SCENE,Mrs.Motherly'sHouse.
Enter Mrs.Motherly, meetingMyrtilla.
Moth.So, niece! where is it possible you can have been these six hours?
Myr.O! Madam! I have such a terrible story to tell you!
Moth.A story! ods my life! what have you done with the Count's note of five hundred pounds I sent you about? is it safe? is it good? is it security?
Myr.Yes, yes, it is safe: but for its goodness——mercy on us! I have been in a fair way to be hang'd about it.
Moth.The dickens! has the rogue of a Count play'd us another trick then?
Myr.You shall hear, Madam; when I came to Mr.Cash, the Banker's, and shewed him his note for five hundred pounds, payable to the Count, or order, in two months—he looked earnestly upon it, and desired me to step into the inner room, while he examined his books——after I had staid about ten minutes, he came in to me——claps to the door, and charges me with a constable for forgery.
Moth.Ah poor soul! and how didst thou get off?
Myr.While I was ready to sink in this condition, I begg'd him to have a little patience, 'till I could send for Mr.Manly, whom he knew to be a gentleman of worth and honour, and who, I was sure, would convince him, whatever fraud might be in the note, that I was myself an innocent abus'd woman——and as good luck would have it, in less than half an hour Mr.Manlycame——so, without mincing thematter, I fairly told him upon what design the Count had lodg'd that note in your hands, and in short, laid open the whole scheme he had drawn us into, to make our fortune.
Moth.The devil you did!
Myr.Why how do you think it was possible I could any otherwise make Mr.Manlymy friend, to help me out of the scrape I was in? To conclude, he soon made Mr.Casheasy, and sent away the Constable; nay farther promis'd me, if I would trust the note in his hands, he would take care it should be be fully paid before it was due, and at the same time would give me an ample revenge upon the Count; so that all you have to consider now, Madam, is, whether you think yourself safer in the Count's hands, or Mr.Manly's.
Moth.Nay, nay, child; there is no choice in the matter! Mr.Manlymay be a friend indeed, if any thing in our power can make him so.
Myr.Well, madam, and now pray how stand matters at home here? What has the Count done with the ladies?
Moth.Why every thing he has a mind to do, by this time, I suppose. He is in as high favour with Miss, as he is with my Lady.
Myr.Pray, where are the ladies?
Moth.Rattling abroad in their own coach, and the well-bred Count along with them: they have been scouring all the shops in town over, buying fine things and new clothes from morning to night: they have made one voyage already, and have brought home such a cargo of bawbles and trumpery——mercy on the poor man that's to pay for them!
Myr.Did not the young Squire go with them!
Moth.No, no; Miss said, truly he would but disgrace their party: so they even left him asleep by the kitchen fire.
Myr.Has he not asked after me all this while? for I had a sort of an assignation with him.
Moth.O yes! he has been in a bitter taking about it. At last his disappointment grew so uneasy, thathe fairly fell a crying; so to quiet him, I sent one of the maids andJohn Moodyabroad with him to shew him——the lions and the Monument. Ods me! there he is, just come home again——you may have business with him——so I'll even turn you together.
Enter SquireRichard.
Squ.Rich.Soah! soah! Mrs.Myrtilla, where han yow been aw this day, forsooth?
Myr.Nay, if you go to that, Squire, where have you been, pray?
Squ.Rich.Rich. Why, when I fun' at yow were no loikly to come whoam, I were ready to hong my sel——soJohn Moody, and I, and one o' your lasses have been——Lord knows where——a seeing o' the soights.
Myr.Well and pray what have you seen, Sir?
Squ.Rich.Flesh! I cawnt tell, not I——seen every thing I think. First there we went o' top o' the what d'ye call it? there, the great huge stone post, up the rawnd and rawnd stairs, that twine and twine about, just an as thof it were a cork screw.
Myr.O, the Monument! well, and was it not a fine sight from the top of it?
Squ.Rich.Sight, Miss! I know no'—I saw nowght but smoak and brick housen, and steeple tops——then there was such a mortal ting-tang of bells, and rumbling of carts and coaches, and then the folks under one look'd so small, and made such a hum, and a buz, it put me in mind of my mother's great glass bee-hive in our garden in the country.
Myr.I think, Master, you give a very good account of it.
Squ.Rich.Ay! but I did no like it: for my head—my head—began to turn——so I trundled me dawn stairs ugain like a round trencher.
Myr.Well! but this was not all you saw, I suppose?
Squ.Rich.Noa! noa! we went after that and saw the lions, and I lik'd them better by hawlf; they are pure grim devils; hoh, hoh! I touke a stick, andgave one of them such a poke o' the noase——I believe he would ha' snapt my head off, an he could ha' got me. Hoh! hoh! hoh!
Myr.Well, Master, when you and I go abroad, I'll shew you prettier sights than these——there's a masquerade to-morrow.
Squ.Rich.O laud! ay! they say that's a pure thing forMerry Andrews, and those sort of comical mummers——and the Count tells me, that there lads and lasses may jig their tails, and eat, and drink, without grudging, all night-lung.
Myr.What would you say now, if I should get you a ticket and go along with you?
Squ.Rich.Ah dear!
Myr.But have a care, Squire, the fine ladies there are terribly tempting; look well to your heart, or ads me! they'll whip it up in the trip of a minute.
Squ.Rich.Ay, but they can't thoa——soa let 'um look to themselves, an' ony of 'um falls in love with me—mayhap they had as good be quiet.
Myr.Why sure you would not refuse a fine lady, would you?
Squ.Rich.Ay, but I would tho' unless it were—one at I know of.
Myr.Oh! oh! then you have left your heart in the country, I find?
Squ.Rich.Noa, noa, my heart——eh——my heart e'nt awt o' this room.
Myr.I am glad you have it about you, however.
Squ.Rich.Nay, mahap not soa neather, somebody else may have it, 'at you little think of.
Myr.I can't imagine what you mean!
Squ.Rich.Noa! why doan't you know how many folks there is in this room, naw?
Myr.Very fine, Master, I see you have learnt the town gallantry already.
Squ.Rich.Why doan't you believe 'at I have a kindness for you then?
Myr.Fy! fy! Master, how you talk! beside you are too young to think of a wife.Squ.Rich.Ay but I caunt help thinking o' yow, for all that.
Myr.How! why sure, Sir, you don't pretend to think of me in a dishonourable way?
Squ.Rich.Nay, that's as you see good——I did no' think 'at you would ha' thowght of me for a husband, mayhap; unless I had means in my own hands; and feyther allows me but half a crown a week, as yet a while.
Myr.Oh! when I like any body, 'tis not want of money will make me refuse them.
Squ.Rich.Well, that's just my mind now; for 'an I like a girl, Miss, I would take her in her smuck.
Myr.Ay, Master, now you speak like a man of honour: this shews something of a true heart in you.
Squ.Rich.Ay, and a true heart you'll find me; try me when you will.
Myr.Hush! hush! here's your papa come home, and my aunt with him.
Squ.Rich.A devil rive 'em, what do they come naw for?
Myr.When you and I get to the masquerade, you shall see what I'll say to you.
Squ.Rich.Well, hands upon't then——
Myr.There——
Squ.Rich.One buss and a bargain.
[Kisses her.
Ads wauntlikins! as soft and plump as a marrow-pudding.
[Exeunt severally.
Enter SirFrancis Wrongheadand Mrs.Motherly.
SirFran.What! my wife and daughter abroad say you?
Moth.O dear Sir, they have been mighty busy all the day long; they just came home to snap up a short dinner, and so went out again.
SirFran.Well, well, I shan't stay supper for 'em, I can tell 'em that: For ods-heart! I have had nothing in me, but a toast and a tankard, since morning.
Moth.I am afraid, Sir, these late Parliament hours won't agree with you.
SirFran.Why, truly, Mrs.Motherly, they don't do right with us country gentlemen; to lose one meal out of three, is a hard tax upon a good stomach.
Moth.It is so indeed, Sir.
SirFran.But, hawsomever, Mrs.Motherly, when we consider, that what we suffer is for the good of our country——
Moth.Why truly, Sir, that is something.
SirFran.Oh! there's a great deal to be said for't—the good of one's country is above all things——A true heartedEnglishmanthinks nothing too much for it——I have heard of some honest gentlemen so very zealous, that for the good of their country——they would sometimes go to dinner at midnight.
Moth.O! the goodness of 'em! sure their country must have vast esteem for them?
SirFran.So they have Mrs.Motherly; they are so respected when they come home to their Boroughs, after a session, and so belov'd——that their country will come and dine with them every day in the week.
Moth.Dear me! what a fine thing it is to be so populous?
SirFran.It is a great comfort, indeed! and I can assure you you are a good sensible woman, Mrs.Motherly.
Moth.O dear Sir, your Honour's pleas'd to compliment.
SirFran.No, no, I see you know how to value people of consequence.
Moth.Good lack! here's company, Sir; will you give me leave to get you a little something 'till the ladies come home, Sir?
SirFran.Why troth, I don't think it would be amiss.
Moth.It shall be done in a moment, Sir.
[Exit.
Enter Mr.Manly.
Man.SirFrancis, your servant.
SirFran.CousinManly!
Man.I am come to see how the family goes on here.
SirFran.Troth! all as busy as bees; I have been upon the wing ever since eight o'clock this morning.
Man.By your early hour, then, I suppose you have been making your court to some of the great men.
SirFran.Why, faith! you have hit it, Sir——I was advised to lose no time: so I e'en went straight forward, to one great man I had never seen in my life before.
Man.Right! that was doing business: but who had you got to introduce you?
SirFran.Why, no body——I remember'd I had heard a wise man say—My son be bold—so troth! I introduced myself.
Man.As how, pray?
SirFran.Why, thus——look ye——please your Lordship, says I, I am SirFrancis WrongheadofBumper-hall, and member of Parliament for the borough ofGuzzledown——Sir, your humble servant, says my Lord; thof I have not the honour to know your person, I have heard you are a very honest gentleman, and am glad your Borough has made choice of so worthy a representative; and so, says he, SirFrancis, have you any service to command me? Naw, cousin! those last words, you may be sure gave me no small encouragement. And thof I know, Sir, you have no extraordinary opinion of my parts, yet I believe, you won't say I mist it naw!
Man.Well, I hope I shall have no cause.
SirFran.So when I found him so courteous——My Lord, says I, I did not think to ha' troubled your Lordship with business upon my first visit: but since your Lordship is pleas'd not to stand upon ceremony——why truly, says I, I think naw is as good as another time.
Man.Right! there you push'd him home.
SirFran.Ay, ay, I had a mind to let him see that I was none of your mealy-mouth'd ones.
Man.Very good!
SirFran.So in short, my Lord, says I, I have a good estate——but——a——it's a little awt at elbows: and as I desire to serve my King, as well as my country, I shall be very willing to accept of a place at Court.
Man.So, this was making short work on't.
SirFran.I'cod! I shot him flying, cousin: some of your hawf-witted ones naw, would ha' humm'd and haw'd, and dangled a month or two after him, before they durst open their mouths about a place, and mayhap, not ha' got it at last neither.
Man.Oh! I'm glad you're so sure on't——
SirFran.You shall hear, cousin——SirFrancis, says my Lord, pray what sort of a place may you ha' turn'd your thoughts upon? My Lord, says I, beggars must not be chusers; but ony a place, says I, about a thousand a year, will be well enough to be doing with 'till something better falls in—for I thowght it would not look well to stond haggling with him at first.
Man.No, no, your business was to get footing any way.
SirFran.Right! there's it! ay, cousin, I see you know the world!
Man.Yes, yes, one sees more of it every day——well! but what said my Lord to all this?
SirFran.SirFrancis, says he, I shall be glad to serve you any way that lies in my power; so gave me a squeeze by the hond, as much as to say, give yourself no trouble——I'll do your business; with that he turn'd him abawt to somebody with a coloured ribbon across here, that look'd in my thowghts, as if he came for a place too.
Man.Ha! so, upon these hopes, you are to make your fortune!
SirFran.Why, do you think there's ony doubt of it, Sir?
Man.Oh no, I have not the least doubt about it——for just as you have done, I made my fortune ten years ago.
SirFran.Why, I never knew you had a place, cousin.
Man.Nor I neither, upon my faith, cousin. But you perhaps may have better fortune: for I suppose my Lord has heard of what importance you were in the debate to-day——You have been since down at the house, I presume?
SirFran.O yes! I would not neglect the house, for ever so much.
Man.Well, and pray what have they done there?
SirFran.Why, troth! I can't well tell you, what they have done, but I can tell you what I did: and I think pretty well in the main; only I happened to make a little mistake at last indeed.
Man.How was that?
SirFran.Why, they were all got there, into a sort of a puzzling debate, about the good of the nation——and I were always for that, you know——but in short, the arguments were so long winded o' both sides, that, waunds! I did no well understand 'em, hawsomever, I was convinc'd, and so resolved to vote right, according to my conscience——so when they came to put the question, as they call it,——I don't know haw 'twas——but I doubt I cry'd ay! when I should ha' cry'd no!
Man.How came that about?
SirFran.Why, by a mistake, as I tell you——for there was a good-humour'd sort of a gentleman, one Mr.TothersideI think they call him, that sat next me, as soon as I had cry'd ay! gives me a hearty shake by the hand! Sir says he, you are a man of honour, and a trueEnglishman! and I should be proud to be better acquainted with you——and so with that, he takes me by the sleeve, along with the crowd into the lobby, so, I knew nowght——but ods-flesh! I was got o' the wrung side the post—for I were told, afterwards, I should have staid where I was.
Man.And so, if you had not quite made your fortune before, you have clench'd it now!—--Ah! thou head of theWrongheads.
SirFran.Odso! here's my lady come home at last——I hope, cousin, you will be so kind, as to take a family supper with us?
Man.Another time, SirFrancis; but to-night I am engaged!
Enter LadyWronghead, MissJenny, and CountBasset.
LadyWrong.Cousin! your servant; I hope you will pardon my rudeness: but we have really been in such a continual hurry here, that we have not had a leisure moment to return your last visit.
Man.O Madam! I am a man of no ceremony; you see that has not hindered my coming again.
LadyWrong.You are infinitely obliging; but I'll redeem my credit with you.
Man.At your own time, Madam.
CountBas.I must say that for Mr.Manly, madam; if making people easy is the rule of good-breeding, he is certainly the best bred man in the world.
Man.Soh! I am not to drop my acquaintance, I find—[Aside.] I am afraid, Sir, I shall grow vain upon your good opinion.
CountBas.I don't know that, Sir; but I am sure, what you are pleas'd to say, makes me so.
Man.The most impudent modesty that ever I met with.
[Aside.
LadyWrong.Lard! how ready his wit is?
[Aside.
SirFran.Don't you think, Sir, the Count's a very fine gentleman?Apart.Man.O! among the ladies, certainly.SirFran.And yet he's as stout as a lion: waund, he'll storm any thing.Man.Will he so? Why then, Sir, take care of your citadel.SirFran.Ah! you are wag, cousin.
Man.I hope, Ladies, the town air continues to agree with you?
Jenny.O! perfectly well, Sir! We have been abroad in our new coach all day long——and we have bought an ocean of fine things. And to-morrow we go to the masquerade! and on Friday to the play! and on Saturday to the opera! and on Sunday we are to be at what d'ye call it—assembly, and see theladies play at quadrille, and piquet and ombre, and hazard, and basset, and onMonday, we are to see the King! and so onTuesday——
LadyWrong.Hold, hold, Miss! you must not let your tongue run so fast, child——you forgot! you know I brought you hither to learn modesty.
Man.Yes, yes! and she is improved with a vengeance—
[Aside.
Jenny.Lawrd! Mama, I am sure I did not say any harm! and if one must not speak in ones turn, one may be kept under as long as one lives, for ought I see.
LadyWrong.O! my conscience, this girl grows so headstrong——
SirFran.Ay, ay, there's your fine growing spirit for you! Now tack it dawn, an' you can.
Jenny.All I said, Papa, was only to entertain my cousinManly.
Man.My pretty dear, I am mightily obliged to you.
Jenny.Look you there now, Madam.
LadyWrong.Hold your tongue, I say.
Jenny.[Turning away and glowting.] I declare it, I won't bear it: she is always snubbing me before you, Sir!—--I know why she does it well enough——
[Aside to the Count.
CountBas.Hush! hush, my dear! don't be uneasy at that! she'll suspect us.
[Aside.
Jenny.Let her suspect, what do I care——I don't know, but I have as much reason to suspect, as she—tho' perhaps I'm not so afraid of her.
CountBas.[Aside.] I'gad, if I don't keep a tight hand on my tit here, she'll run away with my project before I can bring it to bear.
LadyWrong.[Aside.] Perpetually hanging upon him! The young harlot is certainly in love with him; but I must not let them see I think so——and yet I can't bear it: Upon my life, Count, you'll spoil that forward girl——you should not encourage her so.
CountBas.Pardon me, Madam, I was only advising her to observe what your Ladyship said to her.
Man.Yes, truly, her observations have been something particular.
[Aside.
CountBas.In one word, Madam, she has a jealousy of your Ladyship, and I am forc'd to encourage her, to blind it; 'twill be better to take no notice of her behaviour to me.Apart.LadyWrong.You are right, I will be more cautious.CountBas.To-morrow at the masquerade, we may lose her.LadyWrong.We shall be observ'd. I'll send you a note, and settle that affair——go on with the girl, and don't mind me.
CountBas.I have been taking your part, my little angel.
LadyWrong.Jenny! come hither, child——you must not be so hasty my dear——I only advise you for your good.
Jenny.Yes, Mama; but when I am told of a thing before company it always makes me worse, you know.
Man.If I have any skill in the fair sex; Miss, and her Mama, have only quarrel'd, because they are both of a mind. This facetious Count seems to have made a very genteel step into the family.
[Aside.
EnterMyrtilla.[Manlytalks apart with her.]
LadyWrong.Well, SirFrancis, and what news have you brought us fromWestminster, to-day?
SirFran.News, Madam? I'cod! I have some——and such as does not come every day, I can tell you——a word in your ear——I have got a promise of a place at Court of a thousand pawnd a year already.
LadyWrong.Have you so, Sir? And pray who may you thank for't? Now! who is in the right? Is not this better than throwing so much away, after a stinking pack of fox-hounds, in the country? Now your family may be the better for it!
SirFran.Nay! that's what persuaded me to come up, my Dove.
LadyWrong.Mighty well—come——let me have another hundred pound then.
SirFran.Another! child? Waunds! you have had one hundred this morning, pray what's become of that, my dear?
LadyWrong.What's become of it? why I'll shew you, my Love! Jenny! have you the bills about you?
Jenny.Yes, Mama.
LadyWrong.What's become of it? Why laid out, my dear, with fifty more to it, that I was forced to borrow of the Count here.
Jenny.Yes, indeed, Papa, and that would hardly do neither—There's th' account.
SirFran.[Turning over the bills.] Let's see! let's see! what the devil have we got here?
Man.Then you have sounded your aunt you say, and she readily comes into all I propos'd to you?Apart.Myr.Sir, I'll answer, with my life, she is most thankfully yours in every article: she mightily desires to see you, Sir.Man.I am going home directly; bring her to my house in half an hour; and if she makes good what you tell me, you shall both find your account in it.Myr.She shall not fail you.
SirFran.Ods-life, Madam, here's nothing but toys and trinkets, and fans, and clock stockings, by whole-sale.
LadyWrong.There's nothing but what's proper, and for your credit, SirFrancis——Nay you see I am so good a housewife, that in necessaries for myself I have scarce laid out a shilling.
SirFran.No, by my troth, so it seems; for the devil o' one thing's here, that I can see you have any occasion for!
LadyWrong.My dear! do you think I came hither to live out of the fashion? why, the greatest distinction of a fine lady in this town is in the variety of pretty things she has no occasion for.
Jenny.Sure, Papa, could you imagine, that women of quality wanted nothing but stays and petticoats?
LadyWrong.Now, that is so like him!
Man.So! the family comes on finely.
[Aside.
LadyWrong.Lard, if men were always to govern, what dowdies would they reduce their wives to!
SirFran.An hundred pound in the morning, and want another before night! waunds and fire! the Lord Mayor of London could not hold it at this rate!
Man.O! do you feel it, Sir?
[Aside.
LadyWrong.My dear, you seem uneasy; let me have the hundred pound, and compose yourself.
SirFran.Compose the devil, Madam! why do you consider what a hundred pound a day comes to in a year?
LadyWrong.My life, if I account with you from one day to another, that's really all my head is able to bear at a time——But I'll tell you what I consider——I consider that my advice has got you a thousand pound a year this morning——That now methinks you might consider, Sir.
SirFran.A thousand a year? wounds, madam, but I have not touch'd a penny of it yet!
Man.Nor ever will, I'll answer for him.
[Aside.
Enter SquireRichard.
Squ.Rich.Feyther an you doan't come quickly, the meat will be coal'd: and I'd fain pick a bit with you.
LadyWrong.Bless me, SirFrancis!you are not going to sup by yourself!
SirFran.No, but I am going to dine by myself, and that's pretty near the matter, Madam.
LadyWrong.Had not you as good stay a little, my dear? we shall all eat in half an hour; and I was thinking to ask my cousinManlyto take a family morsel with us.
SirFran.Nay, for my cousin's good company, I don't care if I ride a day's journey without baiting.
Man.By no means, SirFrancis. I am going upon a little business.
SirFran.Well, Sir, I know you don't love compliments.
Man.You'll excuse me, Madam——
LadyWrong.Since you have business, Sir——
[ExitManly.
Enter Mrs.Motherly.
O, Mrs.Motherly! you were saying this morning, you had some very fine lace to shew me——can't I see it now?
[SirFrancisstares.
Moth.Why, really Madam, I had made a sort of a promise to let the Countess ofNicelyhave the first sight of it for the birth-day: but your Ladyship——
LadyWrong.O! I die if I don't see it before her.
Squ.Rich.Woan't you goa; Feyther?Apart.SirFran.Waunds! lad, I shall ha' noa stomach at this rate!
Moth.Well, Madam, though I say it, 'tis the sweetest pattern that ever came over——and for fineness——no cobweb comes up to it!
SirFran.Ods guts and gizard, Madam! lace as fine as a cobweb! why, what the devil's that to cost now?
Moth.Nay, SirFrancisdoes not like of it, Madam——
LadyWrong.He like it! dear Mrs. Motherly, he is not to wear it.
SirFran.Flesh, Madam, but I suppose I am to pay for it.
LadyWrong.No doubt on't! think of your thousand a year, and who got it you, go! eat your dinner, and be thankful, go. [Driving him to the door.] Come, Mrs.Motherly.
[Exit LadyWrongheadwith Mrs.Motherly.
SirFran.Very fine! so here I mun fast, 'till I am almost famished for the good of my country; while Madam is laying me out an hundred pounds a day in lace as fine as a cobweb, for the honour of my family! ods-flesh; things had need go well at this rate!
Squ.Rich.Nay, nay——come, feyther.
[Exit SirFrancis.
Enter Mrs.Motherly.
Moth.Madam, my Lady desires you and the Count will please to come and assist her fancy in some of the laces.
CountBas.We'll wait upon her—
[Exit Mrs.Motherly.
Jenny.So! I told you how it was! you see she can't bear to leave us together.
CountBas.No matter, my dear: you know she has ask'd me to stay supper: so when your papa and she are a-bed, Mrs.Myrtillawill let me into the house again; then you may steal into her chamber, and we'll have a pretty sneaker of punch together.
Myr.Ay, ay, Madam, you may command me any thing.
Jenny.Well! that will be pure!
CountBas.But you had best go to her alone, my life: it will look better if I come after you.
Jenny.Ay, so it will: and to-morrow you know at the masquerade. And then!—--hey!Oh, I'll have a husband! ay, marry, &c.
[Exit singing.
Myr.So, Sir! am not I verycommodeto you?
CountBas.Well, child, and don't you find your account in it? did not I tell you we might still be of use to one another?
Myr.Well, but how stands your affair with Miss, in the main?
CountBas.O she's mad for the masquerade! it drives like a nail, we want nothing now but a parson, to clinch it. Did not your aunt say she could get one at a short warning?
Myr.Yes, yes, my LordTownly's chaplain is her cousin, you know; he'll do your business and mine, at the same time.
CountBas.O! it's true! but where shall we appoint him?
Myr.Why, you know my LadyTownly's house is always open to the masques upon a ball-night, before they go to theHay-market.
CountBas.Good.
Myr.Now the Doctor purposes, we should all come thither in our habits, and when the rooms are full, we may steal up into his chamber, he says, and there——crack——he'll give us all canonical commission to go to bed together.
CountBas.Admirable! Well, the devil fetch me, if I shall not be heartily glad to see thee well settled, child.
Myr.And may the black gentleman tuck me under his arm at the same time, if I shall not think myself oblig'd to you, as long as I live.
CountBas.One kiss for old acquaintance sake——I'gad I shall want to be busy again!
Myr.O you'll have one shortly will find you employment: but I must run to my squire.
CountBas.And I to the ladies——so your humble servant, sweet Mrs.Wronghead.
Myr.Yours, as in duty bound, most noble CountBasset.
[ExitMyr.
CountBas.Why ay! Count! That title has been of some use to me indeed! not that I have any more pretence to it, than I have to a blue ribband. Yet, I have made a pretty considerable figure in life with it: I have loll'd in my own chariot, dealt at assemblies, din'd with Ambassadors, and made one at quadrille, with the first women of quality——But——Tempora mutantur——since that damn'd squadron atWhite's have left me out of their last secret, I am reduced to trade upon my own stock of industry, and make my last push upon a wife: if my card comes up right (which I think can't fail) I shall once more cut a figure, and cock my hat in the face of the best of them! for since our modern men of fortune are grown wise enough to be sharpers: I think sharpers are fools that don't take up the airs of men of quality.
[Exit.