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SCENE II.-A Chamber in LORD AIMWORTH'S
House.

Enter SIR HARRY SYCAMORE and THEODOSIA.
Sir H. Well but, Theodosia, child, you are
quite unreasonable.

Theo. Her fondness indeed is very extraordinary.

Sir H. Besides, could you give up the prospect of being a countess, and mistress of this fine place?

Theo. Yes, truly, could I.

AIR.

With the man that I love, was I destin'd to
dwell,

On a mountain, a moor, in a cot, in a cell;
Retreats the most barren, most desert, would be
More pleasing than courts or a palace to me.
Let the vain and the venal in wedlock aspire
To what folly esteems, and the vulgar admire;
I yield them the bliss, where their wishe
are plac'd,

Enter LADY SYCAMORE.

Lady S. Sir Harry, where are you?
Sir H. Here, my lamb.

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Theo. Pardon me, papa, it is not I am unreasonable, but you; when I gave way to my Insensible creatures! 'tis all they can taste. inclinations for Mr. Mervin, he did not seem less agreeable to you and my mamma than he was acceptable to me. It is therefore you have been unreasonable, in first encouraging Mr. Mervin's addresses, and afterwards for- Lady S. I am just come from looking bidding him your house; in order to bring his lordship's family trinkets.-Well, miss Sime down here, to force me on a gentleman-camore, you are a happy creature, to have Sir H. Force you, Dossy 1), what do you diamonds, equipage, title, and all the blessing mean? By the la, I would not force you on of life poured thus upon you at once. the czar of Muscovy. Theo. Blessings, madam! Do you th Theo. And yet, papa, what else can I call then I am such a wretch as to place my it? for though lord Aimworth is extremely at-licity in the possession of any such trumpery tentive and obliging, I assure you he is by Lady S. Upon my word, miss, you hire no means one of the most ardent of lovers. a very disdainful manner of expressing you Sir H. Ardent, ah! there it is; you girls self; I believe there are very few young w never think there is any love, without kissing men of fashion, who would think any sac and hugging; but you should consider, child, fice they could make too much for themmy lord Aimworth is a polite man, and has Did you ever hear the like of her, sir Harry been abroad in France and Italy, where these Sir H. Why, my dear, I have just bee things are not the fashion: I remember when talking to her in the same strain, but wh I was on my travels, among the madames ever she has got in her head-. and signoras, we never saluted more than the tip of the ear.

Theo. Really, papa, you have a very strange opinion of my delicacy.

Sir H. Well come, my poor Dossy, I see you are chagrin'd, but you know it is not my fault; on the contrary, I assure you, I had always a great regard for young Mervin, and should have been very glad

Lady S. Oh, it is Mr. Mervin, her gen man of Bucklersbury.-Fie, miss, marry ac Were is your pride, your vanity; have you nothing of the person of distinction about yo

Sir H. Well but, my lady, you know h am a piece of a cit myself, as I may say, t my great-grandfather was a dry-salter.

Theo. And yet, madam, you condescended to marry my papa.

Lady S. Well, if I did, miss, I had but fre thousand pounds to my portion, and sir Ha knows I was past eight-and-thirty before i

Theo. How then, papa, could you join in forcing me to write him that strange letter, never to see me more? or how indeed could I comply with your commands? what must would listen to him. he think of me?

Sir H. Ay, but hold, Dossy, your mamma convinced me that he was not so proper a son-in-law for us as lord Aimworth.

Theo. Convinced you! Ah, my dear papa, you were not convinced.

Sir H. What, don't I know when I am convinced?

Sir H. Nay, Dossy, that's true, your ma ma own'd eight-and-thirty before we were married: but by the la, my dear, you were a lovely angel; and by candle-light nobody would have taken you for above five-ad twenty.

Lady S. Sir Harry, you remember the las time I was at my lord duke's.

Sir H. Yes, my love, it was the very dav your little bitch Minxey pupt.

Theo. Why no, papa; because your good nature and easiness of temper is such, that you pay more respect to the judgment of Lady S. And pray what did the whole mamma, and less to your own, than you mily say? my lord John, and my lord T ought to do. mas, and my lady duchess in particular Sir H. Well, but Dossy, don't you see how Cousin, says her grace to me-for she alwa your mamma loves me? If the tip of my little called me cousin

finger does but ache, she's like a bewitched Theo. Well but, madam, to cut this mate woman; and if I was to die, I don't believe short at once, my father has a great regar she would outlive the burying of me: nay, for Mr. Mervin, and would consent to cur she has told me as much herself.

t) Dossy is an abbreviation of Theodosia.

union with all his heart.

Lady S. Do you say so, sir Harry?

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Sir H. Who I, love!

Lord A. Upon my word, farmer, you have

Lady S. Then all my care and prudence made an excellent choice-It is a god-daughter of my mother's, madam, who was bred up

are come to nothing.

Sir H. Well, but stay, my lady-Dossy, under her care, and I protest I do not know you are always making mischief.

Theo. Ah! my dear sweet

Lady S. Do, miss, that's right, coaxTheo. No, madam, I am not capable of any such meanness.

Lady S. 'Tis very civil of you to contradict me however.

Sir H. Eh! what's that-hand's off, Dossy, don't come near me.

AIR.

Why how now, miss pert,
Do you think to divert

My anger by fawning and stroking?
Would you make me a fool,
Your plaything, your tool?
Was ever young minx so provoking?
Get out of my sight!

Twould be serving you right,

To lay a sound dose of the lash on:
Contradict your mamma!
I've a mind by the la-

But I won't put myself in a passion.
[Exit Theo.

Enter LORD AIMWORTH and GILES. Lord A. Come, farmer, you may come in, ere are none here but friends. Sir Harry,

Our servant.

Sir H. My lord, I kiss your lordship's hands -I hope he did not overhear us squabbling.

a more amiable young woman.-But are you sure, farmer, that Patty herself is inclinable to this match?

Giles. O yes, my lord, I am sartain of that. Lord A. Perhaps then she desired you to come and ask my consent?

Giles. Why as far as this here, my lord; to be sure, the miller did not care to publish the bans, without making your lordship acquainted-But I hope your honour's not angry with I.

Lord A. Angry, farmer! why should you think so?-what interest have I in it to be angry?

Sir H. And so, honest farmer, you are going to be married to little Patty Fairfield? She's an old acquaintance of mine: how long have you and she been sweethearts?

Giles. Not a long while, an please your worship.

Sir H. Well, her father's a good warm fellow; I suppose you take care that she brings something to make the pot boil?

Lady S. What does that concern you, sir Harry? How often must I tell you of meddling in other people's affairs?

Sir H. My lord, a penny for your thoughts1). Lord A. I beg your pardon, sir Harry; upon my word, I did not think where I was.

Giles. Well then, your honour, I'll make [Aside. bold to be taking my leave; I may say you Lord A. Well now, master Giles, what is gave consent for miss Patty and I to go on. you have got to say to me? If I can do. Lord A. Undoubtedly, farmer, if she apou any service, this company will give you proves of it: but are you not afraid that her ave to speak. education has rendered her a little unsuitable for a wife for you?

Giles. I thank your lordship; I has not got great deal to say; I do come to your lordip about a little business, if you'll please to ve me the hearing.

Lord A. Certainly, only let me know what

is.

Giles. Why, an please you, my lord, being ft alone, as I may say, feyther dead, and all e business upon my own hands, I do think `settling and taking a wife, and am come ax your honour's consent.

Lord A. My consent, farmer! if that be ne:ssary, you have it with all my heart-I hope ›u have taken care to make a prudent choice. Giles. Why I do hope so, my lord. Lord A. Well, and who is the happy fair ne? Does she live in my house?

Giles. No, my lord, she does not live in our house, but she's a parson of your ac

uaintance.

Lord A. Of my acquaintance!

Giles. No offence, I hope, your honour.

Lady S. Oh, my lord, if the girl's handySir H. Oh, ay-when a girl's handyGiles. Handy! Why, saving respect, there's nothing comes amiss to her; she's cute at every varsal kind of thing.

A 1 R.

Odd's my life, search England over,
An you match her in her station,
I'll be bound to fly the nation:
And be sure as well I love her.
Do but feel my heart a beating,
Still her pretty name repeating;
Here's the work 'tis always at,
Pitty, patty, pat, pit, pat.

When she makes the music tinkle, What on yearth can sweeter be? Then her little eyes so twinkle, 'Tis a feast to hear and see. Sir H. By dad, this is a good, merry fellow; is not he, love? with his pitty patty-And so,

[Exit.

Lord A. None in the least: but how is she my lord, you have given your consent that

acquaintance of mine?

he shall marry your mother's old housekeep

Giles. Your lordship do know miller Fair-er. Ah, well, I can see

-ld?

Lord A. Well

Giles. And Patty Fairfield, his daughter, y lord?

Lord A. Ay, is it her you think of marrying? Giles. Why if so be as your lordship has objection; to be sure we will do nothing thout your consent and approbation.

1) A young lady being once melancholy and thoughtful in the presence of a gentleman for whom she had a sort of a tendre, which was returned on his part also, though neither party knew the sentiments of the other, was thus accosted by the gentleman; "A penny for your thoughts." (I will give you a penny for your thoughts.) "For the other odd (remaining) eleven pence you shall have thoughts and thinker," answered the lady; the gentleman produced a shilling, and the lady consented to marry him.-This is now often used, but not necessarily implying this meaning.

the gipsy.

Lord A. Nobody doubts, sir Harry, that have not something to spare for poor Fanny you are very clear-sighted. Sir H. Yes, yes, let me alone, I know what's Ralph. I tell you, Fan, the gentleman bas what; I was a young fellow once myself; no change about him; why the plague will and I should have been glad of a tenant to you be so troublesome? take a pretty girl off my hands now and then, as well as another.

Fan. Lord, what is it to you, if his bonour has a mind to give me a trifle? Da pray, gentleman, put your hand in your pocket.

Lord A. I protest, my dear friend, I don't understand you. Lady S. Nor nobody else-Sir Harry, you Mer. I am almost distracted! Ungrate are going at some beastliness now. Theodosia, to change so suddenly, and we Sir H. Who I, my lady? Not I, as I hope me such a letter! However, I am resolved to live and breathe; 'tis nothing to us you to have my dismission face to face; this let know, what my lord does before he's married: ter may be forced from her by her mother when I was a bachelor, I was a devil among who I know was never cordially my friends the wenches myself; and yet I vow to George, I could not get a sight of her in London, be my lord, since I knew my lady Sycamore, here they will be less on their guard; and and we shall be man and wife eighteen years, see her I will, by one means or other, if we live till next Candlemas-day, I never Fan. Then your honour will not extend your charity?

had to do

Lady S. Sir Harry, come out of the room, I desire.

Sir H. Why, what's the matter, my lady, I did not say any harm?

Lady S. I see what you are driving at, you want to make me faint.

Sir H. I want to make you faint, my lady? Lady S. Yes, you do-and if you don't come out this instant I shall fall down in the chamber-I beg, my lord, you won't speak to him. Will you come out, sir Harry?" Sir H. Nay but, my lady!

Lady S. No. I will have you out.

[Exeunt Sir Harry and Lady Sycamore. Lord A. This worthy baronet and his lady are certainly a very whimsical couple; how

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Ralph. Now I'll go and take that money ever, their daughter is perfectly amiable in from her; and I have a good mind to a every respect and yet I am sorry I have her, so I have.

brought her down here; for can I in honour Mer. Pho, pr'ythee stay where you are. marry her, while my affections are engaged Ralph. Nay, but I hate to see a toad to another? To what does the pride of con-devilish greedy.

Ralph. Ay, but you may put that out your head, for I can tell you she won't Mer. How so?

dition and the censure of the world force me! Mer. Well, come, she has not got a gre Must I then renounce the only person that deal, and I have thought how she may do can make me happy; because, because what? a favour in her turn. because she's a miller's daughter? Vain pride and unjust censure! Has she not all the graces that education can give her sex, improved by a genius seldom found among the highest? Has she not modesty, sweetness of temper, the devil. and beauty of person, capable of adorning a Mer. Oh, she is-I fancy I understand ya rank the most exalted? But it is too late to Well, in that case, friend Ralph-Your se think of these things now; my hand is pro-me's Ralph, I think?

Ralph. How so, why she's as cunning a

mised, my honour engaged: and if it was not Ralph. Yes, sir, at your service, for wa so, she has engaged herself; the farmer is a of a better. person to her mind, and I have authorized their union by my approbation,

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Mer. I say then, friend Ralph, in that ca we will remit the favour you think of, b lady is in a more complying humour, try if she cannot serve me at present in som other capacity-There are a good many sies hereabout, are there not?

Ralph. Softly-I have a whole gang them here in our barn; I have kept t about the place these three months, and a on account of she.

Mer. Really.

Ralph. Yea, but for your life don't a word of it to any Christian-I am in los

with her.

Mer. Indeed!

Ralph. Feyther is as mad with me ab it as old Scratch; and I gets the plague all of anger; but I don't mind that.

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This is a thing the most oddest,
Some folks are so plaguily modest:
Were we in the case,
To be in their place,

Mer. Well, friend Ralph, if you are in Fan. love, no doubt you have some influence over your mistress; don't you think you could Ralph. prevail upon her, and her companions, to supply me with one of their habits, and let ne go up with them to-day to my lord Giles. Thus I take her by the lily hand, Aimworth's? So soft and white:

Fan.

Ralph. Why, do you want to go a mum- Ralph. ning?) We never do that here but in the Christmas holidays.

Mer. No matter; manage this for me, and manage it with secrecy, and I promise you hall not go unrewarded.

Pat.

Giles.

Ralph. Oh, as for that, sir, I don't look or any thing: I can easily get you a bundle f their rags; but I don't know whether you'll Fan. revail on them to go up to my lord's, beuse they are afraid of a big dog that's in Ralph. e yard; but I'll tell you what I can do; I Fan. in go up before you and have the dog fast- Giles. ed, for I know his kennel. [Exit. Pat. Mer. That will do very well-By means of All. is disguise I shall probably get a sight of r; and I leave the rest to love and fortune.

AIR.

Why quits the merchant, blest with ease,
The pleasures of his native seat,
To tempt the dangers of the seas,
And climes more perilous than these,

'Midst freezing cold, or scorching heat?
He knows the hardships, knows the pain,
The length of way, but thinks it small;
The sweets of what he hopes to gain,
Undaunted, make him combat all. [Exil

SCENE IV. - The Mill.

We'd carry it off with a different face.

Why now that's right; And kiss her too, mon, never stand. What words can explain My pleasure-my pain? it presses, rises, My heart it surprises,

It

I can't keep it down, though I'd never
so fain.
So here the play ends,
The lovers are friends.

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SCENE I-A marble Portico, ornamented
with Statues, which opens from LORD
AIMWORTH'S House; two Chairs near the
Front.

Enter LORD AIMWORTH, reading.

the situation I am now in show me to most Lord A. In how contemptible a light would of the fine men of the present age? In love with a country girl; rivalled by a poor fellow, Enter PATTY, RALPH, GILES, and FANNY. one of my meanest tenants, and uneasy at it! Giles. So his lordship was as willing as If I had a mind to her, I know they would flowers in May-and as I was coming tell me I ought to have taken care to make ng, who should I meet but your father-myself easy long ago, when I had her in my 1 he bid me run in all haste and tell you power. But I have the testimony of my own for we were sure you would be deadly heart in my favour; and I think, was it to do

d.

again, I should act as I have done. Let's see Dat. I know not what business you had to what we have here. Perhaps a book may to my lord's at all, farmer.

Giles. Nay, I only did as I was desiredster Fairfield bid me tell you moreover, as y he would have you go up to my lord, of hand, and thank him.

Ralph. So she ought; and take off those
thes, and put on what's more becoming
station: you know my father spoke to
of that this morning too.

Pat. Brother, I shall obey my father.
ARTETTO.-PATTY, GILES, RALPH, and

1.

FANNY.

Lie still, my heart; oh! fatal stroke, That kills at once my hopes and me. es. Miss Pat!

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Nay, I only spoke. iph. Take courage, mon, she does but joke. Come, suster, somewhat kinder be.

compose my thoughts. [Reads, and throws the Book away] It's to no purpose; I can't read, I can't think, I can't do any thing.

AIR.

Ah! how vainly mortals treasure
Hopes of happiness and pleasure,
Hard and doubtful to obtain!
By what standards false we measure;
Still pursuing

Ways to ruin,
Seeking bliss, and finding pain!

Enter PATTY.

Pat. Now comes the trial: no, my sentence is already pronounced, and I will meet my fate with prudence and resolution.

Lord A. Who's there?

Pat. My lord!

Lord A. Patty Fairfield!

Pat. I humbly beg pardon, my lord, for The mummers are generally a number of young men pressing so abruptly into your presence: but

who go about in the country towns, dressed up with

fine gold and silver paper sewed to their cloaths. I was told I might walk this way; and I am at Christmas time, to get something for repeating an old come by my father's commands to thank your mystery in rhyme, something about St. George and lordship for all your favours.

the Dragon,-I remember a couple of lines thus:

I am the bold St. George, the knight, Go forth with sword and shield to fight."

Lord A. Favours, Patty; what favours? I have done you none: but why this metamor

phosis? I protest, if you had not spoke, I Pat. Upon my knees, upon my knees I pra should not have known you; I never saw you it; may every earthly bliss attend you! m wear such clothes as these in my mother's your days prove an uninterrupted course life-time. delightful tranquillity; and your mutual frien Pat. No, my lord, it was her ladyships ship, confidence, and love, end but with your pleasure I should wear better, and therefore I lives obeyed; but it is now my duty to dress in a Lord A. Rise, Patty, rise; say no moremanner more suitable to my station and future I suppose you'll wait upon miss Sycamo prospects in life. before you go away-at present I have a in Lord A. I am afraid, Patty, you are too business-As I said, Patty, don't afflict you humble-come sit down-nay, I will have it self: I have been somewhat hasty with reg so. [They sit] What is it I have been told to the farmer; but since I see how deeply to-day, Patty? It seems you are going to be are interested in his affairs, I may possi alter my designs with regard to him-1 Pat. Yes, my lord. know-you know, Patty, your marriage w Lord 4. Well, and don't you think you him is no concern of mine-I only speakcould have made a better choice than farmer Giles? I should imagine your person, your accomplishments, might have entitled you to My passion in vain I attempt to dissemble look higher.

married.

Pat. Your lordship is pleased to over-rate my little merit: the education I received in your family does not entitle me to forget my origin; and the farmer is my equal.

Lord A. In what respect? The degrees of rank and fortune, my dear Patty, are arbitrary distinctions, unworthy the regard of those who consider justly; the true standard of equality is seated in the mind: those who think nobly

are noble.

A I R.

'Th' endeavour to hide it, but makes it app Enraptur'd I gaze; when I touch her I tren And speak to and hear her with fat.. and fear.

My blood's in a ferment; it freezes, it bar By how many cruel ideas tormented! This moment I wish, what the next is repet.. While love, rage, and jealousy rack m

turns.
Enter GILES.

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Pat. The farmer, my lord, is a very honest man. Giles. Miss Pat- Odd rabbit it, I the Lord A. So he may: I don't suppose he his honour was here; and I wish I may a would break into a house, or commit a rob-if my heart did not jump into my mo bery on the highway: what do you tell me of Come, come down in all haste; there's se his honesty for? rig below as you never knew in your Pat. I did not mean to offend your lordship. days. There's as good as forty of the ten Lord A. Offend! I am not offended, Patty; men and maidens, have got upon the not at all offended-But is there any great before the castle, with pipers and garl merit in a man's being honest?

Pat. I don't say there is, my lord. Lord A. The farmer is an ill-bred, illiterate booby; and what happiness can you propose to yourself in such a society? Then, as to his person, I am sure-But perhaps, Patty, you like him; and if so, I am doing a wrong thing. Pat. Upon my word, my lord

just for all the world as tho'f it was day; and the quality's looking at them o the windows-'tis as true as any thing account of my lord's coming home with new lady.

Pat. Well, and what then?

Giles. Why I was thinking, if sob you would come down, as we might ta Lord A. Nay, I see you do: he has had the dance together: little Sall, farmer Harr good fortune to please you; and in that case daughter, of the green, would fain bave you are certainly in the right to follow your me for a partner; but I said as how inclinations. I must tell you one thing, Patty, for one I liked better, one that I'd ma however I hope you won't think it unfriendly partner for life. of me-but I am determined farmer Giles shall not stay a moment on my estate after next quarter-day.

Pat. I hope, my lord, he has not incurred your displeasure

Pat. Did you say so?

Giles. Yes; and she was struck all heap-she had not a word to throw to a for Sall and I kept company once

little bit.

Lord A. That's of no signification. - Could Pat. Farmer, I am going to say some I find as many good qualities in him as you to you, and I desire you will listen to do, perhaps But 'tis enough, he's a fellow Itentively. It seems you think of our don't like; and as you have a regard for him, married together. I would have you advise him to provide

himself.

Pat. My lord, I am very unfortunate. Lord A. She loves him, 'tis plain. [Aside] Come, Patty, I would not willingly do any thing to make you uneasy. - Have you seen miss Sycamore yet?-I suppose you know she and I are going to be married?"

Pat. So I hear, my lord.-Heaven make you both happy.

Lord A. Thank you, Patty; I hope we shall be happy.

Giles. Think! why I think of nothing it's all over the place, mun, as how you to be my spouse; and you would not h what game folks make of me.

Pat. Shall I talk to you like a friend, mer? - You and I were never designe one another; and I am morally certain should not be happy.

Giles. Oh! as for that matter, I never no words with nobody.

Pat. Shall I speak plainer to you the don't like you.

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