is not life without thee; never will I quit his feet, till I have obtained his voice for our alliance. Aug. Alas! what hope of that from Mr. Mortimer, whose rugged nature knows no happiness itself, nor feels complacency in that of others! Týr. When you know Mr. Mortimer, you'll find how totally the world mistakes him.—Farewell, my dear Augusta; back'd with thy virtuous wishes, how can I fail to prosper? [Exit. Tyr. [Augusta enters an inner apartment. Enter Maid, introducing Lord ABBERVILLE. Maid. All's safe; follow me, my lord; she is in her bed-chamber. Lord Abb. Where? where ? Maid. There; where you see the light through the glass-door. If I thought you had any wicked designs in your head, I wouldn't have brought you here for the word; I should be murder'd if the family were to know it :-For pity's sake, my lord, never betray me. Lord Abb. Go, get you gone; never talk of treason, my thoughts are full of love. [Exit Maid.]—First I'll secure the door; 'twill not be amiss to bar this retreat. [Locks the door, and advances to the glass door.]— Ay, there she is!-How pensive is that posture !Musing on her condition; which, in truth, is melancholy enough: an humble cousin to a vulgar tyrant. -'Sdeath, she cannot choose but jump at my proposals. See, she weeps.-I'm glad on't-grief dis poses to compliance, 'tis the very moment to assait her. [Aug comes to the door with a candle in her hand; seeing Lord ABBERVILLE, starts }· Aug. Who's there? who's at the door i Ah! Lord Abb. Hush, hush; your screams will rouse the house.'Tis I, Miss Aubrey-'tis Lord Abberville, Give me your hand-nay, be composed,-Let me set down the candle :-you are safe Aug. Safe, my lord !-Yes, I'm safe :-but you are mistaken;-Miss Bridgemore's not at home; or, if she was, this is no place to meet her in. Lord Abb. I'm glad of that;-bless'd in Miss Aubrey's company. I wish no interruption from Miss Bridgemore. dug. I should be loath to think so ;-an avowal of baseness to one woman, should never be taken as flattery by another.—In short, my lord, I must intreat you to let the servants shew you to some fitteṛ apartment. I am here in a very particular situation, and have the strongest reasons for what I request. Lord Abb. I guess your reasons, but cannot admit them. I love you, madam; let that declaration be my excuse. Aug. Nay, now your frolick has the air of insult, and I insist upon your leaving me. [Knocking at the door Luc. [Without] Who's within there? Aug. Hark, hark! Miss Bridgemore, as I live.Come in. |