seen barefac'd even at church, and scarce believes there's a true begotten child in the city.

Miran. Ha, ha, ha! how the old fool torments him. self! Suppose he could introduce his rigid rulesdoes he think we could not match them in contrivance? No, no; let the tyrant man make what laws he will, if there's a woman under the government, I warrant she finds a way to break 'em. Is his mind set upon the Spaniard for his son-in-law still ?

Patch. Ay, and he expects him by the next fleet, which drives his daughter to melancholy and despair. But, madam, I find you retain the same gay cheerful spirit you had when I waited on your ladyship.-My lady is mighty good-humour'd too, and I have found a way to make Sir Jealous believe I am wholly in his interest, when my real design is to serve her: he makes me her gaoler, and I set her at liberty.

Miran. I knew thy prolifick brain would be of sin. gular service to her, or I had not parted with thee to her father.

Patch. But, madam, the report is that you are going to marry your guardian.

Miran. It is necessary such a report should be, Patch. Patch. But is it true, madam!

Miran. That's not absolutely necessary.

Patch. I thought it was only the old strain, coaxing him still for your own, and railling at all the young fellows about town: in my mind now you are as ill plagu'd with your guardian, madam, as my lady is with her father.

Miran. No, I have liberty, wench; that she wants: what would she give now to be in this dishabille in the open air, nay more, in pursuit of the young she likes for that's my case I assure you.

fellow

Patch. As for that, madam, she's even with you; for tho' she cann't come abroad we have a way to bring him home in spite of old Argus.

Miran. Now, Patch, your opinion of my choice, for here he comes.-Ha! my guardian with him! what can be the meaning of this? I'm sure Sir Francis cann't know me in this dress.Let's observe 'em. [They withdraw.

Enter Sir FRANCIS GRIPE and Sir GEORGE AIRY. Sir Fran. Verily, Sir George, thou wilt repent throwing away thy money so, for I tell thee sincerely, Miranda, my charge, does not like a young fellow; they are all vicious, and seldom make good husbands: in sober sadness she cannot abide 'em.

Miran. peeping.] In sober sadness you are mistaken. -What can this mean?

Sir Geo. Look ye, Sir Francis, whether she can or cannot abide young fellows is not the business: will you take the fifty guineas?

Sir Fran. In good truth I will not-for I knew thy father, he was a hearty wary man, and I cannot consent that his son should squander away what he sav'd to no purpose.

Miran. peeping.] Now, in the name of wonder what bargain can he be driving about me for fifty guineas?

Patch. I wish it be n't for the first night's lodging, madam.

Sir Geo. Well, Sir Francis, since you are so conscientious for my father's sake, then permit me the favour gratis.

Miran. peeping] The favour! O' my life I believe 'tis as you said, Patch.

Sir Fran. No verily; if thou dost not buy thy experience thou wilt never be wise; therefore give me a hundred, and try thy fortune.

Sir Geo. The scruples arose, I find, from the scanty sum.- -Let me see-a hundred guineas-[ Takes 'em out of a purse and chinks 'em.] ha! they have a very pretty sound, and a very pleasing look-But then, Miranda-but if she should be cruel

Miran. peeping.] As ten to one I shall

Sir Fran. Ay, do, consider on't. He, he, hel
Sir Geo. No, I'll do't.

Patch. Do't! what, whether you will or no, madam?

Sir Geo. Come, to the point; here's the gold; sum up the conditions.

[Sir Fran. pulling out a paper.]

Miran. peeping.] Ay, for Heaven's sake do, for my expectation is on the rack.

Sir Fran. Well, at your peril be it.

Sir Geo. Ay, ay, go on.

Sir Fran. Imprimis, you are to be admitted into my house in order to move your suit to Miranda, for the

space of ten minutes, without let or molestation, provided I remain in the same room.

Sir Geo. But out of earshot.

Sir Fran. Well, well, I don't desire to hear what you say; ha, ha, ha! in consideration I am to have that purse and a hundred guineas.

Sir Geo. Take it

[Gives him the purse. Miran. peeping.] So, 'tis well it's no worse: I'll fit you both

Sir Geo. And this agreement is to be performed today.

Sir Fran. Ay, ay ; the sooner the better. Poor fool! how Miranda and I shall laugh at him!-Well, Sir George, ha, ha, ha! take the last sound of your guineas, ha, ha, ha! [Chinks 'em.]

[Exit. Miran. peeping.] Sure he does not know I am Miranda.

Sir Geo. A very extraordinary bargain I have made truly; if she should be really in love with this old cuff now-Psha! that's morally impossible.But then, what hopes have I to succeed? I never spoke to

her

Miran. peeping.] Say you so then I am safe.

Sir Geo. What tho' my tongue never spoke? my eyes said a thousand things, and my hopes flatter'd me her's answer'd 'em. If I'm lucky- -if not, it is but a hundred guineas thrown away.

[Miranda and Patch come forward.

Miran. Upon what, Sir George?

Sir Geo. Ha! my incognita-upon a woman, madam.

Miran. They are the worst things you can deal in, and damage the soonest; your very breath destroys 'em, and I fear you'll never see your return, Sir George, ha, ha!

Sir Geo. Were they more brittle than china, and dropped to pieces with a touch, every atom of her I have ventur'd at, if she is but mistress of thy wit, ballances ten times the sum.-Pr'ythee, let me see thy face.

Miran. By no means; that may spoil your opinion of my sense

Sir Geo. Rather confirm it, madam.

Patch. So rob the lady of your gallantry, sir.

Sir Geo. No child, a dish of chocolate in the morn ing never spoils my dinner: the other lady I design a set meal; so there's no danger.

Miran. Matrimony! ha, ha, ha! what crimes have you committed against the god of Love, that he should revenge 'em so severely, to stamp husband on your forehead?

Sir Geo. For my folly, in having so often met you here without pursuing the laws of Nature and exercising her command-But I resolve ere we part now to know who you are, where you live, what kind of flesh and blood your face is; therefore unmask, and and don't put me to the trouble of doing it for you. Miran. My face is the same flesh and blood with

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