The strangers at home: a comic opera, in three acts: as performed at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane.

ACT III.

SCENE, LAURA's House.

LAURA and ROSA.

LAURA.

INDEED, Rosa, my mind is too severely wounded by this dreadful news of Montano.

AIR.

Thou art gone away from me, my love! Long shall I rue that luckless day, When thou wert torn from me, my love. Did but thy heart remain the same, As when it left this shore, my love! Alas! it owns another flame; Of me thou think'st no more, my love.

With jealous pangs my bosom torn, I wish that fair of thine, my love; That fatal fair! may treat with scorn Those vows which once were mine, my love! But, ah! how sharp Love's venom'd steel; Inconstant tho' thou be, my love, Ah! may'st thou never, never feel, What Laura feels for thee, my love!

I cannot muster up spirits enough to execute your scheme.

"ROSA.

"But consider, my dear Madam, it is the only means by which I can save myself from the fury of this mad Algerine."

LAURA.

How can you ask me at this time, when my heart is so sen∣sibly touch'd?

ROSA.

Well, Madam! and do not I run the risque of having my heart sensibly touch'd by the point of a small-sword! Let me tell you, that is much the worst touch of the two. I repeat to you, Madam, that old rogue Aldobrand has let Ibrahim escape; and, while he is at liberty, I dare not venture abroad.

LAURA.

And so you would really wish me to receive this odious visit from Aldobrand—

ROSA.

That I may surprize him with you, and work on the fears of the old wretch, to make him secure Ibrahim.

LAURA.

I don't like your scheme, Rosa. There is an indelicacy in subjecting my ears to be offended with the mention of an illicit passion.

ROSA.

There might be, I grant you, from the lips of a youthful gal∣lant, like Ibrahim; "in whose breast the passion glows hotenough to scorch the reputation of every female who exposes herself to it's influence:" but, as for poor old Aldobrand—Lord, Ma'am! in him it is the mere Aurora Borealis of love; a few straggling faint rays from the sun that is set, which vanish al∣most as soon as they are seen, and have only the appearance of heat without the reality!—To give me a fair occasion for com∣ing into the room, you must scream out; upon which I rush in, and—But who have we here?

Enter FIRELOCK.

FIRELOCK.

My abrupt visit will apologize for itself, Sir, when I tell you that I come to offer you my services in assisting to punish Aldo∣brand, who is now entering your house disguis'd as a friar.

LAURA,

(Aside to ROSA.)

Heavens, Rosa! how could he have discover'd—

FIRELOCK.

Do not be surprized: I was inform'd of the whole affair by a very pretty girl at Signor Octavio's.

ROSA,

(To LAURA.)

He means Alice.

FIRELOCK.

The same, Sir! She order'd me to engage in your service; and I would no more disobey the commands of Beauty than the ar∣ticles of war.

LAURA.

Ha! ha! ha!—Perhaps you have expectations of reward from your fair employer?

FIRELOCK.

Why, look ye, Madam! Love and Honour have ever been my commanding officers; and I should not deserve the name of their soldier, if I wanted the inducement of reward to do my duty.

LAURA.

You have been bred a soldier, I presume?

FIRELOCK.

No, Madam; I once had a pretty snug little estate, which my wife and my friends obligingly help'd me soon to get rid of: so, as I was too honest, or too proud, to live by the same means as many of my neighbours, I paid my debts, as far as I could, and took up a brown musquet. The expectation of happier days has supported me through all my misfortunes, and the an∣ticipation of social mirth has smiled on me even in the hour of battle.

AIR.

Fir'd with ardour to engage, The soldier dares the battle's rage! When groans, which shall be heard no more, Echo to the cannon's roar; When the flying ranks are broke, And all is lost in clouds of smoke; Death stalks triumphant o'er the field, On every side the vanquish'd yield, And fainting victors scarcely live Their dear-bought laurels to receive! Still he blesses the hours when, banishing care, He shall triumph again in the smiles of the fair; When wine, wit, and mirth, shall Love's pleasures increase, And his laurels shall bloom with the olive of peace.

ROSA.

Here comes Aldobrand, I vow!—We must leave you.

LAURA.

Let me accompany you; for I must have a few moments to prepare myself for the meeting.

[Exeunt.

Enter MONTANO in the Friar's Habit, with a SERVANT.

SERVANT.

If you'll sit down a moment, my good father, I'll acquaint Signora Laura that you are here.

[Exit.

MONTANO.

To what a dilemma have my ill stars reduc'd me. My er∣rand here is to tempt that virtue which I hope to find superior to temptation. "I must engage in a conflict where I dread to obtain the victory. If she resists my importunities as Ibrahim, it will at least afford me a satisfaction to find that, though false to love, she is yet true to virtue." But she comes.

Enter LAURA.

LAURA.

Perhaps, Signor Aldobrand, you are not a little surpriz'd at my consenting to this interview?—

MONTANO,

(Aside.)

'Sdeath! then she has really expected Aldobrand!

"LAURA.

"I can venture to assure you, however, that my motives for it are very different from what you may imagine. I hope you will not misinterpret my conduct.

"MONTANO,

(Aside.)

"No, it seems to speak pretty plainly for itself!"

LAURA.

I rely entirely on your discretion.

MONTANO,

(Aside.)

So it appears.—Alas! she don't seem to have made any use of her own, indeed!

LAURA.

What can occasion his silence? I am in a most aukward si∣tuation!—A—a—Sir, I understood that you had something of a particular nature to communicate.

[Aside—

I hope Rosa will be at hand to relieve me!]

"MONTANO,

(Aside.)

"Perhaps she apprehends an interruption from her husband, and means that I should fasten the door.

[Going to the Door.

"LAURA,

(Stopping him.)

"That is not at all necessary: you may—you may venture to declare your sentiments to me freely.

"MONTANO,

(Aside.)

"This is taking effectual care that I shan't misinterpret her, indeed! I shall never be able to contain myself!"

ROSA,

(Peeping.)

I hear no screaming yet: I fancy Laura has no reason to com∣plain of the violence of the old gentleman's passions.

[Retires.

LAURA.

You are still silent, Signor Aldobrand!

[Aside—

What the deuce can be the matter with the man?]—

[MONTANO kisses her Hand.]

—Hold, Sir! this freedom is too much! Can this be the wise, prudent, and discreet Aldobrand?

MONTANO,

(Throwing open his Friar's Habit.)

No, Madam! 'tis the fond, the faithful Ibrahim!

LAURA.

Ah! I am betray'd; and am fallen a victim to my own im∣prudence!

[Breaks from him, and exit. At the Moment ROSA enters on the opposite Side, MONTANO wraps himself up in his Disguise.

ROSA.

Your servant, good Signor Aldobrand! I have caught you at last. "Possibly you have assum'd this disguise in order to give Laura some intelligence of Ibrahim?

"MONTANO,

(Aside.)

"He little thinks that he is so near the truth.

"ROSA.

"Or very likely you have resolved to make love in masque∣rade, as it might not be quite convenient to appear in your own person?

"MONTANO,

(Aside.)

"Right again! The man has an admirable knack at guessing!

"ROSA.

"You see I am not ignorant of the person whom that dis∣guise conceals, nor of the purpose for which it was assum'd.

"MONTANO,

(Aside.)

"I'faith, I rather perceive you are ignorant of it, by your bullying in so high a stile."

ROSA.

I find the Algerine is not yet taken: that rogue who was to be hang'd, drown'd, flay'd, and carbonaded! You have let him escape, after all your promises to imprison him in spite of law or equity.

MONTANO,

(Aside.)

A pretty hair's-breadth escape I have had!

ROSA.

But you have been bribed: I doubt not that you are interested in his being at liberty?

MONTANO,

(Aside.)

Rather so, indeed!

ROSA.

And I am to be assassinated by him! I dare say, I am be∣trayed! and that, at this moment, he knows that you issued the order for apprehending him at my request?

MONTANO,

(Aside.)

Not till this moment did he know it, good Signor Lucilio!

ROSA.

Not that I fear the arm of the haughty Moor, could I but meet him face to face. I only dread lest, lurking under some disguise, he may attack me at a moment when I am not prepar'd; for I fancy my courage was never yet brought in dispute.

MONTANO,

(Aside.)

I dare believe not: there can be but one opinion of it!

ROSA.

But not even the abject silence which guilt imposes on your tongue shall save you from my just revenge!—I have a very cu∣rious piece of steel here!

[Drawing her Sword.

Enter FIRELOCK behind.

MONTANO.

And I believe I have just such another!

[Draws, and discovers himself.

FIRELOCK.

And, here's a third, which I'll match with either of them!

ROSA.

Ibrahim!

FIRELOCK.

My friend, the Algerine captain, fighting in ambuscade!

MONTANO.

The same.—But perhaps, Signor Lucilio, this is one of your unprepar'd moments?

ROSA.

I—I—am not yet prepar'd for you, indeed, Sir!—You—you are safe.—

[Putting up her Sword.]

—Aldobrand must be the first victim of my vengeance!

MONTANO.

Pitiful boy! draw instantly! Are these the evasions—

ROSA.

I am not to be frighten'd, Sir!—I—I shall not fight at pre∣sent! True courage, Sir, like mine—always calm—always calm, I say—and intrepid, looks down, Sir, with contempt, on the impotent attacks of—of—of malice—and—and, in short, Sir—I—I shall find another time to see you!

[Exit.

FIRELOCK.

I am not sorry he has escap'd you: such a conquest would have disgraced your sword.

MONTANO.

And this is the being for whom Laura has quitted me! But I'll think no more of it!—Ere I quit Florence for ever, the vil∣lainy of this Aldobrand, in perverting the laws to his unworthy purposes, shall be punished. He is a traitor to his country, who tamely beholds her laws and liberties invaded, either by the as∣sassin hand of knavery, or the bolder attacks of tyranny.

AIR.

Accurs'd the wretch, whose coward soul, Aw'd by Oppression's guilty hand, Dares not the lawless power controul, Which drives fair Freedom from the land;

Who, deaf to Honour's call sublime, Tamely to tyranny submits, Becomes th' accomplice in the crime, And shares the treason he permits!

[Exit.

SCENE, ALDOBRAND's House.

MONTANO's Algerine Habit and Turban lying on a Chair.

Enter VIOLA.

VIOLA.

Alas, how suddenly have I been awaken'd from my dream of bliss! How unexpected the reverse! But a moment ago, I seem'd to be treading the paths of happiness, and whither have they led me! Yet does not Hope desert me: I will caress the kind guest; and, like a drowning wretch, still continue to clasp him while I seem to be irrecoverably sinking!

AIR.

Thus we view the treach'rous morning With false smiles the hills adorning; Tho' of storms they give no warning, Yet no sooner seen than gone: Still, while clouds on clouds impelling, The storm drives on, with ruin swelling, Fancy, every cloud dispelling, Paints to-morrow's happy dawn.

Enter ALDOBRAND and ALICE.

ALDOBRAND.

Once more I bid you welcome home, my young Madam!—Why, you made but a short visit to your lover!—Egad! ne and I have been playing the English game of cricket with you: I bowl you at him, he bats you back again to me; you come plump into my hands, so he is caught out, and there is an end of the game!—Go to your chamber, and study the charms of retirement.

[Exit VIOLA.

ALICE.

Well, Sir, I am quite impatient to hear your success with Laura?

ALDOBRAND.

[Aside—

Ah, the cockatrice!—But I'll dissemble.]—Don't mention her, Alice: I have had enough of gallantry; the very name is poison to my ears—a pistol to my head—a dagger to my breast!—

Enter FABIO.

FABIO.

Signora Laura is below.

ALDOBRAND.

Indeed!—Why—why—there is great condescension in her vi∣siting me.—I'll wait on her!

ALICE.

What, Sir! would you put the steel to your breast?

ALDOBRAND.

Ah, Alice! if it be steel, it is certainly touched with a loadstone; for I am irresistibly drawn to it, though I dread it's point.

[Exeunt ALDOBRAND and FABIO.

ALICE.

Poor Viola! thus to be awakened in a fright from her dream of happiness!—But I'll assist her to fit the old dotard, yet!—

Enter MONTANO in the Friar's Habit.

Bless me, Signor Aldobrand! can I believe my eyes? Why, I parted with you but this moment, and now I see you in the very dress—

MONTANO,

(Discovering himself.)

Which was intended as Aldobrand's passport to Laura!—I have done with it, my dear, and am come for my own cloaths!

[Throws aside the Friar's Dress, and puts on the Turban, &c.

ALICE.

Are not you the Algerine captain who behaved so kindly to the poor slaves?—I am sure you must be a good Christian in your heart!

[MONTANO retires while ALDOBRAND enters.

ALDOBRAND.

Alice, give orders that my doors be instantly shut against that ruffian Ibrahim!—Here is poor Lucilio come to claim my protection: he and Laura are afraid to trust themselves in their own house.—That fellow is born to be the plague of my life; wherever I go, I am sure to meet him!

MONTANO,

(Coming forward.)

I understand that you have issued an order to apprehend me, good Signor?

ALICE,

(Aside.)

I hope the captain will give him a sound beating!—I'll go and keep the servants out of hearing.

[Exit.

MONTANO.

I mean to surrender myself to Justice, if necessary; but I fear, though you call yourself her representative, you do not speak the

voice of your constituent; but are like a bad inn, which pro∣mises good accommodation on its sign, while there is nothing but extortion within!

ALDOBRAND.

How dare you thus affront a magistrate?

MONTANO.

Miscreant! do not rouze my anger! or, by all your villanies, I swear—

ALDOBRAND.

Help! help!

Enter ROSA.

MONTANO.

But I beg pardon! your life is that gentleman's property; he has sworn to dispatch you before he fights me.

ALDOBRAND.

I'll give up my turn, with all my soul!

ROSA.

Signor Aldobrand, pay no attention to the idle dreams of a madman.

MONTANO.

Well, if you will have them dreams, I dreamt that, under this disguise—

[Taking up the Friar's Dress.]

—I believe we are all three acquainted with it—under this disguise, I say, the seducing, gallant Aldobrand, meant to attempt the chastity of that gen∣tleman's wife—

ROSA,

(Angrily.)

How, Signor Aldobrand!

MONTANO.

And that the brave and noble Lucilio, conniving at the de∣signs of this youthful ravisher, lay in wait for him, to take ad∣vantage of his cowardice.

ALDOBRAND.

How, Signor Lucilio!—And who the devil told you all this?

MONTANO.

There is my author; who, also, while I was disguis'd as a friar, informed me of your kind intention, not only to imprison, but to hang, drown, flay, and carbonade me!—I think those were your words, Signor Aldobrand?—I make no ceremony, gentle∣men, in acquainting you with each other's rascality! I am per∣suaded you are both too much of the poltroon, for me to appre∣hend any bloodshed between you.

ALDOBRAND.

Very pretty, upon my soul!—They seem to be excellent com∣pany, so I'll e'en leave them together.

[Exit:

ROSA.

Yes, yes, I shall remember this!—But I must keep down my passion.

AIR.

Good Sir, in vain you bend your brow, And look so queer, I know not how, And set your arms a-kimbo: My laughter you provoke; Ha! ha! ha! ha! So pleasant is the joke.

If, Sir, I chose to try my skill, Of fencing soon you'd have your fill; But, mighty Signor Whiskers, With you I won't engage: Ha! ha! ha! ha! A fig for all your rage!

Nay, pr'ythee, friend, don't draw your sword; I shan't draw mine, upon my word! Nor could I fight for laughing, Were I to look at you: Ha! ha! ha! ha! And so, sweet Sir, adieu!

MONTANO going, meets OCTAVIO.

OCTAVIO.

My friend, my Montano! how happy your presence makes me!—Then my Viola is safe!—My visit here, at this time, will prevent Aldobrand's suspecting the scheme by which he is de∣priv'd of his prey—

MONTANO,

(Aside.)

He must mean my personating Aldobrand at Laura's! How could it have reach'd his ears?

OCTAVIO.

Tell me, Montano, how did she look? what did she say? Relate every circumstance?

MONTANO.

Why, when I first entered the house, she took me for Aldo∣brand.

OCTAVIO.

Took you for Aldobrand!—Ha! ha! ha! A ridiculous mis∣take! and no great compliment to you, neither!—Well, did she not often call upon Octavio?

MONTANO.

No, she never mention'd your name.

OCTAVIO.

That's strange!

MONTANO.

Her tongue faltering with conscious guilt—

OCTAVIO.

Conscious guilt! What a strange phrase for the amiable ti∣midity of the sex!—But proceed.

MONTANO.

Just as I caught her in my arms—

OCTAVIO.

What!

MONTANO.

Her husband rush'd into the room, and surpriz'd us.

OCTAVIO.

Her husband!—What husband?—I talk to you of my Viola; the lovely charge whom I entrusted to you not two hours ago.

MONTANO.

Viola entrusted to me!—Why, my dear friend, either you or I must have lost our wits, for I don't recollect that I ever saw the lady in my life.

OCTAVIO.

I am in torment!—Oh, Viola!

Enter REGNALTO, hastily.

REGNALTO.

She is now in the house: Alice, by your own orders, gave her into the hands of Aldobrand; who, by some unaccountable ac∣cident, was dress'd like Ibrahim.

MONTANO.

Rather whimsical in you to mistake Aldobrand for me; and no great compliment to me neither, as you say!

[To OCTAVIO.

REGNALTO.

It is not too late to retrieve every thing.—Signor Ibrahim, you must not be seen here: wait near the garden-gate; your friend Octavio will need your services.

MONTANO.

Well, Octavio, take care you make no more mistakes.

[Exit.

REGNALTO.

But we are interrupted: dissemble your chagrin at what is pass'd, and fear nothing.

Enter ALDOBRAND and FABIO.

OCTAVIO.

Signor Aldobrand, my errand will apologize for this unsea∣sonable visit.

ALDOBRAND.

Rather unseasonable, to be sure; and especially as Viola—

OCTAVIO.

Sir, I speak to you of Regnalto—I hear he is released from slavery.

ALDOBRAND.

Released from slavery!—Ha!

OCTAVIO.

Why, you seem surpriz'd: you—

ALDOBRAND.

My joy overcomes me!—that's all.

OCTAVIO.

He is soon to make his appearance in Florence.

ALDOBRAND.

I should be heartily glad to see him—

[Aside—

At the de∣vil!] But, pray, how did you hear this news?

OCTAVIO.

My lacquey had it this moment from Regnalto's servant, Laurence, who is his old acquaintance.

ALDOBRAND.

[Aside—

I'm in a cold chill!] Regnalto's servant in Florence!

OCTAVIO.

In your house at this moment!

ALDOBRAND.

In my house!—Run, Fabio, and bring him hither immedi∣ately!—My old friend's servant to be under my roof, and I not know it!

[Exit FABIO.

OCTAVIO.

It rather seems as if he meant to conceal himself from you.

ALDOBRAND.

Egad! that's very true, as you say!—Perhaps the dog may have robb'd his master; and, when he finds himself discover'd, he may make off. I had better go and see after him myself. There are so many rogues in the world!

[Exit.

OCTAVIO,

(To REGNALTO.)

Tell me what means—

REGNALTO.

Ask me no questions! They believe me dumb; still let them think so.

OCTAVIO.

The charming Viola—

REGNALTO.

Accepts the offer which your letter convey'd to her. I will assist in her elopement; and have a ladder of ropes ready placed at the balcony in the garden.

OCTAVIO.

Transport!—And this news of Regnalto—

REGNALTO.

Is true!—But here comes Aldobrand.

OCTAVIO.

Then we must not be seen together.—The garden, at twelve!

REGNALTO.

Depend on me.

[Exit.

Enter ALDOBRAND.

ALDOBRAND.

Aye, there's that dog Laurence, sure enough!—But there's no fear of his running away; he is so tipsy, he can hardly stand.

OCTAVIO.

You must feel a singular satisfaction at the approaching return of your old friend Regnalto?

ALDOBRAND.

A very singular satisfaction, indeed!—I never felt any thing like it before!

Enter LAURENCE drunk, and FABIO.

OCTAVIO.

Is that Regnalto's servant?

ALDOBRAND.

He himself, Sir.

LAURENCE.

There you are mistaken; for I am not myself at present.

OCTAVIO.

And your master—

LAURENCE.

Like man, like master; he is not himself, neither. But we shall come to ourselves, both of us, before to-morrow morning!

ALDOBRAND.

Where is your master?

[Aside—

I sit on pins and needles!]

LAURENCE.

My master is at home.

ALDOBRAND.

At home!

LAURENCE.

And yet he is not at home—because the people make a stran∣ger of him.

ALDOBRAND.

Is he in Florence?

LAURENCE.

How can I tell? I hardly know where I am myself: and if I did, I would not tell you; for, to speak the truth, I have my su∣spicions of you, my old boy!

ALDOBRAND.

Old boy!—Familiar rogue!

LAURENCE.

Familiar! I am sure you and I have been very distant for these nine years past.

ALDOBRAND.

A blessed state you are in, sirrah!

LAURENCE.

Yes, I am married; and that is a blessed state you'll never be in.—Do you think, now, that Signora Viola will ever marry such an ugly, decrepit, old——

ALDOBRAND.

Why, you abusive rascal!—Out of my sight!

LAURENCE.

Signor Octavio, she is a fine girl, and walks in the garden sometimes!—Love lights her; she does not want the light of the moon.

ALDOBRAND.

Eh! what?

OCTAVIO,

(Aside.)

That fellow's tongue will discover all!

"ALDOBRAND.

"What's that you said about the moon?

"LAURENCE.

"That if you were married, you would be very much like the moon.

"ALDOBRAND.

"How!"

"LAURENCE.

"Why, in the course of a month, you would certainly have horns!"

[Exit.

ALDOBRAND.

Signor Octavio, you'll pardon my reminding you that it is very late?

OCTAVIO.

I understand you, Signor: and, as it is near my hour, I'll take my leave.

ALDOBRAND.

Good night, sweet Signor!—

[Exit OCTAVIO.]

—Fabio, I don't know whether I am upon my head or my heels! This Reg∣nalto is certainly in Florence: and then, I don't like what that drunken fellow said to Octavio about Viola's walking in the gar∣den; I fear there is some mischief stirring. Tell Guiseppe and Roberto to get their carbines, and we'll take a walk round the garden; Signor Lucilio, too, shall join our company—I am al∣ways most valiant when I am best supported!

[Exeunt.

SCENE, the Garden.

A Ladder of Ropes fix'd to the Balcony.

Enter MONTANO.

MONTANO.

This, I think, is the spot where Octavio appointed me to stand guard.—Alas! if my endeavours for my friend's happiness are crown'd with no better success than those for my own—But I hear voices!

[Retreating to the Back of the Scene.

Enter LAURA and ROSA.

ROSA.

I wish we could see some one appear at the window, that we might apprize Viola of her danger.

LAURA.

Happy Viola! to love, and be beloved! while I have lavish'd my affection on an ingrate; who, perhaps, at this very moment amuses a happy mistress with the fond tale of my weakness!

AIR.

Hope, on thee I call, While thro' thy paths I stray; Where'er my footsteps fall, Oh! light me on my way.

Tho' lost in Error's maze, Still kindly soothe my woe; Nor let Truth's brighter blaze Shew what I fear to know.

ROSA.

Think no more of your false lover, Madam. Take my ad∣vice; and, from among the noble youths of Florence, who lan∣guish for your smiles, chuse one to whom I may resign you.

MONTANO,

(Aside.)

Pretty advice from a husband!—'Sdeath! I cannot suffer this disgrace of manhood to exist.

[Drawing his Sword.

LAURA.

Oh, my dear girl—

MONTANO,

(Aside.)

How, a girl!

LAURA.

How continually has my tongue dwelt on it's dearest theme—the praises of my Montano!

MONTANO,

(Aside.)

Montano!—Do I live!

LAURA.

But it is all over, Rosa!—I will retire from a world which has lost it's only charm for me; a convent shall—

MONTANO.

This excess of joy is too much!

LAURA.

Hark!

ROSA.

It is the voice of Ibrahim!

MONTANO.

No, it is a voice with which the gentle Laura should be bet∣ter acquainted; a voice which, during four cruel years of slavery, has never ceased to invoke Heaven for her happiness!

LAURA.

Oh, Rosa! it is—it is my Montano!

[Faints in his Arms.

ROSA.

And so ends my first chapter of matrimony!—A very excel∣lent mode of getting rid of a wife, without the trouble of a di∣vorce, or the expence of a separate maintenance!—How many poor husbands would envy me!—But, my dear Madam—and, Sir—you forget that this is a moment as critical to Viola as to yourselves; and I hear footsteps in the garden.

MONTANO.

Let us retire then, my love. From this arbour I can watch whether any one approaches the balcony.

Enter LAURENCE, still drunk, with a Bottle in his Hand.

LAURENCE.

'Tis rather a dark night; or else I don't see clear!

AIR.

Tho' I can't walk quite straight, And in figures of eight Still circling my legs do their duty, You'll always observe, That a regular curve Is reckon'd the true line of beauty: Of Orpheus they tell, (He who fiddled so well) That his notes made hills, rocks, and trees, caper; So I can, in my way, When a solo I play, Make them dance full as well as that scraper.

Tho' at first, on a survey, Things seem topsey-turvey, When you're us'd to't, they don't look so frightful; Still they move more or less, And good judges confess Moving prospects are always delightful: The world's circular motion, I'm sure's no false notion; For, tho' sober I ne'er could believe it, Truth in wine, boys, is found, Now I see it turns round, He that's drunk can most plainly perceive it.

I wonder where my master is! As for old Aldobrand, I sup∣pose he is in bed and asleep—

Enter ALDOBRAND and FABIO at the Back of the Stage; they approach LAURENCE softly.

But I can't think what's become of my good friend Dummy, as they call him!—Ah, Sir, are you there? I have been looking for you all over the garden.—What! not come to your speech yet?—I'faith, I think you have infected me; for I have not my speech half so well as I had a little while ago.—Where is

Signor Octavio?—You don't stand still! What makes you stagger so?—Why don't you answer me, Sir? Old Aldobrand can't hear us now.

[ALDOBRAND seizes him on one Side, FABIO on the other.

ALDOBRAND.

But he can hear, you hang-dog!—So Dummy can speak, can he?

LAURENCE.

Ah, Signor Aldobrand, is it you?—Upon my soul, I did not know you!

ALDOBRAND

I'll make you know me, you dog, before I have done with you!

FABIO.

Hush, I hear somebody!—Come this way, Sir!

[Retiring behind.]

To LAURENCE—

Sit you down there.

LAURENCE.

I will—and take a nap!

Enter REGNALTO and FIRELOCK.

VIOLA and ALICE appear at the Window.

ALICE.

Signor Octavio, where are you?

VIOLA.

I am frighten'd to death! Signor Octavio—

FIRELOCK,

(Aside.)

Bless their swee't tongues! There is more music in a pretty woman's voice than in all the orchestras in Italy!

VIOLA.

Say who you are?

REGNALTO.

The friend of Octavio; in a word, the dumb slave. The ladder of ropes is render'd useless, for I've secur'd the key of the door. But somebody approaches!—Descend, and I'll be ready to re∣ceive you.

[VIOLA and ALICE retire.

Enter OCTAVIO.

OCTAVIO.

Well met, my trusty friends! True, I see, to your appointment.

REGNALTO.

Suppose, in case of a discovery, I were to personate Regnalto: his cloaths fit me exactly; and I might by that means further your designs.

OCTAVIO.

Not at the expence of my honour; I will not owe my success to artifice.

REGNALTO.

Psha! a little artifice is often very useful: 'tis only retreating from an enemy when he is too powerful for us; and a good pair of heels is sometimes very serviceable—Eh! friend Fire∣lock?

FIRELOCK.

A good pair of heels may be as useful to a coward as ar∣tifice is to a knave: but honesty as much despises the aid of the one, as courage disdains the assistance of the other!

REGNALTO.

Viola approaches.

Enter VIOLA and ALICE, from a Door under the Balcony.

OCTAVIO.

My Viola!

VIOLA.

What a transition from despair to happiness!—Octavio, I commit myself to your honour.

OCTAVIO.

Charming Viola! my affection shall prove that your confi∣dence is not misplaced.

ALDOBRAND and FABIO come forward.

ALDOBRAND.

Lights there!—Guiseppe!—Roberto!—where are you?

Enter SERVANTS with Lights.

Your servant, Signor Octavio!—

[VIOLA shrieks, and swoons in REGNALTO's Arms.]

—This scheme is no better than the other: and you have not got your Algerine friend to back you now.

MONTANO comes forward, with LAURA and ROSA.

MONTANO.

Here I am, Signor Aldobrand, at your service!

ROSA.

And here am I! You are among friends, you see.

ALDOBRAND.

Why then, as I am among friends, I shall make free!

[Attempting to seize VIOLA.

FIRELOCK.

Stand off, if you regard your life!

[Draws.

ALDOBRAND.

Thank you for tho hint: I'll take your advice!—

[Retreating.]

But as for you, my lads,

[To the SERVANTS.]

fall on!—Seize the lady!

REGNALTO.

Not while I have an arm to defend her!

ALDOBRAND.

Well said, Dummy!—Kill him, my boys, in the first place!

OCTAVIO.

First you have to conquer me, slaves!

[Throwing himself before REGNALTO.

ALDOBRAND.

Why, Signor Octavio! are you mad?—What right has that fellow to Viola?—Am not I her guardian?

REGNALTO,

(Throwing off his Slave's Dress.)

And am not I her brother!

FABIO,

(To ALDOBRAND.)

It is a pity you sent for the lights, Sir!

REGNALTO,

(To the SERVANTS.)

Sheathe your swords; I am master here!—Your term is ex∣pired, Signor Aldobrand.

ALDOBRAND.

Yes, and I am turn'd out at a moment's warning, I see!

VIOLA.

Do I at length embrace my brother!—Kind Heaven, I have no more to ask!

REGNALTO.

Except a husband, Viola! and him I give to you without asking—

[Giving her Hand to OCTAVIO.]

—A husband to whom your brother owes his liberty and life!

LAURENCE,

(Coming forward.)

Hey-day! my old boy, why you are mistaken again!—You have made a cursed number of blunders this evening!—Rot me, if I believe you are quite sober!

REGNALTO.

And now, my generous friend Ibrahim!—

MONTANO.

No longer Ibrahim, but Montano!—Fortune, who made us companions in adversity, has compensated for all by giving you to me as a companion in happier days.

LAURA.

Signor Montano, I hope you will not forget my first husband!

[Pointing to ROSA.

ROSA.

Believe me, I shall not forget your second as long as I live! I am sure I found it so hard a task to personate the husband—

LAURENCE.

That, I suppose, the next time you get married, you'll per∣sonate the wife!—Depend upon it, you'll act the part much more naturally.

ALICE.

If she wants a good example, let her copy me, Laurence!

OCTAVIO,

(To FIRELOCK.)

As for you, my noble soldier!—

FIRELOCK.

As for me, Signor, I have to thank you for two favours: first, for restoring to me the greatest of blessings—my liberty! and, secondly—for affording me the opportunity of shewing my gratitude!

REGNALTO,

(To ALDOBRAND.)

Wretch! what have you to say in defence of yourself?

ALDOBRAND.

Nothing, good Signor Regnalto!—Least said is soonest mended.

REGNALTO.

Repent, then, of your villainy, in silence: let us only hear the voice of joy!—We have now the highest blessing mortals can possess—that of sharing the happiness we create!

FINALE.

REGNALTO.

Away with all care, till to-morrow, No longer we're destin'd to roam; To-day bid adieu to all sorrow, And welcome THE STRANGERS AT HOME.

CHORUS.

Away with all care, &c.

DUETT.

LAURA and MONTANO.

No more of Fortune we'll complain, Since she so kind has prov'd at last; Our joys, contrasted with our pain, Shall brighter shine for sorrows past.

LAURENCE.

On the subject now before us, I would fain my zeal display—

ALDOBRAND.

And I, too, would join the Chorus, If I knew but what to say.

VIOLA.

My freedom I gladly resign, Nor shall I for liberty ever repine.

OCTAVIO.

And I from my purpose will never depart, To bind faster those bonds in which Love holds your heart.

FIRELOCK.

Tho' I've no objection to fighting, I' faith it is better by half, With such happy lovers uniting, To join in the song and the laugh!

ALICE.

Believe me, I joy to behold you All going to be married so soon— You know, Ma'am, I often have told you, A good husband is Fortune's best boon.

ROSA.

When I marry, altho' I won't barter My own little person for pelf, In wedlock I'll keep up the charter, And still wear the breeches myself.

CHORUS.

Away with all care, till to-morrow, No longer we're destin'd to roam; O chace from our bosoms all sorrow,

[To the Audience.

And welcome THE STRANGERS AT HOME!