The anatomist, or, The sham doctor written by Mr. Ravenscroft ; with The loves of Mars and Venus, a play set to music, written by Mr. Motteux ; as they are acted together at the New Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields.

SCENE II.

A Hall in the Doctors House.

Enter the Doctor's Wife, Angelica, and Beatrice.

Wife.

Is the Room in order, Beatrice, for the Musick to go on with the entertainment?

Bea.

Yes, Madam.

Wife.

'Tis very well. Go see how long it will be to dinner. Come, my Angelica, be free and merry, Trust to thy Mother's conduct, and her kindness; Thy Father shall not sell thee while I live. While you remain obedient and discreet, It shall be all the study of my life, To make you happy, Child.

Ang.

Oh my dear Mother! Let me receive this blessing on my Knees. If ever I am disobedient to you? Or e're abuse this mighty goodness to you, May I become the out-cast of your Family; Disown'd by you, dispis'd by all good Women, And hated by young Gerald.

Enter Young Gerald.

Wife.

Here he comes. You're welcome, Sir; if mine is not sufficient, You shall have her welcome too,

And that, I hope will please you.

Y. G.

Please me! I more Than wealth to Misers, freedom to a Slave, Or a Reprieve to one condemn'd to die.

Ang.

Oh, Mr Gerald! I have the most indulgent Mother living. Your Father's liberal. offers to the Doctor Cannot prevail on her.

Y. Ger.

How shall I thank you, Madam, as I ought? How pay the mighty debt due to you both? Due to your wisdom, and her matchless love? If all the duty, the profound respect That ever pious Son paid his own Mother Can merit so much Happiness, if deserve it, The business of my life shall be to please her. My truth, my constancy, and perfect love, No time shall alter, nor no chance remove.

Wife.

Do this, my Son, and Heaven will bless you both.

Enter Beatrice.

Beat.

My Master, Madam, has sent word, he can't be at home till dinner-time, but wou'd have you go on with the Musick.

Wife.

Then we'll loose no more time; come let us seat our selves; I long to hear more.

Here comes in the second Musical Entertainment: After which they rise and speak.

Wife.

We'll hear the rest after Dinner.

Beat.

Desire the Gentlemen all to walk in.

Y. Ger.

I must not be seen by your Husband; therefore I'll take my leave.

Wife.

I know it, Mr Gerald. Your Servant Sir.

Ang.

Sir your Servant.

Y. G.

Adieu my Life, my Dear, Angelica.

[Ex

Wife.

Two things, and only two, Angelica; I always lov'd, and lov'd em passionately.

Ang.

What were those, Madam?

Wife.

My Husband, and good Musick:

Ang.

And in that Madam, I follow your Example?

Wife.

Yes Child, but take this rule along with you; Discretion is a Womans safest guard. She shuns Vain Glory, Malice, Strife, and Pride, When Reason and good Nature is her Guide.

End of the First Act.