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Lady M. And has not a bit of the genius of our family, and I never knew a woman of it, but herself, without. I have tried her: about three years ago I set her to translate a little French song: I found she had not even an idea of versification; and she put down love and joy for rhyme-so I gave her over.

Mr. Jes. Why, indeed, she appears to have more of the Thalestris than the Sappho about her.

Lady M. Well, my dear, I must go and dress myself, though I protest I am fitter for my bed than my coach. And condescend to the Colonel a little-Do my dear, if it be only to oblige your mamma.

339

SCENEV.

Mr. JESSAMY.

Let me consider: I am going to visit a country Baronet here: who would fain prevail upon me to marry his daughter: the old gentleman has heard of my parts and understanding; Miss of my figure and address. But, suppose I should not like her when I see her? Why, positively, then I will not have her; the treaty's at an end, and, sans compliment, we break up the congress. But, won't that be cruel, after having suffered her to flatter herself with hopes, and shewing myself to her. She's a strange dowdy I dare believe however, she brings provision with her for a separate maintenance.

351

Antoine, appretez la toilet. I am going to spend a cursed day; that I perceive already; I wish it was over, I dread it as much as a general election.

AIR.

When a man of fashion condescends,
To herd among his country friends,
They watch his looks, his motions:

One booby gapes, another stares,
And all he says, does, eats, drinks, wears,
Must suit their rustic notions.

But as for this bruitish old clown here;
S'death, why did I ever come down here!
The savage will now never quit me :
Then a consort to take,

For my family's sake,

I'm in a fine jeopardy, split me!

360

SCENE VI.

Changes to a Study in Sir JOHN FLOWERDALE'S House; two Chairs and a Table, with Globes and Mathema

tical Instruments.

CLARISSA enters, followed by

JENNY.

AIR.

Clar. Immortal pow'rs protect me,

Assist, support, direct me:

Relieve a heart opprest:

Ah! why this palpitation ?

Cease, busy perturbation,

370

And let me, let me rest.

Jen. My dear lady, what ails you?
Clar. Nothing, Jenny, nothing.

Jen. Pardon me, Madam, there is something ails you indeed. Lord! what signifies all the grandeur and riches in this world, if they can't procure one content. I am sure it vexes me to the heart, so it does, to see such a dear, sweet, worthy young Lady, as you are, pining yourself to death. 380

Clar. Jenny, you are a good girl, and I am very much obliged to you for feeling so much on my account; but in a little time, I hope I shall be easier. Jen. Why, now, here to day, Madam, for sartain you ought to be merry to day, when there's a fine gentleman coming to court you; one else better, I am sure, I wish you had him, with all my soul.

but, if you like any

Clar. Suppose, Jenny, I was so unfortunate, as to like a man without my father's approbation; would you wish me married to him?

391 Jen. I wish you married to any one, Madam, that could make you happy.

Clar. Heigho!

Jen. Madam! Madam! yonder's Sir John and Mr. Lionel on the terrace; I believe they are coming up here. Poor, dear Mr. Lionel, he does not seem

to be in over great spirits either. To be sure, Madam, it's no business of mine; but, I believe, if the truth was known, there are those in the house, who would give more than ever I shall be worth, or any the likes of me, to prevent the marriage of a sartain person that shall be nameless. 403

Clar. What do you mean? I don't understand you?

Jen. I hope you are not angry, Madam?

Clar. Ah! Jenny

Jen. Lauk! Madam, do you think, when Mr. Lionel's a clergyman, he'll be obliged to cut off his hair? I'm sure it will be a thousand pities, for it is the sweetest colour, and looks the nicest put up in a cue -and your great pudding-sleeves! Lord! they'll quite spoil his shape, and the fall of his shoulders. Well! Madam, if I was a lady of large fortune, I'll be hanged if Mr. Lionel should be a parson, if I could help it. 416

Clar. I'm going into my dressing room-It seems then Mr. Lionel is a great favourite of yours; but pray Jenny, have a care how you talk in this manner to any one else.

Jen. Me talk! Madam, I thought you knew me better; and, my dear Lady, keep up your spirits. I'm sure I have dressed you to day as nice as hands and pins can make you.

C

AIR.

I'm but a poor servant, 'tis true, Ma'am ;
But was I a lady like you, Ma'am,

In grief would I sit? The dickens a bit;
No, faith, I would search the world thro',
To find what my liking could hit.

Set in case a young man,
In my fancy there ran;

It might anger my friends and relations :

But if I had regard,

It should go very hard,

Or I'd follow my own inclinations.

Ma'am,

33°

SCENE VII.

Sir JOHN FLOWERDALE, LIONEL.

. John. Indeed, Lionel, I will not hear of it. What! to run from us all of a sudden, this way: and at such a time too; the eve of my daughter's wedding, as I may call it; when your company must be doubly agreeable, as well as necessary to us? I am sure you have no studies at present, that require your attendance at Oxford: I must, therefore, insist on your putting such thoughts out of your head.

Lion. Upon my word, Sir, I have been so long from the university, that it is time for me to think of re

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