Sir GEORGE.

;

The event fhall juftify your choice. You have my faith and honour for your fecurity. For tho' I can't boaft of my own goodness, yet I have an honeft feeling for afflicted virtue and, however unfafhionable, a fpirit that dares afford it protection. Give me your hand. As foon as I have dispatch'd fome preffing business here, I will lodge you in an asylum, facred to the diftreffes of your fex; where indigent beauty is guarded from temptations, and deluded innocence refcu'd from infamy. [Exeunt. Enter SHIFT.

Zooks, I have toil'd like a horfe ; quite tir'd, by Jupiter. And what fhall I get for for my pains? The old fellow here, talks of making me easy for life. Eafy! And what does he mean by eafy? He'll make me an excife-man, I fuppofe, and fo with an ink-horn at my button-hole, and a taper fwitch in my hand, I fhall run about gauging of beer barrels. No, that will never do. This lad here is no fool. Foppish, indeed. He does not want parts, no, nor principles neither. I overheard his fcene with the girl. I think I may truft him. I have a great mind to venture it. It is a fhame to have him dup'd by this old don. It must not be. I'll in, and unfold, Ha-Egad I have a thought too, which, if my heir apparent can execute, I fhall ftill lye conceal'd, and, perhaps, be rewarded on both fides. ·

I have it,'tis engender'd, piping hot.

And

And now, Sir Knight, I'll match you with

a plot.

[Exit.

Enter Sir WILLIAM and RICH.Wealthy.

R. WEALTHY.

Well, I fuppofe, by this time, you are fatisfied what a fcoundrel you have brought into the world, and are ready to finish your foolery.

1. Sir WILLIAM.

Got to the catastrophe, good brother.

I have already alarm'd all his tradefmen. I fuppofe we shall foon have them here, with a legion of bayliffs and conftables. Oh, you have my will about you.

Yes, yes.

R. WEALTHY.

Sir WILLIAM.

It is almost time to produce it, or read him the clause that relates to his rejecting your daughter. That will do his bufinefs. they come. I must return to my character.

Enter SHIFT.

SHIFT.

Sir, fir, we are all scheme is blown up; Loader and Tally, and within.

But

in the wrong box; our your fon has detected is playing the very devil

Enter Sir GEORGE, driving in LOADER
and another.

Sir GEORGE. &

Rafcals, robbers, that like the locuft, mark the road you have taken, by the ruin and defolation you leave behind you.

Sir George.

LOA DE R.

Sir GEORGE,

I And can youth, however cautious, be guarded against fuch deep - laid complicated villany? Where are the reft of your diabolical crew? your auctioneer, ufurer, and O. fir, are you here! I am glad you have not efcap'd ⚫ us however.

Your birth, which I believe an impofition, preferves you however, from the difcipline thofe rogues have receiv'd. A baron, a nobleman, a fharper! O fhame! It is enough to banifh all confidence from the world. On whose faith can we rely, when those, whose honour is held as facred as an oath, unmindful of their dignity, defcend to rival pick-pockets in their infamous arts. What are thefe [pulls out dice] pretty implements, the fruits of your leisure

hours.

1

hours. They are dexterously done. You have a fine mechanical turn.-Dick, fecure the door..

Mrs. COLE, Speaking as entering.

Mrs. COEE. Ldid aweb

Blefs

Here I am, at laft. Well, and how is your honour, and the little gentlewoman! me, what is the matter here?

Sir GEORGE.

I am, Madam, treating your friends with a cold collation, and, you are opportunely come for your fhare. The little gentlewoman is fafe, and in much better hands than you defign'd her. Abominable hypocrite! Who, tottering under the load of irreverent age, and infamous diseases, inflexibly proceeds in the practice of every vice, impiously proftituting the most facred inftitutions, to the most infernal purpofes."

17. Mrs. C O L'E.

I hope your Honour

Sir GEORGE. TH~

Take her away. As you have been fingular in your penitence, you ought to be diftinguish'd in your pennance. Which, I promise you, fhall be most publickly, and plentifully bestowed. TANT [Exit COLE, Enter Deck DIAM

DICK.

The conftables, fir.

Sir GEORGE.

Let them come in, that I may confign these gentlemen to their care. [To Sir Will.]. Your let

M 2

ters

ters of nobility you will produce in a court of juftice. Tho', if I read you right, you are one of thofe indigent, itinerant nobles, of your own creation, which our reputation for hofpitality draws hither in fhoals, to the shame of our understanding, the impairing of our fortunes, and when you are trufted, the betraying of our defigns. Officers, do your duty.

Juft as I guess'd. An impoftor. He has recover'd the free ufe of his tongue already.

"

Hold, hold, a moment. Brother Richard, fet this matter to rights.

R. WEALTHY.

iDon't you know, him?

Sir GEORGE.

Know him! The very queftion is an affront.

R. WEALTHY.

Nay, I don't wonder at it. 'Tis your father, you fool.