St. Stephens-Green, or, The generous lovers a comedy, as it is acted at The Theatre-Royal, in Dublin / written by Will. Philips ...

ACT III. Scene Lady Volant's. (Book 3)

Enter Timothy and Lady Volant.

Tim.

DOn't you think, Madam, that I'll bear this Life any longer, I will not endure to be us'd thus; nor must you think to talk to me at this Rate.

Lady Vol.

Not suffer me to talk! you sawcy Fellow; do you know who I am?

Tim.

A very needless Question to be put to me by my La∣dy Volant, considering the Familiarities that have past be∣tween us; your Pride, your Malice, your Inquisitiveness, your Detraction, are known to all the Town; and your Ladyships Chastity and Wealth in a more particular manner to your pre∣tended Steward, Timothy Tellpenny.

Lady Vol.

And do you upbraid me for having these Qua∣lities so agreeable to your self; and for the want of those you have ruin'd? Did I take you up half Starv'd, and in Rags, Fed you like an Epicure, and Cloath'd you like a Gentleman, till you are as overgrown in Bulk, as with Pride? maintain'd you so well, made you live in so much Plenty and Ease, that

there is as great an alteration in your Person as Circumstances; so great, that you neither are known by others nor by you self: And is this the Reward I have?

Tim.

No, you have been rewarded to the full, my Good Lady. That you nourish'd my Person, was for your own sake; if I had not been of more than Herculean strength, you had reduc'd me to a Shadow e're this, to ashes. And has not the Credit of my being your Steward gain'd you so much? Have not I manag'd and spar'd prudently, and bor∣row'd for you profusely? Have not I by my Art impos'd you on the Town for a great Fortune, when you know you were never able to give me a Guinea, that I did not first borrow for you?

Lady Vol.

But who must pay those Debts?

Tim.

Who? my Wit must; your Jointure never will. Have not I wrought Sir Francis Feignyouth to Love you? Have not I perswaded him to a Belief, that your ill Nature is Wit, and that your Pride is Virtue; that the decay of your Per∣son proceeds from a neglect of your self, and not from Age; tho' you know you are equally industrious to be thought hand∣some your self, as that no body else may be thought so. And have not I made your Poverty pass upon him for good Management? and least we shou'd be disappointed of him, have I not us'd the same Arts to Vainly?

Lady Vol.

You have taken Pains to get me a Husband, that I must own.

Tim.

As much as ever a young sanguine Wife did, to get an Heir to a Rich feeble Husband; gone to as many places, and try'd as many Men.

Lady Vol.

But to what purpose have you succeeded yet?

Tim.

Ay, to be sure 'tis the Man is always blameable. I had succeeded long since, if you wou'd be pleas'd to govern that unruly Member, your Tongue; which is ever employ'd in

Flattering the present, and Railing at the absent; so disoblige both, for so you do but rail, you no more consider to whom, than of whom you speak.

Lady Vol.

Nay, Good Tim, I relent, thy words pierce my heart.

Tim.

You will exclaim against a standing Army before a broken Officer, and praise one before a politick Senator; you are never of the same Religion with those you are in Company with, but change it with every Visitor: A Fanatick before Papists, and with Fanaticks for Jure divino; you commend Ireland when out of it, and abominate it now you are here; you condemn Plays before Poets, and adore Sermons before Atheists; you rail at Ladies before their Lovers; and at Hus∣bands before their Wives; but that I think is not much minded, you have not got many Enemies by that.

Lady Vol.

I beseech you, do not treat me thus.

Tim.

Is there one Person in Town you have not vilified? and to make the Scandal bring more certain Ruin with it, have you not aspers'd other people with your own actions? Do I not know all your Faults, and have not I carefully conceal'd all for above these three years, that I have known you?

Lady Vol.

Thou hast, I own it, I was to blame to deny thee.

Tim.

And after all I have done, and all I expect to do, re∣fuse me a Guinea, and when I carry'd the Plate to pawn too.

Lady Vol.

There, there's a couple for you, tho' you know dear Tim, how very few more I have left.

Tim.

Pretty Rogues! Comfortable Rogues! how they mollify me! how they smile on me! you know Madam, is to entry on your Projects, alas, what occasion shou'd I have for Money, but to do you Service! what have I almost forgot! Mr. Bellmine, who they say is to Marry Sir Francis's Daughter, is Landed this Morning; now you must use all your Art to delay this Marriage, till your own

be perfected, and till you have got the Knights Money in your own hands; for Mr. Bellmine, having a good Estate, will require a great Portion, which will disable Sir Francis from paying your Debts, and spoil our Projects on him, for his Estate being Entail'd, he cannot raise much, and the moment he is Married, I will arrest him for Four or Five thousand Pounds you must pretend to owe me.

Lady Vol.

Four or Five thousand! Ten or Twelve.

Tim.

Ever insariable. No, no, such a Debt and the Bon∣dage of Matrimony together, will break his heart.

Lady Vol.

Well, I leave all to your Management.

Tim.

Is not that a Coach stopt? 'tis some visitor, I will usher them up.

(Exit.)

Lady Vol.

How insolent the Rogue is grown! Thus we are ever us'd by such Fellows, when we put our selves in their Power; and we never treat them better than they deserve, but they treat us as we deserve; I am glad however he knows not my Grand Secret; that wou'd make him Ten times more sawcy. I have conceal'd it above these five years, not only from him, but from the whole Town, and with much ado, heaven knows, considering how much depends on it, the place, and my Female Frailties, for I have observ'd that Secrets of the greatest Consequence, are preserv'd with the greatest pain. That we cou'd but keep a Secret with as much ease, as we can dissem∣ble! but the Reason's plain, the one gives us trouble, the other pleasure, as for Example.

(Enter Vainly.)

Mr. Vainly, your most humble Servant.

Vain.

Your most Obedient Vassal, Dear Madam.

Lady Vol.

Your Company, Mr. Vainly, is so coveted by every one, that it is impossible you shou'd make any particu∣lar person happy with it, often or long. You are grown a Stranger here.

Vain.

I protest Madam, ever since I was here last night, I have been so tormented with the Spleen.

Lady Vol.

Alas Sir, that is a cruel Distemper truly. But it is a Fine you must pay for Wit. You Wits are all subject to that.

Vain.

We are so indeed, Madam; and really I believe I have it to a more violent degree than anyone. I swear Madam, it has such an effect on me sometimes, that I do not put above half a pound of Powder in my Perriwig for a whole day, and Discomposes my Face so violently, that I cannot bear even the sight of a Looking-Glass, and I hurry abroad without the Garniture of a Patch, or a Sword-knot.

Lady Vol.

Is't possible! nay, if it makes you neglect your self, your Friends must expect to be serv'd so too.

Vain.

Every thing is disagreeable to me then, but your La∣dyship. That I think was Nice.

(Aside.)

Lady Vol.

Oh Lard, Sir!

Vain.

Nay, I swear 'tis truth. Alas Madam, 'tis scarce a Complement in this dull Town.

Lady Vol.

Do you think it so too, Mr. Vaînly?

Vain.

Oh Madam, I cannot bear it.

Lady Vol.

Nay solemnly, Sir, it was a great while before I cou'd; it agreed as ill with my Constitution, as it doth with my Inclinations; but, thank my Stars, I have done tolerably well, since my being Naturaliz'd. How fortunate am I to have my Opinion strengthen'd by one of your Judgment! 'tis a horrid place, and I vow. (as you say Mr. Vainly) I do not see a pretty VVoman in it.

Vain.

Not one but your Ladyship; nor is there an agree∣able Man here.

Lady Vol.

Only Mr. Vainly. The Women are so affected.

Vain.

And the Men so Proud.

Lady Vol.

So Censorious—

Vain.

And so selfish—and when a parcel of 'em are met together, so talkative.

Lady Vol.

They make as much Noise as a Crowd of Ap∣prentices at a Bonfire.

Vain.

But now we talk of such People; Mr. Bellmine is Landed this Morning, who is to Marry Mrs. Marina; and with him there is come a Gentleman who has the same design on Aemilia.

Lady Vol.

No doubt they'll succeed; since one is as little admir'd for her Wit and Beauty, as the other is for her Fortune.

Vain.

Ha, ha, ha, Your Ladyship has the neatest VVay of Railery, I have had some Encouragements there; and I do nor doubt but Mr. Freelove (for that's his Name) will desist as I did, when she hears he is a Beggar, and when he has seen your Ladyship.

Lady Vol.

You are so obliging—But pray what sort of a Man is he? he must needs be an extraordinary Person who has so particular a Fancy.

Vain.

He was very fond of me, till he began to suspect me for his Rival, so was Bellmine too. The best I know of him is, he is just come from dear England, and has been lately in much dearer France The worst I know of him, or indeed can know is, that tho he wears fine Cloaths, he has no more Money than his Mistress.

Lady Vol.

Oh hideous!

Vain.

The best Jest is (for all the Town know it already) tho' they are acquainted with each other's Condition, they are in Love with each other, and are resolv'd to Marry.

Lady Vol.

And Starve. Oh Matrimony and Poverty join'd, are Comfortable Things! Sure his Head is as empty as his Pocket.

Vain.

That I suppose, you will soon be convinc'd of; for I saw him with Sir Francis Feiguyouth, who I do not Question will bring him here this Evening.

Lady Vol.

Alas, Mr. Vainly, you know I cannot be so rude to refuse a Visit, or I wou'd never suffer that Ridiculous Fel∣low to come within my Doors; but Civility often constrains us to do what we hate.—I think I hear some Body coming—You'll pardon me if I retire, it wou'd not bear the appearance of Decency to be found Entertaining you alone; I assure you my Woman wou'd not behave her self thus, were any other here but you. You'll Excuse me Sir—

Vain.

Oh Dear Madam, this Confidence in me, is the greatest Honour that can be conferr'd on, Madam, your most Obedient Servant.

[Exit Lady Volant.

She is fond of me to a violent Degree, that's plain; the next time I come, I will propose Marriage to her; I fear no Rival, especially that Old Fopp.

Enter Sir Fra. Feignyouth, Freelove and Bellmine.

Sir Fr.

Come Gentlemen, come, you shall see now, if I han't made a Good Choice, you shall.—Ha! how! what! Vainly here! Pray Sir, if I may be so bold, what is your Business here?

Vain.

My Business, Sir!

Sir Fr.

Ay Sir, your Business, Sir; I think I speak very plain, Sir?

Vain.

Oh Dear Sir Francis! Plain Dealing is a Jewel, you cannot oblige me more, than to deal plainly and freely by me. I take it for a signal proof of your Kindness.

Sir Fr.

Here's a shifting young Rogue; who wou'd have thought it had so much Cunning. But answer me to the pur∣pose, or I shall try how you can evade a Pass of this. What is your Business here?

Vain.

The Business of all the World, Sir; to wait on my Lady Volant.

Sir Fr.

Is it so? And have you seen her?

Vain.

Have I seen her! Oh Goodness, what a Question there is? Pray Sir, do my Visits use to be refus'd, Sir?

Sir Fr.

There are indeed some Ladies, who treat all Men alike, the Impertinent with the same Regard they do the Man of Sense, the Little, Fidling, Prating Fop like the Man of Honour and Discretion; But my Lady Volant is no such, she can distinguish, she can Sir—

Vain.

Ay, I know it Sir, I know it; and you will find so in a little time.

Sir Fr.

Why ye Little, Young Pert, Prating, Fidling Boaster, do you hope to Succeed, where I have Pretensions? Don't you know that I can Fight? ha—

Free.

Not with this Gentleman I hope, Sir Francis. Me∣thinks you mistake the right use of him; he is properer for your Diversion than your Anger.

Vain.

Ay Sir, 'tis very true. I have fought, Sir, several times, but in my Opinion, Laughing and Talking is better Sport by the half.

Bell.

Especially to one whom it becomes so well as you.

Vain.

Your most humble Servant, Sir: I am glad we have Gentlemen come to us now that understand Breeding and Conversation; 'Tis not to be had here. I protest, Sir, I am forced to go to England once a year, to refine my under∣standing.

Bell.

VVhat need you put your self to that Trouble? Cannot you keep a Correspondence with your Taylor?

Vain.

With my Taylor, Sir!

Bell.

Yes; For all you Learn by your Journey, is a New Fashion; and all you understand is, whither your Cloaths be well made.

Vain.

You are so obliging, Sir. Truly I think this Coat is very well Cut, sits with a Good Air. I had it sent me by an Express from London; for I cannot bear any thing

but what comes from thence. Oh 'tis a happy Place! and in a blessed Country, where there are all things necessary, where there are such pleasures, and such Conveniencies to enjoy them!

Free.

I have been told you have all those here.

Vain.

Oh not one, Sir, not one.

Free.

You have good Wine?

Vain.

Yes, yes, that's true, I had forgot that.

Free.

Plenty of all sorts of Fish and Flesh.

Vain.

Phoo, they are perfect Drugs. Plenty of Meat and Drink; but nothing else.

Free.

The People are Civil and Obliging.

Vain.

Especially to Strangers.

Free.

And Hospitable.

Vain.

To a Fault, Sir.

Free.

The Air is Good, a temperate Climate.

Vain.

Much the same as in England.

Free.

The Soil is Rich.

Vain.

Oh 'tis too Rank.

Free.

VVhat necessaries then, or what pleasures do you want? You have fine Women.

Vain.

They are kind I am sure.

Free.

To you chiefly I suppose.

Vain.

Shall I make a Confession then among my Friends? I do not believe ever any Man has been so successful. I do not know that ever I ask'd in vain.

Sir Fr.

I can hold no longer. Why thou little worthless Contemptible Wretch! Do you entertain Strangers with your aversion for your Country, without being able to give one Reason for it; and can you give but one Reason for liking it, which if it were true, would make all others abhor it. The Women fond of thee! Why the Common Hackneys who live by thee, Contemn thee. But such as he think if he is not affronted, he is belov'd.

Vain.

You must know, Sir,

(to Freelove)

he is Jealous of me, that makes him so peevish, he us'd to be very fond of me. Therefore I'll tell you more of this some other time, and in the mean time study all Opportunities of shewing how much I am, Sir, Your most Obedient humble Servant.

[Exit Vainly.

Free.

Your Servant Sir. This Spark takes leave, I perceive, always alike, I suppose too of every Body alike, and in the same Stile as he concludes his dull Insipid Billet-doux.

Sir Fr.

Ay, hang him, hang him, he is always dully Brisk and Impertinent. But here she comes who is all perfection.

Enter Lady Volant.

Madam, Your Ladyships Slave. Be pleas'd to know these Two Gentlemen; this is Mr. Freelove, and this is Mr. Bell∣mine. You see, Madam, how Communicative I am to you of every thing that is Good; you shall share all my Goods.

Lady Vol.

This is a signal Proof indeed.

Sir Fr.

This Gentleman is in Love with my Niece, and this with my Daughter. VVhat say you, Madam, shall we be Married all together? keep time, odd, I believe I cou'd—make it a day of Revelling, and a night of Loving, Feast all day and Kiss all night.

Lady Vol.

Sir Francis, I have all the Respect and Friend∣ship for you, that a Man of your Excellent Parts can require with Modesty, but I must desire you not to talk so loosly be∣fore me. Marriage is a sacred thing, Sir Francis, a very sacred thing; yet it is a thing, Sir Francis, that may be abus'd, and may be perverted to raise indecent and unruly Cogitations.

Sir Fr.

I told you how reserv'd she was.

(To Free. and Bel.)

Lady Vol.

I presume you found Mr. Vainly here. I assure you, Sir Francis, I left the Room because he tacitly imply'd the thing Marriage, tho' on his knees, and with all the Chastity and Modesty imaginable.

Bell.

There she has given the Reason.

(To Freelove)

Free.

Can he mistake this for Virtue? I wou'd as soon take a Bully's Rant for true Courage, or a Cringing Designing Cour∣tiers low bow for true Humility. This Ridiculous Cant, this affected Squeamishness is as nauseous to me, as open Lewdness, and I am sure as certain a sign, and a greater Crime, for she adds Hypocrisy.

Bell.

I am so far of your Opinion, that if you will take him aside, I am resolv'd to make Love to her.

Free.

VVhat at first! and to what end?

Bell.

I have just now a Project conceiv'd in my head, but I have not time now to impart it.

Sir Fr.

Son Bellmine, you must try to prevail with my La∣dy here, and as you succeed with her for me, so you must ex∣pect to succeed with me for my Daughter.

Lady Vol.

Oh for some Art to Charm him from Marina; or at least delay the Match; for I must dally no longer with my old Gentleman.

(Aside)

Bell.

This is a severe Task, Madam, that Sir Francis has impos'd upon me: To require me to make Love to you, and not for my self.

Lady Vol.

He is very sensible, Sir, that his Daughter has Charms to secure you from one much more engaging.

Bell.

Fathers are as Blind as Lovers. And give me leave to think he is a much more indulgent Father, than passionate Lover, or he wou'd dread your greater Power wou'd make me false both to my Love and Friendship: And shou'd Marina make the same Tryal of my Constancy, she wou'd convince me she exceeds you as much in Vanity, as she is inferiour to you in every Charm.

Lady Vol.

Truly, Sir, if Sir Francis had such a Talent of Elocution, I believe he might have succeeded long since. And for his Daughter, I conjecture I am not much inferiour to her in the superlative Charm, Fortune.

Bell.

That never was a Charm to me; tho' I cou'd wish it were one to you, since I can at least equal Sir Francis's.

Lady Vol.

Sure, Sir, you can have no other design in this, but to try with what temper I can support such Complements.

Bell.

That is not my design, I assure you.

Lady Vol.

Is it not indeed, Sir? on your Veracity.

Bell.

No, on my Honour, Madam; nor can you suppose it is. Methinks a Lady of your piercing Wit, shou'd in a Moment read ones thoughts, as in a Moment so much Beauty Conquers.

Lady Vol.

'Tis as dangerous to believe one of you young Gentlemen, as it is difficult to deny so fine a Person.

Bell.

Convince me, you think me the latter, by allowing me a Moments Free Conversation.

Lady Vol.

Alas Sir, even to talk thus is a Liberty I never permitted to any before; and I am sure you cannot in reason ask more.

Bell.

Lovers are always thought Extravagant in their De∣mands, by the indifferent. Therefore I fear to ask what I wou'd give the World for, that you wou'd let me see you this Evening in St. Stephen's-Green.

Lady Vol.

Oh me Sir, what wou'd the World say! or what I value more, what wou'd you think?

Bell.

The World shall never know it, and for me—

Sir Fr.

What say you Sir, have you no Estate?

Free.

Not an Acre, Sir.

Sir Fr.

Nor Money?

Free.

Not a Penny.

Sir Fr.

A strange dull Fellow this!

(Aside)

And have you really now the Conscience to make Love to my Niece. Can you imagine that she will throw her self away upon you in the Bloom of her Youth; one of her Wit and Beauty. But perhaps you think she has an Equal Stock of Money, and

so hope to make your Fortune by her: But I can assure you, she is in the same Circumstances as you are, not worth a Penny.

Free.

I knew it when first I saw her, yet my Love receiv'd not the least Check by that; I hope she will prove as Generous.

Sir Fr.

Generous do you call it? Death! you make me mad. What a Pox is there no way to be thought Generous, but by becoming Mad and Begging. And pray Sir, if I may ask you a Civil Question, if she were Generous enough, as you call it, and mad enough, as I call it, to Marry you, how wou'd you Maintain her, Sir?

Free.

Oh, trust to our Stars for that.

Sir Fr.

I hope she will have more Grace. Trust to your Stars for that! I wou'd as soon trust you for ten Thousand Pounds. I have not heard a Fellow talk so Sillily in all my life.

(Aside)

Free.

And I assure you Sir, were our Circumstances chang'd, you shou'd command that Summ from me. I have so great an Honour for you, and so high an Opinion of your Worth and Integrity.

Sir Fr.

Strangely Impertinent!

(Aside)

I beseech you good Romantick Sir, put not your self to the trouble of making these professions to me, for to be free with you, I no more re∣gard your Complements than I want your assistance. A per∣fect Fool! Methinks too a very ugly, ungentile Man, as ever I saw!

(Aside.)

Free.

I hope, Sir, I shall not find you my Enemy in this matter however.

Sir Fr.

No, no Sir, you need no other Enemy than your self, and those Stars you were talking of. Your Servant Sir, I must mind my own Affairs now. What a confounded Friend has Bellmine chosen out? no doubt a Sharper, and lives upon him. But I'll quickly part 'em, when he is Married to my Daugh∣ter.

(Aside.)

Free.

'Tis well my Breach with Aemilia is repaired; by his owning he told me who she was, or he wou'd never do me that Justice now; for I perceive by this Declaration of mine, I have forfeited his good Opinion. He cannot relish even Flattery from the mouth of a Man he thinks is in want.

(Aside)

Sir Fr.

And she has listned to your Arguments, you say, and seems Compliant?

Bell.

Yes Sir, she has promis'd to comply with what I de∣sired.

(Enter Servant.)

Madam, here are some Ladies come to wait on you.

Lady Vol.

Oh me! I wou'd not for a Kingdom be found alone Entertaining Men. This is a Censorious Town, and I wou'd not give them an Advantage over my Bright Reputation.

Sir Fr.

I believe it may be my Niece and Daughter, I or∣der'd them to attend your Ladyship this Evening. Ay, 'tis so, 'tis so. Observe now, Sir, if she has not too much Wit, to be so Generous as to Marry you for Love only, and to trust to your Stars.

Enter Aemilia and Marina.

Free.

I am sure if she Marrys for any other Reason, it shall not be me.

Lady Vol.

I protest Ladies, were it any but you, who sur∣priz'd me in this indecent Criminal Converse, I shou'd never have the assurance to obtrude my self upon Company again.

Aemi.

I assure your Ladyship, we have not perceived any thing Criminal; and if you please to keep your own Coun∣cil, we are not at all Curious.

Lady Vol.

Ay, but Madam, to be entertaining men alone, that's the thing grieves me.

Mar.

No, 'tis because that you have not a Man alone, that's the thing Grieves you.

(Aside.)

Lady Vol.

For they are so Censorious here, that really I do not in all the Sphere of my Memory recollect one Woman whose Reputation is not Contaminated.

Mar.

I am sorry to hear that.

Lady Vol.

Your Ladyships excepted. Truth on't is, they make themselves obnoxious to such Calumnies by their Im∣prudent Behaviour. For was not my Lady Courtly seen twice in one week at the Play? and was not my Lady Blame∣less in a Mask in the Gallery? and was not Mrs. Wellbred heard most Impiously and Obscenely to wish it were the Custom in this Town, for Women to sit in the Pit? and is not Mrs. Winlove seen to walk often in St. Stephen's-Green.

Mar.

I beseech you, Madam, do not Censure Ladies for this, for I have been Guilty of all these things several times.

Lady Vol.

What! and do you own it?

Aem.

Certainly own it; for if there be a Fault in it, it is only when it is made a secret.

Lady Vol.

Sir Francis, I protest you must pardon me, if I Conjecture these Ladies have strange Crude Notions of Ho∣nour.

Well Ladies, you may do what you please, but I wou'd no more be Guilty of these things, than I wou'd sit at a Play in the second Row, which I think very improper for one of my Quality.

Bell.

And Beauty, Madam.

Lady Vol.

Oh Sir! why really I think it a Disgrace to both. But I hope you do not approve the Behaviour of some, who are remark'd for daily admitting the visits of Men.

Aem.

I must Confess, Madam, I seldom refuse their visits whose Conversation I like.

Lady Vol.

Oh hideous! what can you regard in Mens Conversation, that is Divertive? they are all Insidious, you may believe me. They are always pestring a Woman with

their Love, then they beg Liberty to repeat their Visits, and implore a reciprocal Passion; and not contented with that, they desire to wait on her abroad, nay, to meet 'em abroad alone, and Mask'd, and when they have procur'd our Consent so far, then they imprudently proceed to—

Mar.

Good Madam, do not you proceed farther at this time.

Lady Vol.

I was only going to Caution you of the Danger, and warn you to keep them at a distance, a vast distance, for some of 'em are so forward, that if we permit 'em to squeeze our Hand, they will incontinently Write to us, and the first Opportunity that offers, will force a Kiss, and they have no sooner ravish'd that, but—

Aem.

Indeed, Madam, we want no Caution to avoid all this, nor shou'd I think any Man Impudent, who attempted all these things, if I granted him any one of them.

Lady Vol.

'Tis my great Concern for you, that's all; for I wou'd have every ones Reputation as unsully'd as my own.

Free.

What a damn'd Malitious Jade it is?

(Apart)

Sir Fr.

No Niece, you want no Caution in this matter; but you do in another as Material as your Reputation; your Fortune, I mean. For indeed who can preserve a Reputation without Money, or if one shou'd, who regards it?

Free.

So, now for a Lash at me.

Sir Fr.

Look here, Niece, here is a Gentleman has given himself the trouble to come hither to make Love to you, without having Money enough to pay for a License, or the VVedding Dinner.

Free.

Madam, I own.—

Sir Fr.

Ay, ay, he owns it, what wou'd you have more; a very honest undesigning Gentleman as ever I saw.

Free.

I have no hopes you shou'd ever have a favourable thought for me, if it is to be purchas'd with Wealth. But if the sincerest Passion, the humblest Adoration, a Heart

immov'd by any thing but you, can atone for the want of Wealth—

Sir Fr.

Satisfy your self, Sir, they will not. Nor your fine Person, nor your VVit, nor your Courage, nor your Stars, nor a thousand things more. To convince you how small I think their Power, I will leave you in my Mistress's Lodgings. Come Girls, come away. Madam, as soon as I have dispos'd of my Daughter, I will beg to be made happy.

Aem. and Mari.

Your Ladyships Servant.

Lady Vol.

Your most humble Servant. Nay, I will wait on you down. Do you think I wou'd be left alone with Men?

[Exeunt omnes praeter Free. & Bell.

Bell.

So you have very industriously ruin'd your self with the old Gentleman. But let us be gone before her Ladyship returns.

Free.

Yes, he will avoid me as carefully as we wou'd an old cast Mistress.

Bell.

But where is the necessity of perswading him you have no Estate?

Free.

That Aemilia may be the more convinc'd it is so.

Bell.

Wou'd you have her Love a Man because he is poor?

Free.

No, but I wou'd not have her for bear it for that Reason.

Bell.

He will make use of all his Power to oppose you.

Free.

The better still; I shall make the stronger tryal of her Love. When Love's sincere, no Enterprize is hard; And VVealth and Titles then bear no Regard.

[Exeunt.