mind to give me a trifle? Do pray, gentleman, put your hand in your pocket. Mer. I am almost distracted! Ungrateful Theodosia, to change so suddenly, and write me such a letter ! However, I am resolved to have my dismission face to face; this letter may be forced from her by her mother, who I know was never cordially my friend: I could not get a sight of her in London, but here they will be less on their guard; and see her I will, by one means or other. 611 Fan. Then your honour will not extend your cha SCENE XII. RALPH, MERVIN. Ral. Now I'll go and take that money from her and I have good mind to lick her, so I have. Mer. Pho, pr'ythee stay where you are. Ral. Nay, but I hate to see a toad so devilish greedy. 629 Mer. Well come, she has not got a great deal, and I have thought how she may do me a favour in her turn. Ral. Ay, but you may put that out of your head, for I can tell you she won't. Mer. How so! Ral. How so, why she's as cunning as the Devil. Mer. O she is-I fancy I understand you. Well, in that case, friend Ralph-Your name's Ralph, I think? 639 Ral. Yes, sir, at your service, for want of a better. Mer. I say then, friend Ralph, in that case, we will remit the favor you think of, till the lady is in a more complying humour, and try if she cannot serve me at present in some other capacity—There are a good many gipsies hereabout, are there not? Ral. Softly—I have a whole gang of them here in our barn; I have kept them about the place these three months, and all on account of she. Mer. Really. 649 Ral. Yea—but for your life don't say a word of it to any Christian-I am in love with her. Mer. Indeed! 651 Ral. Feyther is as mad with me about it, as Old Scratch; and I gets the plague and all of anger; but I don't mind that. Mer. Well, friend Ralph, if you are in love, no doubt you have some influence over your mistress; don't you think you could prevail upon her, and her companions, to supply me with one of their habits, and let me go up with them to-day to my lord Aimworth's. 661 Ral. Why do you want to go a mumming? We never do that here but in the Christmas holidays. Mer. No matter: manage this for me, and manage it with secresy; and I promise you shall not go unrewarded. Ral. Oh! as for that sir, I don't look for any thing, I can easily get you a bundle of their rags : but I don't know whether you'll prevail on them to go up to my lord's, because they're afraid of a big dog that's in the yard: but I'll tell you what I can do; I can go up before you and have the dog fastened, for I know his kennel. 673 Mer. That will do very well-By means of this disguise I shall probably get a sight of her; and I leave the rest to love aud fortune. AIR. Why quits the merchant, blest with ease, The pleasures of his native seat, Midst freezing cold, or scorching heat. He knows the hardships, knows the pain, The length of way, but thinks it small; SCENE XIII. PATTY, RALPH, GILES, FANNY. 680 Giles. So his lordship was as willing as the flowers in May- -and as I was coming along, who shou'd I meet but your father-and he bid me run in all haste and tell you--for we were sure you would be deadly glad. 690 Pat. I know not what business you had to go to my lord's at all, farmer. Master Giles. Nay, I only did as I was desiredFairfield bid me tell you moreover, as how he wou'd have you go up to my lord out of hand, and thank him. Ral. So she ought; and take off those cloaths, and put on what's more becoming her station; you know my father spoke to you of that this morning too. Pat. Brother, I shall obey my father. That kills at once my hopes and me. 700 Giles. Ral Were we in the case, To be in their place, We'd carry it off with a different face. So soft and white. 710 -Why now that's right; And kiss her too, mon, never stand. Pat. Giles.< My heart it surprises, 720 I can't keep it down, tho' I'd never so fain. The lovers are friends; Fan. Ral. Hush! All. What torment's exceeding, what joys are above, |