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ANALECTS IN VERSE AND PROSE, CHIEFLY DRAMATICAL, SATIRICAL, AND PASTORAL.

VOL. I.

LONDON: PRINTED FOR P. SHATWELL, OPPOSITE DURHAM-YARD IN THE STRAND; J. DODSLEY, PALL-MALL; AND T. DAVIES, RUSSEL-STREET, COVENT-GARDEN. MDCCLXX.

TO CHARLES DUNSTER, ESQ. OF ORIEL COLLEGE, OXFORD.

[]
DEAR SIR,

THE indefatigable means you took to convince me of your friendſhip, by promoting the following trifles, made me take the liberty of inſcribing them to you; for indeed, I had ſcarce hinted my intention, when you took the earlieſt opportunity of procuring thoſe eſſentials, which have proved the means of my bringing them to light; I am perfectly convinced, that you have humanity enough to overlook the too many imperfections [] you will meet with, if you ſhou'd have patience enough to read my little Analects; for from my connections in buſineſs, and the attention that I am, from an innate affection, oblig'd to pay my fire-ſide, have made me, in ſome meaſure, more inattentive, than I ſhould have been; I have inſerted many, I could have wiſh'd to eraſe; becauſe I had not time to finiſh many pieces which I had begun; and indeed, I was out in my calculation, in what would furniſh a couple of volumes, but yet determined, not to extend it in appearance; I mean, not as is generally done on theſe occaſions, to give much paper and little printing; I often wiſh'd to have found you at my elbow, when I have ſent a proof to preſs, that you might have given a poliſh to the many rude, and uncultivated paſſages I am afraid you will ſtammer at.—However, I ſhall truſt to your candour and good ſenſe, to make ſuch allowances, as you ſhall think neceſſary; and when I ſee you, I am ſure you will ſhew ſo much the gentleman, as to whiſper my errors to me, that no aſſiduous critic may know there is a fault, through you, when he has not capacity enough to find it out himſelf.—But this is rather unneceſſary, as I am ſo circumſtantially [v] convinced of your friendſhip and eſteem; for I always perceived, on thoſe occaſions, that you ſeemed happy, rather to throw a veil over an error in your friend, than expoſe it to the greedy ear of envy, for the ſake of ſelf-oſtentation, or the elevating plaudits of a ſelect ſociety.

I was once in hopes, that the Nut-brown Maid would have made its appearance on the the ſtage, but Mr. GARRICK gave me ſo many ſufficient reaſons why it would not do, (not altogether diveſting it of merit) that I reſign'd my hopes with pleaſure, knowing, from the many material marks of friendſhip I have experienced from that gentleman, if it had been perfectly calculated, he would have given it the faireſt chance in his power; therefore I printed it, hoping it might afford ſome little entertainment in the cloſet. You was pleaſed ſome time ago to ſend me a few corrections you had made, in what I had given you to look over, but by ſome accident or other, I had the misfortune to loſe them, which was of no little concern to me, as what they were, have eſcaped my remembrance, ſo that at leaſt I am convinced, you will meet with the ſame errors [vi] again; whence I thought it neceſſary to give you ſome reaſon, why I have not adhered to your amendments; but if ever a future opportunity ſhould offer, on the like occaſion, I will endeavour to be more careful.

SIR,
I am, with the greateſt reſpect and ſincerity, your moſt obliged, and humble ſervant, GEORGE SAVILLE CAREY.

CONTENTS TO VOL. I.

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  • THE Nut-Brown Maid, an Opera of three Acts Page 1
  • Momus, a Criticiſm on the Performers at the Theatre in the Hay-market 93
  • The Victim, a Poem inſcrib'd to John Wilkes, Eſq. 109
  • Young Jockey of the Carron Side, ſet by Mr. Barthelemon 127
  • Wolly, a Scotch Song, ſet by Mr. Barthelemon 129
  • Celon, a Song, ſet by Mr. Snow 130
  • A Catch 132
  • Patty of the Green, a Song 133
  • A Dialogue-Song between Clody and Clara 134
  • [viii] An Epiſtle to a Friend in the Country Page 136
  • Verſes on a Diſtreſſed Family 138
  • On Mr. and Mrs. Prince's Birth-days 141
  • Epigram on Dr. Weezle 143
  • An Elegy on the Death of Lord Eglington, in the manner of Chevy-Chace 144
  • The Bird's Neſt, a Fable 160
  • The Petticoat, a Political Song 162
  • The Peaſant and the Ant, a Fable 164
  • The Pretty Maid of Chelmsford 167
  • An Evening's Walk 169
  • An Epigram on Lord G— 180

THE NUT-BROWN MAID.

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DRAMATIS PERSONAE.

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  • HENRY, a young Nobleman.
  • EDWIN, a young Gentleman under miſsfortunes.
  • SIGHTLESS, a Country Juſtice.
  • Clowns.
    • ROBIN,
    • ALLAN,
  • Jailor.
  • Gentlemen of the Hunt.
  • Conſtables.
  • Forreſters, Peaſants, &c.
  • EMMA, beloved of Henry.
  • AETHELIA, Henry's Siſter.
  • CELIA, her Attendant.
  • Mrs. SIGHTLESS.
  • SUE.

THE NUT-BROWN MAID.

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ACT I.

SCENE I.
A Grove, with a proſpect behind of a fine rural country; Emma, diſguiſed as a Sheperdeſs, ſitting on a green bank under a tree; the curtain drawing up with ſoft muſic, and Emma ſings as ſhe ſits on the back of the ſtage.
Emma.
YE ſecret ſhades, ye verdant plains,
Where peace her gentle ſway maintains,
Whilſt round her fair and tranquil throne,
No ſighs are heard, no tears are ſhown;
But love and ſweet content are ſeen,
And ev'ry face appears ſerene;
O let a maiden join thy train,
'Till happy with her baniſh'd ſwain.
SCENE II.
[4]
Enter Allan and Robin, liſtening to her ſinging.
Allan.

She is ſomewhere here about, I'm ſure.

Robin.

And yonder ſhe ſits.

Allan.

'Slife, and ſo ſhe does, and a charming laſs ſhe is—Egad I'll to her.

Robin.

Hold man, perhaps 'tis a fairy.

Allan.

If ſhe be, I don't care; I muſt change a word or two, be what ſhe will.

Robin.

You may if you pleaſe, for I go no further.

[Emma ſees them, and comes forward.
Allan.

She's fleſh and blood I ſee by her ſteps: he that would run away from ſuch a fairy ought never to ſee ſuch another—pray, pretty maid, are you married?—hey! not ſpeak?—hum, I dad, ſhe's ſulky methinks?—what may ſhe want now?—hum, an huſband I warrant; or perhaps ſhe has got one, and wants to be rid of 'm.

Robin.

That is to ſay, ſhe is either married againſt her will, or 'tis againſt her will ſhe is not married.

Allan.
[5]

Pray, young woman, be'ant you well.

Emma.

No indeed, yet I ſhould be much better if you would do me one favour.

Robin and Allen.

Aye, that we will, any thing you ſhall ſay.

Emma.

But you will be ſure, both of you, to keep your words.

Allan.

Never doubt it, ſweetheart, never doubt it.

Emma.

Then you cannot do any thing that will pleaſe me more than to take yourſelves away.

Robin.

Oh, oh, ſhe can ſpeak you find.

Allan.

Wounds, ſhe's 'ſtound me.

Emma.

Why are ye not gone?

Robin.

Aye, aye, come along; troth if you don't I'll tell Sue.

Allan.

I don't care for that neither; I muſt break my word for once.

SONG.
Say, ſay, what you will,
I'll tarry here ſtill,
My heart is entrapp'd in a ſnare;
Go, go, and tell Sue,
You've nought elſe to do,
But ſtay here I will, I declare.
Emma.
[6]

Aye, prithee do, and you'll do well.

Allan.

Edad then I'll follow, go where you will, my laſs.

Emma.

You had better go follow the plough.

Allan.

Nay, nay, now, thou doſt'nt think ſo, I am ſure: come let us be better acquainted.

Emma.

Prithee, clod, begone; for thou'lt make thyſelf as hateful to me as thou art troubleſome.

SONG.
Hence, away, thou hateful clown,
Thou ſilly blockhead, hence:
Go ſeek ſome bumkin of thy own,
Like thee unknown to ſenſe.
[Exit.
SCENE III.
Allan and Robin manet.
Allan.

Who could have thought ſo pretty a creature could have been in ſuch a paſſion.

Robin.

Aye, ſhe's a trimmer I warrant ye; there's many a fair face with a foul tongue they ſay; you had better ſtick to poor Sue, if ſhe knew you was here ſhe would be breaking her heart I ſuppoſe.

Allan.

There's no harm, man, in having two [7] ſtrings to one's bow; for when one is too full of her airs I like to have another to fly to.

Robin.

And yet you are mightily mift too when Sue happens to ſmile at any body but yourſelf.

[Huntſmen and horns heard at a diſtance.
Allan.

Hark! the hounds.

Robin.

I' dad ſo there are,

[hollows]

hoick! hoick! hoick! hoo, hoo, by George I'll be one in the chace.

Allan.

So you may if you will, but I'll have a chace of my own; I'll after yon pretty fac'd puſs.

Robin.

An you do, I'll tell Suſan, mark that my lad.

[Exeunt Robin and Allan.
SCENE IV.
An open Plain.
Enter Henry in a hunter's dreſs ſinging.
What ſtation on earth ſuch true pleaſures can yield
As love in the grove, or the ſtag in the field:
When fatigu'd with the chace in the grove we repoſe,
And Dian her tribute to Cupid beſtows.

Now to ſair Emma, who knows not who I am, but believes me to be a baniſhed man: I have [8] play'd upon her in diſguiſe, and in a peaſant's garb, made more advancements in her good eſteem than the gayeſt knight, or fopling of the court, with all the glaring outſide of ſucceſs, who woo but with their cloaths.

[An hollowing heard without.

But yonder come ſome gentlemen of the hunt, proclaiming by their ſhouts the pleaſures of a well-ſpent day.

SCENE V.
Enter Huntſmen, &c.

Joy to ye, gentlemen, the ſport has been ſucceſsful.

1ſt Huntſman.

Thanks to you, Sir.

2d Huntſman.

I think I never ſaw ſo fine a chace; there has been much danger too.

Henry.

The more the danger greater ſtill the ſport. I ſaw a ruſtic ſcouring yonder cliff, and being eager in purſuit, unluckily he tript, and tumbled headlong down, but fortunately for him he was received by the friendly ſtream below, which broke his fall, that otherwiſe muſt have broke his neck.

Both Huntſmen.

Ha! ha! ha! poor fellow.

1ſt Huntſman.
[9]

If he had happened to have been in love, ſuch a tumble might have cured him.—But come, my appetite is keen, I linger for refreſhment, let's towards home.

2d Huntſman.

Your company will be a pleaſure to us, Sir, if you are diſpoſed this way.

Henry.

Sir, my diſpoſition is to comply with every kind entreaty; the day is on the decline, and I am far from home; my horſe is at a cottage near at hand—this is my way, and ſhould have been right glad if chance had made it your's.

1ſt Huntſman.

Then take good care you meet not with a witch.

Henry.

A witch!

2d Huntſman.

Aye, but a lovely one, with many charms, and witches deal in charms you know.

SONG.
Take care, good Sir, how you paſs,
There's danger, I aſſure you,
Shou'd you meet the pretty laſs
Perhaps ſhe may allure you.
There is witchcraft in each eye,
No mortal can reſiſt 'em;
[10] Pouting lips of coral die,
Oh! how I could have kiſt 'em.
Henry.

I do not underſtand you; enchantment and witchcraft! what may you mean?

1ſt Huntſman.

Why, Sir, I'll tell you: as we came along the ſkirts of this wood, a lovely damſel, wrapt in thought, was walking to and fro beneath the ſhade; now and then ſhe'd preſs her hand againſt her breaſt; then, with eyes full of lovelineſs and tears, ſhe'd look around, ſigh as if her gentle heart would break, and of a ſudden, cry, Oh, wretched me!

Henry.

Of what appearance, pray?

2d Huntſman.

She wore the habit of a ſhepherdeſs. We entreated the cauſe of her diſtreſs; but ſhe rebuked us for our pains with ſuch a modeſt grace that we retired.

Henry.

Poor girl! a love affair perhaps?

1ſt Huntſman.

I fancy ſo.

2d Huntſman.

I wiſh I had been the happy object: I'd have given my fortune for her love.

Henry.

Then you might have had it, I dare ſay.

1ſt Huntſman.

I imagine if we had perſevered, a little patience might have brought her to our purpoſe.

Henry.

Not if ſhe be really in love; reaſon [11] will argue ineffectually, when love is rooted in the heart.

SONG.
Reaſon to love is urg'd in vain,
No force can break his ſilken chain,
He reigns without controul:
Unſeen the God directs his dart,
But ſoon we feel th' envenom'd ſmart
Lie rankling in the ſoul.
2d Huntſman.

Then we'll think no more of her: ſo good day to you, Sir; I'll go and make love to a ſirloin and a bowl of punch, and I warrant I make 'em ſubmit.

[Exeunt Huntſmen ſinging one way, and Henry the other.
SCENE VI.
A Grove. Emma diſconſolate.
Emma.

I ſeek, alas, in vain: Oh, my Henry, where art thou hid? perhaps he's happy with my rival now: ſure there's no pain like love: What ſhall I do? I've loſt my way, fatigu'd and faint in a doubtful ſearch: hold, if I my miſtake not, there's a village in my view; I'll even thence and ſeek refreſhment there.

SCENE VII.
[12]
Enter Allan.
Allan.

You ſee I've overte'en you, ſweetheart; I told you I would follow you.

Emma.

Was ever maid ſo wretched! I had no ſooner promiſed myſelf a comfort, but I am interrupted by a fool.

Allan.

What be'ant you well yet?

Emma.

Good clown leave me.

Allan.

Clown, forſooth clown!

[aſide]

I, I, I, am not a clown, ſweetheart.

Emma.

Then you're as ſimple.

Allan.

If you was a little better acquainted with me you would not ſay ſo.

Emma.

I am ſure of it already. What would you have? Why do you follow me ſo?

Allan.

Why I cannot help it, becauſe I love you.

Emma.

And for that I muſt fall in love with thee too? being the moſt frightful of thy ſex: if that don't rid me of him, I ſhall begin to pity him, leſt he ſhould feel on my account what I for Henry feel.

[Aſide.]
Allan.

Ah, I don't mind that tho'; you [13] don't think ſo, I'm ſure: you pretty laſſes like a deal of courting.

SONG.
You frown and look ſhy,
But I know not for why,
'Tis only to try if I love:
Should I go away,
I know you'd cry ſtay,
Ods niggars but I'll never move.
I know very well,
If you love you wont tell,
But ſmother with art your deſire.
You may call me a fool,
And ſeem to be cool,
When your pretty dear heart is on fire.
[Enter Henry unſeen]
Henry.

As I live 'tis my Emma in diſguiſe: 'Sdeath, but why is this ruſtic with her? Is it for him ſhe came or me? I'll know. She ſhall not ſee me yet, I will firſt turn myſelf to a wizzard; concealed in that I'll ſift the ſecret out.

[Exit.
Emma.

Pray, good fellow, leave me; if thou doſt love me I'm ſorry for't from my ſoul, ſince my heart is another's, it is not in my power to [14] love; I would be thy friend in any thing elſe; but let me beg of thee never to mention love to me again.

Allan.

O but I will; I know you can't help loving when you are a little better acquainted with me; for I have often heard my granny ſay that two chumps that had been a good many years together in our houſe, fell in love with one another, and it was a hard matter to part them.

Emma.

That is to ſay, ſhould I be as great a log as thyſelf, I muſt of courſe fall in love with thee, if there were nobody elſe in the world.

Allan.

Hey! how's that? You puzzle me there too; I don't know what to make of that ſaying; I never heard of it before in all my born days; Will you ſay it again? I'll gueſs at it better; (I dad ſhe talks better than Sue; ſhe'll be too much for me if I don't take care).

[Aſide.
Emma.

This looby teazes me to death; would to Heaven I could get rid of him; his obſtinacy makes me begin to fear him; I am perplexed when I think what I have done! I dare not go home, and if I ſtay here I ſhall be [15] ruined and ſuſpected: O my Henry, thy Emma's loſt, a wanderer forlorn.

SONG.
O could my voice but reach thine ears;
Didſt thou but ſee theſe falling tears
Thou woulſt not let me here complain
Or drop one ſingle tear in vain.
Some friendly guardian lend me aid,
Direct a poor bewilder'd maid.
Tell me, O tell me, if you can,
Where I ſhall find my baniſh'd man.
Allan.

I dad thou'rt a main good ſinger; if thou ſing'ſt much more in that ſtrain it will bewitch me; Sue cannot ſing half ſo well: ſhe can ſing nothing but,

[ſings]
As I trudg'd out one morning to Derry-down dale,
To eat a hot cake, and to drink ſome good ale,
I met with a maiden whoſe cheeks were as red,
As a ſweet damaſk roſe or a ſtrawberry bed.

I learnt her to ſing it tho' by the bye; can you ſing it? 'Tis a good merry ſong, if you knew it.

Emma.

Pray thee go ſing by thyſelf; I am not diſpoſed for mirth juſt now: take thyſelf [16] away, good fellow, and ſome other time I may liſten to thee.

Allan.

Why that's kind too; but where ſhall I ſee you another time?

Emma.

Why here perhaps, or hereabout.

Allan.

But what will you give me for remembrance?

Emma.

Any thing you ſhall aſk that is in my power.

Allan.

Done with you, done with you; give me a kiſs—'tis a fair bargain.

Emma.

What ſhall I do? I believe I muſt hold him my hand to get rid of him. Why if thou wilt promiſe to go away directly thou ſhalt kiſs my hand.

Enter Henry in a conjurer's dreſs, ſeeing Allan kiſs Emma's hand.
Henry.

Torture! what do I ſee? Is it poſſible?

Emma.

Heavens! Who is this?

[Seeing Henry.
Allan.

The devil I believe—he's ugly enough—don't be afraid—he ſhan't hurt thee.

Henry.

Ye gentle pair fly not from me; be [17] happy, I'll retire again rather than diſturb you, for lovers like to be by themſelves.

Allan.

Why that's true enough, old one; you are right there: I warrant you have been in love in your time.

Henry.

I have, and feel the pangs of it to this day.

Allan.

Poor ſoul, poor ſoul.

Henry.

Fair one I have ſomething to impart to thee in private, and what concerns thee nearly.

Allan.

No, no, don't hear him, he's a wizzard; come away, ſweetheart, come away.

Henry.

Clodpole hold thy peace.

Allan.

Don't call me clodpole, an you do, I'll give you a clout.

Henry.

Fair maid will you anſwer me one queſtion?

Emma.

Alas! I know not what to ſay.

Henry.

Tell me then, do you not ſeek a baniſhed man?

Emma.

Heavens be witneſs, I do indeed!

Henry.

Would intelligence on that head be welcome to thee?

Emma.

My heart, my eyes, my ears are open to receive it; ſpeak—ſpeak of him forever.

Allan.
[18]

Plague on's ugly face I ſay; I don't like 'im, he's bewitched the pretty creature already.

Henry.

As what I'm going to ſay requires ſecrecy, I muſt beg this ſwain to retire a while 'till I have related my ſtory; but if your affections are ſo ſtrongly rooted that you cannot bear a moment's ſeparation, I will withdraw and let it die with me.

Emma.

No, rather talk forever, if Henry be thy theme; if thy ſtory be retarded by this fellow's preſence, would to Heaven I had a giant's ſtrength that I might ſpurn him from my ſight; for like an hateful inſect has he teazed me, 'till I ſickened with impatience and diſguſt.

Robin within.

Hola! Sue! Sue! here, my laſs, here they are.

Emma.

More interruptions! perplexing fates!

Allan.

Hey dey! what Sue?

[ſpeaks in a fright]

O the devil take this wizzard I ſay; this is ſome of his doing I ſuppoſe: Sue would never have come I'm ſure if he had not conjured her: ſhe never could have found me if the devil had not had a hand in it.

[Aſide.]
[19] Enter Robin.
Robin.

So maſter Allan we have found you, in the devil's company too I believe, at laſt.

[ſeeing Henry]

What do you call him when he's ready?

Allan.

A wizzard of the woods if you like: I believe in my heart he has bewitched this ſweet creature here.

Robin.

And here comes one that you have bewitched I'm afraid.

Enter Sue in a paſſion and in tears.
SONG.
Sue.
Alas, alas, I ſee 'tis true;
O Allan, you've deceiv'd your Sue,
With your promiſes ſo civil;
O you ſly bewitching devil!
I could tear myſelf to pieces;
My fear and jealouſy encreaſes:
I'll go and hang me on yon willow,
And, when dead, I'll haunt thy pillow.
Thou ne'er ſhalt find a maid ſo true,
As poor deceiv'd diſtracted Sue.
Allan.
[20]

Nay, but Sue, now Sue; don't go to frighten one: who the devil put all this in thy head? Don't be jealous girl, don't be jealous.

Sue.

Don't you give me cauſe then, you falſe-hearted deceitful cruel creature? Jealous! how would you like to have been ſerv'd ſo? Did not you threaten to hang yourſelf laſt night if I ever let Ralph kiſs me again? And now you have been raking the duce knows where, after the devil knows who all day long.

Robin.

Well ſaid Sue; give it him, ha, ha, ha, I dad this is the beſt ſport I have ſeen ſome time.

Allan.

Nay, you ſhould not blame me for being a little waggiſh: Did not you ſay you lov'd a rake to your heart? Why I have done no harm.

Sue.

I am ſure you can't have been doing any good when you have been in the woods all day with ſuch a wanton looking huſſey as that is; I wiſh ſhe was in the houſe of correction, a ſtraggling rambling minx.

Emma.

Alas, I am undone!

Sue.

There, there, ſhe ſays ſhe is undone.

Allan.

But not by me! I have not done it.

Emma.
[21]

Creature, ceaſe thy infamy, and take thy looby and thyſelf away.

SONG.
Ye reptiles, earth-worms, fly this place,
Ye refuſe of the human race,
I will no more your ſcandal bare,
Whilſt thus I'm rack'd 'tween hope and fear;
For O I've loſt the deareſt ſwain
That ever trod the verdant plain:
Ye cruel miniſters of woe,
Why do you rack a maiden ſo?
Sue.

There, do but hear her now; ſhe is crying becauſe ſhe thinks ſhe has loſt you. O the hypocrite! 'twill break my heart; I'll never believe but there has been ſomething between you.

Robin.

Well done Sue.

Allan.

Why, you're miſtaken now; there has been nothing but—but—but—

Sue.

But what? Oh mercy upon me! he is afraid to ſay what.

Allan.

Nothing but words.

Robin.

Oh if there has been nothing between [22] them but words, they muſt have been very cloſe together indeed, Sue.

Henry.

I can hear no more of this; if you don't all inſtantly leave this place, I will rivet you in a tree, or turn you all to ſtone; I'll cramp your limbs with my magic power 'till ye ſhall beg to die.

Robin.

O, the devil take all the wizzards I ſay.

Henry.

What? ſay you ſo again, and I'll encircle you with toads and adders—away—begone.

Robin.

Lud have mercy upon us. Pray don't, and I'll away directly. Well done Sue

[Sue runs off in a fright].

Come, come Allan, you don't know who you have got in company with.

Allan.

If I don't acquaint his worſhip I'll be hang'd, mind that Mr. Conjurer.

[Allan, Robin and Sue Exeunt.
Henry.

Now, maiden fair, to my ſtory.

Emma.

I'm all attention.

Henry.

Alas, to be further plunged into affliction; I fear you are in love: if ſo, I am ſorry for you indeed; and if Henry be the object of your affections, I'd have you ceaſe to love, and fix on ſome one more deſerving. He [23] is a reveller, an outlaw, and in my opinion will come to ſome unſeemly end.

Emma.

Ah me, when ſhall I meet a comfort more!

Henry.

Never in him I fear: Henry is betrothed to many, but is falſe to all: he makes it his ſtudy to deceive your ſex, and boaſts of it when done.

Emma.

Still muſt I love him. O my heart! alas, 'tis breaking, Henry! Oh my Henry!

[She faints.]
Henry.

O matchleſs girl! I have kill'd thee I'm afraid! Curſe on my cruelty! I have made too ſevere a trial of her taintleſs love.—Hold, ſhe revives; thanks to the fates, who are kinder to me than I deſerve.—What ſhall I do? If I diſcover myſelf to her now, the ſudden tranſition of grief to joy may kill her quite. Sweet maid take comfort.

Emma.

Where is comfort to be found if my Henry be falſe?

Henry.

I am his friend, and will be your's. I never failed in my perſuaſions whenever I wanted to work him to my purpoſe; and indeed I have given him a worſe name than he deſerves. Why he is ſo great a changeling he [24] believes all women to be more fickle than himſelf; this I've often heard him ſay; adding too, that if he could once find out a maid conſtant and ſincere in her affections to a proof, he would take her to his heart forever: I'll to him, and convince him of your ſincere regard and matchleſs love.

Emma.

O take me with thee too.

Henry.

That would marr all; leave it to me, I will hazard my life in the ſucceſs.

SONG.
Take comfort, thou deſerving maid,
Thy matchleſs truth ſhall be repaid;
Thy Henry, ſwift as thought, ſhall fly,
And cheer thy love-afflicted eye.
Em.
O may thy friendly ſpeech ſucceed,
Then wilt thou make me bleſt indeed;
And if I e'er ungrateful prove,
May heaven rob me of my love.
Enter Juſtice Sightleſs, Allan, Robin, Sue, Conſtables, Huſbandmen, &c.
Juſtice.

Lay hold of him, and I'll take care of her: I'll ſee whether your enchantment or my authority be ſtrongeſt.

Henry.
[25]

Good Sir, what do you mean?

Juſtice.

O, I'll tell you preſently: you'll turn people into ſtone, and wedge them up in trees will you? If you be a wizzard, as I'm afraid you are, I'll ſee what I can turn you into.

[Emma weeps.
Robin.

Wounds, how grim he looks!

SONG.
Althof, meaſter wizzard,
You growl in your gizzard,
It will not one farthing avail;
His worſhip has caught you,
Now ſoon ſhall be taught you
What conjurers do in a jail.
You made Allan untrue,
To roſy cheek'd Sue,
And fright the poor girl into fits:
What you ſaid, I declare,
Made me wonder and ſtare,
And ſcar'd me quite out of my wits.
[26]
Would his worſhip permit,
I do think it more fit,
To ſet the old rogue in a blaze:
Tho' hard loaded with chains,
He may 'ſcape all our pains,
Since the devil will help him he ſays.
Then let's lead him along
To a ſtake that is ſtrong,
And give him a taſte of the fire:
There is nothing can thrive
While the wizzard's alive,
Then ſend him at once to his ſire.
[Exeunt omnes.
The End of the Firſt Act.

ACT II.

[]
SCENE I.
A room in Sightleſs's houſe.
Enter Sightleſs in his cap and night-gown.
SONG.
I Crept out of bed, and I ſlipt on my clothes,
And I left my old wife in a hearty good doze:
I turn'd the key ſoftly, and open'd the door,
Whilſt ſhe moſt conveniently ſet up a ſnore.
At other times, faith, I have thought it uncivil,
And wiſh'd her oft ſnoring away at the devil:
May ſhe ſnore, may ſhe ſnort; may ſhe ſnort, may ſhe ſnore:
May ſhe take ſuch a nap that ſhe never wake more.
Sightleſs.

I'm bewitch'd with this wench to be ſure; for of all the red and white, the ſoft and ſmooth, I never ſaw her equal; ſhe ran in my [28] head ſo much all night, that I did nothing but dream of her: I muſt feel how her pulſe beat: I would not ſend her to priſon for fear ſomebody elſe might make too free with her, troth. Odds me, here ſhe comes! I intended to have had the pleaſure of waking her myſelf, but ſhe has prevented me.

SCENE II.
Enter Emma.
Sight.

So, ſweetheart, you're up: what, did not you ſleep well?

Emma.

I have not ſlept at all.

Sight.

Not ſlept?

Emma.

Scarce a wink.

Sight.

Then I'm afraid you have been contriving how to make your eſcape.

Emma.

That I never can, for I am bound in chains forever.

Sight.

Bound in chains? How how do you mean, laſs, bound in chains? Why you talk in your ſleep to be ſure: Where the deuce be your chains? I ſee nothing of 'em.

Emma.
[29]

I feel them tho', but would not break 'em for the world.

Sight.

Good lack-a-day, ſhe is certainly aſleep yet: E'dad I'll wake her tho'; hallo! hallo!

[Lays hold of her and ſhakes her.
Mrs. Sightleſs enters liſtening.
Emma.

Bleſs me, Sir, what is the matter?

Sight.

What's the matter child! You walk in your ſleep!

Emma.

I rather think that you walk in your ſleep, who cannot ſee that I'm awake.

Sight.

I'dad perhaps I do: hey—no, no, I'm not aſleep: come, huſſy, give me a buſs; and that will wake me, were I dead.

SCENE III.
Mrs. Sightleſs ruſhes in upon him.
Mrs. Sightleſs.

Yes, I dare ſay it wou'd: you're aſleep are you! You're aſleep, and you muſt come here to be kiſs'd awake: O you vile [30] man! This is what you had her in the houſe for! This is your conſcience, is it! You would not ſend her to priſon forſooth, for fear ſhe might prove innocent; and now you have ſneak'd out of bed, like a falſe-hearted monſter as you are, in your ſleep on purpoſe to have this ſanctify'd hypocrite wake you with her kiſſes.

Sight.

No, no, my dear, you have convinced me that we were both awake with a vengeance; I wiſh you were aſleep with all my heart.

Mrs. Sight.

Yes, I dare ſay you do.

Sight.

Yes, and the devil take him that wakes you, ſhould you ſleep 'till Doomſday.

Mrs. Sight.

O you brute! you ſavage! you ſcandalous good-for-nothing creature you! but this is all your doing, madam Wag-tail, I'll ſoon ſend you a packing!—Huſſy, I've a good mind to tear your eyes out.

Sight.

You had better tear your tongue out, you jealous pated fool you! What a clack you keep indeed!

Emma.

Madam hear me.

Mrs. Sight.

I won't hear you: don't talk to me: I ſhall go mad I believe.

Sight.

You're mad enough already I think.

Mrs. Sight.
[31]

And who may I thank for it but you? but I'll be reveng'd.

Sight.

Why, look you wife; you are only making a fire for yourſelf all this time: you'll burn yourſelf up with your own fury: I did aſk the young woman to kiſs me indeed, but 'twas only in joke.

Mrs. Sight.

In joke! a pretty joke indeed! If I had not come in as I did, I dare ſay you'd have made a ſerious affair of it by this time! In joke forſooth! A very modeſt joke, I dare ſay!

SONG.
Palm not your wanton tricks on me,
Your baſe deſigns, vile man! I ſee:
No, no, I won't deſpair.
Fierce fury in my breaſt ſhall riſe:
What! bring your minx before my eyes?
This is too much to bear.
My vengeance ſhall you both purſue;
I'll do for her—I'll do for you—
Theſe favours I'll return:
Altho' her tender heart ſhou'd break,
The wizard's fate ſhall ſhe partake,
And both together burn.
Emma.
[32]

Madam, you may form what opinion you will of your own, becauſe time and appearances may have given you ſome authority for your ſuſpicions: nothing but ill manners and a guilty mind can warrant your judging ſo illiberally of a ſtranger.

Sight.

Bleſſings on her, ſhe prattles like an angel.

Mrs. Sight.

Prithee, wench, don't prate ſo pertly to me: do you know who I am?

Emma.

Yes, madam, I am very ſenſible to whom I'm talking; a ſplenetic—

Sight.

A what! a lunatic! mind what you ſay girl; remember ſhe is my wife, and therefore claims reſpect.

Emma.

I've ſaid nothing but the truth, Sir, and I ſhall always pay a greater regard to that than her ungenerous reflections, or your authority.

Sight.

Hey! what do you ſay? Do you mean to affront me for my indulgence? I muſt ſeem to quarrel with her for the ſake of peace and quietneſs, or I ſhall have a dog's life on't elſe.

[Aſide.
Mrs. Sight.

Aye, aye, I'm glad on't; I'm glad you begin to find her out. Innocent! yes [33] ſhe's very innocent, to be ſure, you may ſee that; but as impudent as you pleaſe: ſend her to priſon, I inſiſt on it—an impudent ſtragling huſſy!

Sight.

I believe I muſt indeed: ſhe makes but a bad uſe of my civility: come, come, you ſhall go to priſon huſſy; I'll ſee if I can't make room for you there.

Mrs. Sight.

No, no, I'll ſave you that trouble; I'll take care to make room for her myſelf, I warrant you.

Emma.

Alas! my reſolution totters—arm me with fortitude, ye gracious powers, nor leave me to deſpair.

SONG.
Come Hope, thou blooming maid, appear,
Shield, O ſhield me from diſpair.
Teach me, ye gods, to undergo
The love-tormenting pangs of woe.
And if I die, O let me prove
A faithful monument of love:
Then, then, my Henry, ſhalt thou ſee,
Thy Emma kept her words with thee.
Mrs. Sight.
[34]

Come, come, away with you; I've ſomething elſe to do than to hear your whining forſooth.

Sight.

Aye, aye, to priſon with her. I have a key for that lock too; I'll have a peep at her there.

[aſide.]
[Ex. Omnes.
SCENE IV.
A Farm Houſe.
Enter Allan, Robin, and Sue.
Sue.

No, no, I won't ſpeak to thee; I won't look at thee; I won't think of thee, I won't, I won't, ſo I won't.

Allan.

Nay, plague on't Sue, don't be hard hearted: you know I love you, you know I do.

Sue.

I don't know it, nor I won't know it, you ſhan't love me.

Robin.

Well ſaid Sue, don't give out, remember the girl in the grove.

Allan.

Hold thy tongue Robin, and don't be a fool.

Robin.
[35]

A fool! not I indeed, I'm not in love, I'm wiſe enough for that.

SONG.
The fair or the hrown,
A ſmile or a frown,
All ever are equal to me:
I laugh and I ſmile,
Love cannot beguile
A heart that is jovial and free.
Let fond loving ſwains,
Keep ſigning their pains;
No wench ſhall my freedom annoy,
And yet I am ſure
For love there's a cure,
Since time will that paſſion deſtroy.
Sue.
[to Allen]

Don't keep teazing me ſo; don't think I can forget it, don't.

Allan.

Ay, but you can forgive it Sue: you had always a pure tender heart of your own.

Sue.

No, the duce take me if I do.

Robin.

No, don't Sue, make him repent it all the days of his life.

Allan.
[36]

If thee don't hold thy tongue I'll make thee repent it.

Robin.

Ha, ha, ha, wilt?

Allan.

Yes I will.

Robin.

No, no, thee can't do that, except thee cou'd make me in love with every wench that I meet, like thyſelf, to yelp after this, and to whine after t'other, and—odds niggars don't mind him Sue, don't mind him, he's in love with a thouſand.

Sue.

O what a fool have I been!

Robin.

A fool indeed.

Allan.

It's as falſe as old nick.

SONG.
Your words I deny,
Don't give me the lie:
I never lov'd any but Sue.
You fain now wou'd try,
To part Sue and I,
But, Robin, your nonſence won't do.
You may giggle and grin,
I care not a pin,
If Sue will believe that I love:
Altho' you impeach
You can't make a breach,
Since truth will each falſhood remove.
Robin
[37]

Pſhaw, pſhaw, no more of this nonſenſe: Sue what do you think of me, hey? Come give me a buſs and tell me.

Sue.

Prithee, Robin, don't play the fool with me.

Robin.

I play the fool! not I indeed! prithee don't lay your bargains on me; it is you that have play'd the fool I'm afraid, I'm ſure I'd no hand in't; if you have made a ſlip I can't help it.

Allan.

You was always a fool.

Robin.

A fool! ha, ha, ha, give me thy hand o'that—how is't brother?—if I be a fool, I'm ſure I muſt be ſome relation of your's.

[Sue ſets up a cry.
Robin.

Hey! to paſs, what is the matter now?

Sue.

To ſay I had made a ſlip!

SONG.
I wiſh I never had ſeen a man,
They're treach'rous as the devil,
And like the devil too, they can
Be very, very civil.
[38]O dear! O dear! what ſhall I do?
I'm ſure my heart will burſt:
You falſe deceitful wretches you,
Of monſiers you're the worſt.
[Exit Sue, Allan going after her, Robin lays hold of him and prevents him.
Robin.

Why, you would not be ſuch a fool, would you?

Allan.

Yes but I wou'd.

Robin.

No, no, let her come to herſelf; if ſhe won't bear a joke now and then, I wou'd not give a ruſh for her.

Allan.

'Swounds, but I ſhall have ne'er a ſweetheart at this rate.

Robin.

Pſhaw, pſhaw, what a ſimpleton you are indeed! you want ſadly to hurry your neck into the nooſe methinks: come, come, you and I will have a little ſport firſt.

SONG.
For ſhou'd you Sue wed,
And lead her to bed,
No mortal ſo happy as you:
The honey-moon paſt,
You'll find at the laſt
The wonder will ceaſe to be new.
[39]Come, come, then away,
'Tis fooliſh to ſtay,
With me trudge along to the wake;
There's plenty you'll find,
To cheer up your mind,
And ſhe you like beſt you may take.
[Ex. Robin and Allan.
SCENE V.
Henry in Priſon.
Henry.

'Tis high time now to make enquiry after my love; I've had a reſtleſs night on't; this is a trial I never dreamt of; if ſhe bears this with fortitude, ſhe will be indeed the wonder of her ſex, and worthy the richeſt diadem on earth: that I love her, my heart and ſoul can witneſs: if after this ſhe talks of love and Henry, I ſhall be convinced that women can be conſtant, and every doubt muſt fade; but who comes here? a ſtranger; and a priſoner I ſuppoſe; perhaps he can inform me where my Emma is diſpoſed.

SCENE VI.
[40]
Enter Edwin.
Edwin.

Your pardon, Sir, I've interceded with the jailor for admittance, and ſhou'd be glad of your conſent to exchange a word or two: report has made me curious, but if it has made me too impertinent, I will retire, and not offend you.

Henry.

Sir, you do me honour; I am glad to ſee you: 'ſdeath, who can this be? his face is moſt familiar to me

[aſide]:

Sir, you are welcome.

Edwin.

I thank you Sir.

Henry.

Ah, me!

Edwin.

You ſeem diſturbed Sir.

Henry.

A thought came acroſs the ſunſhine of my hopes; but now—but now 'tis fair again.

Edwin.

There is ſomething more than common about this man, and a ſenſible affability that pleaſes me much.

[Aſide.]
Henry.

You ſeem to muſe Sir; I hope you've no deſign?

Edwin.
[41]

As your ſuſpicions are but natural, they do not much ſurpriſe me; but on my faith I've no deſign: I am a priſoner as yourſelf, and ſhould have been glad, had it been your inclination too, to have paſs'd an heavy hour now and then together, and been friends, that is all.

Henry.

You ſpeak, Sir, like a gentleman, and are moſt welcome I aſſure you; and as you have offered me your friendſhip, you ſhall find me grateful and ſincere: I'm grieved to find a man with ſuch a heart, in ſuch a ſituation; but come, let us be chearful.

SONG.
Tho' care with heavy hands oppreſs,
And fortune leaves us to diſtreſs,
Yet ſhou'd the Gods once condeſcend,
To bleſs me with a ſingle friend,
I wou'd not call the fates unkind,
Tho' thus impriſon'd and confin'd,
Friendſhip ſhou'd drive my cares away,
And make me hope a better day.
Edwin.

I have not had ſo agreeable an interview theſe twelvemonths.

Henry.
[42]

Theſe twelvemonths! I hope you've not been here ſo long.

Edwin.

Much longer Sir.

Henry.

I'm ſorry for it; your crime ſurely muſt be great indeed, to incur ſo long a puniſhment.

Edwin.

I think I may venture to ſay it is more an accident than a crime.

Henry.

Priſons were not made for the unfortunate, but the wicked and abandon'd: may I preſume to enquire the cauſe? perhaps I may have it in my power to be your friend.

Edwin.

Alas, I am afraid not in ſuch a caſe: my father's death was all the cauſe.

Henry.

Impriſon'd for your father's death! Shall I intreat your name? perhaps I am too bold.

Edwin.

My name, Sir, is Edwin: I was born at Philodale.

Henry.

At Philodale! as I live my old ſchoolfellow, and my ſiſter's lover; how fortunate!

[aſide]

but I cannot underſtand, Sir, how your father's death could be the cauſe of your impriſonment.

Edwin.

When he died he left a perſon in this neighbourhood his executor (Sightleſs) who [43] you muſt have ſeen; but, tho' he bears the name of Juſtice, he is, I am afraid, as great a ſtranger to her rules, as he is to pity. He ever pretended that my father died involved; and, as I could not contradict it, was forc'd to think ſo too: this was a ſad ſhock, tho' the leaſt of my affliction; for I was betroth'd to the lovlieſt maid, whoſe fortune was almoſt equal to her beauty; but, alas, becoming deſtitute and poor, cou'd never think of ſeeing her again, and wrote her word I meant to paſs the ſeas, never to return.

Henry.

O moſt diſtreſſing tale! but pray go on.

Edwin.

Before my father died, having an occaſion for a certain ſum, previous to his knowledge, which I had ſcarcely hinted to his worſhip, but he begged he might oblige me; I thought it kindneſs, and gladly embraced the opportunity; I gave my note with promiſe of a double intereſt; but ere the beſt of fathers had cloſed his eyes, and my time for the payment of the debt unfortunately expir'd, he hurry'd me to priſon, where I have been a ſad and melancholy being ever ſince: I wou'd have wrote to certain friends, but he has cruelly deprived me [44] of that advantage by giving the jailor the ſtricteſt charge never to place a pen and ink within my reach, or let one letter paſs the door, which action has often made me think he's play'd me foul.

Henry.

No doubt Sir: O the villain! come my worthy friend, do not diſpair: I have a charm about me that ſhall extricate us both: if you dare venture to aſſiſt, I'll prove your friend: I have a ſtratagem on foot, by which you'll find I ll make a fair example of his worſhip, and you ſhall be reveng'd; and if they refuſe us liberty, here is a key that will unlock the ſtrongeſt bolt.

Edwin.

Then you may command me, and depend on my integrity; I ſhall not dread the conſequence or danger, ſince if we fail they cannot make us greater priſoners than we are; if they take my life 'twill be a charity.

Henry.

If I don't preſerve both life and liberty, I'll reſign my own; I want to be your friend.

Edwin.

And I want liberty; propoſe your plan, I long to be in action.

[45]
SONG.
Who would not die
For liberty?
What wretch would bear to live a ſlave,
And fear the cord, the rack, or grave?
I will not bear,
Nor guiltleſs wear
The cruel chains of infamy;
No, no, I'd ſooner die.
Henry.

Then to the point: you have heard no doubt on what ſuſpicion I was committed; the ſuperſtition of the ruſticks, has poſſeſt 'em meerly from my appearance, that I deal in witchcraft.

Edwin.

'Twas that report that firſt excited me to viſit you.

Henry.

When I found they firſt ſuſpected it, I endeavoured to make 'em believe that I really did, by threat'ning them in the moſt romantic phraſes.—But I may depend on your integrity you ſay.

Edwin.

You may, Sir, on the forfeit of my life.

Henry.

Then, that you may not be deceived, I am not what I ſeem.

Edwin.
[46]

Indeed I did ſuſpect it.

Henry.

No more on that head at preſent; but why I bear this character you ſhall know hereafter; be ſatisfied, you ſhall not remain a priſoner here another day; were I to declare myſelf they wou'd gladly give me liberty; yet as I have a reaſon for this ſtrange project, I will go thro' it.

Edwin.

You tranſport me with pleaſure and aſtoniſhment.

Henry.

What moſt concerns me is, there was a fair one in my company, whom they have impriſon'd too, without the ſmalleſt circumſtance of guilt, only that ſhe was with me.

Edwin.

There was the moſt lovely maid I ever ſaw brought this morning to the priſon.

Henry.

This morning!

Edwin.

Scarce an hour ſince.

Henry.

That's ſtrange! has ſhe not been here all night?

Edwin.

I can aſſure you, no: Sightleſs and his wife brought her this morning; and when his worſhip left the priſon, he gave the ſtricteſt orders to the jailor, that none ſhou'd ſee her but himſelf, which made me pity her indeed.

Henry.

You amaze me! 'Sdeath, but this [47] diſturbs me: could not one ſpeak with the jailor?

Edwin.

Moſt certainly: I'll call him hither if you pleaſe.

Henry.

Sir, you'll much oblige me if you wou'd.

[Edwin goes off the ſtage and calls the jailor, and re-enters immediately.
Henry.

Don't you think he might be prevailed upon to let us ſee her?

Edwin.

I doubt it much: ſuch men as him are generally ſtrangers to humanity, and ſeldom will be moved to a good action by any thing but a bribe.

Henry.

That he ſhall have with all my heart.

Edwin.

Here he comes.

SCENE VII.
Enter Jailor.
Jailor.

'Swounds, maſter Edwin, you call with as much authority as his worſhip: What the plague is the matter with you? I thought [48] you had been hanging yourſelf, and was calling me to cut you down.

Edwin.

That is very probable to be ſure.

Jailor.

Why I wou'd have done it for you to be ſure for my own ſake.

Edwin.

How for your own ſake? what intereſt cou'd you have in that?

Jailor.

What! why your carcaſe and your cloaths: the one I ſhou'd have got a trifle for from the ſurgeons, and the others I wou'd have ſold to the rag-ſhop.

Henry.

What a ſavage! Faith, my friend, you ſeem to have a good notion.

Jailor.

Aye, han't I maſter?

Henry.

Nobody a better—Methinks you and I ſhall agree very well.

Jailor.

I don't know that tho'.

Henry.

I dare ſay we ſhall: could you let me change a word or two with the young woman you had brought into priſon this morning?

Jailor.

No.—You ſpeak with her hey? What ſhould ſuch an old codger as you want with a young woman? no, no, it won't do; it won't do.

Henry.

Will this do?

[ſhews him money.]
Jailor.

Hey? why as you ſay—I don't know [49] but it may; they are pretty looking fellows enough ſeemingly.

Henry.

Are they not? I thought you and I ſhou'd agree; I'm an excellent phyſician you ſee; I know the ſtrength of your conſtitution better than yourſelf you find.

Jailor.

Why aye, you carry a pleaſant kind of phyſic about you; few make a wry face at it, I fancy.

Henry.

Don't I? Well, what do you ſay; ſhall we agree?

Jailor.

I don't know what to ſay to it; i'faith I'm almoſt afraid.

Henry.

Pſhaw man, what ſhou'd you fear?

SONG.
Pray who can ſay you are to blame,
Since all your betters do the ſame?
My lord makes harveſt of his place:
Then prithee where's the great diſgrace?
The crime is ſure not worſe in you,
Shou'd you purſue the maxim too:
For greater knaves at any hour,
Will for a bribe reſtrain their power.
Jailor.
[50]

Faith, dad, I like your notion; you ſeem to be a good hearty cock; give me your hand: you'll not blow me I hope? you underſtand me.

Henry.

No, upon my honour.

Jailor.

Why then 'tis agreed.

Henry.

Then take your reward, and ſhew us the way: come my worthy friend, you muſt bear me company.

Jailor.

You don't take him with you I hope.

[meaning Edwin.]
Henry.

Yes, by all means.

Jailor.

Nay with all my heart; tho' by the bye, take care his worſhip don't pop in upon you; I expect him here anon, he ſeems to have caſt a longing eye upon her himſelf.

Henry.

That will be lucky again, I ſhall be there to protect her:

[aſide]

O never fear us, we'll take care of ourſelves.

[Without.]

Jailor! jailor!

Jailor.

Coming, coming: here take the key; ſhe is in the beſt room: you know the way maſter Edwin; and ſo good luck to you.

Henry.

We thank you.

[Exit Henry and Edwin.]
Jailor.

Blame me but this is a good doſe; [51] 'Egad I ſhould like to take ſuch phyſic every day.

[Exit Jailor.
SCENE VII.
Changes to another part of the priſon, and diſcovers Emma.
Emma.

Surely the fates do mean to counteract all my hopes: how perplexing! I was enraptured with the higheſt expectation of ſeeing my Henry ere this, and now he is loſt forever: wou'd I cou'd ſee the honeſt ſtranger once again; perhaps he might inform me where to ſend to him; for did he but know the perilous ſituation I am in, he would ſurely think of ſome way to releaſe me. Alas! ſhould the tidings reach my father's ears, I am undone.

SONG.
Come, come, my Henry to my aid,
Releaſe thy poor diſtracted maid:
For thee theſe trials do I bear,
But O! how cruel and ſevere.
SCENE VIII.
[52]
Henry and Edwin enter in converſation.
Henry.

You underſtand me?

Edwin.

Perfectly—behold the fair one.

Henry.

O my delight! but thou ſhalt grieve no more: I am convinced.

Emma.
[ſeeing them]

Bleſs me! the ſtranger's here: ſurely he o'erheard my prayers.

Henry.

Pardon me, thou lovely fair one, for intruding on you thus, for I am more concerned for your misfortune than my own: I could not reſt 'till I had ſeen you once again.

Emma.

Nay you are welcome, for you talk'd of Henry.

Henry.

As we broke off ſo abruptly in our converſation relating to that youth, I have taken this opportunity, with your permiſſion, to renew it.

Emma.

O you are kind indeed!—Is this a friend of Henry's too?

Henry.

He is.

Emma.

Then he is moſt welcome.

[Edwin bows.]
Henry.
[53]

And is it poſſible amidſt your preſent perils and calamity, you can think ſo much of Henry.

Emma.

I think of nothing elſe.

Henry.

Then ſhall he know how much thy truth outrates his higheſt expectations; for tho' I ſpoke unkindly of his worth, I but diſſembled, he loves with equal warmth, and ſeldom ſpeaks but you he makes his theme: he will be tranſported with your virtue, and ſhall know it.

Emma.

Know it! alas, which way?

Henry.

I have a ſtratagem on foot for your eſcape, if you will aſſiſt me in it, I will inſtantly convey you to your baniſhed man.

Emma.

I'll riſk my life on ſuch a promiſe.

Henry.

His worſhip will be here to viſit you anon: leave this gentleman and me to manage him, and doubt not of ſucceſs.

Emma.

May heaven proſper your endeavours.

Henry.

And hark, he comes! we'll retire from his ſight a while 'till we ſeize our opportunity.

[Henry and Edwin retire.]
Emma.

Alas! I tremble at the taſk.

SCENE IX.
[54]
Enter Sightleſs.
Sight.

Well, my little rogue, how do you find yourſelf by this time?

Emma.

Not very well you may ſuppoſe, Sir, in my preſent ſituation.

Sight.

I fear not; I fear not indeed: but you ſhou'd not have been here if I cou'd have help'd it: my wife, you ſee is a terrible woman; ſhe will be obey'd.

Emma.

And your compliance, Sir, was a proof of your humility and juſtice.

Sight.

Well ſaid, ſweetee, well ſaid; and ſo it was: I wiſh ſhe was dead tho' by the bye; I'd make thee the happier for it: nay, I'll make thee happy now, if thou'lt love me.

Emma.

That I never can.

Sight.

Ah, but you muſt, and you ſhall; 'ſdeath, if you don't I'll make you.

Emma.

Inded, Sir, I never can.

Sight.

But you muſt, and you ſhall: I have it in my power, and I'll make thee huſſy; or I'll—come, come, I won't be angry; give me [55] a bufs, and I'll forgive thee.

[He endeavours to kiſs her.]
Henry and Edwin come behind him, tye a handkerchief over his eyes, and drag him off the ſtage.
Emma.

Heavens! how will this end! I dread the conſequence!

Re-enter Henry and Edwin, Henry in the Juſtice's cloaths.
Henry.

Now, now, my fair one, if you'll take your liberty you ſhall have it; in this diſguiſe I can command your diſcharge.

Emma.

I'll embrace the opportunity, tho' I dread it.

Henry.

You, my good and faithful friend, may expect your liberty without delay: I'll return and make example of his worſhip preſently.

[Exit Henry and Emma at one door, and Edwin at the other.
SCENE X.
[56]
Diſcovers Sightleſs gagg'd, with his hands ty'd behind him, making a noiſe and ſtamping about the ſtage.
Enter Jailor.
Jailor.

Hallow! what the devil is the matter with you old boy? What do you make ſuch a damn'd noiſe for? Did not I tell you to take care of his worſhip? You a conjurer! you a devil! by the bye, now he is blindfolded with his hands tied, I've a good mind to pick his pockets:

[aſide]

Hey! let me look again—by the lord 'tis his worſhip himſelf: the old one has play'd him a trick:—ſhall I releaſe him or no?

[Sightleſs makes a noiſe again]

Coming, your worſhip: blame me I muſt releaſe.

[Jailor releaſes him.]
Sight.

Oh the damn'd villains! where are they gone? I'll have 'em all hang'd: go bring 'em to me directly.

Jailor.

And pleaſe worſhip, I'm afraid they're off.

Sight.
[57]

Off! who's off?

Jailor.

Why, and pleaſe your worſhip, the young woman and Mr. Wizzard, as they call him.

Sight.

What, have you let 'em out?

Jailor.

Blame me if I did not take him for your worſhip, having your worſhip's cloaths on.

Sight.

And you have let them out then?

Jailor.

O yes, your worſhip, they are off indeed!

Sight.

Then if you don't find 'em again you ſhall be hang'd in their ſtead, mark that; but where's the reſt? there were half a dozen of 'em I believe.

Jailor.

I fancy not, and pleaſe your worſhip? I don't believe there was any body in company with him but maſter Edwin and the girl.

Sight.

Edwin! what have you let him out too?

Jailor.

No, your worſhip.

Sight.

That's lucky, that's lucky; he ſhall be hang'd for the reſt, that's ſome comfort: after the others, you dog!

[Exit Jailor.
[58]
SONG.
O I'll be reveng'd if I live;
I'll never, no never forgive
Such ſcandalous treatment as this:
Was there e'er ſuch a knave
On this ſide the grave,
To gag up the jaws of Juſtice?
[Exit.
The End of the Second Act.

ACT III.

[]
SCENE I.
A Plain.
Henry and Emma, Henry yet in Sightleſs's cloaths.
Henry.

NOW we are ſafe I hope; and as I have promiſed, you ſhall find I'll keep my word: ſee you yond grove? thither go, and as ſure as truth thy Henry ſhall meet thee there: I'll bring him with me ere you well arrive yourſelf.

Emma.

May Heaven bleſs you if you do.—My Henry! ſhall I ſee my baniſhed Henry!

[Exit Emma.
Henry.

And he ſhall meet the too, thou matchleſs fair one, with a heart as warm as ever glow'd with love.

[60]
SONG.
O what a jewel can compare
With the taintleſs heart:
No polliſhed gem is half ſo fair,
As Emma without art.
[Exit Henry.
SCENE III.
Enter Jailor, Conſtable, and Huſbandmen.
Jailor.

Aye, aye, this muſt be the way.

Conſtable.

'Sniggins, if we ſhou'd take 'em it wou'd be rare ſport.

Jailor.

Edad, an we don't it will be bad ſport for me tho', if his worſhip keeps his word.

[An hollowing without.
Conſtable.

Hallow! hallow! who be you when you're ready?

Jailor.

Fetter me but 'tis his worſhip himſelf.

Conſtable.

In troth and ſo it is—well the more the merrier I ſay: God bleſs his worſhip, he's a good natured gentleman, I ſay he is.

Jailor.

You ſay he is, that's a ſign you know [61] much of the matter to be ſure; I'm afraid we ſhall ſee little of his good nature 'till we have taken the wizzard and his wench again; but mum—here he comes.

Enter Sightleſs.
Sight.

Well, my brave lads, what news?

Jailor.

An't pleaſe your worſhip, we met an old fellow juſt now, who told us he ſaw 'em on this road together.

Sight.

Away with you then, away with you; don't ſtand here, but after 'em, or they'll be gone to the devil elſe.

Conſtable.

Your worſhip will follow I hope?

Sight.

Aye, Aye, I'll follow, I'll follow; away with you, away!

Exeunt all but Sightleſs.
SONG.
By the Lord, if I take 'em once more,
I'll hold 'em as faſt as old nick:
I'll fetter the ſon of a whore,
And make him pay dear for his trick.
SCENE III.
[62]
Diſcovers Emma in a grove.
Emma.

I'm diſtreſs'd 'tween hope and fear, in doubt if Henry will meet me here or not, and in fear the ſtranger may deceive me.

SONG.DUETTO.
She.
Ye gentle miniſters above,
Who rule the heart and guide the eye:
Once more reſtore me to my love,
Or Emma ſoon, too ſoon muſt die.
SCENE IV.
Henry enters in a ſhepherd's dreſs, and lays hold of her hand; Emma ſtarts.
He.
O live! O live! thou deareſt maid,
And think of grief and death no more:
No, no, that lilly ne'er ſhall fade,
If I've the power to reſtore.
Emma.
[63]

My Henry!

Henry.

Come to his heart, thou trueſt maid!

[Embracing.]
Emma.

Bleſt be the hand that pointed me the way: bleſt be the tongue that told me where to come.

Henry.

Rather bleſt be ſhe that followed ſuch a guide with ſuch unequall'd faith.

Emma.

Wou'd I cou'd ſee the worthy friend again, that I might think of ſome reward.

Henry.

Nay, in truth thou ow'ſt him none; for thou haſt over paid him for his pains.

Emma.

Alas, I've paid him nothing!

Henry.

Indeed, indeed thou haſt! I was thy guide, thy lover, and thy friend!

Emma.

Is it poſſible?

Henry.

It is, and true.

[A noiſe at a diſtance.]
Emma.

Ah me! we're ta'en again; for ſee the hateful crew has trac'd us hither.

Henry.

So much the better; 'tis juſt as I wou'd wiſh.

Emma.

So much the better?

Henry.

Fear not my love, there is no danger; they will be glad to let us go again: I beg, my love, that you will not ſhew one ſign of fear; [64] for as ſure as you are fair, ſo ſure you'll find no danger: Shall I ſwear?

Emma.

No, no, I have no further doubt; I will not fear: if Henry ſays it, Emma muſt believe.

Henry.

Generous maid! that we may not be overcome, I've previouſly ſent for certain friends of mine to meet me there.

Emma.

Friends! alas, what friends?

Henry.

Anon you ſhall know all: the Juſtice is a knave, and I'll expoſe him to the world; but here come his brainleſs inſtruments: I'll divert myſelf with their ſtupidity; and ſeem to make reſiſtance: pray be chearful, and all will be well.

SCENE V.
Enter Jailor, Conſtable, Peaſants, &c.
Jailor.

Oh! by the king of good luck here's ma'am! with a new acquaintance faith; but where's the old one? tho' by the bye I fancy ſhe'll be the moſt welcome prize to his worſhip, and therefore I'll ſecure her firſt: come, miſs, [65] if you pleaſe, you ſhall go back again to his worſhip with me.

Henry.

Go back to his worſhip! for what?

Jailor.

For what! O his worſhip will tell you preſently: he will be here in a trice.

Henry.

His worſhip is a knave, and you're a fool: tell him I ſay ſo.

Jailor.

Why, you dog, if you ſay ſo again I'll take you to jail along with her.

Henry.

I'll ſay it and prove it.

Jailor.

You will?

Henry.

I will.

Jailor.

And ſo you ſhall, my lad; if you don't you ſhall ſee I'll prove you a fool preſently—lay hold of him.

[Conſtable, &c. ſeize him.
Conſtable.

His worſhip's a knave, is he! and you'll prove it! a pretty fellow indeed!

Jailor.

If he does I'll be hang'd.

Henry.

You ſhall all be hang'd if I don't.

Jailor.

Aye, aye, who'll hang me, pray?

Henry.

I will.

Jailor.

I'll give you leave to do that, my boy, when you pleaſe; but I fancy the gallows is groaning for you already.

Henry.

Hands off I ſay!

[66]
SONG.
Ye villains let me go,
Or ye too ſoon ſhall know,
I'll make ye glad to do it:
Ye blockheads let me paſs,
His worſhip is an aſs,
And I will make him rue it.
SCENE VI.
Enter Sightleſs's footman.
Footman.

What have ye got 'em again?

Jailor.

Aye part of 'em; and an impudent fellow here, who calls his worſhip a knave and an aſs.

Footman.

His worſhip an aſs! 'ſwounds he'll be hang'd?

Jailor.

I'll take care of that.

Henry.

You'd better take care of yourſelf.

Jailor.

Ne'er plague your head about that. What have you done with his worſhip?

[to the Footman.]
Footman.

He was tired to death, and went back again with ſome gentry we met, who [67] came from the lord knows where, to have a look at the wizzard.

Jailor.

They're come a day after the fair then: I wiſh we had got the old dog; it wou'd be a few pence in my pocket.

Henry.

That's very good;

[aſide to Emma]

Come, why don't you lead us to priſon? Why do you keep us both here?

Jailor.

You're in a hurry methinks: you're the ſtrangeſt hand I ever met with; but I'll oblige you for once; ſo come, come along. Conſtable you'd better hike after the old one, and take one or two along with you; then if you take him the prize will be your own you know.

[Exeunt.
SCENE VII.
A Cottage.
Enter Robin.
Robin.

Lud, what a dangerous thing it is to meddle with other folk's matters! mocking is catching, that ſaying is true enough: Sue and [68] I, forſooth, were only trying to make Allan a little jealous or ſo; but her kiſſes have ſtuck ſo cloſe to my lips, and her good natured looks, I am afraid have bewitched me. Now, as one may ſay, I find myſelf over head and ears in love: ratt'un, I don't know what to make on't; I wiſh I had not meddled with her: and yet ſomehow, I don't wiſh ſo neither: 'edad, an I thought ſhe cou'd love me, I ſhou'd be mainly pleas'd: I'll have a trial for her; I'm a little uneaſy about her too; and yet I'm ſtrangely pleas'd methinks—I'm moſt certainly in love, that's flat.—Sue has ſomething more than herſelf to give away too; old Quickſet, her father, has got a few good pounds by him I warrant me; and that is all Allan is in love with, in my opinion.

SONG.
I'm in love, lack a day! to be ſure,
I'm afraid I ſhall find it too true:
But where ſhall I find out a cure,
Except from a kiſs of dear Sue?
How Allan will laugh at me now!
I call'd him ſo often a fool:
And yet I can't help it I vow,
For I'm pinn'd like a dunce to my ſtool.

[69]'Odds niggins, here they come together; I'll ſlip behind this buſh, and hear what they ſay.

SCENE VIII.
Enter Allan and Sue.
Allan.

Why ſurely Sue, you cannot love Robin; if you do you are ſtrangely bit: he never lov'd a girl in his life, and always laugh'd at every body elſe that did: I'm ſure you only do it to plague me now.

Sue.

Nor you don't love Dolly Hedger to be ſure: don't think to deceive me Allan; ſhe has told me of all your tricks; you have juſt ſerved her as you have me; but you ſhall never deceive me again: love Robin indeed! if he was here I'd give him my hand before thy face.

[Robin runs between them; and takes Sue by the hand; Sue ſcreams out.
Robin.

I dad that's bravely ſaid; I'll take it, and thank thee to boot: I'm always ready to receive a good bargain, you ſee.

Allan.

Prithee make free with thy own, man.

Robin.

Why ſo I do; ſhe ſaid ſhe'd be mine; [70] beſides, ſhe's none of your's, you never deſerved her.

Allan.

Don't I?

Robin.

No you don't; you've got twenty and deceive 'em all; and that girl is a fool that believes you, ſay what you will.

Sue.

He ſeems to be in earneſt!

[aſide.]
Allan.

But ſay what you will, they will believe me.

Sue.

You're a conceited fool now for your pains; you ſhall find yourſelf miſtaken in me however, if there was not another man in the world.

Robin.

Eſpecially when there is another at hand that loves you ſo well.

Allan.

Now who wou'd deceive her?

Robin.

Why you if ſhe wou'd let you.

Allan.

You love her, hey?

Robin

Yes, I love her.

Sue.

Nay, Robin, now, I am ſure you deceive me.

Robin.

Murrins take me if I do.

Sue.

Nay now, you make me laugh: I never heard you talk of loving before.

Allan.

I ſhou'd like mainly to know what kind of love it wou'd be.

Robin.
[71]

Shou'd you? why I'd marry her directly, and make her a good huſband when I'd done; that is more than you can do in my opinion.

Sue.

Nay, Robin, don't joke too far.

SONG.
O I can ne'er believe
Another of your ſex;
You promiſe, to deceive,
You love but to perplex.
'Tis cruel and unkind,
To trifle, toy and play,
When all you've in your mind
Serves only to betray.
Robin.

Why look you Sue, I never lov'd a girl in my life before, I confeſs, and ſhou'd not have lov'd you now, in my opinion, had I not ſeen you ſo often made a fool of by another; and always knowing thee to be an honeſt, modeſt, good-natur'd laſs, I cou'd not help loving thee, ſomehow.

Allan.

Will you believe him Sue? ha, ha, ha.

Sue.
[72]

I don't know what to ſay to it—I've a a good mind.

[aſide.]
Robin.

She'll be a fool if ſhe believes thee any more however.

Sue.

You ſeem to be in earneſt methinks.

Robin.

An I be'ant I'll be hang'd: if you think you can love me, give me your hand, and you ſhan't doubt me any longer.

Sue.

Why, what wilt do man?

Robin.

Do! What I ought, to be ſure.

Allan.

What is that pray?

Robin.

What's that! why I'll tell you again and again: I'd take her to church directly, and not ſtand ſniv'ling and playing for a twelvemonth, and deceive her when I've done.—If ſhe'll give me her hand, you ſhall ſee if I don't.

Sue.

Then take it and welcome.

Robin.

Bleſſings on thee! that's kindly ſaid.

Allan.

Why, Sue, thou art not in earneſt ſure?

Sue.

Indeed but I am.

Allan.

Pſhaw, pſhaw, don't make a fool of one.

Sue.

You've made one of me long enough.

Allan.

But you won't marry him Sue?

Robin.

Aye, but ſhe will tho'.

[73]
SONG.
Come follow to church and you'll ſee,
I'll make her a wife
For the reſt of her life,
And ſhe a kind huſband of me.
At night when we merrily trip,
You may come to the wake,
And taſte the bride-cake,
But never more taſte of her lip.
[Exit Robin and Sue.
Allan.

Odds heart what ſhall I do! who cou'd have thought it! I'm almoſt ready to hang myſelf.—If he marries her I'll make a cuckold of him, as ſure as he's born.

[Exit Allan.
SCENE IX.
The Priſon.
Edwin ſolus.
Edwin.

Sure fate has doom'd me to inevitable deſtruction: every effort that I've made to [74] reſtore my liberty has unfortunately proved the means of making me ſtill more a priſoner: the ſtranger, my fair-ſpoken ally, is not yet return'd, and night is near at hand: Sightleſs, who never wanted ſpur to prick him on to cruelty, now will aggravate each circumſtance, which he thinks will reach my life.—Well, if my friend ſhou'd ne'er return again, I'm likely to be releas'd by death.

SONG.
Like one benighted and forlorn,
No guide to point my way,
Who wiſhes the return of morn,
Or Cynthia's ſilver ray.
With fear he ſteps and looks around,
At ev'ry tree retreats:
He trembles at each fancy'd ſound,
And ev'ry buſh he meets.
Shou'd fate have doom'd him to his end,
In vain for light he calls;
In vain he aſks for guide or friend,
When down the ſteep he falls.
[Exit Edwin.
SCENE X.
[75]
Sightleſs's houſe, a tree with a bench before it.
Enter Sightleſs, Aethelia, Attendant and Forreſters.
Sight.

Here, fair lady, is my houſe, ſuch as it is: will you do me the honour to walk in and give me your good company? My wife is a little jealous, or ſo; but you need not mind that: pray walk in; it won't be long, I dare ſay, before we have our conjuring gentleman again.

Aeth.

I thank you, Sir, there's a pleaſant air abroad which is very agreeable; with your leave, I had much rather reſt me here a little.

[ſits down on the bench.]
Sight.

By the by, I'm not ſorry for that neither: it may ſave me a ſupper perhaps.

[aſide.]

Why, as you ſay, Madam, it is very pleaſant to be ſure: this is a favourite tree of mine; I often make it my bench of authority, and try my criminals here.

Aeth.

Beneath this tree!

Sight.
[76]

Aye, marry do I: this tree was ſet by a grandfather of mine, and has had many a rebel hung upon it ſince he died; and if I ſhou'd once more meet with this wizard again, he ſhall have the honour of hanging upon it himſelf, and you ſhall have the pleaſure of ſeeing him, if you pleaſe: I am ſure you never ſaw a greater rogue hang'd in your life; and I've got another in priſon at preſent ſhall keep him company.

SONG.
I'll hang 'em, I'll hang 'em together,
And gibbet them both when I've done,
To be batter'd about with the weather,
And melted away with the ſun.
I'll hang 'em both here, I declare it,
With a fatal inſcription before 'em;
I'd have ev'ry mortal beware it,
And dread an high judge of the Quorum.
Aeth.

Sure you'll not hang him, Sir?

Sight.

Not burn him you mean! hang him! O yes, you may depend upon that.

[The tabor and pipe heard without.
Aeth.

What call you theſe, Sir?

Sight.
[77]

Some fool has got himſelf married I ſuppoſe; if he has got him as good a wife as mine, he had better ſtaid a little longer, and have been hang'd with Mr. Wizard and Co.

Enter Robin, Sue and others, dancing after the tabor and pipe acroſs the ſtage; they pull off their hats as they paſs.

Away with ye, away with ye; you had need be merry forſooth: I hate to ſee ſuch a parcel of fools.

Aeth.

I muſt confeſs it gives me infinite pleaſure to ſee them ſo happy.

Sight.

Aye, but how will they look by and by? that's the joke.

Aeth.

That we cannot tell; a good heart ever makes a pleaſant eye.

Sight.

If that be true, your ladyſhip's a good heart of your own, for you have a main pleaſant eye, I can tell you that.

Aeth.

You've a pleaſant tongue of your own to tell me ſo; how true I will not ſay; nor will I thank you for the compliment, becauſe that wou'd be accepting of what I don't deſerve.

Sight.

Troth but you do deſerve it; and [78] therefore muſt accept on't, and as a rarity too; for I ſeldom give my compliments away without return.

Aeth.

Then you ſell 'em, I preſume.

Sight.

No, no, lack a day, not I; when I compliment a lady, I mean to get a kiſs if I can, when a man—

Aeth.

His money I ſuppoſe?

Sight.

Hum, ah, why ſometimes, as one may ſay, on ſome occaſions or ſo: faith ſhe's a ſweet one! and as wiſe as a judge; ſhe'll be too much for me if I don't take care:—what a chance had I here now were I not married!—O plague on that bitter old jade at home I ſay, ſhe's a tough one, or the devil wou'd have had her ere now.

[aſide.]
Aeth.

I wonder we have not ſeen my brother yet.

[to her attendant.]
Atten.

It is very ſtrange!

[A noiſe without.
Sight.

O here they come! here they come! now you ſhall ſee the very devil himſelf.

Aeth.

I ſhall beg to be excuſed the ſight.

Sight.

Don't fear, madam, don't fear; I've too much power over his devilſhip, than to let him do ſo ſweet a lady any harm.

Aeth.
[79]

I ſhall not fear that devil much that is afraid of you.

SCENE XI.
Enter Henry and Emma, guarded by the Jailor, &c.
Sight.

So, madam Gad-about, you have found your way back again! but where is the ſon of old Beelzebub, the wizard?

Jailor.

And pleaſe your worſhip we have not ta'en him yet; maſter Conſtable and two or three more are after him: I ſuppoſe they will bring him anon: I thought it beſt to bring young madam back firſt, leſt ſhe might give us the ſlip again.

Sight.

Right, lad, right: but who have you here?

Jailor.

One of the wizard's acquaintance, I find: my lady and he were together.

Sight.

What is he? and where does he come from?

Jailor.

I don't know, and pleaſe your worſhip; they were together, as I ſaid; and when [80] I talk'd of taking her away, he began to abuſe me, and call'd your worſhip a fool and an aſs.

Sight.

An aſs! an impudent raſcal! I'll aſs you ſirrah! I'll aſs you, ye villain, I will! you ſhall prove me an aſs or I'll prove you a gooſe.

Henry.

That your worſhip's an aſs needs no proof, or a goat rather.

Sight.

Sirrah! ſirrah! how dare you talk to me in this manner? doſt know who thou art talking to?

Henry.

Perfectly well.

Sight.

Tie him neck and heels, an impudent ſcoundrel! and to priſon with him.

[They ſeize hold of Henry.
Henry.

Nay, give me leave to ſtrip firſt.

[Henry diſcovers himſelf.
Henry.

Now, Sir, I'm at your ſervice: I was the wizard.

Aeth.

My brother! aſtoniſhment!

Sight.

Lord Henry!

Emma.

My Henry a lord!

Sight.

Mercy upon me! what will become of me?

Henry.

Why don't you put your threats in practice Juſtice? where are your ropes and your gibbets? methinks your worſhip cools upon it: [81] what, not a word? ſhame on thee! well may'ſt thou ſtiffen with thy guilt! I cou'd forgive thy impriſonment and inſolence to me; but when I think on thy ungenerous and execrable behaviour to this lady, my temper catches fire at the deed, and whets me to revenge.

Sight.

Ah, your lordſhip! mercy! mercy! we are all frail.

Henry.

But not all villains too I hope, like thee: nay, be ever dumb: can there be excuſe for thee! old and full of ſin.—What would have been thy guilt, if fortune had not thrown me in the way to avert thy deſign, when like a monſter as thou art, thou threatenedſt to force this fair one to compliance: is it poſſible thou canſt form an excuſe for ſuch a crime? no, no, tho' her beauty's ſo divine, that ſaints beholding her might break off their prayers, and beg to taſte the perfume of her lips.—Come! come to my heart! thou matchleſs piece of fortitude and love!

[embraces]

with heaven's will and thine, we'll part no more.

Emma.

Nay, then let danger threaten as it liſts.

Aeth.

I'm all aſtoniſhment and wonder!

Henry.

O ſiſter! take this jewel to thy breaſt; [82] for ſhe's a paragon of conſtancy: I've tried her truth, and, like the pureſt gold, have found her ſpeckleſs: ſhe has gone a pilgrimage for me by day and night, thro' all the perils of the dreary wild, and never faulter'd in a word or thought. Here, take her, Aethelia, for ſhe is one you long have wiſh'd to ſee:—behold the matchleſs Nut-brown Maid!

Aeth.

Indeed! then you could not have preſented me with a maid more welcome.

[embraces her.]
Emma.

So kind a ſaying from ſo fair a friend, delights me much.

Aeth.

Tho' my expectations were other than I've met, I'm far more pleas'd in the diſappointment.

Henry.

That's kindly ſaid; ſo generous an acknowledgment deſerves a good return; nor ſhall you find me backward to be grateful; I'll endeavour to repay, tho' what I give may prove unwelcome.

Aeth.

Where is the need? why wou'd you leſſen my regard, by thinking I have an intereſt in my love?

Henry.

Miſtake me not, I only wiſh you happy as myſelf.

Aeth.
[83]

That you know can never be, ſince you are in poſſeſſion of the deareſt object of your heart, and mine is loſt forever.

Emma.

Alas! I pity you from my ſoul!

Henry.

Never deſpair: with his worſhip's leave I'll take the liberty to ſend for a gentleman, a friend of mine, and a moſt intimate acquaintance of the man you love; who, I am perſuaded, can give you ſome account; nay, will convince you he ſtill ſurvives and loves you.

Aeth.

Heavens! what do I hear!

Henry.

What ſays your worſhip? will you condeſcend to oblige me?

Sight.

In any thing your lordſhip ſhall pleaſe to aſk: 'ſheart, I'm glad he's ſo pleaſant, 'faith.

[aſide.]
Henry.

Then ſend this inſtant for that injured youth, whoſe tale I fain wou'd hear again, that you may be a weeping auditor like me.

Sight.

Who may your lordſhip mean?

Henry.

The gentleman that help'd me to eſcape.

Emma.

What means my Henry?

Aeth.

You make me tremble with conjecture: pray unfold the myſtery, and eaſe me of ſuſpenſe.

Henry.

The priſoner ſhall unriddle all; have [84] patience but a little while, and you'll be paid for it.—Your worſhip ſeems to heſitate: I've not been us'd to aſk a favour twice, and therefore muſt demand him now: ſend for him, I ſay, or take his place yourſelf for the refuſal.

Sight.

Oh, I'll ſend for him to be ſure, my lord.—Poor ſoul!—Jailor go fetch him hither directly.

[Exit Jailor.]

I hope your lordſhip did not doubt my ſending for him.—Oh that I had hang'd him a twelvemonth ago, and then he wou'd not have ſtood in judgment againſt me now!

[aſide.]
Henry.

How fares my Emma? ſhe ſeems impatient.—O let no thought but joy intrude upon the beſt of minds.—Siſter, be chearful; I'll make you ſmile before we part: you came to ſee a wizard, you'll allow; and that you may not be diſappointed quite, I'll prove myſelf a conjurer at leaſt.

Emma.

If one who deals in myſteries be ſuch, you are a conjurer indeed.—O this provoking curioſity! but I'm ſure it bodes no ill ſince my Henry is concerned.

[85]
SONG.
No more ſhall doubts invade my breaſt,
No more thro' woods and wilds I'll roam,
For Emma's heart ſhall be at reſt,
While Henry's boſom proves it's home.
Where late the owl and nightingale,
Made night with double gloom appear;
There ſhall my Henry tell his tale,
And e'ry grove and valley cheer.
Aeth.

Alas, what can it mean! my heart ſeems conſcious of ſome ſtrange event; I'm all ſurmiſe and fear.

Henry.

And here comes one will tell you what it means.

Sight.

Ah, poor ſoul! here he comes!

SCENE XII.
Enter Edwin.
Aeth.

Edwin!

Edwin.

Aethelia! lord Henry!

Aeth.
[86]

From oblivion or the grave return'd!

Henry.

From oblivion, if you pleaſe Aethelia; but as great a ſtranger to the grave as you.

Emma.

Is the gentleman an acquaintance of your ſiſter's then?

Henry.

He is, my love, the moſt intimate one in the world; and yet you ſee they hardly ſpeak to one another.

Emma.

Alas, I pity their confuſion.

Henry.

Edwin, thy hand—there is Aethelia, ſhe is moſt glad to ſee thee, tho' aſham'd to own it yet, becauſe her paſſion is a ſecret one: thou art inclin'd to ſpeak I know, but thy misfortunes, and appearance, I perceive, make thee ſet too light a value on thyſelf: excuſe me Edwin, I am as much thy friend as ever, and am overjoy'd to ſee thee; my ſiſter there is ſomething more than friend, and ſhe of courſe is glad to ſee thee too; I have preſum'd to ſpeak your inclinations, and flatter myſelf was pretty near the mark.

Edwin.

For me, my lord, you have ſpoken as if ſome friendly genius had whiſper'd in my ear the dictates of my heart: but can Aethelia think on one ſo poor, ſo ſad as I? tho' I muſt [87] confeſs the loſs of her has been the greateſt ſorrow that I've felt, when barr'd from liberty and light.

Aeth.

Nay then, my every doubt is huſh'd: nor will I bluſh to own, when 'midſt the gayeſt pageantry of life, I felt a ſorrow for my Edwin's loſs I never cou'd overcome.

Edwin.

What do I hear! Oh, I cou'd live upon the ſound forever! love in ſpite of fortune and her frowns, now makes me bold, and in Aethelia's name, I feaſt on bliſs eternal.

Henry.

Now, ſiſter, I hope you'll own I've a good knack at wizardizing?

Edwin.

Is it poſſible you cou'd aſſume that character ſo well?

Henry.

As ſure as you are here, thro' my enchantment.

Emma.

What cou'd have been your motive firſt?

Henry.

Your beauty was the motive, and your matchleſs conſtancy has prov'd the great reward, and confuted my every doubt of woman's love.—O 'tis ſuch extaſy of bliſs to find the maid I love, the faireſt of her ſex, ſo true, ſo faithful, and ſo kind.

SCENE XIII.
[88]
Enter Mrs. Sightleſs.
Mrs. Sight.

Where is ſhe? a jade! an impudent huſſy!

[Sightleſs ſtops her, and claps his hand upon her mouth.
Sight.

'Swounds, are you mad! don't you ſee who's before you!

Henry.

Pray Sir let her go on: let us hear what the good lady has to ſay.

Mrs. Sight.

Nothing.

Sight.

Nothing is a good anſwer; 'tis the ſooneſt ſaid you know my lord.

Henry.

I wiſh I had no more to ſay to you; but in juſtice to this injured gentleman, I muſt have a further hearing on his account; 'till when I ſhall beg you'll accept his lodgings for yourſelf, a night or two, which you have ſo generouſly beſtow'd on him this twelvemonth paſt.

Mrs. Sight.

This is all your own doings.— [89] I thought what it wou'd come to, I'll be hang'd if I did'nt.—O mercy on me!

Sight.

My lord! your lordſhip!—for heaven's ſake! for my wife's ſake!

Henry.

I have no time to hear you now; therefore, Mr. Jailor, I beg you'd take care of his worſhip: give him this gentleman's apartments; keep the locks faſt upon him, and on the peril of your own life, that you give him liberty, 'till you hear from me: here is ſomething for encouragement; I know you love a bribe.

[gives him money.]
Jailor.

God bleſs your honour my lord: I hope your honour, my lord, will not let me be brought into a ſcrape for it.

Henry.

Take care of his worſhip, I ſay; and you've nothing to fear.

Jailor.

Enough ſaid my lord: I'll take care of him, I warrant you.—Upon my ſoul, your worſhip, I'm ſorry for it; but I can't help it you ſee, therefore your worſhip had better be budging to crib and make the beſt on't.

Mrs. Sight.

O what diſtraction is this!

[cries bitterly.]
Henry.

Away with 'em jailor; I'm ſick of their company.

Jailor.
[90]

Your worſhip had better take heart.

Sight.

O what a pickle I'm in!

[Exeunt Sightleſs, Mrs. Sightleſs, and Jailor.]
Henry.

Now naught but pleaſure and delight ſhall crown the coming hours.

Edwin.

And lo! the villagers appear, with pipe and tabor; ſee they come this way.

Henry.

They ſhall be welcome all: come, my Edwin, the ſound of joy ſhall drive each dull and languid vapour hence; whilſt Emma, the deareſt treaſure of my heart, and mind, ſhall be the burden of each ruſtic's ſong.

SONG.
Hen.
Now let ev'ry ſwain appear,
Come, come, ye maidens far and near,
With hearts elate, exempt from care,
From wake, from harveſt-home and fair.
CHORUS.
Then let a pageant wreath be made,
To crown the matchleſs Nut-brown Maid, &.
[91]
A month of holidays we'll keep;
Each love-ſick maid ſhall ceaſe to weep:
No jealous doubts ſhall e'er infeſt
A lover's heart, or break his reſt.
CHORUS.
Then let a pageant wreath be made,
To crown the matchleſs Nut-brown Maid.

MOMUS, A POEM:
OR, A CRITICAL EXAMINATION INTO THE MERITS of the PERFORMERS, AND COMIC PIECES, AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL in the HAY-MARKET.
[]MOMUS.

[]
NO more ſhall Monkey's mimicry engage;
No more ſhall Cats and Dogs uſurp the ſtage*,
See Momus' ſons, a ſingle unit higher,
Divert the town with their detractive fire,
While patents royal are to Merit thrown,
To pleaſe Sir Francis and a taſteleſs town.
See Foote the foremoſt of the mimic race,
Amuſe the town with ſcandal and grimace;
While private characters each ſcene adorn,
Held up by him to meet the public ſcorn.
Where cuſtom's brought on ſome peculiar mode
Of ſpeech, or air, out of the common road;
[96] If but deficient in a leg or eye,
Or, from misfortune, chance to look awry,
This maimed mimick, favour'd ſo by fate,
That he might ſtill more truly imitate;
With ſelf-vain zeal a ſtupid laugh to raiſe,
He with a low audacity conveys
His borrow'd puns, with a ſarcaſtic face,
Join'd by the meaneſt of the acting race,
Without reſtraint his deareſt friends expoſe,—
But Foote and friendſhip are eternal foes.
Never did folly, with ſuch ſway, maintain
Her ſeat, and, with her baby rattle, reign
Over Apollo and his laurell'd ſons,
With glees and catches, mimicry and puns.
Like the loud quack, in ſome ſmall country town,
Who, with his fool, entices ev'ry clown;
Diſplays his pranks, his filthy noſtrums vends,
And, with a puff, their quality commends:
So Foote his own loud brazen trumpet blows,
And would, like him, his traſh for wit impoſe:
As wrecks and rubbiſh follow ev'ry tide,
So ev'ry blockhead joins the laughing ſide.
Bleſt with a face of humour, to engage
At once a drooping, and a laughing age,
[97] Shuter with ſome pretenſions to a name,
Stands forth diſtinguiſh'd in the book of fame:
The grateful public will for humour take
Whatever blunder he may chance to make;
Who, fond of laughter, oddity and whim,
Have fix'd the maſk of Comedy on him.
With face by Bacchus and by Venus marr'd,
For he with both the mighty powers warr'd;
In word expreſſive, and in geſture dry,
In action ſimple, with a meaning eye,
See Weſton gravely force the hearty ſmile,
Nor pall with low buffoonery the while:
Whene'er in Sneak or Drugger he appears,
Garrick attends with patient eyes and ears,
And owns his humour natural and true,
For Garrick muſt give genius her due.
See Dibble Davis better half the year
A mere poltroon—a hero how appear!
Unnotic'd and obſcure he ſtruts unknown,
An utter ſtranger to the injur'd town,
'Till Foote, his patron, impotent and wiſe,
At once convinces each beholder's eyes,
That merit oft beneath oppreſſion dwells,
For ſee how Davis now himſelf excells.
[98] Aimwell, Caſſio, nay, and many more,
Such parts were never acted ſo before,
And that my Muſe may ſhew her meaning plain,
Hopes ne'er to ſee 'em murder'd ſo again.
An arrant ſtroller, from the lord knows where,
A true itinerant, now here, now there,
Who oft from barn to barn, from town to town,
Ten nights has labour'd for a ſingle crown;
See Banniſter aſſume (unaw'd by ſhame)
A mimic's vile and deſpicable name;
For Banniſter a Wilkinſon would be,
But can't ſo truly imitate as he.
To ape the manner of ſome better play'r,
An act ungen'rous, at the beſt, unfair;
Why ſhould one actor villainouſly try
To damn another in the public eye?
Either by malice or by envy led,
To hurt his brother in his fame or bread?
When to the world 'tis evidently known,
He ne'er could boaſt a method of his own.
Such are a peſt and ſcandal to the ſtage,
And who but Foote would any ſuch engage?
For all muſt own the ſtage was ne'er deſign'd
To point at this, or that, but all mankind.
[99] E'en devotees muſt own the ſtage of uſe,
Where it don't leave inſtruction for abuſe.
Led by conceit, and fond of ſtage applauſe,
Yet ſtands condemn'd, if judg'd by acting laws;
With face, nor voice, nor action, to commend,
Or win one ſingle auditor his friend;
See Sowden, great in capitals, appear,
Diſguſt the eye and grate the dulleſt ear;
For he moſt ſurely, of all human kind,
Was ne'er by nature for the ſtage deſign'd:
Long in Hibernia has he trod the field,
Where judgment oft to prejudice muſt yield,
And with no ſmall indulgence and regard,
Tho' ev'ry night ſome noble part he marr'd.
See him return, declining, and in age,
Riding, his only Hobby-horſe, the ſtage,
And with a boyiſh zeal the toy embrace,
Tho' time with years has wrinkled o'er his face.
Of vulgar accent, and of bully's pink,
A rolling ſidle, with a knowing wink,
Coarſe and robuſt, who might perhaps engage,
Had he been caſt on the Broughtonian ſtage:
Palmer, ſelf-confident, attempts to pleaſe,
In high wrote parts of elegance and eaſe;
[100] But like to him, who roll'd the ſtone in vain,
Will ne'er the ſummit of his hopes attain;
Yet muſt we own him ſome ſmall ſhare of praiſe,
When Bruin, Loader, and ſuch parts he plays;
He's ſure to pleaſe while in this line he ſteers,
For in ſuch parts he ſtill himſelf appears.
Then let him ever in that track remain,
Where he is ſure, ſome ſmall applauſe to gain,
And never more in gentlemen and beaux,
Diſgrace the ſtage, the author and the cloaths.
Barry, each ſeaſon, might delight the town,
But that we've better actors of our own:
Yet think not, Barry, that I will diſgrace,
Or mean to herd him with the common race;
He is an Actor ev'ry judge muſt own,
And long has prov'd the ſav'rite of the town,
'Till Powell chanc'd within his walk to tread,
And pluck'd the blooming laurel from his head:
Yet in Othello muſt each actor yield,
There even Garrick muſt give up the field:
All own him for the part by nature fram'd,
And think of Barry when Othello's nam'd.
Not ſo thy ſon, when in each part he tries,
To copy thee, too oft from nature flies;
[101] Yet will it faintly bear the name of fault,
To follow cloſe the manners we are taught:
From thee, his ev'ry method he conceiv'd,
From thee, each beauty and each fault receiv'd,
Nor ſhould we deem him deſtitute of art,
Did he with decency perform one part.
O could my ardent, yet unwilling muſe,
Obtain one kind and plauſible excuſe,
And, without cenſure, be indulged to ſpare,
And overlook the errors of the fair—
But chaſte Aſtrea guides my feeble hand,
And will not liſten to my warm demand.
Bleſt with a form of elegance and eaſe,
Two requiſites that muſt for ever pleaſe,
Who for a ſeaſon might perhaps engage,
When Yates, awhile, retires from the ſtage:
See Dancer now each high-rate part poſſeſs,
And try to picture virtue and diſtreſs,
But judgment ſeems to leave her in the dark,
Whene'er ſhe aims to hit the doubtful mark.
With bold preſumption, in deſpite of ſhame,
Jefferies attempts to join the rank of fame,
[102] And void of judgment, attitude and ſpeech,
She aims at characters above her reach;
When poor Alicia with diſtraction raves,
And calls for racks, for thunderbolts, and graves;
Did Cinderilla ever ſcold ſo well,
When in her airs ſhe bids you go to hell?
When drove by love and paſſion and deſpair,
And having loſt all hopes, begins to ſwear;
So ſad Alicia, when by Jefferies play'd,
A mere impetuous termagant is made.
Forgive me, Jefferies, if I ſpeak my mind,
True ſatire never leaves one fault behind;
But ſince ſhe's brought thy errors forth to view,
So ſhall ſhe ſpeak of thy perfections too.
In third-rate parts, where nature don't require
Such ſkill in action, or ſuch force of fire,
When nor by pride nor by ambition led,
The paths of mediocrity you tread,
There, ſpite of cenſure, ſhalt thou juſtly raiſe,
The ſmile of pleaſure and the voice of praiſe.
See one in parts of wit and humour, ſtrive
To catch the manner of a Pope or Clive;
For Gardiner the copyiſt betrays,
In ev'ry part of humour that ſhe plays,
[103] And from her acting it is plainly ſhewn,
She likes their method better than her own;
But ſuch, a barren genius declares,
Who, having no intention, borrows theirs.
Behind appear a deſpicable race,
Without one ſingle requiſite or grace,
Beneath the notice of my honeſt muſe,
Who but to mention, would herſelf abuſe.
Names both to genius and to fame unknown,
The needy ſtragglers of each country town;
Fit but to form ſome neceſſary group,
Or to compleat Foote's miſerable troop,
When furniſh'd out with truncheons and with cloaths,
See 'em a royal company compoſe.
By theſe enforc'd, and arm'd with impudence,
See him invade the boundaries of ſenſe,
Break thro' the rules of judgment, wit, and taſte,
And lay, with ridicule, their kingdoms waſte;
Pleas'd with his own, behold the mocker ſtrive,
With ſome ſucceſs, his Grub-ſtreet to revive,
[104] And ev'ry ſeaſon palls us with the ſame,
'Till jaded patience ſickens at his name.
Each man of candour muſt in this agree,
His merit lies in inconſiſtency:
Pleas'd with the promiſe of ſome joyous fun,
Away to Foote's the herd unthinking run:
He gains his riches at the fool's expence,
Deſpis'd and ſhunn'd by ev'ry man of ſenſe.
High on Parnaſſus wou'd he wiſh to ride,
And, unreſtrain'd, the winged courſer ſtride;
But is it not moſt evident to all,
The limping Bard has had a fatal fall.
A famous play-wright wou'd he ſeem to be,
A very Phoenix to poſterity.—
Grief! that his name muſt with his body die,
And all his bantlings with their father lie,
When, lacking his diſtortion and grimace,
Their ſole protection and their only grace,
Spurn'd and deteſted in ſome wiſer age,
Will never more get footing on the ſtage.
Of theſe, the Minor, at the head we ſee,
Born at the time of his neceſſity;
When threaten'd by the horrors of a jail,
Was forc'd to hoiſt up ev'ry tatter'd ſail;
[105] And muſt have ſunk had not the tortur'd Cole,
(Who, like a pirate, he unjuſtly ſtole)
Buoy'd him, when ſinking, to the welcome ſhore,
And ſav'd at once his veſſel and his ſtore.
The Lyar too, his maſter-piece confeſs'd,
A very fuſtian-jacket at the beſt.
The Mayor of Garratt next we bring to view,
Which we muſt own both laughable and new,
But candour will admit of no excuſe,
Where ſhe beholds ſuch perſonal abuſe.
His Patron, Commiſſary, even all
His filthy drolls, beneath this cenſure fall.
His Orators, a very hodge-podge ſee,
Made up of rubbiſh and abſurdity,
Cramm'd full of puns, of nonſenſe and parade,
With neither plot, or meaning to it's aid:
But while to wit he makes the leaſt pretence,
Or tries to introduce one line of ſenſe;
With vain attempt he ſtammers at the taſk,
A very Midas in Apollo's maſk.
[106]
Theſe grown quite thread-bare, and worn out with age,
Like Foote himſelf, a nuiſance to the ſtage,
He's brought his Taylors, like a thrifty friend,
To botch their elbows and their linings mend;
Did Smithfield e'er produce a bill ſo rare,
When Punchinello was the hero there?
Did ever Flockton's tragedy excell?
Was ever ſhew-bill drawn up half ſo well?
Did ever quack with ſuch parade engage?
Not even Rock when he adorn'd the ſtage:
Did Taylor e'er with patchwork form a coat,
And without meaſure too, as Foote has wrote?
Did ever play-wright exerciſe his quill
With half that humour, or with half that ſkill?
And ſtock'd, like him, with true poetic lore,
Write ſuch a Taylor's tragedy before.
Try'd, and condemn'd by th' indulgent town,
The father won't his new-born idiot own:
But fain wou'd bribe the bawdy muſe it's mother,
To lay the frightful monſter on another.
Yet if with cloſe inſpection you ſhou'd trace
The ſtriking outlines of the infant's face,
The father's ſtrong reſemblance you'll behold,
As die to die, caſt in the ſelf-ſame mould.
[107]
As Epicureans with luxuriant waſte,
Who loſe at once their appetite and taſte,
And try to teaze the ſtomach ev'ry hour
With ſomething ſweet, or elſe with ſomething ſour;
Or when the rake is quite indiff'rent grown,
Sated with all the pleaſures of the town;
See him from place to place with tranſport fly,
In ſearch of pleaſure in variety.
When ſick of high life he begins to grow,
He tries to find a reliſh in the low;
Foote next ariſes to his vacant mind,
For there he's ſure the ſimpleſt fare to find;
No heavy ſentence to perplex the brain,
No ſearching morals on the mind remain,
But, like the froth, diſſolving in the taſte,
And, ere it meets the lip, begins to waſte:
While in our ears he dins the mighty pother,
It enters one, and hurries out at t'other.

THE VICTIM, A POEM:
INSCRIBED TO JOHN WILKES, ESQ.
[]THE VICTIM.

[]
IN vain the Nine, with all their charms invite,
In vain, tho' urg'd by zeal, may poets write,
Pamphlets and novels, magazines and plays,
From day to day a ſhort ſenſation raiſe;
And like the rocket mounting to the ſky,
Catch with delight the pleaſure-hunting eye
But ere the heart is warm'd, the joy is o'er,
They blaze, they bounce, and ſtrait are ſeen no more.
O for that art, the ſacred art divine,
That taught thee, Wilkes, to form the living line,
To charm the ſoul, to ſearch the guilty breaſt,
To rouſe the Fav'rite from luxuriant reſt;
Who, ſpight of power, or tyrannic pride,
Dares to be juſt, and take the weaker ſide,
Whene'er oppreſſion, or when party rage,
O'erwhelms a ſtarv'd and unſuſpecting age.
[112]
In times of old, but times alike to theſe,
Full of corruption, luxury and eaſe;
When virtue bled at Mammon's gilded door,
And nought was thought a crime,—but being poor;
When Famine ſtalk'd rapacious thro' the land,
Whilſt Juſtice ſlept with daggers in her hand;
When ſenators, for gold, at murder winkt,
And godlike Mercy long had been extinct;
When injur'd Merit long had ſu'd in vain,
And famiſh'd peaſants left the fertile plain;
When Science, ſpurn'd, to foreign nations fled,
And Wiſdom oft at Folly's altar bled;
In ſuch an age, how rare, alas, to find
One man exiſting with untainted mind.
Yet of ſuch god-like mortals have I read,
When Rome bore all theſe errors on her head;
Who durſt, in ſpite of tyranny and pride,
Stem the rough torrent of the raging tide.
That Rome cou'd boaſt her worthies it is true;
Bleſt be my ſtars, for Britain boaſts 'em too;
And muſt maintain her liberty and fame,
Whilſt ſhe preſerves, unſtain'd, a Camden's name;
Thro' him each Briton keeps ſecure his door,
And dreads deſpotic meſſengers no more;—
[113] Yet muſt he own, nor think it a diſgrace,
To Wilkes he owes his dignity and place.
Tho' Liberty's in ev'ry breaſt infus'd,
By all ador'd, and yet by all abus'd,
The verrieſt wretch that treads the lawleſs ſtreets,
Will take the right of ev'ry lord he meets:
My lord, in councils, hold ſuperior ſway,
And takes each charter'd privilege away,
Uſurps each bleſſing, giv'n us from above,
And tries each wholſome cuſtom to remove.
O may deſtruction wait the villain's head,
Who firſt the baleful ſeeds of faction ſpread?
Scotchman or Engliſh, whoſoe'er he be,
May fate preſcribe an ax his deſtiny,
May Juſtice all his latent projects mar,
And ſix his hateful head on Temple-Bar,
Scotchman or Engliſh: I will not diſpute,
The greater knave, a B-----d or a B--e,
Or ſound the cauſe from whence ſuch evils riſe,
I'll leave that taſk to time's all-ſeeing eyes,
And wait the promiſe of the wiſe and great,
Who move by intereſt's mighty wheel of ſtate.
You're wrong, at ſuch a time, old Caution cries,
With head oft ſhaken, and uplifted eyes,
[114] Grave and important, eloquent and ſlow,
Pretending ev'ry thing on earth to know;
You're wrong, ſaid he, 'tis not for you or I,
To plague ourſelves, and preach of liberty;
Let others fill their heads, and crack their brains,
Give us the pleaſure; take who will the pains;
Addreſs an exile!—'tis a fruitleſs ſcheme,
You ought to make ſome miniſter your theme,
Some panegyric, or ſome lofty ode,
If to the great you mean to make your road;
'Tis better far, than exerciſe your pen,
In holding up to view the faults of men;—
Yet hold, I cry'd, your counſel pray forbear,
I will no more ſuch admonition hear:
And may contempt for ever blaſt my lays,
Whene'er I flatter where I mean to praiſe.
Tho' pale Detraction with her hundred heads,
Her aconitum thro' the nation ſpreads,
Infects each mind, and dims each candid eye,
And ſtupifies the babe credulity;
Yes, I will ſpeak! tho' vengeance o'er me hung
With threat'ning eyes to ſtop my ardent tongue;
Tho' exil'd, and by party overthrown,
Bereft of ev'ry rent-roll of thy own,
[115] Deny'd, in peace, to tread thy native land,
Where ev'ry foreign beggar bears command;
Where knaves, from ev'ry ſhore, in ſplendour tread,
While many a worthy Briton dies for bread.
Shall I forget? when welt'ring in thy blood,
I ſaw thee panting for thy country's good;
Sanguine in Liberty's immortal laws,
I ſaw thee fall a martyr to her cauſe;
Struggling, 'gainſt death, with Roman fortitude,
Till thou his all-deſtroying arm ſubdu'd.
But Fate preſerv'd thee for ſome better end,
To prove ere yet a ſinking nation's friend.
In ſpite, what dull Indiff'rence may ſuggeſt,
For fools are ever apt to think the beſt;
And, like the ox, no dangers ever dread,
Till the ſad ſtroke falls heavy on their head;
For, O my country! feel you not the wound?
Look back awhile, and caſt your eyes around;
View but the lawns, where once with glee you fed,
Where Plenty once her choiceſt treaſure's ſpread:
Where peace was wont to ſmile throughout the plains,
And labour met reward for all her pains.
[116]
Now Famine takes her ſeat, whoſe baleful eye,
Blaſts every blade, and kills each matchleſs die;
Peace leaves her cot, and Plenty takes her flight,
Whilſt roſe-lipt Hope is overwhelm'd in night,
Sunk is each eye, and ſallow ev'ry cheek,
The rifl'd poor in vain for refuge ſeek,
In vain the hunger'd infant cries for bread,
While the ſad mother droops her woeful head;
Her breaſt its wonted aliment denies,
And famine-ſtruck her little cherub dies;
Fell Hyporborean laws, alas prevail,
Sunk is each ſcience, crowded ev'ry jail;
Famine and pride now rule with dreadful awe,
O'erwhelm fair Commerce, and pervert each law.
The ſacred mandate firſt by heav'n aſſign'd,
Will'd by the God of Nature for mankind,
Fair order and ſociety to frame,
And make eternal love's extatic name;—
See human laws, preſumptive break the tie,
And ſet the faith bound-hand at liberty;
Divorce ſucceeds divorce, whene'er the mind
Debas'd is to ſome other face inclin'd;
Unknown to love, yet urge the holy ſtate,
Submit the knee, and raſhly ſtipulate;
[117] They greet the portion, but return the wife,
With ſcanty pittance for the reſt of life;
F----oy, the muſe abominates to ſee,
So vile a part ſo well perform'd by thee;
The mind corrupt, to ev'ry vice a ſlave,
Thy every act ſtill conſtitutes the knave.
But ſuch examples are the ſubjects own,
They cannot ſay they have 'em from the throne;
There in the greateſt may you plainly ſee,
The envy'd ſtate of true tranquility;
A royal pattern for a nation's guide,
To all who wiſh to liſt on virtue's ſide;
The beſt of father's in the beſt of kings,
In whom benevolence for ever ſprings!
A lovely offspring dimpl'd o'er with charms,
To grace the throne, or weild the Britiſh arms;
When years mature ſhall call 'em to defend
A nation's right, and prove each ſubject's friend;
To dignify with fame the living page,
And be the wonder of ſome future age.
Seal'd be each eye, and deaf be ev'ry ear,
To ſhield the heart, and ſtop the ebbing tear,
Dark was the hour, and involv'd in night,
When Rapine reign'd, aſſaſſins ſhun'd the light.
[118] When Agathonian riots gorg'd the ſoul,
And traytors trembl'd at the midnight owl,
When bawds for pay, ſeduc'd the bluſhing fair,
Entrapping Virtue with a golden ſnare.
I'll-ſtar'd Lucretia! at that fatal time,
Ripe in thy charms, and tempting in thy prime;
The luſtful Tarquin ſtole into thy arms,
And rifl'd all thy virgin-boaſted charms.
What days but theſe cou'd ſuch a deed reſtore?
What man could act it but a Baltimore?
And who like him cou'd grace the am'rous page;
The debauchee, and Tarquin of the age?
Unhappy maid, may Juſtice plad thy cauſe;
Nor ſuffer Mammon to ſubvert her laws,
To ſet fair Truth and Innocence aſide,
And overwhelm thee in a golden tide.
O may ſome Camden reſcue thee from ſhame,
Nor let the mighty ſtigmatize thy name,
Reveal each action to the public eye,
Reſtore each truth, invalidate each lie,
Nor let the potent raviſher prevail,
How well ſoe'er he varniſh o'er his tale;
May fierce Alecto, with gorgonian locks,
In veng'ance chace him to the Stygian rocks;
[119] To howl unpity'd on the burning ſhore,
Where the baleful fiends eternal diſcord roar.
Each nation boaſts its own peculiar vice,
From conſtitution, or from meer caprice;
France is to faſhion an eternal ſlave,
And ever known more politic than brave:
The Britons rout 'em on the ſea or field,
But to their faſhions and their follies yield,
Who ever ſhew, deny it if you can,
The arrant coxcomb overcomes the man,
So fond of mode and nonſenſe are we grown,
We ſcarce can reliſh one thing of our own.
But from our pu'rile and unſtable ſtate,
We meanly condeſcend to imitate.
The hattremendous once, and deeply brimm'd,
Anon behold it to a cockle trimm'd;
The ſhoe once buckl'd half way to the knee
Anon 'tis buckled to the toe you ſee,
And Monſieurs coat attracts with equal charms,
Whether the ſkirts hang from the hips or arms;
When ev'ry alien, take it for a rule,
Will call his aukward coppieſt a fool;
What height of madneſs, and what mode intenſe,
At once to forfeit decency and ſenſe.
[120] O never more the Britiſh name degrade,
Nor be again the dupes of faſhion made;
But be yourſelves, bold, generous and wiſe,
And all ſuch foreign frippery deſpiſe.
The Scotch, all maxims but their own deride,
From native envy, or from native pride;
Bold in the field, and letter'd in the ſchool,
Declares the Scot cannot be quite a fool;
Tho' bare each hill, and ſteril ev'ry plain,
They try to culture and manure the brain.
From this their pride proceeds, whoſe bootleſs ſtore,
For ever keeps dame Fortune from the door.
Edina, ever with a jealous eye,
Frown'd on her ſiſter's vaſt fertility,
Oft has ſhe led her legions to the field,
And ſmote Britannia's adamantine ſhield,
Whoſe fierce repulſe oblig'd her famiſh'd band
To keep the limits of her native land;
The ſword in vain with all her might ſhe drew,
In hope our envy'd nation to ſubdue;
To inſtitute her baſe deſpotic laws,
To ſave a Stewart, and defend his cauſe;
Whoſe ſanguine name has left a purple ſtain,
Fit to adorn a prieſt-rode tyrant's reign.
[121] Now hoſtile hopes ſubſide, the ſupple knee,
Pretended friendſhip, and hypocriſy,
Make more advancements in the public weal
Than all the havock of the pointed ſteel;
For what but diſcord has been heard alone,
E'er ſince a Stuart ſtood ſo near the throne,
To whom can Fate theſe murmurings impute
But the deſpotic principles of B---.
Exotic maxims cauſe domeſtic broils,
And ev'ry tranquil happineſs deſpoils;
The knaviſh tutor, politic and kind,
Proteſts his friendſhip but conceals his mind,
Which ever leaning to ſome ſelfiſh end,
He acts the villain moſt to ſeem the friend;
My lord lays open his unwary heart,
And falls a victim to a traytor's art.
Fond of her flights the muſe wou'd fain intrude,
To draw unſkill'd, a faint ſimilitude,
'Tween who, or what, I'll leave mankind to gueſs,
Or thoſe who wiſh a nation's happineſs;
By other's folly we are often ſhewn
The hateful mirrour, and deſpiſe our own:
All can behold the blemiſh but the blind,
To let him feel it then is ſurely kind.
[122]
Once on a time, the fam'd hiſtorian writes,
Skill'd in the annals of the Troglodites:—
(Capricious realm, in Africa remote,
Where feeds the pard, where climbs the mountain-goat:)
A noble youth, benevolent and kind,
To vice a foe, to ev'ry good inclin'd;
Born to a throne, and rais'd to high degree,
Ere he had taſted of maturity;
Sprung from a ſtock that had been long ador'd,
Whoſe valiant arms a welcome peace reſtor'd;
A long contention with a tyrant held,
And made the thiſtle to the olive yield.
The plains rejoic'd, and bleſs'd the great event,
And drank the cup of plenty and content:
Ev'n infants whiſper'd great Muzeedan's name,
And virgins crown'd him with the wreath of fame.
A ſlave from Envy, and from Famine ſprung,
All ſupple was his knee, all ſweet his tongue:
Yet held Muzeedan in eternal hate,
His foe's dear kinſman, and his advocate:
Albuda he, a northern mountaineer,
His looks were agalaſtic and ſevere;
His eyes malignant, with a tear conceal'd,
While he his ſtory to the youth reveal'd;
[123] Feign'd a falſe zeal, and flatter'd in his praiſe,
The track each villain takes ere he betrays;
And like the pill all gilded to the eyes,
Few can diſcover where the poiſon lies;
Till with celerity it makes its way
Thro' ev'ry pore, and ſhuts the eyes from day.
The ſlave prevail'd, the youth too ſoon believ'd,
The mind untainted, is the firſt deceiv'd;
His manners gentle, and his ſpeech was fair,
His breaſt kept no malignant tenant there,
Save what Albuda introduc'd by art;
Who drain'd the ſprings of virtue from his heart;
Infuſing ſtrange chimera's in his mind,
To rule tyrannic, and oppreſs mankind;
When ev'ry needy minion of his own,
Was introduc'd, and planted round the throne.
Loſt to himſelf, Muzeedan's mind gave way,
And bore the ſceptre with deſpotic ſway:
The ſubject ſaw it, and in murmurs loud,
A threat'ning diſcord breath'd throughout the crowd;
Whilſt hydra-like, Revenge rear'd up her head,
At whoſe dread roar the peaceful village fled;
[124] Domeſtic broils, and ſavage war began,
And with deſtruction thro' the nation ran:
Rebellion drew her ſword, whoſe hand, like fate,
Shock the foundation of the throne and ſtate.
Albuda ſaw it with enraptur'd eyes,
And vulture-like he ſtood to ſeize his prize,
Plung'd the vile poniard in Muzeedan's ſide,
And bath'd his fingers in the purple tide;
Then with his legions, who in ſecret lay,
Stole the long envy'd diadem away,
Ruſh'd on the croud confus'd, who thought to ſave
Their liberty, but fell ſtill more a ſlave;
With eyes dejected, and with tears they view'd,
The ſacred name of liberty ſubdu'd,
And with deſpair and agony they ſaw,
Riſe in her ſtead each hyperborean law,
Whoſe arms oppreſſive made the ſubject groan,
From the hard burdens of a tyrants throne.
O may each monarch ſhun Muzeedan's fate,
And ev'ry ſubject cloſely eye the ſtate,
Nor ſuffer one Albuda more, ſo near,
To whiſper poiſon in a prince's ear.
[125] May plenty flow, and public diſcord ceaſe,
May Brunſwick reign in everlaſting peace:—
Curs'd be the tongue—audacious—that ſhall dare
To vent its poiſon on a name ſo fair;
Whoſe royal ſtock bore terror in the field,
And yet with lenity the ſceptre held;
Mercy ſubdu'd the warlike victor's breaſt,
And juſtice ſhone illuſtrious on his creſt;
Peace was the ſtudy of his royal mind,
At once the friend and father of mankind.

SONGS, &c.

[]

YOUNG JOCKEY OF THE CARRON SIDE.

YE ſilly laſſes of the green,
Your leers and ſmiles are vain,
Who try with gaudy geer to wean
My bonny bonny ſwain.
He ſees your ſcarlet knots and bows,
But views them with diſdain,
For I alone receive the vows,
Of my dear bonny ſwain.
[128]
He is the wonder and the pride
Of all the rural plain,
No ſhepherd treads the Carron ſide
Like my dear bonny ſwain.
While Carron gently ſteals along,
To hear his lovely ſtrain,
The flocks and herds impatient throng
Around my bonny ſwain.
Next Sabbath is our wedding-day!
I ne'er ſhall fear again,
Leſt ſome might ſteal the heart away
Of my dear bonny ſwain.
Then, laſſes, try with all your ſkill
My Jockey's love to gain,
When I have both the heart and will
Of my dear bonny ſwain.

SONG.

[129]
SURE Wolly will never return back again,
I've waited this hour or more;
Like the poor linnet, I am left to complain,
That ſits on the whinns of the moor;
When will my Wolly return?
When will my Wolly return?
Some damſel has ſtole the dear heart of my ſwain,
And I ſhall ne'er ſee my ſweet Wolly again.
The thruſh and the ouſel are now gone to reſt,
The bat and the owl are a-wing,
The ſun has this hour been ſunk in the weſt,
And night-lulling nightingales ſing;
Alack and a-well-a-day,
What can my Wolly delay?
Some damſel has ſtole the dear heart of my ſwain,
And I ſhall ne'er ſee my ſweet Wolly again.

SONG.

[130]
THE morn was fair, and Phoebus peept
O'er the blue mountains head,
While in his cavern Boreas ſlept,
And Morpheus fled the mead.
The cowſlips op'd their velvet leaves,
And incens'd ev'ry vale,
Whilſt Cupid wanton'd on the trees,
Rock'd by ſome gentle gale.
Young Celon came by four o'clock,
To meet his lovely fair,
Neglecting all his tender flock,
That once was all his care.
With plaintive notes he lull'd the grove,
Till Eddie trod the plain;
But ſoon as he beheld his love,
He chang'd his mournful ſtrain.
[131]
Like Flora's handmaid, deck'd in green,
The ſmiling fair appear'd,
Her countenance was all ſerene,
At once belov'd and fear'd.
With Love and Joy, fix'd on each face,
They rambl'd blithe and gay,
And with a mutual fond embrace,
They fix'd their wedding-day.
The ſmiling maids and jolly ſwains,
Donn'd in their beſt array,
Came trudging o'er the verdant plains,
And made a holiday.
In ruſtic dance and merry ſong,
None car'd to be outdone;
The ſwains they wreſtl'd all day long,
And gambol'd down the ſun.

A CATCH.

[132]
To be ſung by Three Men as the Lines are numbered.
1 WHAT makes a modern gentleman
10 The glory of the nation
5 To be as ſimple as you can
8 A coward in a paſſion.
7 To keep a whore and ſtarve a wife
2 The taylor and the tonſer
9 Damme, boys, but that is life
4 To have a wife and ſconce her.
11 The world muſt end as it began
6 Say, is it not the faſhion
3 Wed firſt, then whore, that is the plan
12 A world of innovation.

SONG.

[133]
WHene'er my Patty trips the green,
I feel a pleaſing pain;
She gives a luſtre to the ſcene,
The Dian of the plain.
How does my heart with rapture heave,
When for an humble bow,
A grateful curtſey I receive;
Say, is it love or no.
Would I a happy ſhepherd were,
And ſhe a ſhepherd's maid,
That I might tell my tale ſincere,
Beneath ſome rural ſhade.
But now with awe I view each charm,
And fear my flame to own,
Leſt ſhe ſhou'd all my love diſarm,
With one indignant frown.
[134]
Ye Gods inſpire me to the deed,
Incline the maid to hear,
For, O I love! I love indeed!
And with a heart ſincere.
Liſt, lovely Patty, to my ſtrain,
And eaſe my tortur'd breaſt;
Ye Gods, I'd never more complain,
If once with Patty bleſt.

A DIALOGUE SONG.

CLODY and CLARA.
IS it becauſe I love you more
Than mortal man e'er lov'd before?
Is it your ſport to uſe me ſo,
Will you not marry, Clara?
Clara.
No.
Why will you teaſe me ev'ry day,
When I've ſo often ſaid ye, nay?
Have I not often bid you go?
Prithee now leave me, Clody.
[135]
Clody.
No.
Wou'd you then ſee poor Clody die,
Rather than with his ſuit comply?
Have you no feelings for my woe,
When I ſo dearly love you?
Clara.
No.
Were you in love all day to pine,
And at my door all night to whine,
My heart would ſtill the harder grow;
Now will you follow Clara?
Clody.
No.
Since you're ſo ſavage and unkind,
I'll try ſome other maid to find;
But none ſhall ever treat me ſo,
For Clara has diſcharg'd me.
Clara.
No.
I hope my Clody does but rave;
Have I not been thy loving ſlave?
I was in joke, pray do not go;
Will you not Clara marry?
Clody.
No.
[136]You've teas'd the humble mouſe too long,
You've done your faithful Clody wrong,
Now to the winds my love I'll blow,
And heed no more your yes or no.
Clara.
Prithee, my Clody, do not go.
Clody.
Have you not, ſaid too often, no.
Clara.
Are you not joking? ſure you are!
Clody.
Have you not born the joke too far?
Clara.
But I will never more do ſo,
Say, will you not believe me.
Clody.
No.

TO A FRIEND IN THE COUNTRY.

SPITE of the hub-bub of the town,
Between the multitude and crown;
To 'ſcape the ſouſing of a ſhower,
And crib unto myſelf an hour;
I in a coffee-houſe took ſhelter,
For troth it rained helter ſkelter:
I know what I had there to do,
So down I ſat to write to you;
[137] Yet I ſhould be moſt glad to ſee
You do the ſame, and write to me;
Tho' now, you ſay, you ſpend your time
To better purpoſes than rhime:
Love has ſtol'n that heart away,
That us'd ſo wantonly to play,
On fam'd Parnaſſus' muſing hill,
Or near the Heliconian rill;
Moſt glad I am; (and yet I pine
So dear a comrade to reſign)
Moſt glad I am, the ſmiling boy
Has let you taſte Hymenial joy;
The moſt ſubſtantial bliſs of life,
A conſtant, loving, virtuous wife;
With joy I hear; in fancy ſee,
Nor envy your tranquility;
I wou'd not covet from a brother,
I only wiſh I'd ſuch another;
A country-houſe as far from town,
A horſe that I could call my own,
A dog and gun at my command,
Well match'd or trained to my hand:
To hear the bleating herds complain;
When land-ſtorms drive them from the plain;
Or when at morn with joy they bleat,
Their fleecy friends again to meet:
[138] And then reflect on what I've ſeen,
When I've in Covent-Garden been;
Where thieves and vintners, pimps and whores,
Croud around their helliſh doors;
A tricking, flatt'ring, fawning race,
Who're glad to whiſper your diſgrace;
But loudly to your face commend,
And give you credit like a friend;
But ſoon they bring you to repent,
And raiſe your debt to ten per cent.
Yet hold, my Muſe, I prithee hold,
The ſhower's o'er, my coffee cold;
Pray do not run me out of rhime,
Left I ſhou'd want another time.

VERSES On a diſtreſſed Family, that were ruined by a Great Man's Promiſe.
Suppoſed to be ſpoken by the Father.

NO, no, I will no more believe,
Or liſten to thy tale,
Thou ſhalt no more my ear deceive—
Thy promiſes are ſtale.
[139]
No more the fancy'd proſpect view,
That charm'd my anxious eyes,
Which thou uncharitably drew,
Thy falſhoods to diſguiſe.
For ever darken'd be the ſcene,
That led me firſt aſtray;
Where Hope was clad in lively green,
And Promiſes were May.
Ah, why ſhould that ſtrong anchor'd maid,
Lend knaves ſo fair a cloak?
For promiſes with Varo fade,
Before they well are ſpoke.
Hence, thou bewitching, ſmiling fiend,
Thou ſhalt no more delude;
Thy word is ſmoke, thy promiſe wind,
But ah, what wind ſo rude?
Now on a wide and troubl'd ſea,
Am I for ever toſt?
And, Varo, when I think on thee,
My peace of mind is loſt.
[140]
The mournful partner of my breaſt,
My little cherubs too,
Alas, my heart is ſore diſtreſs'd,
When ere I think of you.
How does it rack me to diſpair,
To hear my Mira ſigh;
Or when the big heart-cleving tear,
Stands trembling in her eye.
When round my knees, with liſping grief,
My little dear ones prate;
I once cou'd give their wants relief,
But now it is too late.
Bereft of all domeſtic joys,
I ſtrive to hope in vain;
A broken promiſe oft deſtroys,
But ſeldom cures again.

ON MR. AND MRS. PRINCE'S BIRTH-DAYS.
The one born on Chriſtmas-Day, the other on Chriſtmas-Eve.

[141]
HARK! the Robin-red-breaſt ſings,
And with his little gladſome wings,
Rejoices that the ſeaſon's near,
Which brings high merriment and cheer;
When ev'ry Bumpkin's morning cry,
Is ale and cake, roaſt beef and pye;
Poor Robin on the threſhold comes,
And feaſts upon the ſcatter'd crumbs;
When full, he mounts the ſnow-clad tree,
And ſings his carol merrily.
At ſuch a time, wou'd you believe,
Fair B— was born one Chriſtmas-Eve;
Fame and Report ſtill farther ſay,
A Prince was born on Chriſtmas-Day;
As if both eager to partake
Of the rich well-ſugar'd cake;
[142] As if each bore a greater mind,
Than one day more to be confin'd;
But hearing each exalted voice,
They came impatient to rejoice.
Ere eighteen winters had ſlid by,
Young Cupid, like an archer fly,
Together met 'em in a grove,
Talking o'er the theme of love;
When leaves were green, and Flora ſpread
Her varied carpet o'er the mead;
He took his aim with godlike art,
And pierc'd at once, the Prince's heart;
He aim'd another at the fair,
Then, laughing, cry'd, I've ſhot a pair;
As a true ſportſman always ſends
His wounded game to treat his friends;
As Hymen and the God of Love,
Were ever known as hand and glove;
He ſent, and ſign'd 'em with his name;
Hymen receiv'd, and with his flame,
He touch'd their hearts, and bound their hands,
And bid 'em follow his commands;
To wear his ſignet on their breaſt,
Whether exalted, or diſtreſs'd;
[143] Nor let one cold indignant frown,
E'er wither Love's immortal crown;
Then heal'd the wounds which love had made,
They both conſented and obey'd:
The Prince a huſband ſtill remains,
And ſhe a Princeſs—both in chains;
But wear them chearful, and confeſs
The chain of love is happineſs.

EPIGRAM ON DR. WEEZLE,
Doctor to the honourable Lumber Troop; who voluntarily gave his attendance, and officiouſly attempted to ruin a young gentleman and a tender family;—who never injured him.

OFficious, Sir, with ſtrut and look ſo big,
With lanthorn body and tremendous wig;
Is't not enough, that for meer want of ſkill,
You daily ſome unhappy patient kill?
Muſt you, when all your filthy noſtrums fail,
Lurk, bailiff like, and drag your friends to jail;
You take the life, take ſoul too, all you can,
Turn bailiff for the Devil;—that's your plan.
You lurk ſo cunning, and look out ſo well,
The Devil need not doubt you'll furniſh hell.

ON THE DEATH OF LORD EGLINGTON.
In the manner of the Chevy Chace.

[144]
THE morn was fair, the air ſerene,
And cheer'd each ſhepherd lad,
The ruſtling woods were dreſs'd in green,
The vales with verdure clad.
Ceres her golden crops had ſhorn,
And harveſt-home had ſung;
With Dian's hounds and early horn,
The hills and vallies rung.
At ſuch a time, on ſuch a day,
Lord Eglington aroſe,
Then ſally'd he with horſe away,
And to the woodland goes.
[145]
His coat was all of Saxon green,
And velvet was his cap;
A neater ſportſman ne'er was ſeen,
To ſcout the mountain lap.
A bolder ſteed, a braver Sir,
Ne'er follow'd hunter's cry,
For e'er he ply'd the chafing ſpur,
He ſeem'd to ride and fly.
His dogs well train'd, no better ſure,
Ere couched at command;
A gun more certain and ſecure,
Ne'er graced a ſportſman's hand.
O'er rocks, thro' woods, and down the ſteep,
Like Perſeus in his pride;
'Twould glad the heart to ſee him ſweep,
Adown the mountain ſide.
Beneath an hill, alack! the day!
A lurking poacher ſtood;
All eager, watching for his prey,
Beſide a lonely wood.
[146]
Who thought ere long, ſome ſnipe or hare,
Wou'd riſe within his ſhot;
He cock'd his gun, he trim'd his ſnare,
But little prov'd his lot.
Anon a lovely woodcock ſtired,
Within the wat'ry brake,
Which ſoon the watchful ſpaniel heard,
Who to his maſter ſpake.
The poacher heard the fond alarm,
And ſaw the victim riſe;
He pois'd his piece with ſkilful arm;
He ſhot and hit his prize.
Then inſtantly recharg'd with ſpeed,
And watch'd with greedy eye;
But little thought who next wou'd bleed,
What nobler game ſhou'd die.
Unlucky ſhot, unlucky bird,
To looſe thy harmleſs ſtate;
Unlucky Eglington that heard,
The ſummons to thy fate.
[147]
O hadſt thou elſewhere been engaged;
We had not felt this woe;
Had'ſt thou in warlike combat wag'd,
With ſome more noble foe.
Some fiend of fate was ſure abroad,
And miſchief bore command;
Thy ſtars combind in one accord,
And death ſtood dart in hand.
My lord purſued the fatal ſound,
With anger in his mind,
And in the vale the poacher found,
Upon his gun reclin'd.
When thus he 'gan the man to chide,
That durſt invade the law;
Who ſtrove his gun and game to hide,
And bluſh'd with guilt and awe.
Reſign, preſumptious hind, reſign!
Thou haſt no buſineſs here;
Theſe lands and woods thou know'ſt are mine,
Reſign, or thou'lt pay dear.
[148]
I'll not reſign thou haughty lord,
Altho' theſe lands are thine,
I've ſaid it, and I'll keep my word,
The gun ſhall ſtill be mine.
The hand that gave each creature breath,
And planted ev'ry tree,
Will ſhield me from the hand of death,
As ſoon as it will thee.
Impartial nature ne'er deſign'd,
That lords alone ſhou'd reign;
To tax the air, to rule the wind,
The tyrants of the plain.
I feel an appetite and will,
A thirſt for pleaſure too,
And have as great a right to kill,
And eat, as well as you.
Now boil'd the blood within the veins,
Of brave lord Eglington;
Rage unbridl'd all her reins,
Whilſt veng'ence ſpur'd him on.
[149]
With blood all blurted in his face,
And lightning in his eyes;
I'll not endure this language baſe,
From one like thee he cries.
Harſh was the language which he ſpoke,
Like Hercules he frown'd;
And with a ſtout and pithy oak,
He ſtruck him to the ground.
As one fell'd by a thunder ſtroke,
He ſpeechleſs lay awhile;
Then half recovered, thus he ſpoke,
In melancholy ſtile.
Inhuman lord! you little know,
The means that brought me here;
You might have ſpar'd each cruel blow,
And yielded me a tear.
Is it becauſe that chance has thrown
Thee into fortune's arms,
To call theſe woods and vales thy own,
Which yield a thouſand charms.
[150]
Is it for this, that thou ſhou'dſt be
So cruel and unkind,
A ſtranger to humanity,
Where poverty you find.
It is becauſe thou art in need,
Of what my gun has ſlain;
If that ſhould be the caſe, indeed,
I ne'er would ſhoot again.
Or if like me, thou ſhouldſt depend,
On what the fields afford;
Who, ſave my gun, can boaſt no friend,
To furniſh out my board.
For know proud Lord! I ſhould not care,
To venture forth for game;
Were I not hunted by deſpair,
To riſk my life and name.
Go to yon cot, and there ſurvey,
A ſcene Wou'd melt a ſtone,
Where oft I ſigh the live-long day,
In melancholy moan.
[151]
Where the ſad mother weeping ſtands,
Surrounded by a brood,
That lift their little harmleſs hands,
And cry aloud for food.
Where through the low and ſhatter'd wall,
Keen blows the whiſtling wind,
When ſnows in fleecy ſhowers fall,
And winter bites unkind.
When trees that late with leaves were hung,
Small icicles adorn;
And where the chearful thruſhes ſung,
The ſtock-doves ſit forlorn.
There bolden'd by my wretched ſtate,
Thro' theſe fair lands I roam;
And when good luck ſhall prove my fate,
I bring my treaſures home.
With joy I ſee my infants feed,
And bleſs the lucky day;
I feel no ſorrow at the deed,
While round my hearth they play.
[152]
Audacious clown, replied my lord,
That dares thus to my face,
Thy lawleſs practices record,
And boaſt an act ſo baſe.
But theſe inſtructions I'll not bear,
And therefore clown reſign;
Thou ſhalt, nor woodcock ſhoot nor hare,
While theſe fair lands are mine.
Throw down your arms and go your gate,
And follow good advice;
You will repent it man, too late,
If here you venture twice.
I'll go my gate, the poacher cry'd,
And here offend no more.
The world, thank Heaven's, fair and wide,
'Twas made for rich and poor.
'Tis gi'en the bold and pamper'd ſteed,
To brouze in paſtures gay;
On rich and luſcious food to feed,
And wanton all the day.
[153]
Whilſt Nature's ſlave, the humble aſs,
Dejected, meek, and poor,
Is glad a leiſure day to paſs,
Upon the barren moor.
Releas'd his burden, there he feeds,
And thinks the thiſtle ſweet;
He aſks no more than nature needs,
A belly full's a treat.
He thirſts not for the gold he bears,
When weary on the road;
But ever happy he appears,
If moderate his load.
So I emburden'd with diſtreſs,
Deny'd theſe vales to tread;
I'll forth to yonder wilderneſs,
And ſeek my daily bread.
The foreſt broad, the dreary wilds,
Tho' poor, may yet be kind;
There fortune, yield me but thy ſmiles,
Then blow the rougheſt wind.
[154]
I aſk not for her gold, nor wealth,
Be thoſe for lazy pride;
Give me but raiment, food, and health,
The reſt let fools divide.
There ſpight of thee, thou haughty peer!
I'll drink tranquility;
Nor ſhall I live again in fear,
Of ſuch a thing as thee.
Ceaſe, ceaſe thou preſumptious ſlave,
Nor think I'll liſt to thee?
Thou empty moralizing knave,
How dar'ſt thou preach to me.
Reſign thy gun, thou loon, I ſay,
Or by my ſoul I ſwear,
I'll make thee fellow, rue the day,
That ever thou cam'ſt here.
Then aiming at the poacher's head,
Who laugh'd at what he ſpoke;
As if he meant to ſtrike him dead,
E'en at a ſingle ſtroke.
[155]
The poacher to evade the blow,
Three paces back retir'd;
His face with paſſion 'gan to glow,
As if his heart were fir'd.
I ſwear then, by my breath and blood!
My gun and I won't part,
To prove that it's contents are good,
Here take 'em to thy heart!
This done, down upon the ground he fell,
Like to a wounded deer,
And ſighing wiſh'd a long farewell,
To his Corina, dear.
Now all aghaſt the poacher ſtood,
To ſee his deed ſo foul;
Convulſed boil'd his guilty blood,
And horror ſeiz'd his ſoul.
As one diſtact and wild was he,
All ſtiffen'd with ſurprize;
Then falling on his bended knee,
Aloud to heav'en cries.
[156]
Have mercy! mercy! Gracious God!
Withold the hand of death!
O ſpare, O ſpare thy dreadful rod!
O ſpare, O ſpare his breath!
Where ſhall I go, where ſhall I hide?
How 'ſcape thy wond'rous eyes?
How drive the ſpector from my ſide,
When conſcience—murder cries?
Accurſed be this vile machine!
Accurs'd the luckleſs hour!
O had I in the deſart been,
Where ſavages devour.
Or near the threat'ning billows ſwell,
Had I been doom'd to ſtand;
Where thy prophetic mermaids yell,
Along the dreadful ſtrand.
O! had ſome ſky-lark rais'd in air,
Or had it prov'd my lot,
That ſnipe, or partridge, quail or hare,
Had fall'n beneath my ſhot.
[157]
For, ah! I little thought to find,
Such noble game as thee;
Or that the fates had e'er deſign'd
This bloody taſk for me!
Dear haſty youth, cou'd I reſtore
That life I've ta'en away,
I wou'd my better ſtars implore,
And pine from day to day.
O let me raiſe thy drooping head,
And lift thee from the ground,
And leave, O leave, this goary bed,
Whilſt angels heal the wound!
With deathly cheek, and fainting eye,
The bleeding Earl reply'd;
O bear me Poacher, ere I die,
To my Corina's ſide.
There let me take my laſt farewell,
Once more behold her charms,
That fame to future times may tell,
I died within her arms.
[158]
Do this! be all thy ſins forgiv'n,
Altho' by thee I bleed,
Do this! and may all-judging heav'n,
O'erlook thy bloody deed.
The tears faſt down the Poacher's cheek,
In ſtreaming ſhowers fell;
He beat his breaſt, he ſtrove to ſpeak,
And ſtrove to ſay farewell.
Grief choak'd all utt'rance for a while,
But now to words gave way;
When in a ſoul-deſtracted ſtile,
He 'gan with tears to pray.
Great God of mercy, yet reſtore,
This ſad, this bleeding lord;
For O his goodneſs wounds me more,
Then cou'd his keeneſt ſword.
O ſpare my ſhame, my grief, deſpair,
O ſpare his precious life,
In pity to that tender fair,
His wiſh'd his promis'd wife.
[159]
Ah me! ſhe comes, my hateful deed,
Is blown through all the world;
I ſoon ſhall be, (too ſure I read)
To dark perdition hurl'd.
My glaſs is run, Time tolls my knell,
My wretched reign is o'er.—
My wife, my little babes farewel,
I ne'er ſhall ſee you more.
Accurs'd am I, of all mankind,
To leave ye thus undone;
Ah! where will you a father find,
When I am dead and gone.
With eyes diſtract, diſhevel'd hair,
The ſad Corina came;
Her cries and ſhriekings pierc'd the air,
With calling on his name.
The names of Death and Eglington,
She join'd in accents ſad.—
In pity mighty God look down;
—O let me not be mad!
[160]
Wilt thou eclipſe him from my ſight.
By death's relentleſs hand?
My bleſſed Sun, that ſhon ſo bright,
The wonder of the land!
He ſaw her pangs, her voice he heard,
He preſſed her to his ſide;
Death in his face, all pale appear'd,
He bleſs'd her, ſigh'd, and died.

THE BIRD'S NEST. A FABLE.

FOUR giddy boys play'd truant once,
Who never bluſh'd at name of dunce;
But rather chooſe to live as fools,
Than bear confinement in the ſchools:
As near a wood they chanc'd to ſtray,
They found a bird's-neſt in their way;
All eager, ſcrambling for the neſt;
But one much taller than the reſt,
Secur'd the prize; each claim'd a ſhare,
The talleſt did not hold it fair,
[161] And with an aggravating frown,
He vow'd he'd keep it all his own;
The reſt with rage were fit to burſt,
When each declar'd he ſaw it firſt;
And rather than give up their right,
They 'gan to quarrel, next to fight;
The neſt was on a hay-cock put,
'Till they decided the diſpute.
A clown juſt by, emerging lay,
To ſee 'em once begin the fray,
He knew he ſhould (for he was wiſe)
While they were fighting, ſteal the prize;
No ſooner had the fray began,
But with the neſt, away he ran;
The ſcuffle over, to his coſt,
The hero found his prize was loſt.
Each 'gan to ſimper at his brother,
To find, that after all their pother,
The potent point ſo ſoon decided,
And ev'ry ſhare ſo well divided.

THE PETTICOAT, A NEW SONG.

[162]
To the Tune of Chevey Chaſe.
'TWAS ſometime, worthy ſirs, in May,
No matter in what year;
When boys and girls together play,
And drink in merry cheer.
It happen'd once, a waggiſh ſet,
Bethought 'em of a joke;
And near a mighty manſion met,
The Lord on't to provoke.
High in the air a trophy bore,
I'faith a ſtrange conceit;
And crowding round his lordſhip's door,
They hallow'd bread and meat;
A magiſtrate in truth was he,
Of noble blood deriv'd;
No mortal had a heart more free,
His equal ne'er ſurviv'd.
[163]
The uproar drew his lordſhip out,
To know what it cou'd mean;
But on his chaps receiv'd a clout,
That ſent him in again.
But turning round, he caſt his eyes,
And view'd the ſhameful ſcene;
Revenge! revenge! revenge! he cries,
Was ere the like on't ſeen.
A pettycoat and breeches hung,
Both dangling on a pole;
The ſtreet with claps and hiſſing rung,
Enough to charm one's ſoul.
The meaning ſoon his lordſhip knew,
And ſtreight he rais'd a band;
Who joining him, like hero's flew,
And ſeiz'd it ſword in hand.
Did ever knight in days in yore,
Atchieve ſuch envy'd fame;
Did ever mortal man before,
Deſerve ſo great a name.
[164]
The k—, God bleſs his royal heart,
Of his own wiſe accord;
Streight acted he the k—y part,
And gave him due reward.
Now, high in council ſeat he's plac'd,
To rule o'er rich and poor;
Was ever k— before ſo grac'd,
By any man before.
Now be it known to great and ſmall,
The wonders he has done;
And to his fame let bunters ball,
As thro' the ſtreets they run.

THE PEASANT AND THE ANT. A FABLE.

THE fields were ripen'd all around,
And Ceres' head with corn was crown'd;
Pomona with her fruits array'd,
And plenty (coy, much envied maid)
Her horn of bounty careleſs held,
And dropt a gift in every field.
[165] A peaſant, walking through the grain,
Was heard to murmur and complain.
His face was wan and meagre grown,
And hunger ſtamp'd him with a frown.
A laden ant was paſſing by,
And, with her ſmall inſectic eye,
She look'd upon the abject man,
And, with revilings thus began:
"Art not aſham'd, ungrateful clown,
"Amongſt ſuch crops thy wants to own,
"Whilſt ſmiling plenty round thee ſtands,
"Inviting thy unwilling hands.
"Thou poor incorrigible knave,
"Thy ſloth will bring thee to the grave.
"Benevolence is thrown away,
"On ſuch as thou art ev'ry day.
"How can'ſt thou ever think to thrive,
"Except with induſtry thou'lt ſtrive
"To help thyſelf, when there is giv'n
"Before thine eyes ſuch ſtores from heav'n?
"Had I one opportunity
"Like this, I'd lay ſuch plenty by.
"In ſuch a ſeaſon I'd provide
"Enough for all my days beſide.
[166] "But I'm obliged each day to roam
"Many a furlong from my home,
"And cry, good luck, when'er I pick
"From off the ground a ſingle ſtick;
"Or, in ſome long or rutty lane,
"I find by chance a ſingle grain.
"Had I the art, and ſtrength like you,
"To reap, to threſh, to bake, and brew,
"I would not murmur nor complain
"At winter's ſnow or ſummer's rain,
"Which heav'n in each ſeaſon ſends,
"To anſwer all its wiſer ends."
"Thou boaſting thing, (the clown reply'd,)
"Thou little crawling piece of pride,
"Or ſtop thy foul reproaching breath,
"This moment elſe ſhall be thy denth;
"For all thy counſel's mere pretence,
"To ſhew thy mighty ſhare of ſenſe,
"Thy induſtry and inſolence,
"Thou would'ſt not in this manner prate,
"Wert thou like me of human ſtate;
"Were what I've reap'd, and what I've ſown,
"Like what thou gather'ſt, all my own,
"My barns ſhould every one be ſtor'd,
"And I, as well as thou, would hoard.—
[167] "I own the ſeaſons plenty ſend,
"Were men like ants, each other's friend;
"I would not now come murm'ring here,
"Were food and raiment not ſo dear.
"Thoſe times thou ſure muſt own are bad,
"When there's no victuals to be had;
"When Nature ſends her ſtores at large,
"And Earth does all her gifts diſcharge,
"'Tis not by God, but man deny'd,
"Who feaſts in luxury and pride:
"For ſee, yon infant ſtarving dies,
"With all this bounty 'fore his eyes."

THE APOLOGY.

There is no reaſon to comment,
The moral is moſt evident.

The PRETTY MAID of CHELMSFORD.

A Pretty maid both kind and fair,
Dwells in Chelmsford town,
Her pleaſing ſmiles, her eaſy air,
Engages fop and clown.
[168]
Being accoſted t'other day,
By a clumſy 'ſquire,
Who aſk'd her if ſhe knew the way
To quench a raging fire.
Water, Sir, reply'd the maid,
Will quench it in a trice,
O no, ſaid he, you little jade,
I've try'd that once or twice.
Then Sir, ſaid ſhe, 'tis paſt my ſkill,
To tell you what will do;
I'm ſure, ſaid he, you know what will;
There's nothing can but you.
Alas-a-day what do you mean,
Reply'd the pretty fair;
I'd have you try it once again;
You never ſhou'd deſpair.
Deſpair I cannot, cry'd the 'ſquire,
While you are in my ſight,
'Tis you muſt quench the burning fire,
You ſet it firſt alight.
[169]
Then ſtrait he claſp'd her round the waiſt,
And forc'd from her a kiſs,
Ho! ho! ſaid ſhe, is that your taſte;
Then pray you, Sir, take this.
And with a pail, plac'd at the door,
She ſluic'd the amorous 'ſquire;
Your'e welcome, Sir, to this and more,
To quench your raging fire.

AN EVENING's WALK.

ONE Summer's eve, when ev'ry ſwain was hous'd,
When Sol had ſcarce one glimmer left behind,
Each little ſtar, faint glitt'ring, caſt a ray,
And ſpangled o'er the duſky robe of night.
Fond of the ſcene, I wander'd far from home,
O'er level lawns, and flower-breeding vales,
Till weary nature ſlacken'd in my ſteps,
And made me halt upon a friendly bank.
Calm thro' a bridge, there ran a peerleſs ſtream,
That ſcarcely mov'd the ozier's ſlender wand:
Here I took my ſtand, and view'd the ſolemn ſcene.
[170] The bat had been an hour on the wing,
Chaſing the night-fly and the buzzing gnat:
The purblind owl had left the antient tower,
Prowling with floſſy wing along the mead.
Anon, as out of Chaos, ſhot a ray
Of chearing light, quiv'ring o'er the hills,
As yet too weak to ſtruggle with the dark;
Or, as th' Egyptian queen, far off beheld,
Shot her firſt beams on the Italian ſhore,
Her brilliant train reflecting on the waves,
Making the Tybur like a golden ſea.
Clouds that o'er-hung the horizon, unſeen,
Appear'd in view, like ſilver-ſkirted troops,
Waiting the up-riſe of the queen of night.
Slow ſhe approach'd, and ſmil'd upon the world,
Op'ning freſh landſcapes to my wond'ring eyes.
Philomel now chear'd the embow'ring grove,
The woodlark too, miſtaking it for day,
Join'd her ſweet notes with emulating ſtrains.
Near to my left there ſtood an ancient pile,
By waſting time, and ſavage war defac'd,
Like a reduc'd and hoary-headed chief,
Commanding awe, even in deſtruction.
On its flinty fides deep-dy'd ivy clung;
[171] Its roof was capt with velvet-grounded moſs,
And round its baſe, wild weeds and flowers grew,
The ſtinging nettle with the briars blend,
The ſecret haunt of adders and of toads.
Thro' the wide breaches of the rock-built walls,
Pale Cynthia beam'd her lucid columns down
Upon the verdant ſlope, in lines direct and clear,
Reflecting on a dimpled brook below.
A ſolemn ſilence now o'erſpread the globe,
Save when the minew wanton'd on the ſtream,
And left a circle ſpreading to the brink.
Anon, as wind from out ſome hollow cave,
A deep-felt ſigh from out the ruins came,
As from a heart juſt burſting with its load,
Which ſtreight was anſwer'd with a voice of woe,
Like ſorrow ſoothing the more ſad deſpair.
Awhile I ſtood, in doubt, to know the cauſe,
Or to retreat, leaſt ſome deluding fiend,
Feigning the voice of grief, meant to deſtroy.
At length reſolv'd, with caution I approach'd,
O melting ſight! my wounded heart ran o'er,
And empty'd at my eyes—A mournful pair,
The woeful partners of affliction ſat,
On the low baſis of a mould'ring urn,
[172] And open'd to my view a tragic ſcene.
Conceal'd, I ſtood, obſerving their diſtreſs;
She, in her lap, an infant cherub held,
A lovely boy, the offspring of their loves.
Her eyes were bent with ſorrow on the babe,
While in her face the little dear one ſmil'd,
And then, with tears of miſery and love,
She clung him eager to her throbbing breaſt.
The wretched huſband on her neck reclin'd,
Striving to chear his melancholy dame,
Feign'd a hope, tho' foreign to his heart:
But when he found deſpair had ſeiz'd her ſoul,
His tears burſt forth, and bath'd his manly cheeks,
And on his bended knees he trembling fell,
Lifting his eyes with anguiſh 'gainſt the ſky,
With invocations loud, and agonizing ſighs,
Imploring heaven for a ray of peace,
Till his loud accents ſhook the vaulted roof,
And rift his tortur'd breaſt.—I cou'd no more,
But flying to his aid with heart diſtreſs'd,
He fix'd his eyes with furious glare upon me,
And threaten'd me with death if I advanc'd;
Like the fierce tyger, aſſail'd by hunters,
In his dreary den, he ſtood defenſive o'er his young,
[173] Shielding 'em from danger. With humble voice,
And friendly tears, I mov'd him to attend,
And liſten patient to the voice of pity.
Joy then, with fear and admiration mix'd,
O'erſpread each face, and as I ſpake, they bleſt;
Hope, like the ſun that clouds had long o'erveil'd,
Fluſh'd on their cheeks, extinguiſhing deſpair.
Ye woeful pair let your ſuſpicions ceaſe;
If friends forſake, and creditors purſue:
If you once more can truſt a thought to hope,
And think it poſſible to meet a friend,
Tell me your ſtory, and you yet ſhall find
That fate relents, and ceaſes to afflict.
Tho' here to you a ſtranger I appear,
To mercy I am none; to ſee another wretched,
Makes me wretched too: by ſerving others,
I ſtill myſelf oblige, and meet reward,
Ample reward, a tranquil happineſs!
Seeing others ſo, by me made happy.
I'd rather wipe the tear of grief away,
Than add a ruby to a monarch's crown,
And win a prince's promiſe for my pains.
If fate's not giv'n you over to deſpair,
And you'll accept of friendſhip once again,
Chear your ſad hearts—let ev'ry fear ſubſide,
[174] Nor doubt a ſtranger yet may prove a friend;
If you'd be happy, tell me but in what,
I'll try my ev'ry means to make ye ſo.
Thou gracious being! (if thou art human)
For thou ſpeak'ſt with a celeſtial tongue,
Let me embrace thee;—O! pardon me, too,
That I aſſail'd thee with the threat of death,
When thou but meant to ſave me from his ſhaft;
For O! thy words were welcome to my ſoul
As mollient dews that fall upon the mead,
When parching Sol has curl'd each verdant blade;
Thou haſt preſerv'd to me the deareſt roſe
That ever ſcented gale, the ſweeteſt bud
That ever eye beheld, or tempted death to kill,
(This drooping fair one, and her ſmiling boy,)
For they have ſuffer'd more than I dare tell,
And to repeat, is more than I can bear:
She once, alas, was Fortune's favourite,
And Minerva's pride, the tender fondling
Of a wealthy pair—O! ſad remembrance;
Provoking tears! when will ye ceaſe to flow!
Theſe eyes have long been ſtrangers to a ſmile;
Excuſe me, friend, if they diſguſt thee.
We ſing of others woe, but cry our own;
My heart has guſhed at a thouſand veins,
[175] To ſee the ſufferings of a matchleſs wife.—
There was a time, when this forſaken hold,
At ſuch an hour, would have giv'n delight,
When ſolitude and night would give a ſcop [...]
To thought, and yield a pleaſing melancholy
To the jaded mind, o'ercharg'd with pleaſure
And variety; but now, how dreary and forlorn
It ſeems; and as we tell our mournful tale,
With double horror echoes back each word,
Mocking adverſity, in hollow ſounds,—
Telling us over what is death to hear.—
Such tales as mine, good friend, I oft have read,
Such woeful ſcenes have oft been play'd;
With ſympathizing heart I've heard and ſeen,
And dropp'd a tear for the oppreſs'd and brave;
But ere I'd ſlept the fiction fled my breaſt,
And time would leave no traces on the mind.
When we become the objects of diſtreſs,
Remembrance ſtamps it with an iron ſeal
Upon our hearts, and ev'ry thought is death.
But to my ſtory, 'tis my friend's deſire—
I am no ſtranger to this gloomy pile,
I oft have paid a viſit to theſe walls,
And oft admir'd the romantic form,
When the fair morn invited me abroad,
When fertile nature daſy'd ev'ry hill,
[176] And ev'ry meadow bluſh'd a purple hue:
When thruſhes ſang, and linnets charm'd the grove;
My heart then drank in pleaſure at my eyes,
And felt no interrupter by the way,
No wretched thought to daſh it back again.—
My father was a man of wealth and note,
(And held a manſion in a village by)
A better ne'er gave being to a ſon:—
I having read of mighty things abroad,
Of ancient Rome and grand Cairo's court,
The wealth of India and Egyptian wilds.
With thirſt for novelty and deſire,
I urg'd my father, and at length prevail'd
That he would let me venture on a tour,
And prove the truth of hiſt'ry and report.—
'Tis ſix years ſince I left my native home;
Since when, ſo many wonders I have ſeen,
That curioſity at laſt grew ſick.
Returning home, I croſs'd the mighty Alps;
A deadly ſickneſs ſeiz'd me on the way,
And made me ſeek for ſuccour and a friend;
A greater rarity than all I'd met.
An ample dwelling open'd to my view,
To which I bent my way, and ſhelter aſk'd,
[177] And was receiv'd at once a welcome gueſt.
With mild compaſſion they beheld my ſtate,
And ſtrove to chear me with a friendly voice.
Diſmounting here, I would have enter'd in,
But that my feet their wonted uſe deny'd:
My limbs gave way, and let me to the ground;
When this dear fair came running to my aid;
She rais'd me up, and led me careful in,
And ev'ry day a true attendance paid:
When I was ſtruggling with the pangs of death,
And with conſoling hope, ſhe'd drop a tear,
Imploring heaven to preſerve my life.
Her ſupplications did at length prevail.
No ſooner had I conquer'd one compeer,
But found my heart was with another ta'en,
Love, to whom I ſoon ſubmitted, and embrac'd.
And made my hoſteſs partner of my life,
But here partaker in affliction too;—
Her father was a Briton, once of wealth,
And held a manſion in that happy iſle,
Till revolution and domeſtic broils,
Deſtroy'd his lands, and plunder'd all he had,
(Save a few ſtores, in fecret he had ſaved,)
Putting himſelf and family to flight,
To ſeek for refuge in a foreign land.—
The action robb'd the good man of his life,
[178] And in diſtreſs the mournful widow left,
With this fair comforter to buffet life,
And ſhield her from a baſe enſnaring world.
Here eighteen months I liv'd in ſocial joy,
And in the deſert found the deareſt wife.
The kindeſt mother ever man cou'd boaſt,
Her better ſpirits ſo outworn by grief,
That made her frame, like frozen lillies, fade,
Recline, and droop unto the earth again.
Not having heard one tiding from my friends
For many a day, then we for England made;
And ere we reach'd the ſhore, the wind blew high,
And frowning Neptune on the ſurface foam'd,
Throwing up wat'ry mountains in our way,
And, in his anger, daſh'd us on a rock:
Some twenty periſh'd in the yawning deep,
But we eſcap'd, to meet a harder fate.
We ſav'd our lives, but ſaw our cargo ſink:
No ſooner had I ſtepp'd with pleaſure on the ſhore,
But met the tidings of my father's death,
From one misfortune often comes a crowd,
For ſome malignant enemy of mine,
Inform'd the good old man I'd long been dead.
And ere he died, he choſe another heir.
And left him all his fortune and eſtate.
[179]
Here, each glaring circumſtance aroſe,
And fill'd me with ſurpriſe: I aſk'd his name,
"Landore, he cry'd, a wealthy neighbour here."
Landore! ye mighty Gods, how juſt!
I am that heir thy worthy father choſe,
And for his friendſhip and his love to me,
I'll give his ſon his fortune back again.
I had enough before to make me happy,
And but reſign that ſuperflux to him,
Which fate had choſen me ſteward to a while,
To quit my claim upon a juſt demand.

EPIGRAM ON LORD G—.

[180]
MY Lord has often ſaid, he ſcorns
The wretch who'd fain conceal his horns,
And, from his heart, quite full of glee,
He wiſh'd all cuckolds in the ſea.
A merry wag (pleas'd with the whim)
Reply'd, my Lord, Pray can you ſwim?
END OF VOL. I.
Notes
*
Alluding to Signior Placido's Monkey, &c.
Sir Francis Blake Delaval.
*
Vide one of his Puffs in the Gazetteer, on Thurſday, the 9th of July.
Distributed by the University of Oxford under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License

Zitationsvorschlag für dieses Objekt
TextGrid Repository (2020). TEI. 5095 Analects in verse and prose chiefly dramatical satirical and pastoral pt 1. University of Oxford Text Archive. . https://hdl.handle.net/21.T11991/0000-001A-6088-E