I am charm'd with an occasion to evince My great respect for you-How well you look, How very well! You must enjoy unbounded health! Inference. (aside) He's quizzing, I conclude. (Mr. Courland gradually collects resolution enough to look round, and, astonished at the emaciated figure and tattered garments of Inference, starts back; while Harry smiles to recognise the face of the adventurer, who stands with his head down, too abash'd to speak.) Mr. Courl. (apart to Harry) Who in the name of Charon's hire is this Harry (apart to his father) He is, no doubt, a paragon of high life Cloth'd in the finest broad cloth. Mr. Courl. (to Inference) Who, what are you ? Inference. (bowing, and presenting a letter) The ho nourable Mr. Scholium. Mr. Courl. (hastily looking over the letter) The same, indeed; and yet (to Inference) Pray, sir, will-will You let me offer some refreshment; for- Inference. I thank-you, sir, I could not eat a mouthful. (aside) Oh, my poor stomach, you must pay for this! Mr. Courl. You may be dieting? My physician, sir Mr. Courl. Is an inhuman rascal. His name, pray. Harry Courl. (apart to his father) Unsuccessful knavery. (to Inference examining his coat) If, Mr. Scholium, I may be so bold Inference. No ceremony, sir-(aside) This prying chap May recognise me ! Harry Courl. (still examining his coat) Pardon my odd query: Has this coat been prescrib'd by your physician? Inference. A rent. Harry Courl. Oh wonderful! Mr. Courl. (waking from an uneasy reverie) What is the matter? Harry Courl. Utterly amaz'd! This very honourable stranger, who Will, no doubt, write his travels through our country, Has thrown away two syllables upon An actual fact, sir. Mr. Courl. Bless my soul! Inference. Ha, ha, Ha, ha, you will be witty, gentlemen [exit (aside) And thence it seems that I am unsuspected. Mr. Courl. Where is your friend the general, sir ? Inference. That you, Good Mr. Courland, do him too much honour, Or probable- -that is, my testimony (bowing, and laying his hand on his heart.) Or I will make my language dialectic; And then the method as you order may But hold, would you prefer the argument Ex minus probabile ad magis.? Mr. Courl. A-any thing that I can understand. Inference. (again bowing) The evidence of testimony, sir? Then know the general is no friend of mine. A general. But this, Mr. Courland, this For a more vile incendiary has not Creep'd into being since the age of Nero. (Mr. Courland stares with dismay) Don't be alarm'd, sir. Mr. Courl. No-no-not at all. Inference. In truth, sir, I conclude legitimately Enter Moonshine unexpectedly, and bowing to Mr. gentlemen Of modern times (winking to Mr. Courland)-Permit me, if you please. (taking Moonshine's hand) This, my dear sir, is general Magnavantine Moonshine. (to Mr. Courland, who reluctantly bows) You do me honour. Mr. Courl. (aside) General Skeleton ! Moonshine. We had intended yesterday to pay Our warm regards to you; but a mere trifle, Which, Mr Scholium, you perhaps have mention'd— Inference. It was a trifle, and escap'd my memory. Moonshine. Yes, a mere trifle: we were robb'd, I think, Of a few thousand pounds-and what was laughable, The fellows left our purses bare-yes-and Ha, ha, excuse me--the mischievous rogues In merry mood, and to complete the jest, Usurp'd our garments, and gave us their own. Ha, ha,-(apart to Inference) Why don't you laugh? Inference. Ha, ha, ha, ha. Re-enter HARRY, who whispers his father. Mr. Courl. (apart to Harry) And these are they? Harry. (apart to Mr. Courl) The same, depend upon it: I was a witness to the whole contrivance. Mr. Courl. (stealing a look at Inference and Moonshine) 'Tis so, I fear- -and you will, therefore, watch them. Though don't imagine that the day is yours: Harry Courl. (aside) Well, I may smile at least. Inference (apart to Harry) A word, good youth: (pointing to Moonshine) Alas, from the fallacious attitudes Of that same Magnavantine, I infer A stratagem against your father's weal- Been born among the ancients, I conclude Harry Courl. It had been but a base insinuation: That is, the modus ducens in absurdum? Exit Mr. Courland; from whom Moonshine has just separated, and now approaching Harry, bows with much confidence, but starts on recognising his fea tures. Harry Courl. (aside) Poor rascals! they shall not yet think I know them. Enter HARRY COURLAND at another door. Mr. Courl. Come hither, boy, a word or two on wo man. Harry Courl. If you converse on woman, my dear sir, Make her's the measure of your speech, and talk Mr. Courl. Have you e'er seen Harry Courl. Yes, sir, a thousand times; 'Tis like the being now upon our thoughts: Like her when she absents herself it leaves A smile, and but a very transient smile, Upon reposing nature. Mr. Courl. No heroics. Harry Courl. Woman's the spring of half our emulation, Science itself to her must be indebted. Mr. Courl. She has, I grant, found the perpetual motion. Harry Courl. And when a wife so heavenly is the burden, Cavillers judge 'tis requisite one have The shoulders of an Atlas to support it. Mr. Courl. But to the main point without further premise: Intelligence has reach'd me from my friend That two great Europeans, just arriv'd, Would, to become acquainted with our nation, Their tour he tells me will lie through this district, Would much oblige him to receive them kindly, Has of the two the more wealth I intend him B 2 |