SCENE XII.

Lord AIMWORTH, Sir HARRY, Lady SYCAMORE, PATTY, THEODOSIA, MERVIN, FAIRFIELD, RALPH, GILES.

Giles. Ods bobs, where am I running-I beg pardon for my audacity. 710

Ral. Hip, farmer; come back, mon, come backSure my lord's going to marry sister himself; feyther's to have a fine house, and I'm to be a captain.

L. Aim. Ho, Master Giles, pray walk in; here is a lady who, I dare swear, will be glad to see you, and give orders that you shall always be made wel

come.

Ral. Yes, farmer, you'll always be welcome in the kitchen.

719

L. Aim. What, have you nothing to say to your old acquaintance- -Come, pray let the famer salute you- -Nay, a kiss-I insist upon it.

S. Har. Ha, ha, ha-hem!

L. Syc. Sir Harry, I am ready to sink at the monstrousness of your behaviour.

L. Aim. Fye, Master Giles, don't look so sheepish; you and I were rivals, but not less friends at present. "You have acted in this affair like an honest Englishman, who scorned even the shadow of dishonour, and thou shall sit rent-free for a twelvemonth.

S. Har. Come, shan't we all salute With your

leave, my lord, I'll

L. Syc. Sir Harry!

AIR.

L. Aim. Yield who will to forms a martyr,

The.

S. Har.

While unaw'd by idle shame,

Pride for happiness I barter,
Heedless of the millions blame.
Thus with love my arms I quarter;

Women grac'd in nature's frame,
Ev'ry privilege, by charter,

Have a right from man to claim.

Eas'd of doubts and fears presaging,
What new joys within me rise!
While mama, her frowns assuaging,
Dares no longer tyrannize,
So long storms and tempests raging,
When the blust'ring fury dies,
Ah! how lovely, how engaging,
Prospects fair, and cloudless skies!

Dad but this is wond'rous pretty,
Singing each a roun-de-lay;
And I'll mingle in the ditty,

Tho' I scarce know what to say.
There's a daughter, brisk and witty;
Here's a wife, can wisely sway:
Trust me, masters, 'twere a pity,
Not to let them have their way.

K

Patty.

Giles.

My example is a rare one;

But the cause may be divin'd:
Women want not merit- -dare one
Hope discerning men to find.

0!

may each accomplish'd fair one,
Bright in person, sage in mind,
Viewing my good fortune, share one
Full as splendid, and as kind.

Laugh'd at, slighted, circumvented,
And expos'd for folks to see't,
'Tis as tho'f a man repented
For his follies in a sheet.
But my wrongs go unresented,

Since the fates have thought them meet:

This good company contented,

All my wishes are complete.