done to Darnley? the poor fellow looks as if he had killed your parrot. Dr. C. I speak it from my heart: indeed, indeed, indeed I do. Lady L. O dear! you hurt my hand, sir. Dr. C. Impute it to my zeal, and want of words for expression: precious soul! I would not hurt you for the world: no, it would be the whole business of my life Lady L. But to the affair I would speak to you about. Dr. C. Ah! thou heavenly woman! Char. Pshaw! you know him well enough! I've only been setting him a love lesson; it a little puzzles him to get through it at first, but he'll know it all by to-morrow-you will be sure to be in the way, Mr. Sey ward Sey. Madam, you may depend upon me; I have my full instructions. [Exit. Col. L. O, ho! here's the business then; and it seems Darnley was not to be trusted with Lady L. Your hand need not be there, sir. it; ha ha!-and, pry'thee, what is the mighty Dr. C. I was admiring the softness of this secret that is transacting between Seyward silk. They are indeed come to prodigious perand you? fection in all manufactures: how wonderful is Char. That's what he would have known, human art! Here it disputes the prize with naindeed; but you must know, I don't think it ture; that all this soft and gaudy lustre should. proper to let you tell him neither, for all your be wrought from the labours of a poor worm! sly manner of asking. Lady L. But our business, sir, is upon an Col. L. Pray take your own time, dear ma- other subject; sir John informs me, that he dam; I am not in haste to know, I assure you. thinks himself under no obligations to Mr. Char. Well, but hold; on second thoughts, Darnley, and therefore resolves to give his you shall know part of this affair between daughter to you. Seyward and me; nay, I give you leave to Dr. C. Such a thing has been mentioned, tell Darnley too, on some conditions; 'tis true, madam; but, to deal sincerely with you, that I did design to have surprised you-but now is not the happiness I sigh after; there is a soft my mind's altered, that's enough. and serious excellence for me, very different Col. L. Ay, for any mortal's satisfaction-from what your step-daughter possesses. but here comes my lady. Enter LADY LAMBERT. Lady L. Away, away, colonel and Charlotte; both of you away this instant. Char. What's the matter, madam? Lady L. Well, sir, pray be sincere, and open your heart to me." Dr. C. Open my heart! can you then, sweet life been able to inform you of my real thoughts? lady, be yet a stranger to it? has no action of my Lady L. Well, sir, I take all this, as I suppose you intend it, for my good and spiritual welfare. Dr. C. Indeed, I mean you cordial service. the low, momentary views of this world. Lady L. I dare say you do: you are above Lady L. I am going to put the doctor to his trial, that's all. I have considered the proposal you have made me to-day, colonel, and am convinced it ought not to be delayed an instant; so just now I told the doctor, in a half-whisper, that I should be glad to have word in private with him here; and he said he would wait upon me presently; but must I play a traitorous part now, and instead of Lady L. We all have those, but yours are persuading you to the doctor, persuade the doctor against you? well corrected by your divine and virtuous contemplations, Char. Dear madam, why not? one moment's truce with the prude, I beg of you; don't startle at his first declaration, but let him go on, till he shows the very bottom of his ugly heart. Lady L. I warrant you, I'll give a good account of him-but, as I live, here he comes! Char. Come then, brother, you and I will be commode, and steal off. [Exeunt Char lotte and Col. L. who listens. Enter DOCTOR CANTWELL. Dr. C. Here I am, madam, at your lady ship's command; how happy am I that you think me worthy- Lady L. Please to sit, sir. find this mortal clothing of my soul is made Dr. C. Why, I should be so; and yet, alas! and has its frailties. like other men's, of sensual flesh and blood, Dr. C. Alas! madam, my heart is not of stone: I may resist, call all my prayers, my fastings, tears, and penance, to my aid; but yet, I am not an angel; I am still but a man; and virtue may strive, but nature will be uppermost. I love you then, madam. Lady L. Hold, sir! suppose I now should let my husband, your benefactor, know the favour you design him? Dr. C. You cannot be so cruel! Lady L. Nor will, on this condition; that instantly you renounce all claim and title to Charlotte, and use your utmost interest with sir John, to give her, with her full fortune, to Mr. Darnley. Dr. C. Well but, dear lady, ha! you can't conceive the joyousness I feel at this so much Enter COLONEL LAMBERT. desired interview. Ah! ah! I have a thousand Col. L. Villain! monster! perfidious and unfriendly things to say to you: and how stands grateful traitor! your hypocrisy, your false zeal, your precious health? is your naughty cold is discovered; and I am sent here, by the hand abated yet? I have scarce closed my eyes these of insulted heaven, to lay you open to my two nights with my concern for you. father, and expose you to the world. Dr. C. Ha! Lady L. Your charity is too far concerned for me. Dr. C. Ah! don't say so; don't say so; you merit more than mortal man can do for you. Lady L. Indeed, you overrate me. Lady L. O, unthinking colonel! Col. L. Well, sir, what have you to say for yourself? Dr. C. I have nothing to say to you, colonel, nor for you but you shall have my prayers. tion of my sister's name! directly, plainly, Col. L. Why, you profligate hypocrite! do grossly tending to abuse the honour of your bed. you think to carry off your villany with that Sir J. Villain! this instant leave my sight, my_house, my family, for ever. sanctified air? Dr. C. I know not what you mean, sir; 1 Dr. C. Hold, good sir John; I am now have been in discourse here with my good recovered from my surprise; let me then be lady, by permission of your worthy father. an humble mediator-on my account this must Col. L. Dog! did my father desire you to not be-1 grant it possible, your son loves me talk of love to my lady? not; but you must grant it too as possible, Dr. C. Call me not dog, colonel: I hope we he might mistake me; to accuse me then, are both brother Christians.-Yes, I will own was but the error of his virtue; you ought to I did beg leave to talk to her of love: for, love him, thank him, for his watchful care. alas! I am but a man; yet if my passion for Sir J. O miracle of charity! your dear sister, which I cannot control, be sinful Dr. C. Come, come; such breaches must not be betwixt so good a son and father; forLady L. Your noise, I perceive, is bringing get, forgive, embrace him, cherish him, and up sir John; manage with him as you will at let me bless the hour I was the occasion of present:. I will withdraw, for I have an after-so sweet a reconcilement. game to play, which may yet put this wretch Sir J. Hear this, preverse and reprobate! effectually into our power. [Exit. Oh! couldst thou wrong such more than mor Enter SIR JOHN LAMBERT. Sir J. What uproar is this? Col. L. Nothing, sir, nothing; only a little broil of the good doctor's here-You are well tal virtue? Col. L. Wrong him! the hardened impudence of this painted charity Sir J. Peace, graceless infidel! Col. L. No, sir, though I would hazard rewarded for your kindnesses; and he would life to gain you from the clutches of that fain pay it back with triple interest to your wretch; could die to reconcile my duty to wife: in short, I took him here in the very your favour; yet, on the terms his villany of fact of making a criminal declaration of love fers, it is merit to refuse it—but, sir, I'll trouto my lady. ble you no more; to-day is his, to-morrow may be mine. [Exit. Dr. C. Why, why, sir John, would you not let me leave your house? I knew some dreadful method would be taken to drive me hence -O, be not angry, good colonel: but indeed, and indeed, you use me cruelly. Sir J. Horrible, wicked, creature!-Doctor, let me hear it from you. Sir J. Come, my friend, we'll go this instant and sign the settlement: for that wretch ought to be punished, who I now see is incorrigible, and given over to perdition. Dr. C. And do you think I take your estate with such view?-No, sir-I receive it Dr. C. Alas, sir, I am in the dark as much that I may have an opportunity to rouse his as you; but it should seem, for what purpose mind to virtue, by showing him an instance he best knows, your son hid himself hereabouts; of the forgiveness of injuries; the return of and while I was talking to my lady, rushed good for evil!in upon us-you know the subject, sir, on Sir. J. O, my dear friend! my stay and which I was to entertain her; and I might my guide! I am impatient till the affair is speak of my love for your daughter with more warmth than, perhaps, I ought; which the colonel overhearing, he might possibly imagine I was addressing my lady herself; for I will not suspect, no, heaven forbid, I will not suspect that he would intentionally forge a falsehood to dishonour me. Sir J. Now, vile detracter of all virtue! is your outrageous malice confounded? what he tells you is true; he has been talking to my lady by my consent, and what he said was by my orders-Good man! be not concerned; for I see through their vile design - Here, thou curse of my life, if thou art not lost to conscience and all sense of honour, repair the injury you have attempted, by confessing your rancour, and throwing yourself at his feet. Dr. C. Oh, sir John! for my sake-I will throw myself at the colonel's feet; nay, if that will please him, he shall tread on my neck. Sir J. What, mute, defenceless, hardened in thy malice? Col. L. I sorn the imputation, sir; and with the same repeated honesty avow (however cunningly he may concluded. Dr. C. The will of heaven be done in all things. Sir J. Poor, dear, man! ACT IV. [Exeunt. SCENE I-A Parlour at SIR JOHN LAmbert's. Char. And all passed without the least suspicion? Sey. Sir John signed it with such earnestness, and the doctor received it with such seeming reluctance, that neither had the curiosity to examine a line of it. Char. Well, Mr. Seyward, whether it succeeds to our ends or not, we have still the same obligations to you.-You saw with what friendly warmth my brother heard your story; and I don't in the least doubt his being able to do something for you. Sey. What I have done, my duty bound have devised this gloss), me to; but pray, madam, give me leave, that you are deceived-what I tell you, sir, without offence, to ask you one innocent is true these eyes, these ears, were witnes- question. ses of his audacious love, without the men- Char. Freely. Sey. Have you never suspected, that in all notwithstanding your good father's favour, I this affair, I have had some secret, stronger, am not the man you would desire to be alone motive than barely duty? with upon this occasion. Char. Yes. But have you been in no apprehensions I should discover that motive? Sey. Pray, pardon me; I see already I have gone too far. Char. Your modesty is pleased to be in the right. Dr. C. I'm afraid too, notwithstanding all my endeavours to the contrary, that you entertain a pretty bad opinion of me. Char. A worse, sir, of no mortal breathing. Char. Not at all; it loses you no merit with me; nor is it my nature to use any one ill that loves me, unless I loved that one again: then, indeed, there might be danger. Come, don't look grave; my inclinations to another Dr. C. I am afraid then it will be a vain shall not hinder me paying every one what's pursuit, when I solicit you, in compliance due to their merit: I shall therefore always with my worthy friend's desire and my own think myself obliged to treat your misfortunes inclinations, to become my partner in that and your modesty with the utmost tenderness. blessed estate in which we may be a comfort Sey. Your good opinion is all I aim at. Char. Ay; but the more I give it you, the better you'll think of me still; and then I must think the better of you again; and then you the better of me, upon that too; and so at last I shall seriously, and you'll begin to think ill of me. But I hope, Mr. Seyward, your good sense will prevent all this. Sey. I see my folly, madam, and blush at my presumption. Madam, I humbly take my leave. and support to each other. Char. I would die rather than consent to it, Dr. C. Well, there is sincerity at least in your confession: you are not, I see, totally deprived of all virtue, though I must say I never could perceive in you but very little. Char. Oh, fie! you flatter me. Dr. C. No, I speak it with sorrow, because [Exit. you are the daughter of my best friend. But Char. Well, he's a pretty young fellow af- how are we to proceed now? are we to preter all, and the very first, sure, that ever serve temper? heard reason against himself with so good an understanding. Enter LADY LAMBERT. Char. Oh! never fear me, sir, I shall not fly out, being convinced that nothing gives so sharp a point to one's aversion as good breeding; as, on the contrary, ill manners Lady L. Dear Charlotte, what will become often hide a secret inclination. of us?-The tyranny of this subtle hypocrite Dr. C. Well then, young lady, be assured is insupportable. He has so fortified himself so far am I from the unchristian disposition in sir John's opinion, by this last misconduct of returning injuries, that your antipathy to of your brother, that I begin to lose my pow-me causes no hatred in my soul towards you; er with him. Char. Pray explain, madam, Lady L. In spite of all I could urge, has consented that the doctor shall this nute come, and be his own advocate. on the contrary, I would willingly make you happy, if it may be done according to my he conscience, with the interest of heaven in mi-view. Char. Why, I can't see, sir, how heaven Char. I'm glad on't; for the beast must can be any way concerned in a transaction come like a bear to the stake. I'm sure, he between you and me. knows I shall bait him. Lady L. No matter for that; he presses it, to keep sir John still blind to his wicked design upon me.-Therefore I come to give you notice, that you might be prepared to receive him. Dr. C. When you marry any other person, my consent is necessary. Char. So I hear, indeed!-but pray, doctor, how could your modesty receive so insolent a power, without putting my poor father out of countenance with your blushes? Char. I'm obliged to your ladyship. Our Dr. C. I sought it not; but he would meeting will be a tender scene, no doubt on't. crowd it among other obligations. He is good Lady L. But I think I hear the doctor com-natured; and I foresaw it might serve to pious ing up stairs. My dear girl, at any rate keep purposes. your temper. I shall expect you in my dressingroom, to tell me the particulars of your conduct. [Exit. Char. He must have a great deal of impudence, to come in this manner to me, Enter BETTY. Char. I don't understand you. Dr. C. I take it for granted, that you I would marry Mr. Darnley. Am I right? Char. Once in your life, perhaps, you may. Dr. C. Nay, let us be plain. Would you marry him? Char. You're mighty nice, methinks. Well, Bet. Doctor Cantwell desires to be admit-I would. ted, madam. Char. Let him come in. Enter DOCTOR CANTWELL. Dr. C. Then I will not consent. Dr. C. My conscience will not suffer me. I know you to be both luxurious and worldly Your servant, sir-Give us chairs, Betty, and minded; and you would squander upon the leave the room.-[exit Betty.]-Sir, there's vanities of the world, those treasures which a seat-What can the ugly cur say to me? ought to be better laid out. -he seems a little puzzled. Char. Hum!-I believe I begin to conceive Dr. C. Look ye, young lady, I am afraid, you.— Dr. C. If you can think of any project to| Darn. Come, you shall not be serious: satisfy my conscience, I am tractable. You you can't be more agreeable. know there is a considerable moiety of your fortune which goes to my lady in case of our disagreement. Char. That's enough, sir.-You think we should have a fellow feeling in it. At what sum do you rate your concurrence to my inclinations? that settled, I am willing to strike the bargain. Dr. C. What do you think of half? Dr. C. Why, you know you gain two thousand pounds; and really the severity of the times for the poor, and my own stinted pittance, which cramps my charities, will not suffer me to require less. Char. But how is my father to be brought into this? Dr. C. Leave that to my management. Char. And what security do you expect for the money? Dr. C. Oh! Mr. Darnley is wealthy: when I deliver my consent in writing, he shall lay it down to me in bank-bills. Char. Pretty good security! On one proviso though. Dr. C. Name it. Char. That you immediately tell my father, that you are willing to give up your interest to Mr. Darnley Char. Oh! but I am serious. Darn. Then I'll be so.-Do you forgive me all? Darn. Are we friends, Charlotte? Darn. Must you needs know that, before you answer me. Char. Lord! you are never well till you have talked one out of countenance. Darn. Come, I won't be too particular; you shall answer nothing- Give me but your hand only. Char. Pshaw! I won't pull off my glove, not I. Darn. I'll take it as it is then. Char, Lord! there, there; eat it, eat it. Char. Oh, my glove! my glove! my glove! you are in a perfect storm! Lord! if you make such a rout with one's hand, what would you do if you had one's heart? Larn. That's impossible to tell. But you were asking me of Seyward, madam? Char. Oh, ay! that's true. Well, now you are very good again.-Come, tell me all the affair, and then you shall see-how I will like you. Darn. There is not much to tell - only this: Dr. C. Hum!-stay-I agree to it; but in we met the attorney-general, to whom he the mean time, let me warn you child, not to has given a very sensible account of himself, expect to turn that, or what has now passed and the doctor's proceedings.-The attorneybetween us, to my confusion, by sinister con- general seems very clear in his opinion, that, struction, or evil representation to your fa- as the doctor, at the time of the death of ther. I am satisfied of the piety of my own Seyward's mother, was entrusted with her intentions, and care not what the wicked whole affairs, the Court of Equity 1) will think of them; but force me not to take ad- oblige him to be accountable. vantage of sir John's good opinion of me, in order to shield myself from the consequences of your malice. Char. Oh! I shall not stand in my own. light: I know your conscience and your power too well, dear doctor! Dr. C. Well, let your interest sway you. Thank heaven, I am actuated by more worthy motives. Char. No doubt on't. Dr. C. Farewell, and think me your friend. [Exit. Char. What this fellow's original was, I know not; but by his conscience and cunning, he would make an admirable Jesuit. Enter SERVANT. Serv. Madam, Mr. Darnley. Char, Desire him to walk in. [Exit Servant, Enter DARNLEY, Darn. To find you thus alone, madam, is a happiness I did not expect, from the temper of our last parting. Char. I should have been as well pleased now, to have been thanked, as reproached, for my good nature; but you will be in the right, I find. Darn. Indeed, you take me wrong. I literally mean that I was afraid you would not so soon think I had deserved, this favour. Char. Well, but were you not silly now? Char. If Seyward does not recover his fortune, you must absolutely get him a commission, and bring him into acquaintance. Darn. Upon my word I will. Char. And show him to all the women of taste; and I'll have you call him my pretty fellow, too. Darn. I will, indeed!- but hear meChar. You can't conceive how prettily he makes love. 1) Early in the history of the English jurisprudence, the administration of justice, by the ordinary courts, appears to have been incomplete. To supply this defect the Courts of Equity have obtained, their establishment; assuming the power of enforcing the principles upon which the ordinary courts also decide, when the powers of those courts, or their modes of proceeding, are insufficient for that purpose; of preventing those principles, as literally enforced by the ordinary courts, from producing decisions contrary to their spirit, and becoming instruments of actual injustice in particular cases; and of deciding on principles of universal justice, where the interference of a court of judicature is necessary to prevent a wrong, in matters wherein the positive law is silent. The courts of equity also administer to the ends of justice, by removing impediments to the fair decision of a question in other courts; by providing for the safety of property in dispute, pending a legislation; by restraining the assertion of doubttul rights, in a manner productive of irreparable damage by preventing injury to a third person from the doubtful title of others; by putting a bound to vexatious and oppressive litigations, and preventing unnecessary multiplicity of suits; by compelling, without pronouncing any judgment on the subject, a discovery which may enable other courts to give their judgment; and by preserving testimony, when in danger of being lost before the matter to which it relates can be made the subject of judicial investigation. you, I Darn. Not so well as you make your de-tea's ready, what have you to do but to drink fence, Charlotte. it?-but suppose, expect a lover's heart, Char. Lord! I had forgot, he is to teach like your lamp, should be always flaming at me Greek, too. your elbow; and when it's ready to go out, Darn. Trifling tyrant! how long, Charlotte, you indolently supply it with the spirit of do you think you can find new evasions for contradiction. what I say unto you? Char. Lord! you are horrid silly; but since tis love that makes you such a dunce-poor| Darnley, I forgive you. Enter COLONEL LAMBERT, unobserved. Darn. That's kind, however.-But, to complete my joy, be kinder yet-and d you Char. Oh! I can't! I can't!-Lord! did y never ride a horse-match? Char. And so you suppose, that your as- Char. That then would complete it. Char. Why then take it, Darnley. Now I presume you are in high triumph, sir. Col. L. No, sister; now you are consistent with that good sense I always thought you mistress of. Char. And now I beg we may separate; Darn. Was ever so wild a question! Char. Because, if you have, it runs in my head you galloped a mile beyond the win- for our being seen together, at this critical ning-post, to make sure on't. juncture, may give that devil, the doctor, susDarn. Now, I understand you. But since picion of a confederacy, and make him set you will have me touch every thing so very some engine at work that we are not aware of. tenderly, Charlotte, how shall I find proper Col. L. It's a very proper caution. Come words to ask you the lover's last necessary along, Darnley; nay, you must leave her now, question? whatever violence you do yourself. Char. Oh! there's a thousand points to be adjusted before that's answered. Col. L. [advances] Name them this moment; for, positively, this is the last time of asking1). Char. Pshaw! who sent for you? Char. Ay, ay, take him with you, brother -or stay, Darnley; if you please, you may come along with me. [Exeunt. ACT V. Col. L. I only came to teach you to speak SCENE I-A Parlour at SIR JOHN LAMBERrt's. plain English, my dear. Char. Lord! mind your own business; can't yon! Enter DARNLEY and CHARLOTTE. Char. But really, will you stand to the Col. L. So I will; for I will make you do agreement though, that I have made with the more of yours in two minutes, than you doctor? would have done without me in a twelvemonth. Darn. Why not? you shall not break your Why, how now!-do you think the man's word upon my account, though he might be to dangle after your ridiculous airs for ever? a villain you gave it to. Suppose I should Char. This is mighty pretty! talk with sir John myself?-'tis true, he has slighted me of late. Col. L. You'll say so on Thursday se'nnight for (let affairs take what turn they will in the Char. No matter-here he comes-this may family), that's positively your wedding-day-open another scene of action to that I believe Nay, you shan't stir. Char. Was ever such assurance! Darn. Upon my life, madam, I'm out of countenance! I don't know how to behave myself. Char. No, no; let him go on only-this is beyond whatever was known, sure! my brother's preparing for. Enter SIR JOHN and LADY LAMBERT. Sir J. Mr. Darnley, I am glad I have met you here. Darn. I have endeavoured twice to-day, sir, Col. L. Ha ha! if I was to leave you to to pay my respects to you. yourselves, what a couple of pretty out of Sir J. Sir, Tll be plain with you-I went countenanced figures you would make! hum- out to avoid you; but where the welfare of a ming and hawing 2) upon the vulgar points of child is concerned, you must not take it ill if jointure and pin-money. Come, come, I know we don't stand upon ceremony-However, since what's proper on both sides; you shall leave I have reason now to be more in temper than perhaps I was at that time, I shall be glad to talk with you. it to me. Darn. I had rather Charlotte would name her own terms to me. Col. L. Have you a mind to any thing particular, madam? Char. Why, sure! what do you think I'm only to be filled out as you please, and sweetened and sipped up like a dish of tea? Darn. I take it as a favour, sir. Sir J. You must allow, Mr. Darnley, that conscience is the rule which every honest man ought to walk by. Darn. 'Tis granted, sir. Sir J. Then give me leave to tell you, sir, Col. L. Why pray, madam, when your that giving you my daughter would be to act 1) The banus of marriage, when the parties have no licenses, think you an ill liver; and consequently the against that conscience I pretend to, while I bacas of marriage between-of-and-of-any same tie obliges me to bestow her on a better one knowing any just cause or impediment why man are given out in the following words: "I publish the mony are now to declare it; and this is the first time these should not be joined together in holy matri- Darn. Well but, sir, come to the point. of asking;" and so on to the second and third, which Suppose the doctor (whom I presume you design her for) actually consents to give me up his interest? is the last time. 3) Hum and ha interjections, used as verbs, |