Cal. O. Me! gad I am not uneasy-Are you a justice of peace? Then you could give me a warrant, cou'dn't you? You must know, Sir John, a little accident has happened in my family since I saw you last, you and I may shake hands-Daughters, sir, daughters! Yours has snapped at a young fellow, without your approbation; and how do you think mine has served me this morning?-only run away with the scoundrel I brought to dinner here yesterday.

Sir J. F. I am excessively concerned.

Col. O. Now I'm not a bit concerned-No, damn me, I am glad it has happened; yet, thus far, I'll confess, I should be sorry, that either of them would come in my way, because a man's temper may sometimes get the better of him, and I believe, I should be tempted to break her neck, and blow his brains out.

Clar. But pray, sir, explain this affair.

Col. O. I can explain it no farther-Dy, my daughter Dy, has run away from us.

Enter DIANA and HARMAN.

Diana. No, my dear papa, I am not run away; and upon my knees, I entreat your pardon for the folly I have committed; but, let it be some alleviation, that duty and affection were too strong to suffer me to carry it to extremity: and, if you knew the agony I have been in, since I saw you last

Lady M. O. How's this?

Har. Sir, I restore your daughter to you; whose fault, as far as it goes, I must also take upon myself; we have been known to each other for some time; as Lady Richly, your sister, in London, can acquaint you

Col. O. Dy, come here-Now, you rascal, where's your sword? if you are a gentleman, you shall fight me; if you are a scrub, I'll horse whip you-Draw, sirrah-Shut the door there; don't let him escape.

Har. Sir, don't imagine I want to escape; I am extremely sorry for what has happened, but am ready to give you any satisfaction you think proper. Col. O. Follow me into the garden then-Zounds! I have no sword about me- -Sir John Flowerdalelend us a case of pistols, or a couple of guns; and, come and see fair play.

Lady M. O. Mr. Oldboy, if you attempt to fight, I shall expire.

Sir J. F. Pray, Colonel, let me speak a word to you in private.

Col. O. Slugs and a sawpit

Jess. Why, Miss Dy, you are a perfect heroine for a romance-And pray who is this courteous

knight?

Lady M. O. Oh, sir, you, that I thought such a pretty behaved gentleman!

Jess. What business are you of, friend?

Har. My chief trade, sir, is plain dealing; and, as that is a commodity you have no reason to be very fond of, I would not advise you to purchase any of it by impertinence.

Col. O. And is this what you would advise me to? Sir J. F. It is indeed, my dear old friend; as things are situated, there is, in my opinion, no other prudent method of proceeding; and it is the method I would adopt myself, was I in your case.

Col. O. Why, I believe you are in the right of it— say what you will for me then.

Sir J. F. Well, young people, I have been able to use a few arguments, which have softened my neighbour here; and in some measure pacified his resentment. I find, sir, you are a gentleman, by your connexions?

Har. Sir, till it is found that my character and family will bear the strictest scrutiny, I desire no favour. And, for fortune

Col. O. Oh, rot your fortune! I don't mind that-I

know you are a gentleman, or Dick Rantum would not have recommended you. And so, Dy, kiss and friends.

Jess. What, sir, have you no more to say to the man who has used you so ill?

Col. O. Used me ill!-that's as I take it-he has done a mettled thing; and, perhaps, I like him the better for it; it's long before you would have spirit enough to run away with a wench.-Harman, give me your hand; let's hear no more of this now.-Sir John Flowerdale, what say you? shall we spend the day together, and dedicate it to love and harmony? Sir J. F. With all my heart.

AIR.

Lionel. Come then, all ye social pow'rs,

Shed your influence o'er us,
Crown with bliss the present hours,
And lighten those before us.
May the just, the gen'rous, kind,
Still see that you regard them ;

And Lionels for ever find

Clarissas to reward them,

Clar. Love, thy godhead I adore,
Source of sacred passion ;
But will never bow before

Ilar.

Those idols, wealth, or fashion.
May, like me, each maiden wise,
From the fop defend her ;
Learning, sense, and virtue prize,
And scorn the rain pretender.

Why the plague should men be sad,
While in time we moulder?

Grave, or gay, or vex'd, or glad,
We ev'ry day grow older.

Bring the flask, the music bring,

Joy will quickly find us ;

Drink, and laugh, and dance, and sing,
And cast our cares behind us.

Diana. How shall I escape-so naught,
On filial laws to trample;
I'll e'en court'sy, own my fault,
And plead papa's example.
Parents, 'tis a hint to you,
Children oft are shameless;
Oft transgress-the thing's too true-
But are you always blameless?

Col. O. One word more before we go;
Girls and boys have patience;
You to friends must something owe,
As well as to relations.
These kind gentlemen address —
What, tho' we forgive them,
Still they must be lost, unless
You lend a hand to save them.

THE END