pleased to grant unto John Hogsflesh"-the devil-" Hogsflesh, Esq. of Sty Hall, in the county of Hants, his royal licence and authority"O Lord! O Lord!" that he and his issue"me and my issue-" may take and use the surname and arms of Bacon”—Bacon, the surname and arms of Bacon-" in pursuance of an injunction contained in the last will and testament of Nicholas Bacon, Esq. his late uncle, as well as out of grateful respect to his memory:"-grateful respect! poor old soul- here's more— " and that such arms may be first duly exemplified"-they shall, I will take care of that—" according to the laws of arms, and recorded in the Herald's Office." Belvil. Come, Madam, give me leave to put my own interpretation upon your silence, and to plead for my friend, that now that only obstacle which seemed to stand in the way of your union is removed, you will suffer me to complete the happiness which my news seems to have brought him, by introducing him with a new claim to your favour, by the name of Mr. Bacon. (Takes their hands and joins them, which Melesinda seems to give consent to with a smile.) Mr. H. Generous Melesinda!-my dear friend "he and his issue," me and my issue-O Lord! Belvil. I wish you joy, Jack, with all my heart. Mr. H. Bacon, Bacon, Bacon-how odd it sounds. I could never be tired of hearing it. There was Lord Chancellor Bacon. Methinks I have some of the Verulam blood in me alreadymethinks I could look through Nature-there was Friar Bacon, a conjurer—I feel as if I could conjure too Enter a Servant. Servant. Two young ladies and an old lady are at the door, enquiring if you see company, Madam. Mr. H. "Surname and arms" Melesinda. Shew them up.-My dear Mr. Bacon, moderate your joy. Enter three Ladies, being part of those who were at the Assembly. 1st Lady. My dear Melesinda, how do you do? 2d Lady. How do you do? We have been so concerned for you Old Lady. We have been so concerned―(seeing him)-Mr. Hogsflesh Mr. H. There's no such person-nor there never was-nor 'tis not fit there should be-" surname and arms" Belvil. It is true what my friend would express; we have been all in a mistake, ladies. Very true, the name of this gentleman was what you call it, but it is so no longer. The succession to the long-contested Bacon estate is at length decided, and with it my friend succeeds to the name of his deceased relative. Mr. H." His Majesty has been graciously pleased" 1st Lady. I am sure we all join in hearty congratulation—(sighs) 2d Lady. And wish you joy with all our hearts -(heigh ho!) Old Lady. And hope you will enjoy the name and estate many years-(cries) Belvil. Ha! ha ha! mortify them a little, Jack. 1st Lady. Hope you intend to stay— Old Lady. In these parts Mr. H. Ladies, for your congratulations I thank you; for the favours you have lavished on me, and in particular for this lady's (turning to the old Lady) good opinion, I rest your debtor. As to any future favours-(accosts them severally in the order in which he was refused by them at the assembly) — Madam, shall always acknowledge your politeness; but at present, you see, I am engaged with a partner. Always be happy to respect you as a friend, but you must not look for any thing further. Must beg of you to be less particular in your addresses to me. Ladies all, with this piece of advice, of Bath and you Your ever grateful servant takes his leave. Lay your plans surer when you plot to grieve; See, while you kindly mean to mortify Another, the wild arrow do not fly, And gall yourself. For once you've been mistaken; Your shafts have miss'd their aim-Hogsflesh has saved his Bacon. |
