flip; put on a clean Shirt once a Quarter—Come home, and lye with our Landladies once a Year, get rid of a little Mony; and then put off with the next fair Wind. How d'ye like us?

Frail.

O you are the happiest, merriest Men alive.

Mrs. Fore.

We're beholding to Mr. Benjamin for this Entertainment.

I believe it's late.

Ben.

Why, forsooth, an you think so, you had best go to Bed. For my part, I mean to toss a Can, and remember my Sweet-Heart, a-fore I turn in; may-hap I may dream of her.

Mrs. Fore.

Mr. Scandal, you had best go to Bed and dream too.

Scan.

Why Faith, I have a good lively Imagination; and can dream as much to the purpose as another, if I set about it: But Dreaming is the poor Retreat of a lazy, hopeless, and imperfect Lover; 'tis the last glimpse of Love to worn-out Sinners, and the faint Dawning of a Bliss to wishing Girls, and growing Boys.

There's nought but willing, waking Love, that can

Make bless'd the Ripen'd Maid and Finish'd Man.

[Exeunt.

The End of the Third Act.

ACT IV. SCENE I.

Valentine's Lodging.

Enter Scandal and Jeremy.

Scan.

WELL, is your Master ready; does he look madly, and talk madly?

Jere.

Yes, Sir; you need make no great Doubt of that; he that was so near turning Poet yesterday Morning, can't be much to seek in playing the Madman to Day.

Scan.

Would he have Angelica acquainted with the Reason of his Design?

Jere.

No, Sir, not yet;—He has a mind to try, whether his playing the Madman, won't make her play the Fool, and fall in Love with him; or at least own, that she has lov'd him all this while, and conceal'd it.

Scan.

I saw her take Coach just now with her Maid; and think I heard her bid the Coachman drive hither.

Jere.

Like enough, Sir, for I told her Maid this Morning, my Master was run stark mad only for Love of her Mistress; I hear a Coach stop; if it should be she, Sir, I believe he would not see her, 'till he hears how she takes it.

Scan.

Well, I'll try her—'tis she, here she comes.

Enter Angelica with Jenny.

Ang.

Mr. Scandal, I suppose you don't think it a Novelty, to see a Woman visit a Man at his own Lodgings in a Morning?

Scan.

Not upon a kind Occasion, Madam. But when a Lady comes tyrannically to insult a ruin'd Lover, and make manifest the cruel Triumphs of her Beauty, the Barbarity of it something surprizes me.

Ang.

I don't like Raillery from a serious Face—pray tell me what is the matter?

Jere.

No strange matter, Madam; my Master's mad, that's all: I suppose your Ladyship has thought him so a great while.

Ang.

How d'ye mean, mad?

Jere.

Why faith, Madam, he's mad for want of his Wits, just as he was poor for want of Mony; his Head is e'en as light as his Pockets; and any body that has a mind to a bad Bargain, can't do better than to beg him for his Estate.

Ang.

If you speak Truth, your endeavouring at Wit is very unscasonable—

Scan.

She's concern'd, and loves him. [Aside.

Ang.

Mr. Scandal, you can't think me guilty of so much Inhumanity, as not to be concern'd for a Man I must own my self oblig'd to—pray tell me Truth.

Scan.

Faith, Madam, I wish telling a Lie would mend the matter. But this is no new Effect of an unsuccessful Passion.

Ang.

aside.] I know not what to think—Yet I should be vext to have a Trick put upon me—May I not see him?

Scan.

I'm afraid the Physician is not willing you should see him yet—Jeremy, go in and enquire.

[Exit Jere.

Ang.

Ha! I saw him wink and smile—I fancy 'tis a Trick—I'll try—I would disguise to all the World a Failing, which I must own to you—I fear my Happiness depends upon the Recovery of Valentine. Therefore I conjure you, as you are his Friend, and as you have Compassion upon one fearful of Affliction, •o tell me what I am to hope for—I cannot speak—But you may tell me, tell me, for you know what I would ask?

Scan.

So, this is pretty plain—Be not too much concerned, Madam; I hope his Condition is not desperate: An Acknowledgment of Love from you, perhaps, may work a Cure; as the Fear of your Aversion occasion'd his Distemper.

Ang.

aside.] Say you so; nay then I'm convinc'd: And if I don't play Trick for Trick, may I never taste the pleasure of Revenge.—Acknowledgment of Love! I find you have mistaken my Compassion, and think me guilty of a Weakness I am a Stranger to. But I have too much Sincerity to deceive you, and too much Charity to suffer him to be deluded with vain Hopes. Good Nature and Humanity oblige me to be concern'd for him; but to Love is neither in my Power nor Inclination: And if he can't be cur'd without I suck the Poison from his Wounds, I'm afraid he won't recover his Senses 'till I lose mine.

Scan.

Hey, brave Woman, I'faith—Won't you see him then, if he desire it?

Ang.

What signifie a Madman's Desires? Besides, 'twould make me uneasie—If I don't see him, perhaps my Concern for him may lessen—If I forget him, 'tis no more than he has done by himself; and now the Surprize is over, methinks I am not half so sorry as I was—

Scan.

So, Faith good Nature works apace; you were confessing just now an Obligation to his Love.

Ang.

But I have consider'd that Passions are unreasonable and involuntary; if he loves, he can't help it; and if I don't love, I can't help it; no more than he can help his being a Man, or I my being a Woman; or no more than I can help my want of Inclination to stay longer here—Come, Jenny.

[Exit Ang. and Jenny.

Scan.

Humh!—An admirable Composition, Faith, this same Womankind.

Enter Jeremy.

Jere.

What, is she gone, Sir?

Scan.

Gone; why she was never here, nor any where else; nor I don't know her if I see her, nor you neither.

Jere.

Good-lack! What's the Matter now? Are any more of us to be mad? Why, Sir, my Master longs to see her, and is almost mad in good earnest, with the joyful News of her being here.

Scan.

We are all under a Mistake—Ask no Questions, for I can't resolve you, but I'll inform your Master. In the mean time, if our Project succeed no better with his Father than it does with his Mistress, he may descend from his Exaltation of Madness into the Road of common Sense, and be content only to be made a Fool with other reasonable People. I hear Sir Sampson, you know your Cue; I'll to your Master.

[Exit.

Enter Sir Sampson Legend with a Lawyer.

Sir Samp.

D'ye see, Mr. Buckram, here's the Paper sign'd with his own Hand.

Buck.

Good, Sir. And the Conveyance is ready drawn in this Box, if he be ready to Sign and Seal.

Sir Samp.

Ready, Body o'me, he must be ready; his sham Sickness shan't excuse him—O, here's his Scoundrel. Sirrah, where's your Master?

Jere.

Ah, Sir, he's quite gone.

Sir Samp.

Gone! What, he is not dead?

Jere.

No, Sir, not dead.

Sir Samp.

What, is he gone out of Town, run away, ha! has he trick'd me? speak, Varlet.

Jere.

No, no, Sir, he's safe enough, Sir, an he were but as sound, poor Gentleman. He is indeed here, Sir, and not here, Sir.

Sir Samp.

Hey-day, Rascal, do you banter me? Sirrah, d'ye banter me,—Speak Rascal, where is he, for I will find him.

Jere.

Would you could, Sir; for he has lost himself. Indeed, Sir, I have a most broke my Heart about him—I can't refrain Tears when I think of him, Sir: I'm as melancholy for him as a Passing-Bell, Sir; or a Horse in a Pound.

Sir Samp.

A Pox confound your Similitudes, Sir—Speak to be understood, and tell me in plain Terms what the Matter is with him, or I'll crack your Fools Scull.

Jere.

Ah, you've hit it, Sir; that's the matter with him, Sir, his Skull's crack'd, poor Gentleman; he's stark mad, Sir.

Sir Samp.

Mad!

Buck.

What, is he Non Compos?

Jere.

Quite Non Compos, Sir.

Buck.

Why then all's obliterated, Sir Sampson, if he be Non Compos mentis, his Act and Deed will be of no Effect, it is not good in Law.

Sir Samp.

Oons, I won't believe it; let me see him, Sir—Mad, I'll make him find his Senses.

Jere.

Mr. Scandal is with him, Sir; I'll knock at the Door.

[Goes to the Scene, which opens and discovers Valentine upon a Couch disorderly dress'd, Scandal by him.

Sir Samp.

How now, what's here to do?

Va•.

Ha! Who's that?

[Starting.

Scan.

For Heaven's safe softly, Sir, and gently; don't provoke him.

Val.

Answer me: Who is that? and that?

Sir Samp.

Gads bobs, does he not know me? Is he mischievous? I'll speak gently—Val, Val, do'st thou not know me, Boy? Not know thy own Father, Val! I am thy own Father, and this is honest Brief Buckram the Lawyer.

Val.

It may be so—I did not know you—the World is full—There are People that we do know, and People that we do not know; and yet the Sun shines upon all alike—There are Fathers that have many Children; and there are Children that have many Fathers—'tis strange! But I am Truth, and come to give the World the Lie.

Sir Samp.

Body o'me, I know not what to say to him.

Val.

Why does that Lawyer wear Black?—Does he carry his Conscience without-side?—Lawyer, what art thou? Dost thou know me?

Buck.

O Lord, what must I say?—Yes, Sir.

Val.

Thou liest, for I am Truth. 'Tis hard I cannot get a Livelihood amongst you. I have been sworn out of Westminster-Hall the first Day of every Term—Let me see—No matter how long—But I'll tell you one thing; it's a Question that would puzzle an Arithmetician, if you should ask him, whether the Bible saves more Souls in Westminster-Abby, or damns more in Westminster-Hall: For my part, I am Truth, and can't tell; I have very few Acquaintance.

Sir Samp.

Body o'me, he talks sensibly in his Madness—Has he no Intervals?

Jere.

Very short, Sir.

Buck.

Sir, I can do you no Service while he's in this Condition: Here's your Paper, Sir—He may do me a Mischief if I stay—The Conveyance is ready, Sir. If he recover his Senses.

[Exit.

Sir Samp.

Hold, hold, don't you go yet.

Scan.

You'd better let him go, Sir; and send for him if there be occasion; for I fancy his Presence provokes him more.

Val.

Is the Lawyer gone? 'Tis well, then we may drink about without going together by the Ears—heigh ho! What a Clock is't? My Father here! Your Blessing, Sir?

Sir Samp.

He recovers—bless thee, Val—How do'st thou do, Boy?

Val.

Thank you, Sir, pretty well—I have been a little out of Order? won't you please to sit, Sir?

Sir Samp.

Ay, Boy,—Come, thou shalt sit down by me.

Val.

Sir, 'tis my Duty to wait.

Sir Samp.

No, no, come, come, sit you down, honest Val: How do'st thou do? let me feel thy Pulse—Oh, pretty well now, Val: Body o'me, I was sorry to see thee indispos'd: But I'm glad thou'rt better, honest Val.

Val.

I thank you, Sir.

Scan.

Miracle! the Monster grows loving. [Aside.

Sir Samp.

Let me fell thy Hand again, Val; it does not shake—I believe thou can'st Write, Val: Ha, Boy? thou can'st Write thy Name, Val?—Jeremy, step and overtake Mr. Buckram, bid him make haste back with the Conveyance—quick—quick.

[In Whisper to Jeremy.] [Exit Jere.

Scan.

Aside.] That ever I should suspect such a Heathen of any Remorse!

Sir Samp.

Do'st thou know this Paper, Val: I know thou'rt honest, and wilt perform Articles.

[Shews him the Paper, but holds it out of his reach.

Val.

Pray let me see it, Sir. You hold it so far off, that I can't tell whether I know it or no.

Sir Samp.

See it, Boy? Ay, ay, why thou do'st see it—'tis thy own Hand, Val. Why, let me see, I can read it as plain as can be: Look you here [Reads.] The Condition of this Obligation—Look you, as plain as can be, so it begins—And then at the bottom—As witness my Hand, VALENTINE LEGEND, in great Letters. Why, 'tis as plain as the Nose in one's Face: What, are my Eyes better than thine? I believe I can read it farther off yet—let me see.

[Stretches his Arm as far as he can.

Val.

Will you please to let me hold it, Sir?

Sir Samp.

Let thee hold it, say'st thou—Ay, with all my Heart—What matter is it who holds it? What need any Body hold it?—I'll put it up in my Pocket, Val. and then no Body need hold it [puts the Paper in his Pocket.] There Val; it's safe enough, Boy—But thou shalt have it as soon as thou hast set thy Hand to another Paper, little Val.

Re-enter Jeremy with Buckram.

Val.

What, is my bad Genius here again! Oh no, 'tis the Lawyer with an itching Palm; and he's come to be scratch'd—My Nails are not long enough—Let me have a Pair of Red-hot Tongues quickly, quickly, and you shall see me act St. Dunstan, and lead the Devil by the Nose.

Buck.

O Lord, let me be gone; I'll not venture my self with a Madman.

[Exit Buckram.

Val.

Ha, ha, ha; you need not run so fast, Honesty will not overtake you—Ha, ha, ha, the Rogue found me out to be in Forma Pauperis presently.

Sir Samp.

Oons! What a Vexation is here! I know not what to do, or say, nor which way to go.

Val.

Who's that, that's out of his Way?—I am Truth, and can set him right—Hark ye, Friend, the straight Road is the worst Way you can go—He that follows his Nose always, will very often be led into a Stink. Probatum est. But what are you for? Religion or Politicks? There's a couple of Topicks for you, no more like one another than Oil and Vinegar; and yet those two beaten together by a State-Cook, make Sauce for the whole Nation.

Sir Samp.

What the Devil had I to do, ever to beget Sons? Why did I ever marry?

Val.

Because thou wer't a Monster; old Boy?—The two greatest Monsters in the World, are a Man and a Woman; what's thy Opinion?

Sir Samp.

Why, my Opinion is, that those two Monsters join'd together, make yet a greater, that's a Man and his Wife.

Val.

A ha! Old Truepenny, say'st thou so? Thou hast nick'd it—But it's wonderful strange, Jeremy!

Jere.

What is, Sir?

Val.

That Gray Hairs should cover a green Head—and I make a Fool of my Father.

Enter Foresight, Mrs. Foresight, and Frail.

Val.

What's here! Erra Pater? or a bearded Sybil? If Prophecy comes, Truth must give Place.

[Exit with Jere.

Fore.

What says he? What, did he Prophesie? Ha, Sir Sampson, bless us! How are we?

Sir Samp.

Are we? A Pox o' your Prognostication—Why, we are Fools as we use to be—Oons, that you could not foresee, that the Moon would predominate, and my Son be mad—Where's your Oppositions, your Trines, and your Quadrates?—What did your Cardan and your Ptolome tell you? Your Messahalah and your Longomontanus, your Harmony of Chiromancy with Astrology. Ah! pox on't, that I that know the World, and Men and Manners, that don't believe a Syllable in the Sky, and Stars, and Sun, and Almanacks, and Trash, should be directed by a Dreamer, an Omen-hunter, and defer Business in Expectation of a lucky Hour. When, body o'me, there never was a lucky Hour after the first Opportunity.

[Exit Sir Samp.

Fore.

Ah, Sir Sampson, Heav'n help your Head—This is none of you lucky Hour; Nemo omnibus horis sapit. What, is he gone, and in contempt of Science! Ill Stars and unconverted Ignorance attend him.

Scan.

You must excuse his Passion, Mr. Foresight; for he has been heartily vex'd—His Son is Non compos mentis, and thereby incapable of making any Conveyance in Law; so that all his Measures are disappointed.

Fore.

Ha! Say you so?

Frail.

What, has my Sea-Lover lost his Anchor of Hope then? [Aside to Mrs. Foresight.

Mrs. Fore.

Oh Sister, what will you do with him?

Frail.

Do with him? Send him to Sea again in the next foul Weather—He's us'd to an inconstant Element, and won't be surpriz'd to see the Tide turn'd.

Fore.

Wherein was I mistaken, not to foresee this?

[Considers.

Scan.

Madam, you and I can tell him something else, that he did not foresee, and more particularly relating to his own Fortune. [Aside to Mrs. Foresight.

Mrs. Fore.

What do you mean? I don't understand you.

Scan.

Hush, softly—The Pleasures of last Night, my Dear, too considerable to be forgot so soon.

Mrs. Fore.

Last Night! and what would your Impudence infer from last Night? last Night was like the Night before, I think.

Scan.

'S'death, do you make no difference between me and your Husband?

Mrs. Fore.

Not much,—he's superstitious; and you are mad, in my Opinion.

Scan.

You make me mad—You are not serious—Pray recollect your self.

Mrs. Fore.

O yes, now I remember, you were very impertinent and impudent,—and would have come to Bed to me.

Scan.

And did not?

Mrs. Fore.

Did not! With that Face can you ask the Question?

Scan.

This I have heard of before, but never believ'd. I have been told, she had that admirable quality of forgetting to a Man's Face in the Morning, that she had lain with him all Night, and denying Favours with more Impudence than she could grant 'em—Madam, I'm your humble Servant, and honour you.—You look pretty well, Mr. Foresight;—How did you rest last Night?

Fore.

Truly, Mr. Scandal, I was so taken up with broken Dreams and distracted Visions, that I remember little.

Scan.

'Twas a very forgetting Night.—But would you not talk with Valentine, perhaps you may understand him; I'm apt to believe, there is something mysterious in his Discourses, and sometimes rather think him inspir'd than mad.

Fore.

You speak with singular good Judgment, Mr. Scandal, truly—I am inclining to your Turkish Opinion in this Matter, and do reverence a Man whom the Vulgar think mad. Let us go in to him.

Frail.

Sister, do you stay with them; I'll find out my Lover, and give him his Discharge, and come to you. O'my Conscience here he comes.

[Exeunt Foresight, Mrs. Fore. and Scandal.

Enter Ben.

Ben.

All mad, I think—Flesh, I believe all the Calentures of the Sea are come a-shore, for my part.

Frail.

Mr. Benjamin in Choler!

Ben.

No, I'm pleas'd well enough now I have found you,—Mess, I have had such a Hurricane upon your account yonder.—

Frail.

My account, pray what's the matter?

Ben.

Why, Father came and found me squabbling with yon chitty-fac'd thing, as he would have me marry,—so he ask'd what was the matter.—He ask'd in a surly sort of a way—(It seems Brother Val. is gone mad, and so that put'n into a Passion; but what did I know that, what's that to me?)—So he ask'd in a surly sort of manner,—and Gad I answer'd 'en as surlily,—What tho'f he be my Father, I an't bound Prentice to'en:—So faith I told'n in plain terms, if I were minded to marry, I'd marry to please my self, not him: And for the young Woman that he provided for me, I thought it more fitting for her to learn her Sampler, and make Dirt-pies, than to look after a Husband; for my part I was none of her Man—I had another Voyage to make, let him take it as he will.

Frail.

So then, you intend to go to Sea again?

Ben.

Nay, nay, my Mind run upon you,—but I would not tell him so much—So he said he'd make my Heart ake; and if so be that he could get a Woman to his Mind, he'd marry himself. Gad, says I, an you play the Fool and marry at these Years, there's more danger of your Head's aking than my Heart.—He was woundy angry when I gav'n that wipe.—He had'nt a Word to say, and so I left'n and the Green Girl together; may-hap the Bee may bite, and he'll marry her himself, with all my Heart.

Frail.

And were you this undutiful and graceless Wretch to your Father?

Ben.

Then why was he graceless first,—if I am undutiful and graceless, why did he beget me so? I did not get my self.

Frail.

O Impiety! how have I been mistaken! what an inhuman merciless Creature have I set my Heart upon? O I am happy to have discover'd the Shelves and Quicksands that lurk beneath that faithless smiling Face.

Ben.

Hey toss! what's the matter now? Why you ben't angry, be you?

Frail.

O see me no more,—for thou wert born amongst Rocks, suckl'd by Whales, cradled in a Tempest, and whistled to by Winds; and thou art come forth with Fins and Scales, and three Rows of Teeth, a most outragious Fish of Prey.

Ben.

O Lord, O Lord, she's mad, poor young Woman, Love has turn'd her Senses, her Brain is quite over-set. Well-a-day, how shall I do to set her to rights?

Frail.

No, no, I am not mad, Monster, I am wise enough to find you out.—Hadst thou the Impudence to aspire at being a Husband with that stubborn and disobedient Temper?—You that know not how to submit to a Father, presume to have a sufficient stock of Duty to undergo a Wife? I should have been finely fobb'd indeed, very finely fobb'd.

Ben.

Hark ye, Forsooth; if so be that you are in your right Senses, d'ye see, for ought as I perceive I'm like to be finely fobb'd,—if I have got Anger here upon your Account, and you are tack'd about already.—What d'ye mean, after all your fair Speeches, and stroaking my Cheeks, and Kissing and Hugging, what would you sheer off so? would you, and leave me a-ground?

Frail.

No, I'll leave you a-drift, and go which Way you will.

Ben.

What, are you false-hearted then?

Frail.

Only the Wind's chang'd.

Ben.

More shame for you,—the Wind's chang'd!—It's an ill Wind blows no Body good,—may-hap I have good riddance on you, if these be your Tricks,—what d'ye mean all this while, to make a Fool of me?

Frail.

Any Fool, but a Husband.

Ben.

Husband! Gad I would not be your Husband, if you would have me, now I know your Mind, tho'f you had your weight in Gold and Jewels, and tho'f I lov'd you never so well.

Frail.

Why, canst thou love, Porpoise?

Ben.

No matter what I can do; don't call Names,—I don't love you so well as to bear that, whatever I did,—I'm glad you shew your self, Mistress:—Let them marry you as don't know you:—Gad I know you too well, by sad experience;—I believe he that marries you will go to Sea in a Hen-peck'd Frigat—I believe that, young Woman—and may-hap may come to an Anchor at Cuckolds-point; so there's a dash for you, take it as you will; mayhap you may holla after me when I won't come too.

[Exit.

Frail.

Ha, ha, ha, no doubt on't.—My true Love is gone to Sea— [Sings.

Enter Mrs. Foresight.

O Sister, had you come a minute sooner, you would have seen the Resolution of a Lover,—Honest Tar and I are parted;—and with the same Indifference that we met:—O' my life I am half vex'd at the Insensibility of a Brute that I despis'd.

Mrs. Fore.

What then, he bore it most Heroically?

Frail.

Most Tyrannically,—for you see he has got the start of me; and I the poor forsaken Maid am left complaining on the Shoar. But I'll tell you a Hint that he has given me; Sir Sampson is enraged, and talks desperately of committing Matrimony himself.—If he has a mind to throw himself away, he can't do it more effectually than upon me, if we could bring it about.

Mrs. Fore.

Oh hang him Old Fox, he's too cunning, besides he hates both you and me.—But I have a Project in my Head for you, and I have gone a good way towards it. I have almost made a Bargain with Jeremy, Valentine's Man, to sell his Master to us.

Frail.

Sell him, how?

Mrs. Fore.

Valentine raves upon Angelica, and took me for her, and Jeremy says will take any Body for her that he imposes on him.—Now I have promis'd him Mountains, if in one of his mad Fits he will bring you to him in her stead, and get you Married together, and put to Bed together; and after Consummation, Girl, there's no revoking. And if he should recover his Senses, he'll be glad at least to make you a good Settlement—Here they come, stand aside a little, and tell me how you like the Design.

Enter Valentine, Scandal, Foresight and Jeremy.

Scan.

And have you given your Master a hint of their Plot upon him? [To Jere.

Jere.

Yes, Sir; he says he'll favour it, and mistake her for Angelica.

Scan.

It may make Sport.

Fore.

Mercy on us!

Val.

Husht—Interrupt me not—I'll whisper Prediction to thee, and thou shalt Prophesie;—I am Truth, and can teach thy Tongue a new Trick,—I have told thee what's past,—Now I tell what's to come;—Dost thou know what will happen to Morrow?—Answer me not—for I will tell thee. To Morrow Knaves will thrive thro' Craft, and Fools thro' Fortune; and Honesty will go as it did, Frost-nipp'd in a Summer Suit. Ask me Questions concerning to Morrow.

Scan.

Ask him, Mr. Foresight.

Fore.

Pray what will be done at Court?

Val.

Scandal will tell you;—I am Truth, I never come there.

Fore.

In the City?

Val.

Oh, Prayers will be said in empty Churches, at the usual Hours. Yet you will see such Zealous Faces behind Counters, as if Religion were to be sold in every Shop. Oh things will go methodically in the City, the Clocks will strike Twelve at Noon, and the Horn'd Herd Buz in the Exchange at Two. Wives and Husbands will drive distinct Trades, and Care and Pleasure separately Occupy the Family. Coffee-Houses will be full of Smoak and Stratagem. And the cropt Prentice, that sweeps his Master's Shop in the Morning, may, ten to one, dirty his Sheets before Night. But there are two things that you will see very strange; which are Wanton Wives, with their Legs at Liberty, and Tame Cuckolds, with Chains about their Necks. But hold, I must examine you before I go further; you look suspiciously. Are you a Husband?

Fore.

I am Marrry'd.

Val.

Poor Creature! Is your Wife of Covent-Garden Parish?

Fore.

No; St. Martins in the Fields.

Val.

Alas, poor Man; his Eyes are sunk, and his Hands shrivell'd; his Legs dwindl'd, and his Back bow'd: Pray, pray, for a Metamorphosis—Change thy Shape, and shake off Age; get thee Medea's Kettle, and be boil'd a-new; come forth with lab'ring callous Hands, a Chine of Steel, and Atlas Shoulders. Let Taliacotius trim the Calves of Twenty Chairmen, and make thee Pedestals to stand erect upon, and look Matrimony in the Face. Ha, ha, ha! That a Man should have a Stomach to a Wedding Supper, when the Pidgeons ought rather to be laid to his Feet, ha, ha, ha.

Fore.

His Frenzy is very high now, Mr. Scandal.

Scan.

I believe it is a Spring-Tide.

Fore.

Very likely truly; you understand these Matters—Mr. Scandal, I shall be very glad to confer with you about these things which he has utter'd.—His Sayings are very Mysterious and Hieroglyphical.

Val.

Oh, why would Angelica be absent from my Eyes so long?

Jere.

She's here, Sir.

Mrs. Fore.

Now, Sister.

Frail.

O Lord, what must I say?

Scan.

Humour him, Madam, by all means.

Val.

Where is she? Oh I see her—she comes, like Riches, Health, and Liberty at once, to a despairing, starving and abandon'd Wretch.

Oh welcome, welcome.

Frail.

How d'ye, Sir? Can I serve you?

Val.

Hark ye;—I have a Secret to tell you—Endymion and the Moon shall meet us upon Mount Latmos, and we'll be marry'd in the dead of Night.—But say not a Word. Hymen shall put his Torch into a Dark-Lanthorn, that it may be secret; and Juno shall give her Peacock Poppy-water, that he may fold his Ogling Tail, and Argos's hundred Eyes be shut, ha? No Body shall know but Jeremy.

Frail.

No, no, we'll keep it secret, it shall be done presently.

Val.

The sooner the better—Jeremy, come hither—closer—that none may over-hear us;—Jeremy, I can tell you News;—Angelica is turn'd Nun, and I am turning Friar, and yet we'll marry one another in spite of the Pope—Get me a Coul and Beads, that I may play my Part—For she'll meet me two Hours hence in Black and White, and a long Vail to cover the Project, and we won't see one anothers Faces, 'till we have done something to be asham'd of, and then we'll blush once for all.

Enter Tattle and Angelica.

Jere.

I'll take care, and—

Val.

Whisper.

Ang.

Nay, Mr. Tattle, if you make Love to me, you spoil my Design, for I intend to make you my Confident.

Tatt.

But, Madam, to throw away your Person, such a Person! and such a Fortune on a Madman!

Ang.

I never lov'd him 'till he was Mad; but don't tell any Body so.

Scan.

How's this! Tattle making Love to Angelica!

Tatt.

Tell, Madam! alas you don't know me—I have much ado to tell your Ladyship how long I have been in Love with you—but encourag'd by the Impossibility of Valentine's making any more Addresses to you, I have ventur'd to declare the very inmost Passion of my Heart. Oh, Madam, look upon us both. There you see the Ruins of a poor decay'd Creature—Here a compleat and lively Figure, with Youth and Health, and all his Five Senses in Perfection, Madam, and to all this, the most passionate Lover—

Ang.

O fie for shame, hold your Tongue, a passionate Lover, and Five Senses in Perfection! When you are as mad as Valentine, I'll believe you love me, and the maddest shall take me.

Val.

It is enough. Ha! Who's here?

Frail.

O Lord, her coming will spoil all. [To Jeremy.

Jere.

No, no, Madam, he won't know her; if he shou'd, I can persuade him.

Val.

Scandal, who are these? Foreigners? If they are, I'll tell you what I think—get away all the Company but Angelica, that I may discover my Design to her.

[Whisper.

Scan.

I will,—I have discover'd something of Tattle, that is of a piece with Mrs. Frail. He Courts Angelica, if we cou'd contrive to couple 'em together—Hark ye—

[Whisper.

Mrs. Fore.

He won't know you, Cousin, he knows no Body.

Fore.

But he knows more than any Body,—Oh Neice, he knows things past and to come, and all the profound Secrets of Time.

Tatt.

Look you, Mr. Foresight, it is not my way to make many Words of Matters, and so I shan't say much,—But in short, d'ye see, I will hold you a Hundred Pound now, that I know more Secrets then he.

Fore.

How! I cannot read that Knowledge in your Face, Mr. Tattle.—Pray, what do you know?

Tatt.

Why, d'ye think I'll tell you, Sir! Read it in my Face? No, Sir, 'tis written in my Heart. And safer there, Sir, than Letters writ in Juice of Lemon, for no Fire can fetch it out. I am no Blab, Sir.

Val.

Acquaint Jeremy with it, he may easily bring it about,—They are welcome, and I'll tell 'em so my self. [To Scandal.] What, do you look strange upon me?—Then I must be plain. [Coming up to them.] I am Truth, and hate an Old Acquaintance with a new Face.

[Scandal goes aside with Jeremy.

Tatt.

Do you know me, Valentine?

Val.

You? Who are you? No, I hope not.

Tatt.

I am Jack Tattle, your Friend.

Val.

My Friend, what to do? I am no married Man, and thou canst not lye with my Wife: I am very poor, and thou canst not borrow Mony of me: Then what Employment have I for a Friend.

Tatt.

Hah! A good open Speaker, and not to be trusted with a Secret.

Ang.

Do you know me, Valentine?

Val.

Oh very well.

Ang.

Who am I?

Val.

You're a Woman,—One to whom Heav'n gave Beauty, when it grafted Roses on a Briar. You are the Reflection of Heaven in a Pond, and he that leaps at you is sunk. You are all white, a sheet of lovely spotless Paper, when you first are Born; but you are to be scrawl'd and blotted by every Goose's Quill. I know you; for I lov'd a Woman, and lov'd her so long, that I found out a strange thing: I found out what a Woman was good for.

Tatt.

Ay; prithee what's that?

Val.

Why to keep a Secret.

Tatt.

O Lord!

Val.

O exceeding good to keep a Secret: For tho' she should tell, yet she is not to be believ'd.

Tatt.

Hah! good again, faith.

Val.

I would have Musick—Sing me the Song that I like—

SONG. Set by Mr. Finger.

I Tell thee, Charmion, could I Time retrieve,

And could again begin to Love and Live,

To you I should my earliest Off'ring give;

I know my Eyes would lead my Heart to you,

And I should all my Vows and Oaths renew,

But to be plain, I never would be true.

2.

For by our weak and weary Truth, I find,

Love hates to center in a Point assign'd,

But runs with Joy the Circle of the Mind.

Then never let us chain what should be free,

But for Relief of either Sex agree,

Since Women love to change, and so do we.

No more, for I am melancholy.

[Walks musing.

Jere.

I'll do't, Sir. [To Scandal.

Scan.

Mr. Foresight, we had best leave him. He may grow outragious and do Mischief.

Fore.

I will be directed by you.

Jere.

to Frail. You'll meet, Madam;—I'll take care every thing shall be ready.

Frail.

Thou shalt do what thou wilt, have what thou wilt, in short, I will deny thee nothing.

Tatt.

Madam, shall I wait upon you? [To Angelica.

Ang.

No, I'll stay with him—Mr Scandal will protect me. Aunt, Mr. Tattle desires you would give him leave to wait on you.

Tatt.

Pox on't, there's no coming off, now she has said that—Madam, will you do me the Honour?

Mrs. Fore.

Mr. Tattle might have us'd less Ceremony.

Exeunt Fore. Mrs. Fore. Tatt. Frail.

Scan.

Jeremy, follow Tattle.

[Exit Jere.

Ang.

Mr. Scandal, I only stay 'till my Maid comes, and because I had a mind to be rid of Mr. Tattle.

Scan.

Madam, I am very glad that I over-heard a better Reason, which you gave to Mr. Tattle; for his Impertinence forc'd you to acknowledge a Kindness for Valentine, which you deny'd to all his Sufferings and my Sollicitations. So I'll leave him to make use of the Discovery; and your Ladyship to the free Confession of your Inclinations.

Ang.

Oh Heav'ns! You won't leave me alone with a Madman?

Scan.

No, Madam; I only leave a Madman to his Remedy.

[Exit Scan.

Val.

Madam, you need not be very much afraid, for I fancy I begin to come to my self.

Ang.

Ay, but if I don't fit you, I'll be hang'd. [Aside.

Val.

You see what Disguises Love makes us put on; Gods have been in counterfeited Shapes for the same Reason; and the Divine Part of me, my Mind, has worn this Mask of Madness, and this motly Livery, only as the Slave of Love, and menial Creature of your Beauty.

Ang.

Mercy on me, how he talks! poor Valentine!

Val.

Nay faith, now let us understand one another, Hypocrisie apart,—The Comedy draws toward an end, and let us think of leaving Acting, and be our selves; and since you have lov'd me, you must own, I have at length deserv'd you should confess it.

Ang. Sighs.]

I would I had lov'd you—for Heaven knows I pity you; and could I have foreseen the bad Effects, I would have striven; but that's too late.

[Sighs.

Val.

What sad Effects?—What's too late? My seeming Madness as deceiv'd my Father, and procur'd me Time to think of Means to reconcile me to him, and preserve the Right of my Inheritance to his Estate; which otherwise by Articles I must this morning have resign'd: And this I had inform'd you of to Day, but you were gone, before I knew you had been here.

Ang.

How! I thought your Love of me had caus'd this Transport in your Soul; which it seems you only counterfeited, for by mercenary Ends, and sordid Interest.

Val.

Nay, now you do me wrong; for if any Interest was considered, it was yours; since I thought I wanted more than Love, to make me worthy of you.

Ang.

Then you thought me mercenary—But how am I deluded by this Interval of Sense, to reason with a Madman?

Val.

Oh, 'tis barbarous to misunderstand me longer.

Enter Jeremy.

Ang.

Oh here's a reasonable Creature—sure he will not have the Impudence to persevere—Come, Jeremy, acknowledge your Trick, and confess your Master's Madness counterfeit.

Jere.

Counterfeit, Madam! I'll maintain him to be as absolutely and substantially mad, as any Freeholder in Bethlehem; nay, he's as mad as any Projector, Fanatick, Chymist, Lover, or Poet in Europe.

Val.

Sirrah, you lie; I am not mad.

Ang.

Ha, ha, ha, you see he denies it.

Jere.

O Lord, Madam, did you ever know any Madman mad enough to own it?

Val.

Sot, can't you apprehend?

Ang.

Why he talk'd very sensibly just now.

Jere.

Yes, Madam; he has Intervals: But you see he begins to look wild again now.

Val.

Why you thick'd-skull'd Rascal, I tell you the Farce is done, and I will be Mad no longer.

[Beats him.

Ang.

Ha, ha, ha, Is he mad, or no, Jeremy?

Jere.

Partly, I think—for he does not know his Mind two Hours—I'm sure I left him just now in a Humour to be mad, and I think I have not found him very quiet at this present. Who's there?

[One knocks.

Val.

Go see, you Sot. I'm very glad that I can move your Mirth, tho' not your Compassion.

[Exit Jeremy.

Ang.

I did not think you had Apprehension enough to be exceptious: But Madmen shew themselves most, by over-pretending to a sound Understanding; as Drunken Men do by over-acting Sobriety; I was half inclining to believe you, 'till I accidentally touch'd upon your tender Part: But now you have restor'd me to my former Opinion and Compassion.

Enter Jeremy.

Jere.

Sir, your Father has sent to know if you are any better yet—Will you please to be mad, Sir, or how?

Val.

Stupidity! You know the Penalty of all I'm worth must pay for the Confession of my Senses; I'm mad, and will be mad to every Body but this Lady.

Jere.

So—Just the very backside of Truth—But Lying is a Figure in Speech, that interlards the greatest part of my Conversation—Madam, your Ladyship's Woman.

[Goes to the Door.

Enter Jenny.

Ang.

Well, have you been there?—Come hither.

Jenny.

Yes, Madam, Sir Sampson will wait upon you presently. [Aside to Angelica.

Val.

You are not leaving me in this Uncertainty?

Ang.

Would any thing but a Madman complain of Uncertainty? Uncertainty and Expectation are the Joys of Life. Security is an insipid thing, and the overtaking and possessing of a Wish discovers the Folly of the Chase. Never let us know one another better; for the Pleasure of a Masquerade is done, when we come to shew Faces: But I'll tell you two things before I leave you; I am not the Fool you take me for; and you are mad, and don't know it:

[Exit Ang. and Jenny.

Val.

From a Riddle you can expect nothing but a Riddle. There's my Instruction, and the Moral of my Lesson.

Re-enter Jeremy.

Jere.

What, is the Lady gone again, Sir? I hope you understood one another before she went?

Val.

Understood! she is harder to be understood than a Piece of Aegyptian Antiquity, or an Irish Manuscript; you may pore 'till you spoil your Eyes, and not improve your Knowledge.

Jere.

I have heard 'em say, Sir, they read hard Hebrew Books backwards; may be you begin to read at the wrong End.

Val.

They say so of a Witches Prayer, and Dreams and Dutch Almanacks are to be understood by contraries. But there's Regularity and Method in that; she is a Medal without a Reverse or Inscription; for Indifference has both Sides alike. Yet while she does not seem to hate me, I will pursue her, and know her if it be possible, in spight of the Opinion of my Satyrical Friend, Scandal, who says,

That Women are like Tricks by Slight of Hand,

Which, to admire, we should not understand.

[Exeunt.

The End of the Fourth Act.

ACT V. SCENE I.

A Room in Foresight's House.

Enter Angelica and Jenny.

Ang.

WHERE is Sir Sampson? Did you not tell me, he would be here before me?

Jenny.

He's at the great Glass in the Dining-Room, Madam, setting his Cravat and Wig.

Ang.

How! I'm glad on't—if he has a Mind I should like him, it's a sign he likes me; and that's more than half my Design.

Jenny.

I hear him, Madam.

Ang.

Leave me; and d'ye hear, if Valentine should come or send, I am not to be spoken with.

[Exit Jenny.

Enter Sir Sampson.

Sir Samp.

I have not been honour'd with the Commands of a fair Lady a great while—Odd, Madam, you have reviv'd me—Not since I was Five and Thirty.

Ang.

Why, you have no great reason to complain, Sir Sampson, that is not long ago.

Sir Samp.

Zooks, but it is, Madam, a very great while, to a Man that admires a Fine Woman as much as I do.

Ang.

You're an absolute Courtier, Sir Sampson.

Sir Samp.

Not at all, Madam: Odsbud you wrong me; I am not so old neither, to be a bare Courtier, only a Man of Words: Odd, I have warm Blood about me yet, and can serve a Lady any way—Come, come, let me tell you, you Women think a Man old too soon, Faith and Troth you do—Come, don't despise Fifty; odd Fifty, in a hale Constitution, is no such contemptible Age.

Ang.

Fifty a contemptible Age! Not at all, a very fashionable Age, I think—I assure you, I know very considerable Beaus, that set a good Face upon Fifty; Fifty! I have seen Fifty in a Side-Box by Candle-light out-blossom Five and Twenty.

Sir Samp.

O Pox, Outsides, Outsides; a pize take 'em, meer Outsides: Hang your Side-Box Beaus; no, I'm none of those, none of your forc'd Trees, that pretend to Blossom in the Fall, and Bud when they should bring forth Fruit: I am of a long liv'd Race, and inherit Vigour, none of my Family married 'till Fifty; yet they begot Sons and Daughters 'till Fourscorce: I am of your Patriarchs, I, a Branch of one of your Antideluvian Families, Fellows that the Flood could not wash away: Well, Madam, what are your Commands? Has any young Rogue affronted you, and shall I cut his Throat? or—

Ang.

No, Sir Sampson, I have no Quarrel upon my Hands—I have more occasion for your Conduct than your Courage at this time. To tell you the Truth, I'm weary of living single, and want a Husband.

Sir Samp.

Odsbud, and 'tis pity you should—Odd, wou'd she wou'd like me, then I should hamper my young Rogues: Odd, wou'd she wou'd; Faith and Troth she's devilish Handsom. [Aside. Madam, you deserve a good Husband, and 'twere a pity you should be thrown away upon any of these young idle Rogues about the Town. Odd, there's ne'er a young Fellow worth hanging,—that is a very young Fellow—Pize on 'em, they never think beforehand of any thing;—And if they commit Matrimony, 'tis as they commit Murder, out of a Frolick: And are ready to hang themselves, or to be hang'd by the Law, the next Morning:—Odso, have a care, Madam.

Ang.

Therefore I ask your Advice, Sir Sampson: I have Fortune enough to make any Man easie that I can like; if there were such a thing as a young agreeable Man, with a reasonable Stock of good Nature and Sense—For I would neither have an absolute Wit, nor a Fool.

Sir Samp.

Odd, you are hard to please, Madam; to find a young Fellow that is neither a Wit in his own Eye, nor a Fool in the Eye of the World, is a very hard Task. But, Faith and Troth, you speak very discreetly; for I hate both a Wit and a Fool.

Ang.

She that marries a Fool, Sir Sampson, commits the Reputation of her Honesty or Understanding to the Censure of the World: And she that marries a very witty Man, submits both to the Severity and insolent Conduct of her Husband. I should like a Man of Wit for a Lover, because I would have such an one in my Power; but I would no more be his Wife than his Enemy. For his Malice is not a more terrible Consequence of his Aversion, than his Jealousie is of his Love.

Sir Samp.

None of old Foresight's Sybills ever utter'd such a Truth. Odsbud, you have won my Heart: I hate a Wit; I had a Son that was spoil'd among 'em; a good hopeful Lad, 'till he learn'd to be a Wit—And might have risen in the State—But, a Pox on't, his Wit run him out of his Mony, and now his Poverty has run him out of his Wits.

Ang.

Sir Sampson, as your Friend, I must tell you, you are very much abus'd in that matter; he's no more mad than you are.

Sir Samp.

How, Madam! Would I could prove it.

Ang.

I can tell you how that may be done—But it is a thing that would make me appear to be too much concern'd in your Affairs.

Sir Samp.

Odsbud, I believe she likes me— [Aside.]—Ah, Madam, all my Affairs are scarce worthy to be laid at your Feet; and I wish, Madam, they stood in a better Posture, that I might make a more becoming Offer to a Lady of your incomparable Beauty and Merit.—If I had Peru in one Hand, and Mexico in t'other, and the Eastern Empire under my Feet, it would make me only a more glorious Victim to be offer'd at the Shrine of your Beauty.

Ang.

Bless me, Sir Sampson, what's the matter?

Sir Samp.

Odd, Madam, I love you—And if you would take my Advice in a Husband—

Ang.

Hold, hold, Sir Sampson. I ask'd your Advice for a Husband, and you are giving me your Consent—I was indeed thinking to propose something like it in Jest, to satisfie you about Valentine: For if a Match were seemingly carried on between you and me, it would oblige him to throw off his Disguise of Madness, in apprehension of losing me: For you know he has long pretended a Passion for me.

Sir Samp.

Gadzooks, a most ingenious Contrivance—If we were to go throw with it. But why must the Match only be seemingly carried on?—Odd, let it be a real Contract.

Ang.

O fie, Sir Sampson, what would the World say?

Sir Samp.

Say, they would say you were a wise Woman, and I a happy Man. Odd, Madam, I'll love you as long as I live; and leave you a good Jointure when I die.

Ang.

Ay; but that is not in your Power, Sir Sampson; for when Valentine confesses himself in his Senses, he must make over his Inheritance to his younger Brother.

Sir Samp.

Odd, you're cunning, a wary Baggage! Faith and Troth I like you the better—But, I warrant you, I have a Proviso in the Obligation in Favour of my self—Body o'me, I have a Trick to turn the Settlement upon the Issue Male of our two Bodies begotten. Odsbud, let us find Children, and I'll find an Estate.

Ang.

Will you? well, do you find the Estate, and leave the t'other to me—

Sir Samp.

O Rogue! But I'll trust you. And will you consent? Is it a Match then?

Ang.

Let me consult my Lawyer concerning this Obligation; and if I find what you propose practicable, I'll give you my Answer.

Sir Samp.

With all my Heart;—Come in with me, and I'll lend you the Bond,—You shall consult your Lawyer, and I'll consult a Parson; Odzooks I'm a young Man: Odzooks I'm a young Man, and I'll make it appear—Odd, you're devilish Handsom: Faith and Troth you're very Handsom, and I'm very Young, and very Lusty—Odsbud, Hussy, you know how to chuse, and so do I;—Odd, I think we are very well met;—Give me your Hand, Odd let me kiss it; 'tis as warm and as soft—as what?—Odd, as t'other Hand—give me t'other Hand, and I'll mumble 'em, and kiss 'em 'till they melt in my Mouth.

Ang.

Hold, Sir Sampson—You're profuse of your Vigor before your time: You'll spend your Estate before you come to it.

Sir Samp.

No, no, only give you a Rent-roll of my Possessions—Ah! Baggage—I warrant you; for little Sampson: Odd, Sampson's a very good Name for an able Fellow: Your Sampsons were strong Dogs from the Beginning.

Ang.

Have a care, and don't over-act your Part—If you remember, the strongest Sampson of your Name pull'd an old House over his Head at last.

Sir Samp.

Say you so, Hussy?—Come, let's go then; Odd, I long to be pulling down too, come away—Odso, here's some Body coming.

[Exeunt.

Enter Tattle and Jeremy.

Tatt.

Is not that she, gone out just now?

Jere.

Ay, Sir, she's just going to the Place of Appointment. Ah, Sir, if you are not very faithful and close in this Business, you'll certainly be the Death of a Person that has a most extraordinary Passion for your Honour's Service.

Tatt.

Ay, who's that?

Jere.

Even my unworthy self, Sir—Sir, I have had an Appetite to be fed with your Commands a great while;—And now, Sir, my former Master having much troubled the Fountain of his Understanding, it is a very plausible Occasion for me to quench my Thirst at the Spring of your Bounty—I thought I could not recommend my self better to you, Sir, than by the delivery of a great Beauty and Fortune into your Arms, whom I have heard you sigh for.

Tatt.

I'll make thy Fortune; say no more—Thou art a pretty Fellow, and can'st carry a Message to a Lady in a pretty soft kind of Phrase, and with a good persuading Accent.

Jere.

Sir, I have the Seeds of Rhetorick and Oratory in my Head—I have been at Cambridge.

Tatt.

Ay; 'tis well enough for a Servant to be bred at an University: But the Education is a little too Pedantick for a Gentleman. I hope you are secret in your Nature, private, close, ha?

Jere.

O Sir, for that, Sir, 'tis my chief Talent; I'm as secret as the Head of Nilus.

Tatt.

Hye? Who's he, tho'? A Privy-Counsellor?

Jere.

O Ignorance! [aside.] A cunning Aegyptian, Sir, that with his Arms would over-run the Country, yet no body could ever find out his Head-Quarters.

Tatt.

Close Dog! A good Whoremaster, I warrant him—The Time draws nigh, Jeremy. Angelica will be veil'd like a Nun; and I must be hooded like a Friar; ha, Jeremy?

Jere.

Ay, Sir, hooded like a Hawk, to seize at first sight upon the Quarry. It is the Whim of my Master's Madness to be so dress'd; and she is so in Love with him, she'll comply with any thing to please him. Poor Lady, I'm sure she'll have reason to pray for me, when she finds what a happy Exchange she has made, between a Madman and so Accomplish'd a Gentleman.

Tatt.

Ay Faith, so she will, Jeremy: You're a good Friend to her, poor Creature—I swear I do it hardly so much in Consideration of my self, as Compassion to her.

Jere.

'Tis an Act of Charity, Sir, to save a fine Woman with Thirty Thousand Pound, from throwing her self away.

Tatt.

So 'tis, faith—I might have sav'd several others in my time; but I Gad I could never find in my Heart to Marry any body before.

Jere.

Well, Sir, I'll go and tell her my Master's coming; and meet you in half a quarter of an Hour, with your Disguise, at your own Lodgings. You must talk a little madly, she won't distinguish the Tone of your Voice.

Tatt.

No, no, let me alone for a Counterfeit—I'll be ready for you.

Enter Miss.

Miss.

O Mr. Tattle, are you here! I'm glad I have found you; I have been looking up and down for you like any thing, 'till I'm as tired as any thing in the World.

Tatt.

O Pox how shall I get rid of this foolish Girl? [Aside.

Miss.

O I have pure News, I can tell you pure News—I must not marry the Seaman now—my Father says so. Why won't you be my Husband? You say you love me, and you won't be my Husband. And I know you may be my Husband now if you please.

Tatt.

O fie, Miss: Who told you so, Child?

Miss.

Why, my Father—I told him that you lov'd me.

Tatt.

O fie, Miss; why did you do so? And who told you so, Child?

Miss.

Who? Why you did; did not you?

Tatt.

O Pox, that was Yesterday, Miss; that was a great while ago, Child. I have been asleep since; slept a whole Night, and did not so much as dream of the matter.

Miss.

Pshaw, O but I dream'd that it was so tho'.

Tatt.

Ay, but your Father will tell you that Dreams come by Contraries, Child—O fie; what, we must not love one another now—Pshaw, that would be a foolish thing indeed—Fie, fie, you are a Woman now, and must think of a new Man every Morning, and forget him every Night—No, no, to marry is to be a Child again, and play with the same Rattle always: O fie, Marrying is a paw thing.

Miss.

Well, but don't you love me as well as you did last Night then?

Tatt.

No, no, Child, you would not have me.

Miss.

No? Yes but I would tho'.

Tatt.

Pshaw, but I tell you, you would not—You forget you're a Woman, and don't know your own Mind.

Miss.

But here's my Father, and he knows my Mind.

Enter Foresight.

Fore.

O, Mr. Tattle, your Servant, you are a close Man; but methinks your Love to my Daughter was a Secret I might have been trusted with,—Or had you a mind to try if I could discover it by my Art—hum, ha! I think there is something in your Physiognomy, that has a Resemblance of her; and the Girl is like me.

Tatt.

And so you would infer, that you and I are alike—what does the old Prig mean? I'll banter him, and laugh at him, and leave him. [aside.] I fancy you have a wrong Notion of Faces.

Fore.

How? What? A wrong Notion! How so?

Tatt.

In the way of Art: I have some taking Features, not obvious to Vulgar Eyes, that are Indications of a sudden turn of good Fortune, in the Lottery of Wives; and Promise of great Beauty and great Fortune reserv'd alone for me, by a private Intrigue of Destiny, kept secret from the piercing Eye of Perspicuity; from all Astrologers, and the Stars themselves.

Fore.

How! I will make it appear, that what you say is impossible.

Tatt.

Sir, I beg your Pardon, I'm in haste—

Fore.

For what?

Tatt.

To be married, Sir, married.

Fore.

Ay, but pray take me along with you, Sir—

Tatt.

No, Sir, 'tis to be done privately—I never make Confidents.

Fore.

Well; but my Consent I mean—You won't marry my Daughter without my Consent?

Tatt.

Who I, Sir? I'm an absolute Stranger to you and your Daughter, Sir.

Fore.

Hey day! What time of the Moon is this?

Tatt.

Very true, Sir, and desire to continue so. I have no more Love for your Daughter, than I have Likeness of you; and I have a Secret in my Heart, which you would be glad to know, and shan't know; and yet you shall know it too, and be sorry for't afterwards. I'd have you to know, Sir, that I am as knowing as the Stars, and as secret as the Night. And I'm going to be married just now, yet did not know of it half an Hour ago; and the Lady stays for me, and does not know of it yet—There's a Mystery for you,—I know you love to untie Difficulties—Or if you can't solve this, stay here a quarter of an Hour, and I'll come and explain it to you.

[Exit.

Miss.

O Father, why will you let him go? Won't you make him to be my Husband?

Fore.

Mercy on us, what do these Lunacies portend? Alas! he's mad, Child, stark wild.

Miss.

What, and must not I have e'er a Husband then? What, must I go to Bed to Nurse again, and be a Child as long as she's an Old Woman? Indeed but I won't: For now my Mind is set upon a Man, I will have a Man some way or other. Oh! methinks I'm sick when I think of a Man; and if I can't have one, I would go to sleep all my Life: For when I'm awake, it makes me wish and long, and I don't know for what—And I'd rather be always asleep, than sick with Thinking.

Fore.

O fearful! I think the Girl's influenc'd too,—Hussie, you shall have a Rod.

Miss.

A Fiddle of a Rod, I'll have a Husband; and if you won't get me one, I'll get one for my self: I'll marry our Robbin the Buttler, he says he loves me, and he's a Handsom Man, and shall be my Husband: I warrant he'll be my Husband and thank me too, for he told me so.

Enter Scandal, Mrs. Foresight, and Nurse.

Fore.

Did he so—I'll dispatch him for't presently; Rogue! Oh, Nurse, come hither.

Nurse.

What is your Worship's Pleasure?

Fore.

Here take your Young Mistress, and lock her up presently, 'till farther Orders from me—Not a Word, Hussie—Do what I bid you, no Reply, away. And bid Robbin make ready to give an Account of his Plate and Linnen, d'ye hear, begone when I bid you.

Ex. Nurse and Miss.

Mrs. Fore.

What's the matter, Husband?

Fore.

'Tis not convenient to tell you now—Mr. Scandal, Heav'n keep us all in our Senses—I fear there is a contagious Frenzy abroad. How does Valentine?

Scan.

O I hope he will do well again—I have a Message from him to your Niece Angelica.

Fore.

I think she has not return'd, since she went abroad with Sir Sampson.

Enter Ben.

Mrs. Fore.

Here's Mr. Benjamin, he can tell us if his Father be come home.

Ben.

Who, Father? ay, he's come home with a Vengeance.

Mrs. Fore.

Why, what's the Matter?

Ben.

Matter! Why he's mad.

Fore.

Mercy on us, I was afraid of this.

Ben.

And there's the Handsom Young Woman, she, as they say, Brother Val. went mad for, she's mad too, I think.

Fore.

O my poor Niece, my poor Niece, is she gone too? Well, I shall run mad next.

Mrs. Fore.

Well, but how mad? how d'ye mean?

Ben.

Nay, I'll give you leave to guess—I'll undertake to make a Voyage to Antegoa—No, hold, I mayn't say so neither—But I'll sail as far as Legorn, and back again, before you shall guess at the matter, and do nothing else; Mess, you may take in all the Points of the Compass, and not hit right.

Mrs. Fore.

Your Experiment will take up a little too much Time.

Ben.

Why then I'll tell you, There's a new Wedding upon the Stocks; and they two are a going to be married to rights.

Scan.

Who?

Ben.

Why Father, and—the Young Woman. I can't hit of her Name.

Scan.

Angelica?

Ben.

Ay, the same.

Mrs. Fore.

Sir Sampson and Angelica, impossible!

Ben.

That may be—but I'm sure it is as I tell you.

Scan.

'S'death it's a Jest, I can't believe it.

Ben.

Look you, Friend, it's nothing to me, whether you believe it or no. What I say is true; d'ye see, they are married, or just going to be married, I know not which.

Fore.

Well, but they are hot mad, that is, not Lunatick?

Ben.

I don't know what you may call Madness—But she's mad for a Husband, and he's Horn-mad, I think, or they'd ne'er make a Match together—Here they come.

Enter Sir Sampson, Angelica, with Buckram.

Sir Samp.

Where is this old Soothsayer? This Uncle of mine Elect? A ha, Old Foresight, Uncle Foresight, wish me Joy, Uncle Foresight, double Joy, both as Uncle and Astrologer; here's a Conjunction that was not foretold in all your Ephemeris—The brightest Star in the blue Firmament—is shot from above, in a Jelly of Love, and so forth; and I'm Lord of the Ascendant. Odd, you're an Old Fellow, Foresight; Uncle, I mean, a very Old Fellow, Uncle Foresight; and yet you shall live to dance at my Wedding; Faith and Troth you shall. Odd, we'll have the Musick of the Spheres for thee, Old Lilly, that we will, and thou shalt lead up a Dance in Via Lactea.

Fore.

I'm Thunder-struck! You are not married to my Niece?

Sir Samp.

Not absolutely married, Uncle; but very near it, within a Kiss of the matter, as you see.

[Kisses Ang.

Ang.

'Tis very true indeed, Uncle; I hope you'll be my Father, and give me.

Sir Samp.

That he shall, or I'll burn his Globes—Body o'me, he shall be thy Father, I'll make him thy Father, and thou shalt make me a Father, and I'll make thee a Mother, and we'll beget Sons and Daughters enough to put the Weekly Bills out of Countenance.

Scan.

Death and Hell! Where's Valentine?

[Exit Scan.

Mrs. Fore.

This is so surprizing—

Sir Samp.

How! What does my Aunt say? Surprizing, Aunt? Not at all, for a young Couple to make a Match in Winter? Not at all—It's a Plot to undermine Cold Weather, and destroy that Usurper of a Bed call'd a Warming-Pan.

Mrs. Fore.

I'm glad to hear you have so much Fire in you, Sir Sampson.

Ben.

Mess, I fear his Fire's little better than Tinder; may-hap it will only serve to light up a Match for some Body else. The Young Woman's a Handsom Young Woman, I can't deny it: But Father, if I might be your Pilot in this Case, you should not marry her. It's just the same thing, as if so be you should Sail so far as the Straights without Provision.

Sir Samp.

Who gave you Authority to speak, Sirrah? To your Element, Fish, be mute, Fish, and to Sea, rule your Helm, Sirrah, don't direct me.

Ben.

Well, well, take you care of your own Helm, or you mayn't keep your new Vessel steddy.

Sir Samp.

Why, you impudent Tarpawlin! Sirrah, do you bring your Fore-castle Jests upon your Father? But I shall be even with you, I won't give you a Groat. Mr. Buckram, is the Conveyance so worded, that nothing can possibly descend to this Scoundrel? I would not so much as have him have the Prospect of an Estate; tho' there were no way to come to it, but by the North-East Passage.

Buck.

Sir, it is drawn according to your Directions; there is not the least Cranny of the Law unstopp'd.

Ben.

Lawyer, I believe there's many a Cranny and Leak unstopp'd in your Conscience—If so be that one had a Pump to your Bosom, I believe we should discover a foul Hold. They say a Witch will sail in a Sieve—But I believe the Devil would not venture abroad o'your Conscience. And that's for you.

Sir Samp.

Hold your Tongue, Sirrah. How now, who's there?

Enter Tattle and Frail.

Frail.

O, Sir, the most unlucky Accident!

Mrs. Fore.

What's the matter?

Tatt.

O, the two most unfortunate poor Creatures in the World we are.

Fore.

Bless us! How so?

Frail.

Ah, Mr. Tattle and I, poor Mr. Tattle and I are—I can't speak it out.

Tatt.

Nor I—But poor Mrs. Frail and I are—

Frail.

Married.

Mrs. Fore.

Married! How?

Tatt.

Suddenly—before we know where we were—that Villain Jeremy, by the help of Disguises, trick'd us into one another.

Fore.

Why, you told me just now, you went hence in haste to be married.

Ang.

But I believe Mr. Tattle meant the Favour to me, I thank him.

Tatt.

I did, as I hope to be sav'd, Madam, my Intentions were good—But this is the most cruel thing, to marry one does not know how, nor why, nor wherefore—The Devil take me if ever I was so much concern'd at any thing in my Life.

Ang.

'Tis very unhappy, if you don't care for one another.

Tatt.

The least in the World—That is for my Part, I speak for my self. Gad, I never had the least thought of serious Kindness—I never lik'd any Body less in my Life. Poor Woman! Gad I'm sorry for her too; for I have no reason to hate her neither; but I believe I shall lead her a damn'd sort of a Life.

Mrs. Fore.

He's better than no Husband at all—tho' he's a Coxcomb.

Frail.

to her.] Ay, ay, it's well it's no worse—Nay, for my part I always despis'd Mr. Tattle of all things; nothing but his being my Husband could have made me like him less.

Tatt.

Look you there, I thought as much—Pox on't, I wish we could keep it secret, why I don't believe any of this Company would speak of it.

Frail.

But, my Dear, that's impossible; the Parson and that Rogue Jeremy will publish it.

Tatt.

Ay, my Dear, so they will, as you say.

Ang.

O you'll agree very well in a little time; Custom will make it easie to you.

Tatt.

Easie! Pox on't, I don't believe I shall Sleep to Night.

Sir Samp.

Sleep Quotha! No, why you would not Sleep o'your Wedding Night? I'm an older Fellow than you, and don't mean to Sleep.

Ben.

Why there's another Match now, as tho'f a couple of Privateers were looking for a Prize, and should fall foul of one another. I'm sorry for the Young Man with all my Heart. Look you, Friend, if I may advise you, when she's going, for that you must expect, I have Experience of her, when she's going, let her go. For no Matrimony is tough enough to hold her, and if she can't drag her Anchor along with her, she'll break her Cable, I can tell you that. Who's here? the Madman?

Enter Valentine dress'd, Scandal and Jeremy.

Val.

No, here's the Fool; and if occasion be, I'll give it under my Hand.

Sir Samp.

How now?

Val.

Sir, I'm come to acknowledge my Errors, and ask your Pardon.

Sir Samp.

What have you found your Senses at last then? In good time, Sir.

Val.

You were abus'd, Sir, I never was distracted.

Fore.

How! Not Mad! Mr. Scandal?

Scan.

No really, Sir; I'm his Witness, it was all Counterfeit.

Val.

I thought I had Reasons—But it was a poor Contrivance, the Effect has shewn it such.

Sir Samp.

Contrivance, what to cheat me? to cheat your Father! Sirrah, could you hope to prosper?

Val.

Indeed, I thought, Sir, when the Father endeavour'd to undo the Son, it was a reasonable return of Nature.

Sir Samp.

Very good, Sir—Mr. Buckram, are you ready?—Come, Sir, will you Sign and Seal?

Val.

If you please, Sir; but first I would ask this Lady one Question.

Sir Samp.

Sir, you must ask me leave first; that Lady, no, Sir; you shall ask that Lady no Questions, 'till you have ask'd her Blessing, Sir; that Lady is to be my Wife.

Val.

I have heard as much, Sir; but I would have it from her own Mouth.

Sir Samp.

That's as much as to say I lie, Sir, and you don't believe what I say.

Val.

Pardon me, Sir. But I reflect that I very lately counterfeited Madness; I don't know but the Frolick may go round.

Sir Samp.

Come, Chuck, satisfie him, answer him;—Come, come, Mr. Buckram, the Pen and Ink.

Buck.

Here it is, Sir, with the Deed, all is ready.

[Val. goes to Ang.

Ang.

'Tis true, you have a great while pretended Love to me; nay, what if you were sincere? Still you must Pardon me, if I think my own Inclinations have a better Right to dispose of my Person, than yours.

Sir Samp.

Are you answer'd now, Sir?

Val.

Yes, Sir.

Sir Samp.

Where's your Plot, Sir? And your Contrivance now, Sir? Will you Sign, Sir? Come, will you Sign and Seal?

Val.

With all my Heart, Sir.

Scan.

'Sdeath, you are not Mad indeed, to ruin your self?

Val.

I have been disappointed of my only Hope; and he that loses Hope may part with any thing. I never valu'd Fortune, but as it was subservient to my Pleasure; and my only Pleasure was to please this Lady: I have made many vain Attemps, and find at last that nothing but my Ruin can effect it: Which, for that Reason, I will Sign to—Give me the Paper.

Ang.

Generous Valentine!

Buck.

Here is the Deed, Sir.

Val.

But where is the Bond, by which I am oblig'd to Sign this?

Buck.

Sir Sampson, you have it.

Ang.

No, I have it; and I'll use it, as I would every thing that is an Enemy to Valentine.

[Tears the Paper.

Sir Samp.

How now!

Val.

Ha!

Ang.

Had I the World to give you, it could not make me worthy of so generous and faithful a Passion: Here's my Hand, my Heart was always yours, and struggl'd very hard to make this utmost Trial of your Virtue. [To Val.

Val.

Between Pleasure and Amazement I am lost—But on my Knees I take the Blessing.

Sir Samp.

Oons, what is the meaning of this?

Ben.

Mess here's the Wind chang'd again. Father, you and I may make a Voyage together now.

Ang.

Well, Sir Sampson, since I have plaid you a Trick, I'll advise you, how you may avoid such another. Learn to be a good Father, or you'll never get a second Wife. I always lov'd your Son, and hated your unforgiving Nature. I was resolv'd to try him to the utmost; I have try'd you too, and know you both. You have not more Faults than he has Virtues; and 'tis hardly more Pleasure to me, that I can make him and my self happy, than that I can punish you.

Val.

If my Happiness could receive Addition, this kind Surprize would make it double.

Sir Samp.

Oons you're a Crocodile.

Fore.

Really, Sir Sampson, this is a sudden Eclipse—

Sir Samp.

You're an illiterate Fool, and I'm another, and the Stars are Liars; and if I had Breath enough, I'd curse them and you, my self and every Body—Oons, Cully'd, Bubbl'd, Jilted, Woman-bobb'd at last, I have not Patience.

[Exit Sir Samp.

Tatt.

If the Gentleman is in this Disorder for want of a Wife, I can spare him mine. Oh, are you there, Sir? I'm indebted to you for my Happiness. [To Jere.

Jere.

Sir, I ask you Ten Thousand Pardons, 'twas an errant Mistake—You see, Sir, my Master was never mad, nor any thing like it—Then how could it be otherwise?

Val.

Tattle, I thank you; you would have interposed between me and Heav'n, but Providence laid Purgatory in your way—You have but Justice.

Scan.

I hear the Fiddles that Sir Sampson provided for his own Wedding; methinks 'tis pity they should not be employ'd when the Match is so much mended. Valentine, tho' it be Morning, we may have a Dance.

Val.

Any thing, my Friend, every thing that looks like Joy and Transport.

Scan.

Call 'em, Jeremy.

Ang.

I have done dissembling now, Valentine; and if that Coldness which I have always worn before you, should turn to an extream Fondness, you must not suspect it.

Val.

I'll prevent that Suspicion—For I intend to doat on at that immoderate rate, that your Fondness shall never distinguish it self enough to be taken notice of. If ever you seem to love too much, it must be only when I can't love enough.

Ang.

Have a care of Promises: You know you are apt to run more in Debt than you are able to pay.

Val.

Therefore I yield my Body as your Prisoner, and make your best on't.

Scan.

The Musick stays for you.

[Dance.

Scan.

Well, Madam, you have done Exemplary Justice, in punishing an inhuman Father, and rewarding a faithful Lover: But there is a third good Work, which I, in particular, must thank you for; I was an Infidel to your Sex, and you have converted me—For now I am convinc'd that all Women are not like Fortune, blind in bestowing Favours, either to those who do not merit, or who do not want 'em.

Ang.

'Tis an unreasonable Accusation, that you lay upon our Sex: You tax us with Injustice, only to cover your own want of Merit. You would all have the Reward of Love, but few have the C••stancy to stay 'till it becomes your due. Men are generally Hypocrites and Infidels, they pretend to Worship, but have neither Zeal nor Faith: How few, like Valentine, would perserve even unto Martyrdom, and sacrifice their Interest to their Constancy! In admi•ing me, you misplace the Novelty.

The Miracle to Day is, that we find

A Lover true: Not that a Woman's kind.

[Exeunt Omnes.

Information about this book

Title statement

Love for love. A comedy: Acted at the Theatre in Little-Lincoln's-Inn-Fields, by His Majesty's servants. Written by Mr. Congreve.

Congreve, William, 1670-1729.

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University of Oxford Text Archive
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ota@oucs.ox.ac.uk

ID [ota]

http://ota.ox.ac.uk/id/3345

ID [isbn10]

1106003446

ID [isbn13]

9781106003447

ID [TCP]

K001985.000

ID [BIBNO]

CW3312385961

ID [ECLL]

0425200400

Availability

Distributed by the University of Oxford under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License

Source

— Love for love. A comedy: Acted at the Theatre in Little-Lincoln's-Inn-Fields, by His Majesty's servants. Written by Mr. Congreve., Congreve, William, 1670-1729.. The fourth edition.. [10],78p. ; 4⁰. London :: printed for Jacob Tonson: and sold by R. Wellington, G. Strahan, and B. Lintott,. 1704.. [Reproduction of original from the Harvard University Houghton Library.] [English Short Title Catalog, ESTCN3073.] [Electronic data. Farmington Hills, Mich. : Thomson Gale, 2003. Page image (PNG). Digitized image of the microfilm version produced in Woodbridge, CT by Research Publications, 1982-2002 (later known as Primary Source Microfilm, an imprint of the Gale Group).]

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