J. Wood. A letter, and to me? [taking the letter.] Yes, it is to me; and yet I am sure it comes from no correspondent, that I know of. Where are my spectacles not but I can see very well without them, master Hawthorn; but this seems to be a sort of ǎ crabbed hand.

I am ashamed of giving you this trouble; but, I am informed there is an unthinking boy, a son of mine, now disguised and in your service, in the capacity of a gardener: Tom is a little wild, but an honest lad, and no fool either, though I am his father that say it. Tom-oh, this is Thomas, our gardener; I always thought that he was a better man's child than he appeared to be, though I never mentioned it.

Haw. Well, well, Sir, pray let's hear the rest of the letter.

511

J. Wood. Stay, where is the place? Oh, here:-/ am come in quest of my run-away, and write this at an inn in your village, while I am swallowing a morsel of dinner: because, not having the pleasure of your acquaintance, I did not care to intrude, without giving you notice (Whoever this person is, he understands good manners). I beg leave to wait on you, Sir; but desire you! would keep my arrival a secret, particularly from the young man.

520

WILLIAM MEADOWS.

I'll assure you, a very well worded, civil letter.

Do you know any thing of the person who writes it, neighbour ?

Haw. Let me consider-Meadows-by dad I believe it is Sir William Meadows of Northamptonshire; and, now I remember, I heard, sometime ago, that the heir of that family had absconded, on account of a marriage that was disagreeable to him. It is a good many years since I have seen Sir William, but we were once well acquainted: and, if you please, Sir, I will go and conduct him to the house.

J. Wood. Do so, master Hawthorn, do so— -But, pray what sort of a man is this Sir William Meadows? Is he a wise man?

Haw. There is no occasion for a man that has five thousand pounds a year, to be a conjuror; but I suppose you ask that question because of this story about his son; taking it for granted, that wise parents make wise children.

540

J. Wood. No doubt of it, master Hawthorn, no doubt of it-I warrant we shall find now, that this young rascal has fallen in love with some mynx, against his father's consent-Why Sir, if I had as many children as king Priam had, that we read of at school, in the destruction of Troy, not one of them should serve me so.

Haw. Well, well, neighbour, perhaps not; but we should remember when we were young ourselves; and I was as likely to play an old don such a trick in my day, as e'er a spark in the hundred; nay between

you and me, I had done it once, had the wench been

4

AIR.

My Dolly was the fairest thing!

Her breath disclos'd the sweets of spring;'
"And if for summer you wou'd seek,
"Twas painted in her eye, her cheek;
Her swelling bosom, tempting ripe,
Of fruitful autumn was the type:
But, when my tender tale I told,
I found her heart was winter cold.

7. Wood. Ah, you were always a scape-grace rattle-cap.

Haw. Odds heart, neighbour Woodcock, don't tell me, you fellows will be young fellows, though we preach till we're hoarse again; and so there's an end

on't.

SCENE IX.

JUSTICE WOODCOCK'S Hall.

HODGE, MARGERY.

Hodge. So, mistress, who let you in?

Mar. Why, I let myself in.

4

Hodge. Indeed! Marry come up! why, then pray let yourself out again. Times are come to a pretty pass; I think you might have had the manners to knock at the door first-What does the wench stand for?

Mar. I want to know if his worship's at home. Hodge. Well, what's your business with his wor ship?

Mar. Perhaps you will hear that-Look ye, Hodge, it does not signify talking, I am come, once for all, to know what you intends to do; for I won't be made a fool of any longer. Hodge. You won't.

581

Mar. No, that's what I won't, by the best man that ever wore a head; I am the make-game of the whole village upon your account; and I'll try whether your master gives you toleration in your doings. Hodge. You will?

Mar. Yes that's what I will; his worship shall be acquainted with all your pranks, and see how you will like to be sent for a soldier.

59°

take a friend's advice

Mar. My business is with his worship; and I

H

Hodge. Look you, Madge, if you make any of your orations here, never stir if I don't set the dogs at you-Will you be gone?

Mar. I won't.

Hodge. Here Towzer, [whistling.] whu, whu, whu.

AIR.

Was ever poor fellow so plagu'd with a vixen?

600

Zawns! Madge don't provoke me, but mind what I say;
You've chose a wrong parson for playing your tricks on,
So pack up your alls and be trudging away:
You'd better be quiet,

And not breed a riot;

S'blood, must I stand prating with you here all day?
I've got other matter's to mind

;

May hap you may think me an ass ;

But to the contrary you'll find:

A fine piece of work by the mass!·

610

SCENE X.

ROSSETTA, HODGE, MARGERY.

Ros. Sure I heard the voice of discord here-as I live, an admirer of mine, and, if I mistake not, a rival -I'll have some sport with them-how now, fellowservant, what's the matter?

Hodge. Nothing, Mrs. Rossetta, only this young woman wants to speak with his worship-Madge follow me!

Mar. No, Hodge, this is your fine madam; but I am as good flesh and blood as she, and have as clear