Volume Iv Part 100 (2/2)

_Oliv._ But she being oblig'd to go for _Flanders_, to see her Sister take the holy Habit, I feign'd a Sickness to be left behind, hoping that Absence might abate her Flame; yet she return'd more amorous, and fearing the Thefts of Love might wound her Honour, she thought a Husband would secure that Shame; and luckily my Aunt arriv'd from _Wales_, and brought Sir _Morgan_ with her, who lodging where we did, at Mrs.

_Manage's_, my Aunt (that doats on Quality in either s.e.x) made up this hasty Match, unknown to me, though for my sake.

_Geo._ What will not faithless Woman do, when she is raging?

_Oliv._ And now having so well prepar'd the way, she grows impatient for an Opportunity; and thou art arriv'd, most happily to succour me.

_Geo._ No, for some days keep this habit on, it may be useful to us; but I must see this faithless perjur'd Woman, which I must contrive with Mrs. _Manage_.

_Oliv._ Yet pray resolve to see my Father first; for now's the critical time to make thy Fortune: he came to Town last night, and lodges here at Mrs. _Manage's_, with my Aunt _Blunder_.

_Geo._ What, in the House with thee, and not know thee?

_Oliv._ No more than a Priest Compa.s.sion; he thinks me at _Hackney_, making Wax Babies, where he intends to visit me within these three days,--But I forgot to tell you, our Brother, Sir _Merlin_, lodges in this House with you; and shou'd he know you--

_Geo._ 'Tis impossible--I've not see him, or my Father, these five Years. Absence, my Growth, and this unexpected Equipage, will not be penetrated by his Capacity.

_Oliv._ True, he'll never look for his Brother _George_, in the Gallantry and Person of Monsieur _Lejere_--My good Father expects you home, like the prodigal Son, all torn and tatter'd, and as penitent too.

_Geo._ To plod on here, in a laborious Cheating, all my Youth and Vigour, in hopes of drunken Pleasures when I'm old; or else go with him into _Wales_, and there lead a thoughtless Life, hunt, and drink, and make love to none but Chamber-maids. No, my _Olivia_, I'll use the sprightly Runnings of my Life, and not hope distant Pleasures from its Dregs.

_Oliv._ For that, use your Discretion; now equip your self to your present Business; the more simply you are clad and look, the better.

I'll home and expect you.

[Exit.

_Geo._ Do so, my good Sister; a little formal Hypocrisy may do, 'twill relish after Liberty; for a Pleasure is never so well tasted, as when it's season'd with some Opposition.

Enter _Britton_.

_Britt._ Sir, I've News to tell you, will surprize you; Prince _Frederick_ is arriv'd.

_Geo._ Is't possible? I left him going for _Flanders_.

_Britt._ Pa.s.sing by our Door, and seeing your Livery, he enquir'd for you; and finding you here, alighted just now. But see, Sir, he's here.

Enter Prince _Frederick_; they meet and embrace.

_Geo._ My Life's Preserver, welcome to my Arms as Health to sick Men.

_Prince._ And thou to mine as the kind Mistress to the longing Lover; my Soul's Delight, and Darling of the Fair.

_Geo._ Ah Prince! you touch my bleeding Wound.

_Prince._ Ha, _Lejere_! leave to unhappy Lovers those Sighs, those folded Arms, and down-cast Eyes.

_Geo._ Then they are fit for me; my Mistress, Sir, that Treasure of my Life, for whom you've heard me sigh, is perjur'd, false, and married to another. Yet what is worse, I find my Prince, my Friend, here in my native Country, and am not able to pay him what his Greatness merits.

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