Volume Iv Part 75 (1/2)

_Haz._ Rather to receive my Wounds, Madam.

_Sure._ Already, Sir,--whoe'er she be, she made good haste to conquer, we have few here boast that Dexterity.

_Haz._ What think you of _Chrisante_, Madam?

_Sure._ I must confess your Love and your Despair are there plac'd right, of which I am not fond of being made a Confident, since I am a.s.sur'd she can love none but _Friendly_.

[Coldly.

_Haz._ Let her love on as long as Life shall last, let _Friendly_ take her, and the Universe, so I had my next wish-- [Sighs.

Madam, it is yourself that I adore--I should not be so vain to tell you this, but that I know you have found the Secret out already from my Sighs.

_Sure._ Forbear, Sir, and know me for your Kinsman's Wife, and no more.

_Haz._ Be scornful as you please, rail at my Pa.s.sion, and refuse to hear it; yet I'll love on, and hope in spite of you; my Flame shall be so constant and submissive, it shall compel your Heart to some return.

_Sure._ You're very confident of your Power, I perceive; but if you chance to find yourself mistaken, say your Opinion and your Affectation were misapply'd, and not that I was cruel.

[Ex. _Surelove_.

_Haz._ Whate'er denials dwell upon your Tongue, your Eyes a.s.sure me that your Heart is tender.

[Goes out.

Enter the Bagpiper, playing before a great Bowl of Punch, carry'd between two Negroes, a Highlander dancing after it; the Widow _Ranter_ led by _Timorous_; _Chrisante_ by _Dullman_; Mrs. _Flirt_ and _Friendly_, all dancing after it; they place it on the Table.

_Dull._ This is like the n.o.ble Widow all over, i'faith.

_Tim._ Ay, ay, the Widow's Health in a full Ladle, Major.

[Drinks.

--But a Pox on't, what made that young Fellow here, that affronted us yesterday, Major?

[While they drink about.

_Dull._ Some d.a.m.ned Sharper that would lay his Knife aboard your Widow, Cornet.

_Tim._ Zoors, if I thought so, I'd arrest him for Salt and Battery, lay him in Prison for a swinging Fine, and take no Bail.

_Dull._ Nay, had it not been before my Mistress here, Mrs. _Chrisante_, I had swinged him for his Yesterday's Affront;--ah, my sweet Mistress _Chrisante_--if you did but know what a power you have over me--

_Chris._ Oh, you're a great Courtier, Major.

_Dull._ Would I were any thing for your sake, Madam.

_Ran._ Thou art anything, but what thou shouldst be; prithee, Major, leave off being an old Buffoon, that is, a Lover turn'd ridiculous by Age, consider thy self a mere rouling Tun of _Nantz_,--a walking Chimney, ever smoaking with nasty Mundungus, and then thou hast a Countenance like an old worm-eaten Cheese.

_Dull._ Well, Widow, you will joke, ha, ha, ha--

_Tim._ Gad' Zoors, she's pure company, ha, ha--

_Dull._ No matter for my Countenance,--Col. _Downright_ likes my Estate, and is resolved to have it a match.