I'm but a poor servant, 'tis true, Ma'am ;
But was 1 a lady like you, Ma'am,

In grief would I sit? The dickens a bit;

No, faith, I would search the world thro', Ma'am,~ 3
To find what my liking could hit.

• 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: seed of

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

turning. It is true, I have no absolute studies; but, really, Sir, I shall be obliged to you, if you will give me leave to go...'.

448

Sir John. Come, come, my dear Lionel, I have for some time observed a more than ordinary gravity growing upon you, and I am not to learn the reason of it: I know, to minds serious, and well inclined, like yours, the sacred functions you are about to embrace

Lion. Dear Sir, your goodness to me, of every kind, is so great, so unmerited! Your condescension, your friendly attentions-in short, Sir, I want words to express my sense of obligations

Sir John. Fie, fie, no more of them. By my last letters, I find that my old friend, the rector, still continues in good health, considering his advanced years. You may imagine I am far from desiring the death of so worthy and pious a man; yet, I must own, at this time, I could wish you were in orders, as you might

then perform the ceremony of my daughter's mar

riage which would give me a secret satisfaction.

Lion. No doubt, Sir, any office in my power, that could be instrumental to the happiness of any in your family, Idshould perform with pleasure.

469

Sir John Why, really, Lionel, from the character ofchersintended husband, I have no room to doubt, bury this match will make Clarissa perfectly happy to be sure, the alliance is the most eligible, for both familiesol oz need svad 11.2,brow yar coq'] -91 10 duidt of sin 10 emiciji tedt teravim ed

Lion. If the gentleman is sensible of his happiness in the alliance, Sir.

to

Sir John. The fondness of a father is always suspected of partiality; yet, I believe, I may venture t say, that few young women will be found more unexceptionable than my daughter: her person is agreeable, her temper sweet, her understanding good; and, with the obligations she has to your instruction

Lion. You do my endeavors too much honour, Sir! I have been able to add nothing to Miss Flowerdale's accomplishments, but a little knowledge in matters of small importance to a mind already so well improved.

Sir John. I don't think so; a little knowledge, even in those matters, is necessary for a woman, in whom,' I am far from considering ignorance as a desireable characteristic: when intelligence is not attended with impertinent affectation, it teaches them to judge with precision, and gives them a degree of solidity necessary for the companion of a sensible man. 493

for

Lion. Yonder's Mr. Jenkins: I fancy he's looking you, Sir.

Sir John. I see him; he's come back from Colonel Oldboy's; I have a few words to say to him; and will return to you again in a minute.

SCENE VIII.

LIONEL afterwards CLARISSA, and then JENNY, who enters abruptly, and runs out again.

Lion. To be a burthen to one's self, to wage conti. nual war with one's own passions, forced to combat, unable to overcome! But see, she appears, whose presence turns all my sufferings into transport, and makes even misery itself delightful.

503

Perhaps, Madam, you are not at leisure now; otherwise, if you thought proper, we would resume the subject we were upon yesterday.

Clar. I am sure, Sir, I give you a great deal of trouble.

Lion. Madam, you give me no trouble; I should think every hour of my life happily employed in your service; and as this is probably the last time I shall have the satisfaction of attending you upon the same occasion

Clar. Upon my word, Mr. Lionel, I think myself extremely obliged to you; and shall ever consider the enjoyment of your friendship

Lion. My friendship, Madam, can be of little moment to you; but if the most perfect adoration, if the warmest wishes for your felicity, though I should never be witness of it: if these, Madam, can have any merit to continue in your remembrance, a man once honoured with a share of your esteem→→

522

Clar. Hold, Sir-I think I hear somebody.

Lion. If you please, Madam, we'll turn over this celestial globe once more-Have you looked at the book I left you yesterday?

Clar. Really, Sir, I have been so much disturbed in my thoughts for these two or three days past, that I Have not been able to look at any thing. 529

Lion. I am sorry to hear that, Madam; I hope there was nothing particular to disturb you. The care Sir John takes to dispose of your hand in a manner suitable to your birth and fortune.

Clar. I don't know, Sir;-I own I am disturbed; I own I am uneasy; there is something weighs upon my heart, which I would fain disclose.

Lion. Upon your heart, Madam! did you say your

heart?

Clar. I did, Sir,- -I

539

Jen. Madam Madam! Here's a coach and six driving up the avenue: It's Colonel Oldboy's family; and, I believe the gentleman is in it, that's coming to court you.-Lord, I must run and have a peep at him out of the window.

Lion. Madam, I'll take my leave.

Clar. Why so, Sir?-Bless me, Mr. Lionel, what's the matter!-You turn pale.

Lion. Madam!

Clar. Pray speak to me, Sir.-You tremble.-Tell me the cause of this sudden change.-How are you?

6X

551