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diff --git a/old/fmgst10.txt b/old/fmgst10.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1dd6f6e --- /dev/null +++ b/old/fmgst10.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3640 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Female Gamester, by Gorges Edmond Howard + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the +copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing +this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook. + +This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project +Gutenberg file. Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: The Female Gamester + +Author: Gorges Edmond Howard + +Release Date: April, 2005 [EBook #7840] +[This file was first posted on May 21, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: US-ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, THE FEMALE GAMESTER *** + + + + +Produced by Oliver Walden + + + +The Female Gamester + +A Tragedy + +by Gorges Edmond Howard + + + + + + + + Et quando uberior vitiorum copia? quando + Major avaritiae patuit sinus? alea quando + Hos animos? neq; enim loculis comitantibus itur, + Ad casum tabulae, posita sed luditur arca. + Juv. Sat. I. + + Sure none in crimes could erst beyond us go! + None such a lust for sordid avarice show! + Was e'er the Die so worn in ages past? + Purses, nay Chests, are now stak'd on a cast. + + + + To the + Countess of Charlemont, + the Lady Viscountess Southwell, + and Lady Lifford. + + +As the example of Persons of rank and quality, must ever have +a powerful influence upon all others in society, and as I know +none among the many eminently virtuous characters of your sex, +(for which this kingdom is above all others distinguished) with +whom I have the honour of being acquainted, more conspicuous +than your Ladyships, for excellence of conduct in every female +department in life, I, therefore, thus presume in taking the +liberty of presenting the following DRAMATIC ESSAY to your +patronage, and am, with the highest respect, + + Your Ladyships' + + Most obedient servant, &c. + The Author. + + + + To the + Reader. + + +I have always been of the same opinion with the Author of +the Preface to the translation of Brumoy's Greek Theatre; +in which, speaking of Tragedy, he hath expressed himself +in the following lines: "In England, the subject is frequently +too much exalted, and the Scenes are too often laid too high. +We deal almost solely in the fate of Kings and Princes, as if +misfortunes were chiefly peculiar to the great. But our Poets +might consider, that we feel not so intensely the sorrows of +higher powers, as we feel the miseries of those who are nearer +upon a level with ourselves. The revolution and fall of empires +affect us less, than the distresses of a private family. Homer +himself had wandered like Ulysses, and although by the force +of imagination he so nobly described the din of battle, and +the echoing contests of fiery princes, yet his heart still +sensibly felt the indigence of the wandering Ithacan, and +the contemptuous treatment shewn to the beggar, whose soul +and genius deserved a better fate." + +This having confirmed me in my opinion, I set about the following +dramatic attempt upon that horrid vice of Gaming, of all others +the most pernicious to society, and growing every day more and +more predominant amongst all ranks of people, so that even the +examples of a Prince, and Princess, pious, virtuous, and every way +excellent, as ever a people were blessed with, contrary to the +well-known axiom, + Regis ad exemplum totus componitur orbis, +have had but small effect. + + +I finished it, part in prose, and part in blank verse, in about six +weeks, and having shewn it to several of my literary acquaintance, +the far greater part were of opinion, that it should be entirely +one, or the other; but, as the scene was laid in private life, and +chiefly among those of middling rank, it ought to be entirely prose; +and that, not much exalted; and accordingly, with no small labour, +I turned it all into prose. But in some short time after, having +communicated this to Dr. Samuel Johnson, his words (as well as I +remember) were, "That he could hardly consider a prose Tragedy as +dramatic; that it was difficult for the Performers to speak it; +that let it be either in the middling or in low life, it may, +though in metre and spirited, be properly familiar and colloquial; +that, many in the middling rank are not without erudition; +that they have the feelings and sensations of nature, and every +emotion in consequence thereof, as well as the great, and that +even the lowest, when impassioned, raise their language; that +the writing of prose is generally the plea and excuse of poverty +of Genius." And some others being of the same opinion, I have +now chang'd it all into metre. + + + Fired is the Muse! and let the Muse be fired. + Who's not inflam'd, when what he speaks he feels? + Young. + + +The introduction by the moderns of confidents, those friends +in Tragedy, to whom the chief personages discover their secrets +and situation, has been also objected to by critics. The discovery +is indeed purposely made to the audience, and supplies the want of +a chorus. But to speak in Monsieur Brumos's own stile: "If Homer, +in his Epic poem, found a Patroclus necessary to his Achilles, and +Virgil an Achates to Aeneas, such examples may well justify the +Dramatic Poets in calling in the assistance of associates, who +generally appear of more use than ornament to the piece." Besides, +were it not for them, long and disgusting soliloquies must be +innumerable, especially if there be any plot in the piece of +either love, ambition, or conspiracy. In short, as he again says, +"they are the mortar which forms the proper cement to fix the +corner stones of the building." + +But I declare, that the avoiding on the one hand, a style too high, +as on the other, too mean and vulgar for the subject, or the persons +concerned therein, has been a talk far more difficult to me than +any of the best formed lines in either of my other Tragedies, +so that I tremble at the thought of the reception this may meet with; +and had it not been on account of the moral it inculcates, and the +solicitation of some of my friends, I never should have published it. + + + +Prologue, + +BY Mr. R. Lewis, +Author of the Candid Philosopher, &c. &c. + + +The Muse prolific of a Vet'ran Bard +Again brings forth;--but yet with labour hard. +Nor is it strange, that such a Muse feels pain, +When her child starts, like Pallas, from the brain, +Arm'd at all points; when bold, she dares engage, +With Truth's bright arms, the monsters of the age; +When with just aim she points keen Satire's dart, +And stabs the foul fiend GAMING to the heart. + +Yet has our Bard, to simple Nature true, +Not brought up scenes of grandeur to your view; +Not sought by magic arts to strike your eyes, +Nor made the gods descend, or fiends arise: +His plan is humble, and his fable plain, +The town his scene, and artless is his strain: +Yet in that strain some lambent sparks still glow +Of that bright flame which shew'd Almeyda's woe, +Which far-fam'd Tamor's Siege so well display'd, +To fire each hero, and to charm each maid. + +Attend, ye Fair and Brave!--Our daring Bard +Hopes in your smiles to meet his best reward. +And you, ye Critics! if to censure bent, +Think on this fact, and scorn the harsh intent; +Our Bard would fain discordant things unite, +As hard to reconcile as day and night: +He strives within chaste Hymen's bands to draw +The tuneful maids and sages of the law; +Or, what's alike--nor think he means a joke-- +Melpomene to wed with old judge Coke. +Yet still, if you'll not let his faults pass free, +The Grecian rev'rence pay to sixty-three. + + + +Persons of the drama. + + +Men. + +ANDREWS, merchant and banker. +WILSON, +GOODWIN, merchants, his neighbours. +Lord BELMOUR, an English peer. +Lord WESTON, nephew to lord BELMOUR. +JEFFERSON, first clerk and cashier to Mr. ANDREWS. +THOMAS, steward to Mr. ANDREWS. + + +Women. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. +Lady BELMOUR. +CONSTANTIA, daughter to Mr. ANDREWS, by a former wife. +LUCIA, her kinswoman. +MARIA, waiting-woman to Mrs. ANDREWS, and wife to THOMAS. + + +Attendants and other servants, bailiffs, &c. + + +Scene, London. + + + + +THE FEMALE GAMSTER. + + + + +ACT I. + + + +SCENE I. + +Mr. ANDREWS's house. + +Enter MARIA and THOMAS. + +MARIA. But why these moping, melancholy looks? +Each eye observes and marks them now unseemly, +Whilst every countenance but your's speaks joy, +At the near wedding of our master's daughter. +Sure none so well deserv'd this noble prize: +And young lord Weston will be bless'd indeed. + +THOMAS. It has been countermanded. + +MARIA. What again? +This is the second time. What can this mean? +Then, his unusual absence, now a month, +Nor any cause assign'd. + +THOMAS. Some accident. +I know a truer flame was ne'er profess'd: +A fondness which commenced in his apprenticeship, +Here in this house, then but the late lord's nephew, +Nor next in heirship to estate or title. + +MARIA. And sure all must approve his well-judg'd choice! +In charms and virtues there are none surpass her. + +THOMAS. Heav'n grant my fears are groundless! but, Maria, +To think on what of late I daily see, +Afflicts my soul. + +MARIA. What is't your fears suggest? + +THOMAS. A wasted fortune and a sinking credit, +With the near ruin of this worthy family; +The thought materially concerns us both. + +MARIA. But, why again, should we distress ourselves +For that we cannot help? + +THOMAS. Ungenerous thought! +Duty and love and gratitude demand it. +'Twas here we met each other; here we wedded, +And ever have receiv'd the kindest treatment. +But what disturbs me most--I have been privy +To matters which I should not have conceal'd +From our good friend her father. + +MARIA. Think not of it. +It is not possible to save them now. + +THOMAS. Would in his second marriage he had met +With one more suited to his years and rank! + +MARIA. But are not all things for the better alter'd? +Our house fill'd often with the best of company? + +THOMAS. The best saidst thou? O! no, the worst of all, +A shameless crew of fashionable pillagers; +So that this bank house, by their nightly riot, +Might rather seem a rake-frequented tavern; +And ruin is their sport. Is not each servant +A worn-out victim to those midnight revels, +Without a sabbath's rest? (For in these times, +All sanctity is scoff'd at by the great, +And heaven's just wrath defy'd.) An honest master, +Scarcely a month beyond his fiftieth year, +(Heart-rent with trouble at these sad proceedings,) +Wears to the eye a visage of fourscore: +Nor to be wondered at. + +MARIA. You dream too much. + +THOMAS. O! it is seen by all. Oft through his groves, +With folded arms and downcast looks he saunters, +Ev'n 'midst the dank inclemency of night. + +MARIA. You're too severe, too scrupulous; why, man, +My mistress is a perfect saint, compar'd +With some of those I formerly have serv'd. + +THOMAS. Her conduct has of late been foully censur'd. +But I've disclos'd the whole to our kind neighbours +Wilson and Goodwin, his most faithful friends-- + +MARIA. For which ten thousand blisters scald your tongue! [Aside] + +THOMAS. Who are resolv'd (the task howe'er ungrateful) +Quickly to lay his desp'rate state before him. + +MARIA. But pray, why should not we as well as others, +Avail ourselves of something, whilst all's going? + +THOMAS. Think'st thou to tempt me by a thought so vile? +No; I defy ev'n Envy's cankering tongue +To brand me with the name of faithless steward +Still steady to my trust, nor love, nor fear, +Shall reason from my soul, its inbred honesty. +What then would be the transport of the thought, +That I, from wreck had sav'd this shatter'd bark, +Though poverty and want were my reward! + +MARIA. I see you are as obstinate as usual, +And still persist in your old-fashion'd ravings. +Does not experience daily prove that wealth +Alone gives honour; poverty disgrace? + +THOMAS. All this concerns this transient world alone; +Nor is it worth a single moment's thought. +A slender pittance, earn'd by honest industry, +Surpasses mines of wealth acquir'd by fraud. + +MARIA. It cannot sure be wrong to make reprisals! +Hath she not got in loan from us our earnings +From time to time, nor heeds our pressing calls? + +THOMAS. Ay, as she wastes the honest tradesman's dues, +Which from her husband she receives to pay. +But would her crime be an excuse for ours? +Were that the rule, 'twould be a desp'rate world. + +MARIA. 'Tis not a wonder he should be distress'd. +Six months are scarcely past since one cashier, +In whom you know he plac'd the highest confidence, +Absconded with some thousands. + +THOMAS. So 'tis said, [Bell rings] +But time will quickly shew the truth of all. + +MARIA. Heard you the bell? 'tis he, just come to town. + +THOMAS. And well he came so late, or he had met +On their retreat, that group of restless rioters, +Who day and night pursue this misled woman. [Bell rings again.] +It is the bell again. I am resolv'd +To speak my fears, receive them as he may. + +MARIA. Prithee, forbear till you revolve it further. [He, goes off] +Doubtless she's daily plunging into ruin +The poor infatuated man her husband, +Whom fondness hath made blind to her misconduct. +But I must hear what passes at this meeting; +Wherefore, I'll to the closet next the chamber, +Where usually they meet for private conference. [She goes off.] + + + +SCENE II. + +Another room in Mr. ANDREWS's house. + +Mr. ANDREWS and THOMAS. + +ANDREWS. What strange disorder runs thro' all this house! +It seems more like a place of midnight revelling, +Than habitation of a sober family, +And every servant in it looks a spectre. + + [A servant delivers Mr. ANDREWS a letter, which he reads; + servant retires.] + + "This from your late unfortunate cashier, serves + to inform you that he never wrong'd you; 'tis true, + he was deficient much when he departed, yet, by + that Power to whom all thoughts lie open! he knows + not how it happened; but, if the present rumours + are not false, your greatest foe is nearest to + your heart." + +Such secret notices of late are frequent. +When was this letter brought? + +THOMAS. 'Twas left last night. + +ANDREWS. Is my wife up? + +THOMAS. She's not long gone to rest. + +ANDREWS. Too much her practised course. Unthinking woman! +Thus she precipitates our common ruin. [Aside.] +Did not you tell me that my neighbour Wilson +Had been enquiring for me here to-day? + +THOMAS. He was three times, and now I hear his voice. + +ANDREWS. 'Tis opportune; return when he departs. [THOMAS goes off] + + Enter WILSON. + +Welcome! thrice welcome! truest, best of friends. + +WILSON. I hope 'twill speedily be in my power, +As 'tis my wish sincere, to give you joy +On the most happy marriage of your daughter. + +Andrew. A thousand thanks! 'twas to have been to morrow, +But is postponed a while. + +WILSON. There is no prize, +Wealthy, or noble, which she doth not merit. + +ANDREWS. Again I thank my friend; but tell me wherefore, +We meet not now as we were wont? time was +When scarce a single day knew us asunder; +Of late we're so for weeks. + +WILSON. Where lies the blame? +You then were us'd to join your happy friends, +In all their harmony and mirthful innocence; +But you and yours have quite estrang'd yourselves, +Scorning to mingle in our humble circles. + +ANDREWS. And is this mode of life to us peculiar? +The tide of fashion, in these days of riot, +Sweeps all before it that its torrent meets. + +WILSON. To our eternal shame!--All sense is fled, +And ev'ry social pleasure with their virtues. +Nor boast we more that wholesome plain economy +Which made our ancestors so justly fam'd +For honestly, and every gen'rous deed; +But in its stead a splendid, wasteful vanity +(Regardless of the toiler's hard-earn'd claims,) +Pervades each rank, and all distinction levels: +Too sure fore-runners of the loss of freedom. + +ANDREWS. Your picture is as just as it is gloomy. +But you can firmly stem th' infection's tide, +And 'scape the censure we so justly merit. +Yet you'd not blame your friend, if you knew all. [He walks to + and fro.] + +WILSON. I cannot longer justify myself, +To be a mute spectator of such ruin, +As hourly threatens this respected family. [Aside.] +To flatter, or conceal would ill become +That friendship you have said you so esteem. +My heart is open then, and can't acquit you. +You've lost that fortitude you once possess'd. + +ANDREWS. O Wilson! I confess your charge is just. +The truth is, I'm no longer master here, +Nor of my family, nor of myself; +And yet you may remember, no man liv'd +More happily than I with my first wife. + +WILSON. She had all the virtues that adorn her sex. + +ANDREWS. And was withal of such a gentle nature, +That I could ne'er conceive that ev'n in thought, +She would impede or contradict my wish. + +WILSON. The loss was great. 'Tis now about ten years? + +ANDREWS. Not more: you also know, that shortly after, +(Full short indeed!) I wedded with the present. + +WILSON. Not with the approbation of your friends. +Our women even then were greatly alter'd, +Their manners as their education different. +Their beauties too, are as their hearts deceitful, +While art supplies the spoil of their excesses. +I'm happy in the thoughts of being single. + +ANDREWS. Condemn not all for some; and prize their worth. +By them we are refin'd; by them inspir'd; +For them, we ev'ry toil and danger court, +That lead to glory and make fame immortal. +Trust me, my friend, there's no terrestrial blessing +Equals the union of two souls in virtue. + +WILSON. Your wife was then but Young? + +ANDREWS. About sixteen, +And I in years superiour to her father. +Yet she appear'd of such congenial manners +With my first wife, whose intimate she was, +It led me to this early second marriage. +And ev'n long after, such was her behaviour, +That I insensibly forgot my loss; +For tho' by birth and family allied, +To several of the first in rank and fortune, +Yet did not that the least affect her conduct, +Which she still suited to our humbler station; +A tender parent and a loving wife. + +WILSON. And such might have remain'd, had she not quit +The innocent society of those, +Who best were suited to her state in life. + +ANDREWS. O! 'tis most true; and I have often thought +My happiness too great for long continuance. +The toil, fatigue and numerous disappointments, +(The sure attendants on a life of business) +Were sooth'd and sweeten'd by the fond endearments, +With which she met me in the hours of leisure. +Oft hath she vow'd, that she despis'd the profit, +How great soe'er, that sunder'd us at times. +But all the halcyon days I once enjoy'd, +Do but conspire to aggravate the misery, +Which now quite weighs me down. + +WILSON. Nor is it strange. +Your house is grown a nuisance to its neighbours, +Where twice in every week, if not more frequent, +A motley crowd at midnight hour assembles; +Whose ruffian-like attendants in the street, +Alarm the peaceful, and disturb their quiet. + +ANDREWS. I know, I feel it all. + +WILSON. Its inside too +Is not less riotous; where this same medly +Waste the whole night, destroying health and fortune, +Of ev'ry social duty quite regardless. + +ANDREWS. They've been unseen by me. My health's weak state +Will not admit my sleeping in the city; +Whence also, I am often whole days absent; +As my neglected finances disclose. +Have you at any time beheld these scenes? + +WILSON. Once, on the invitation of your spouse. + +ANDREWS. Relate them, if not irksome. + +WILSON. At your instance. +Then, the first object 'midst this wild assembly, +(For such the night's proceedings fully prov'd it) +That urg'd my wonder, was the heavy purses +Which were display'd there, even by the women, +Without remorse or shame. + +ANDREWS. Ay, there!--Proceed. + +WILSON. After the night had been near three part wasted, +Full half the meeting more like spectres seem'd +Than of this world. The clamour then grew great; +Whilst ev'ry torturing passion of the foul +Glar'd in the ghastly visages of several. +Some grinn'd in rage, some tore their hair, whilst others, +Upon their knees, with hands and eyes uplifted, +In curses dar'd assail all-ruling Providence +Under the varied names of Fate and Fortune. +Nor is there one in the black list of crimes, +Which these infernals seem'd not prompt to perpetrate, +Whilst on a cast their trembling fortunes hung. + +ANDREWS. O Wilson! every passion, every power +Of the great human soul are by this vice, +This fatal vice of all, quite, quite absorb'd, +Save those which its fell purposes excite! +Oh! that most vile seducer lady Belmour! +Wer't not for her, my wife had been a stranger +To all those evils; I to all my misery. + +WILSON. But have our sex surrender'd their prerogative? +Or have I liv'd to see the world revers'd? +You are a man-- + +ANDREWS. I know not what I am. +Alas! my friend is stranger to these matters! +When once a woman deviates from discretion, +Setting her heart on every vain pursuit, +No husband then rests master of his fate. +Fond love no limit knows to its submission, +Not more than beauty to its thirst for empire, +Whose tears are not less pow'rful than its smiles. +Nay, ev'n dislike, 'gainst reason, oft must yield, +Whilst the mind's quiet is an object priz'd; +So is the sex from its sweet purpose chang'd-- + +WILSON. Your state then seems quite hopeless of relief? + +ANDREWS. O! could I wean her from this one sad vice! +Wipe out this only speck in her rich volume! +Then, all my woes should cease; then, would I write, +In truth's fair characters, her matchless worth, +Nor blush to boast the fondness of my heart. + +WILSON. Your love admits some doubt. + +ANDREWS. My love of her!------ + +WILSON. Ev'n so. +Do you not tamely see her, ev'ry day, +Destroying wantonly her precious health? +But what is more------I shall proceed too far. + +ANDREWS. Go on, I am prepar'd. + +WILSON. Her reputation-- + +ANDREWS. Her reputation! + +WILSON. I have said it, + +ANDREWS. Heav'n! + +WILSON. It has not 'scap'd the busy tongue of censure, +Yet let appearances be what they may, +I think she's innocent. + +ANDREWS. What, innocent! +Against appearances!--impossible. +All sense disclaims the thought; these neglected, +Neglect of virtue is the sure attendant, +And ev'n the firmest may be then seduced;-- +'Tis as the noon-day plain.--Who? who's the villain? +The murderer of my peace? By heav'n! he dies. + +WILSON. Madness indeed! all may be mere surmise; +Wherefore, at present it will be most prudent, +To hush the sad ideas of suspicion. +A little time must prove its truth, or falsehood; +Besides, the person charg'd is of high rank. + +ANDREWS. O! there's no rank can sanctify such outrage. +Lord Belmour! say-- + +WILSON. Yes--he--or why that name? + +ANDREWS. They nearly are a-kin--and yet of late +His visits have been rather more than usual. +But have you any proof for this your hint? + +WILSON. It is the current rumour of the neighbourhood, +Else I should ne'er have dar'd to wound your ear; +But friendship urges the unpleasing task-- +You tell me, you sleep mostly in the country? + +ANDREWS. What then? he may, ev'n when I sleep in town, +Pass nights with her, and all unknown to me. + +WILSON. You puzzle me. + +ANDREWS. 'Tis easily explain'd. +For some time past we've slept in separate chambers. +For when she had exchang'd her harmless life +For the destructive course she now pursues, +Her hours became so late and so uncertain, +My rest was quite disturb'd. + +WILSON. Unhappy state! +Have you discours'd her calmly on these matters? +Few of her sex possess superiour talents. + +ANDREWS. Her temper is so chang'd, so sour'd of late, + +Which with her sad misconduct still increases; +And she so prides herself on her alliances, +And the caresses of her vain associates, +That neither I, nor her neglected children, +Dare ev'n attempt the least discourse with her. +Did you know all, 'twould rend your tender heart. [He pauses + a while, then walks about much disturbed.] + +WILSON. He has abundance more to hear of yet; +Two bills this very day, went off unpaid, +A stroke too fatal, e'er to be recover'd. [Aside.] +Affliction is heav'n's trial of our patience, +As of its love sure proof; and oft' our benefit. + +ANDREWS. Can you continue friend to such lost fortune? + +WILSON. How it would grieve me could you even doubt it! +The surest test of friendship is affliction. +'Tis then, the faithful heart displays itself, +Whilst vain professors vanish in the gloom. + +ANDREWS. Tell me--Oh tell me! what would you advise? + +WILSON. Against we meet on the Exchange to-day, +I will revolve it well. + +ANDREWS. Reward your goodness heav'n! [WILSON goes off.] + + Re-enter THOMAS. + +Oh what a fatal change in my affairs! +Have you observ'd it, Thomas, yet been silent? + +THOMAS. I almost wish I knew not how to answer: +But since it is his will I must obey. [Aside.] +Dare then your faithful servant speak some truths, +With which his heart is full? + +ANDREWS. What prevents you? + +THOMAS. I dare not--yet--[aside] suppose 'twere of a wife, +So lov'd, so doted on?-- + +ANDREWS. Prithee, proceed. + +THOMAS. Then know, last night, that as I lay awake, +And hearing near the compting-house a noise, +I rose, and in the dark mov'd softly towards it; +When I (unseen by her) beheld her passing +Quickly from thence, and in her hands a light, +And key, with which she op'd the iron chest. + +ANDREWS. [After some pause] Good heav'n! that she could injure + me so deeply------ +My credit------but I cannot bear to expose her! +Means have been us'd to stop all further mischief, +On some suspicions of mine own before. +So for the present, must appear to doubt it. [Aside.] +[To THOMAS] For this, I owe you my most grateful thanks. +I've ever found you faithful to my interest; +Yet, as your zeal may have alarm'd your fears, +Speak not of this, until I weigh it further, +Not even to your wife. + +THOMAS. I shall obey. [THOMAS goes off] + +ANDREWS. What an unhappy man!--It is impossible-- +I ne'er knew one in ev'ry thought more pure +Than she was once--and now to be so chang'd-- +I will not see her more--and yet--O heav'n!-- +'Tis demonstration only can convince me. + +Ah! lovely woman, didst thou ne'er design +But in thy proper sphere alone to shine, +Using with modesty each winning art, +To fix, as well as captivate the heart, +Love's purest flame might gild the nuptial days, +And Hymen's altars then for ever blaze. + + + + +ACT II. + + + +SCENE I. + +An apartment in Mr. ANDREWS's house. + +Mrs. ANDREWS and MARIA. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. I'm quite amaz'd at what you have related. [She + walks to and fro much agitated.] + +MARIA. I must not now discover, how her husband +Receiv'd the tidings of a secret key: +She would not rest, until reveng'd of mine. [Aside.] + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Can you now help me? I am much distress'd. + +MARIA. You know I am devoted to your service. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. So I have ever thought.--Heav'n! what a state! +Compell'd to sooth ev'n those my soul abhors. [Aside.] + +MARIA. Madam, I'm griev'd to see your spirits sinking. +But hear me, and I think I can propose +A scheme by which it may be so contriv'd, +As to retort this charge on your fair character, +Cruel as false, respecting the lord Belmour, +On your base neighbour Wilson, the inventer, +With honour to yourself. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. What, and he innocent? + +MARIA. Hath he not wrong'd you?------beyond all redress? +Labour'd to blast your spotless fame for ever, +Whilst you are innocent? + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Yet much to blame. [Aside.] + +MARIA. Wherefore, your honour calls aloud for vengeance. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. True; his harsh, cruel, groundless, information +Hath to my poor mind's peace been most injurious. + +MARIA. It is the only means I can devise, +At once to wipe away this foul aspersion, +And all the other mischiefs that may follow. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. But how, I pray? none bear more fair repute. + +MARIA. Yet vers'd in gallantry. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. So I have heard. + +MARIA. That answers well; suppose then, in a letter, +You mention earnestly, his having made +Some overtures injurious to your honour, +And should he persevere, that you'll disclose +This breach of truth and friendship to your husband? +Then, let this letter, as it were by chance, +Fall in my master's way.--Consider this. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. [Pauses] A most ingenious thought!--but to + pursue it--[Pauses again.] +Shall I at such dark villainy connive!-- +Are there no means to 'scape the tongue of calumny, +But by imbibing her infectious breath, +And blasting innocence with sland'rous falsehood? +Chang'd howsoe'er I be, yet my soul shudders +Ev'n at the thought of an unjust revenge-- +I ne'er could reconcile it to myself. + +MARIA. Again I say, your own defence demands it. +It is the sole resource you have to save you. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. I am myself the cause of all these miseries. [Aside.] +I see great difficulties in this matter. + +MARIA. I, not any--do you but write this letter; +The rest be mine--but soft!--my master's voice-- + +Mrs. ANDREWS. What shall I do? I would not meet him now. + +MARIA. You must not, till our purpose is effected. +Be not distress'd--I'll urge a fit excuse. +So, to your chamber, and prepare the letter, +No patience can submit to such indignities. [Goes off.] + +Mrs. ANDREWS. I dread the very thoughts of this--and yet-- +To rest beneath so vile an accusation-- +It cannot--must not be--I should be false, +And to myself unjust--and then, revenge +Upon this slanderer--I'm much perplex'd. [Goes off.] + + + +SCENE II. + +Changes to another room in Mr. ANDREWS's house. + +Enter Mr. ANDREWS, leaning on THOMAS and another person; CONSTANTIA +attending him. + +THOMAS. This outward room is large, the air more free. + +ANDREWS. Faint!--very faint!--support me to yon couch. [They seat + him on a couch.] +I hop'd at length heav'n's goodness had determin'd +To give my soul its so long wish'd-for peace. + +CONSTANTIA. Of late, these fierce attacks give fresh alarm. +Preserve him, heav'n,--O sir! behold your daughter.-- + +ANDREWS. Tir'd nature hath got respite for a while, +Yet weaken'd much--my final rest is near. +[To the servants.] Withdraw awhile; but wait within a call. +Constantia! stay; come nearer to your father. +Give me your hand, I wish a private conference +On somewhat of much moment ere we part. + +CONSTANTIA. You make your daughter happy; for of late, +I've thought, you did not see me with that pleasure +To which I had been us'd; I, therefore fear'd, +You some distress had met, or that Constantia, +Had witlessly, (when some ill fate presided,) +The best of parents and of friends offended. + +ANDREWS. You never did; it is against your nature. +You've ever been affectionate as dutiful; +But the postponing thus a second time +(And on lord Weston's side) the purpos'd wedding, +Which all must say, our station weigh'd with his, +Besides his princely qualities of mind, +Would highly honour us, disturbs me much: +Yet, wou'd I hope, th' affections of your heart +Are not so fix'd upon this noble youth, +you cou'd not wean them thence, shou'd it be fit. + +CONSTANTIA. What is't I hear! undone! be still, my heart! [Aside.] +Hath not a letter, sir, disclos'd the cause? + +ANDREWS. Such letter I receiv'd, yet it is said, +His uncle, the lord Belmour, hath of late, +Spoken of this, to which he once consented, +In terms of discontent; which, if as told, +I would to the alliance of an emperour, +Prefer the badge of want. + +CONSTANTIA. [She kneels] O most indulgent! +Ever-honour'd sir! let not a thought for me +Distress your tenderness. Heav'n be my judge! +That did my faithful heart approve him more +(If possible) than I have truly told you, +And that its choice was not with your assent, +My task should be, to tear it thence for ever. +And, but I know lord Weston has a soul, +Possess'd of every virtue heav'n bestows, +I wou'd far rather wed in mine own rank, +Where truth and happiness are oft'ner found, +Than midst the glaring grandeur of the great. + +ANDREWS. Come to thy father's arms, thou sweet resemblance +Of the perfections of your much-lov'd mother; +A loss each day felt more--yet, my Constantia, +What tho' your charms and virtue shou'd surpass +All that e'er center'd in a virgin frame, +To be the choice of this exalted youth +Causes a thousand fears in my fond heart. + +CONSTANTIA. O sir! how you alarm me! heav'n! what fears? + +ANDREWS. Constantia singled out, preferr'd to numbers +Of the first rank, who would exult to win him, +Will rouse up ev'ry baneful blast of envy, +Perfections such as thine ne'er 'scape malignity. + +CONSTANTIA. The example of that honour to her sex, +My dear lost mother, with the wholesome lessons +Instill'd by you, will so direct my steps, +I may those blasts escape your fondness fears. + +ANDREWS. Yet, should this change in your condition happen, +This also treasure in your mind; that man, +As in his frame, so is his spirit rough; +Whilst your more tender sex was form'd by heav'n, +To sooth those cares, which from his state still flow, +With winning grace, and smooth life's rugged paths. +That she who best submits will surest reign; +In youth be idolized, in age revered. +But when perverse contention marks her conduct, +And passion's transitory joys are pall'd, +The past offence will to the mind recur, +And all that once had charm'd be quite forgot. + +CONSTANTIA. Good heav'n! of two such parents make me worthy. + + Enter MARIA. + +ANDREWS. Some message from my wife--withdraw awhile. + +CONSTANTIA. [As she goes off] Alas! I fear some deep distress + affects him. + +ANDREWS. Where is your mistress? + +MARIA. In her chamber, sir. + +ANDREWS. Go tell her I am here, and wish to see her. + +MARIA. Good sir! she has been greatly indispos'd: +But somewhat eas'd, was in a friendly slumber, +Till rous'd at hearing that some sudden ailment +Had just now seiz'd you, she dispatch'd me hither, +And most impatient waits for my return +With tidings of your health, to her so precious. + +ANDREWS. This woman is so hackney'd in all baseness, +That even truth from her would be disgrac'd. [Aside.] +Had her condition far exceeded all +Your seeming tender fears; or did I hear +The peal of her death bell, I shou'd not wonder. +Was she not up all night? Was ever seen +Such rapid havock as this life of riot +Spreads o'er her bloom, which ev'ry art abash'd, +Now vainly practis'd to repair its ruin! +Sad victim to the world's most baleful fashions! + +MARIA. Some friends staid later here last night than usual. +But if you knew how much she's indispos'd, +I'm sure 'twould pierce your heart; as I well know, +You love her tenderly, as she does you. + +ANDREWS. Wou'd I had lov'd her less, or ne'er had seen her! +Retire awhile, I pray--I wou'd be private. + +MARIA. [As she goes off] We now shall execute the scheme I plann'd. + +ANDREWS. I am the veriest wretch that breathes the air, +And nought but desperation is before me. + + + [A Servant BOY enters hastily at a different door, + as if passing to another room, with a letter in + his hand, starts, (as if at seeing his master) + and affects to conceal the letter.] + +ANDREWS. You seem confus'd--What paper's that? + +BOY. 'Tis, sir--'tis a letter-- + +ANDREWS. From whom? and to whom? + +BOY. From, sir,--Why, 'tis-- + + [He seizes the boy's hand, who drops the letter, and whilst + his master is taking it up, runs off.] + +ANDREWS. Ha! what, gone off! how guilt betrays itself! +Here is some secret scheme--'tis in my wife's hand. +The superscription to my old friend Wilson-- +I never yet approv'd of opening letters +By any, save by those to whom address'd; +But to detect deceit, such means are just; +And here it seems, as matters were on foot, +With which, 'tis meant I should not be acquainted. +Besides, of late, I have at times surpriz'd them +in close and intimate discourse together; +When, it now strikes me, they seem'd much confounded. +Upon the whole, I think I ought to read it: +Necessity demands the doubtful deed. [He opens and reads the letter.] + + "Sir, + I might have thought the repulse you so lately receiv'd, + with the declaration I then made of acquainting my husband + with your conduct, would have deterred you from ever making + any further attempt.--How fatal might the consequences prove + should I discover your behaviour to him? Is this your + friendship? Know, base man! that whatever my follies and + indiscretions may be in other respects, there is not any + distress shall lead me to an act against the honour of + Elizabeth Andrews." + +Am I awake! or is this all a dream? +My friend--seduce my wife? it cannot be! [Looks again on the letter.] +It surely is her hand--it must be so. +She's now but in her prime, and few so beautiful-- +Then his strict charge this morning, not to mention +What he himself had told me was reported +Of her and the lord Belmour, with this letter, +Are proofs which make this matter nearly certain. +What ruin is at hand!------ [He pauses.] + + Enter MARIA hastily. + +Woman, your business? + +MARIA. My lady, sir, is up, and begs to see you; +Or she will wait on you. + +ANDREWS. I choose the latter. [She goes off.] +How wond'rous condescending of a sudden! +Shou'd this be a true charge in this dread letter, +All he has mentioned of her and lord Belmour, +May be a base invention for his purpose-- +Yet, may not both be true?--distracting state! + + Enter Mrs. ANDREWS. + + [He in profound thought, and not observing her.] + +Mrs. ANDREWS. He heeds me not. The letter strongly works. [Aside.] +I've been inform'd, sir, that you wish'd to see me. +You seem disturb'd; acquaint me with the cause. + +ANDREWS. Forbear to question me. I am not well. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. You yield too much to melancholy thoughts. + +ANDREWS. True--Melancholy hath been long my portion; +As I've too long the fatal cause conceal'd: +But ev'ry duty now, to heaven, to you, +To my poor children, to myself, all, all +Demand it from the husband and the father, +That you, oh! you, are the sole, fatal cause. [She offers to + withdraw, he shuts the door.] + +Mrs. ANDREWS. How your looks scare me! what have I committed? + +ANDREWS. O! many things you should not have committed. +To number all the mischiefs which your conduct, +Your most misguided conduct hath induc'd +On those, to whom, each law divine and human +Had bound you in affiection's strongest ties, +Were but a needless waste of time and speech. +[Aside] Heav'n! what contempt and scorn her looks betray! +O Gaming! cursed vice! parent of all! +How callous grow the hearts of all thy votaries! +And how hast thou this once soft bosom chang'd! +Nor is her form less alter'd than her mind. +[Turning to her] Perverse and obstinate! as adders deaf! + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Your words are not unheard. + +ANDREWS. It matters not; +Without due heed, 'twere speaking to the winds. +Have you yet thought, how you could bear the change, +The bitter change from affluence to poverty, +Which ev'ry want will bring to your remembrance? +We both must in one ruin be involv'd. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. I know no life I lead that is not suited +To what I am entitled by my birth: +An honour, sir, of which you seem insensible. + +ANDREWS. True honour only lies in virtuous deeds. +But had you been the daughter of a prince, +'Twere fit you suitably demean'd yourself, +To that condition you had freely chosen. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. By gloomy minds, and years by ailments sour'd, +Remembring not past seasons in themselves, +Ev'n pleasures innocent are deem'd offence. + +ANDREWS. No--no; it lies not in their decent use; +'Tis the extreme that constitutes the fault, +By which, ev'n Virtue's sacred self might err; +But they who break a single law, would others, +If lured alike; so violate the whole. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Ha! is it come to this? arraign my virtue? + +ANDREWS. This quick impatience is self-accusation. +I have not even hinted at it yet. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Whilst I am conscious of my own heart's innocence, +I scorn the censure of a slanderous world; +It cannot injure me. + +ANDREWS. Soft! have a care. +No virtue with that thought is safe a moment. +O! 'tis a jewel of such brilliant lustre, +And so resistless wins the admiration, +That even vice, in its appearance mansk'd, +Pays homage at its shrine. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. What is't I hear? +I see th' ill-natur'd purpose of your summons. +But who are they, sir, who have dar'd traduce me? +Some, it is like, of your low-rank'd associates? + +ANDREWS. This war of words is wandering from the purpose. +Now, mark me well--the man who dares insult +A woman's modesty, must have descry'd +Somewhat in her behaviour that would warrant +Such outrage of abuse.--Is this your hand? [Shewing her the letter.] + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Let me see it. [He gives her the letter, + which she reads hastily, then tears it to pieces.] +Now, let me tell you, sir, +'Twas a base action to unclose this letter, +Or any other not to you address'd. +What a curs'd hellish plot hath here been schem'd +Against my peace! oh! oh! Maria--oh! [She faints upon the sofa.] + + Enter MARIA. + +MARIA. Alas! alas! my poor lady! good sir! +What hath she done to merit this unkindness? +You've always been the tenderest of husbands. + +ANDREWS. Forbear this idle talk; attend your mistress. +[Aside] What fool was I to trust her with this letter! +Yet, why was she so hasty to destroy it? +Heav'n! in what deep perplexities I'm plung'd! [He goes off.] + +Mrs. ANDREWS. What! gone! Leave me in the sad seeming state +In which I call myself!--and unconcern'd! +Would I had died before I wrote that letter! +Desperate act! I knew not what I did. + +MARIA. Madam, despair not; this will soon blow over, +You're young and beauteous; he, in his decline. +You can command him, as best suits your pleasure; +But let not scruples rule you at this crisis: +In my poor judgment, 'twould undo us all. +Consult your friend, the faithful lady Belmour; +None can advise you better on this subject. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. O! but Maria, this is not the whole. +My ill success at play for some time past, +Hath far exceeded all hath yet befall'n me: +This hurried me to borrow of lord Belmour +A thousand pieces, which, with the several sums +I've lost to him (not small), must now be paid; +But above all,--ill fate! is the discovery +Of the false key to my wrong'd husband's chest: +Which must be so; as other locks are fix'd +On it, and every door that leads thereto. + +MARIA. The work this, of my old officious husband. [Walks apart + and pauses.] +Now for due vengeance for the killing flights, +That youth, the scornful Jefferson, hath cast +On me, and my ill-fated fondness for him. [Returning.] +What think you of a further application +To the cashier; your worthy friend young Jefferson? + +Mrs. ANDREWS. I cannot: he already hath assur'd me, +He dares not venture to supply me further. + +MARIA. I doubt not but he told you so; and yet, +My hopes are surety still for his compliance. +There is no danger he'd not risk to serve you. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Whence comes this zeal? + +MARIA. From a passion for you, +As violent perhaps, as e'er possess'd +The heart of man, and which he cannot hide. +You surely must have seen it? It destroys him. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. I have, 'tis true, observ'd him much confus'd +At times I spoke to him; but this, I thought, +Might have proceeded from a bashful modesty, +As I conceive his readiness to serve me, +Did from a generous spirit to oblige. + +MARIA. I tell you, madam, 'tis the height of fondness. +A fever, that he lately had, in which +His ceaseless ravings were of you, confirm'd 'it. +He shuns all company, neglects his food, +And wanders often, as would one insane. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Astonishment! + +MARIA. He cannot quit the house +His 'prenticeship has full two years expir'd, +And twice he hath prepar'd him for the Indies. +I know the inmost secrets of his soul: +Besides, of late, he's often much intoxicated, +Who was before the paragon of temperance. +Do but consent to let me call him hither; +One look from you will banish every fear, +Unlock each chest, and lay its stores before you. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Stop! at your peril stop! the very thought +Chills my whole blood--I'd perish first in want. + +MARIA. Then you must quit your honourable friends, +And live for ever in forlorn obscurity. +But pardon me, if I've been too officious. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. My present calls require at least a thousand: +For though my fund be not quite exhausted, +Fortune hath made me bankrupt yet to numbers. +'Tis true, that many are far more my debtors, +Yet are not all like me in payment punctual. +But I will instant haste to lady Belmour, +My faithful counsel in the time of trouble. + +MARIA. As I could wish. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Then for awhile withdraw. [MARIA goes off.] +How dreadful now, is ev'n a moment's privacy! +How different from those happy hours of innocence, +When my sweet little ones were prattling round me, +With a fond husband and a tender father, +Pouring his blessings upon them and me! +But now I can no more endure to see them, +Than I can bear to look into myself. +How often hath he said, "One hour's remorse +Outweighs whole years of transitory joys!" +How true he spoke! but wherefore these reflections? +When every mischief hath been done already, +And cannot be recall'd! + + Re-enter MARIA. + +MARIA. Madam, the coach. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Be not you absent; I shall soon return, +And may have business of some moment with you. + +MARIA. I fear we have too much on hand already. [Aside.] [They + go off.] + + + +SCENE III. + +Another room in Mr. ANDREWS's house. + +JEFFERSON alone. + +JEFFERSON. My actions must at length fall heavy on me, +And crush me at a blow: but oh! this passion, +This fruitless passion, I've so long indulg'd +For this enchanting woman, drives me on, +Alas! from one transgression to another, +And I deceive myself.--Ha! here's Maria. +Wou'd I cou'd shun her! as of late her visits +Have been more frequent than occasions warrant. +Yet much she hath profess'd herself my friend, +And my heart's secret won. + +Enter MARIA. + +MARIA. I disturb you. + +JEFFERSON. Why to speak truly, I had just now sought +Some private intercourse with mine own heart. + +MARIA. Of late, I think you use too much of that. +But if you knew from whom I am a messenger, +I also think, I should not be unwelcome. +But I'll withdraw. + +JEFFERSON. No, speak your business quickly. + +MARIA. Alas! my poor mistress! + +JEFFERSON. What of her? speak------ + +MARIA. Fortune has been of late to adverse to her, +And she's become indebted to such numbers, +I fear she can no more appear in publick, +But must retire, unless your goodness serves her. +She often speaks with gratitude of Jefferson: +Did you but see in what distress she languishes, +You'd hazard worlds to minister relief. + +JEFFERSON. Full well you know, how I'm inclin'd to serve her; +But her demands encrease with my compliance, +And I have injur'd much the best of masters. +I know no other banker cou'd support it. + +MARIA. Most happy youth! there does not live another, +Of whom my mistress would have sought these favours. +O! cou'd I venture, I could say much more.-- +Thus far however, I'll be bold to utter; +That were our worthy master gone to rest, +(And all observe he's every day declining) +You are the only man her heart would choose.-- +But I have gone too far. + +JEFFERSON. Transporting sounds! +My soul is all attention!--Pray proceed. + +MARIA. I cannot--O! I must not. + +JEFFERSON. Why? + +MARIA. Her honour. + +JEFFERSON. Say, are you truly serious in this matter? +Or, but amusing me with idle hopes? + +MARIA. Pray have you ever found me such a trifler? + +JEFFERSON. I cannot say I have, and yet---- + +MARIA. Yet, what? + +JEFFERSON. Her virtue! + +MARIA. Why you are virtuous, yet cannot avoid +This passion for the loveliest of women: +Nor may she be insensible to you. +No youth more wins our sex's admiration. +Among the rest, the beauteous, gentle Lucia, +In secret languishes: it is too plain: +Though ev'ry art be practis'd to conceal it. + +JEFFERSON. Forbear this now. None prize her virtues more: +Nor am I to her outward charms insensible. +But when the heart is to one object wedded, +No lure can win it thence.------You flatter me? + +MARIA. I don't.--You under-prize yourself.--View this.-- + +JEFFERSON. View what? [Eagerly] + +MARIA. It is a locket with her precious hair, +Which she has sent by me. Refuse it not. + +JEFFERSON. Refuse it!--O! whilst life exists I'll wear it, +Close to that heart which is for ever hers. +I am all ecstacy, delicious woman! [He kisses it.] + +MARIA. [Aside.] A lucky hit, and works as I could wish. + +JEFFERSON. Gratefully thank her for the precious token. + +MARIA. And now as to her present exigencies? + +JEFFERSON. To what may they amount? + +MARIA. About a thousand. + +JEFFERSON. 'Tis quite impossible. + +MARIA. Less will not do. + +JEFFERSON. Besides the mischief I have done my master, +I stand myself upon the verge of ruin. + +MARIA. Were you to see her, you'd not lose a moment +In this last act, so be yourself the messenger. + +JEFFERSON. First, tell her then, that she shall be supply'd, +Let the event be fatal as it may. + +MARIA. Most gen'rous youth! she shall know all your goodness. [She + goes off.] + +JEFFERSON. How quickly every resolution vanishes! +And how am I now chang'd from what I was! + +Like some weak skiff, that for a while had stood +Safe on the tranquil bosom of the flood; +Until at length, the mountain torrents sweep +Its faint resistance headlong to the deep, +Where in large gulps the foamy brine it drinks, +And in the dread abyss for ever sinks. [Exit.] + + + + +ACT III. + + + +SCENE I. + +A chamber in lord BELMOUR's house. + +Lady BELMOUR at her toilet, her Waiting-woman attending. + +Lady BELMOUR. How pale I look! + +ATTENDANT. My lady rose too early. + +Lady BELMOUR. Why, what's the time? + +ATTENDANT. 'Tis past the noon, but it is scarce four hours +Since you lay down to rest. [A tap at the door] + +Lady BELMOUR. Who can this be? [The ATTENDANT goes to + the door and returns.] + +ATTENDANT. 'Tis Mrs. Andrews, madam, in her chariot. + +Lady BELMOUR. What, at this hour?--and yet in truth no wonder, +That thus her rest's disturb'd. It would require +The wealth of India to support her losses. +And were she now possess'd of all its stores, +I and my friends cou'd rid her of the burthen. +Perhaps, she comes to pay me the five hundred +I won of her, when last we play'd together? +Or with the flattering hopes to make reprisals? +So I may double it before we part: +For she's unskill'd enough to lose a million. +Away!--I'll wait her in the damask chamber. [They go off + different ways.] + + + +SCENE II. + +Changes to another apartment. + +Lady BELMOUR alone. Enter Mrs. ANDREWS. + +Lady BELMOUR. My dearest Andrews! I rejoice to see you. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. I always found you friendly and obliging. + +Lady BELMOUR. But why this gloom on that angelic face? +Why not as sprightly as you us'd to be? +Surely you'll not conceal the cause from me, +Whose wishes for you are sincere as earnest! + +Mrs. ANDREWS. How happy am I in this honour'd favour! +You know my loss at play for some time past +Hath been prodigious; it hath reach'd my husband. + +Lady BELMOUR. Were I in your case, that should not disturb me. +Is not the jealous dotard twice your age? +Such incidents shou'd more confirm my empire. +Nay, my offence shou'd be his accusation, +Nor wou'd I rest until he shou'd acknowledge +The fault was his, not mine; so, rouse your spirits. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Impossible, I've injur'd him too deeply; +Have lost with his esteem, his love for ever. + +Lady BELMOUR. Then farewel further intercourse between us. [Aside] +Despond not thus, all will be well again. +I think you owe me just five hundred pieces? +Yet let not that disturb you in the least: +It may be in your power to pay me soon. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. I would not forfeit your regard and friendship, +For fifty times the sum. + +Lady BELMOUR. Imagine not, +That I cou'd doubt your honour, were it thousands. +Your strict and constant perseverance in it, +Has won you the esteem and love of all; +And to convince you of my high opinion, +I'll hazard this five hundred with you now. +The day is early yet. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. O press me not; +My mind's too-much distress'd with what has happen'd; +But I have brought the honourable debt. [She takes out + several notes from a pocket-book.] +These make the whole, I think. + +Lady BELMOUR. Most honour'd friend! +But may I trespass on your gen'rous spirit? +Your stock I see, is not a little weighty. +Cou'd you supply me with five hundred more +For a few hours? I have no doubt to treble them, +At a small party, I expect this instant: +And I'll repay them gratefully this evening +At lady Meldmay's, where we are to meet. +I, and three more this morning hold a bank; +In which, if you wou'd choose to share a chance, +Fortune perhaps might favour you this way. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Not now; but here's the further sum you wish for; +And fail not to repay it as you promise. +'Tis but a part of what I owe to others. + +Lady BELMOUR. I wou'd not disappoint you for the world. +My obligations are beyond expression. +Grant heav'n, your present troubles quickly vanish. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. And may you meet the fortune which you hope for! + [She goes off.] + +Lady BELMOUR. 'Tis wonderful, how she acquires all this. +Her husband's ruin'd, my dissipated lord, +Most lavishly, I hear, supplies her wants; +Whilst even for domestic calls his purse +Is niggardly unclos'd; and what he spares, +Must be in strictest mode accounted for: +Nor does he know a pleasure, absent from her. +To keep this sum then, were but fair reprisals. [Exit.] + + + +SCENE III. + +Mr. ANDREWS's house. + +Mr. ANDREWS and THOMAS. + +ANDREWS. What monsters tust will make us when we yield +Our reason to its rage, and let it rule! +My neighbour! my companion! Oh! the man, +Whom I to serve, would have risk'd every blessing +To seek to wound me in the tenderest point! +Then, under friendship's show masking his treachery, +Endeavour falsely to accuse another-- +Most infernal villain! + +THOMAS. 'Tis impossible. +Say, is there one of more exalted virtues? +Or one who so esteems and honours you? + +ANDREWS. Oh! my wife's letter proves beyond all question, +This breach of friendship, gratitude and honour. + +THOMAS. All forgery. + +ANDREWS. She did not deny it. + +THOMAS. Where is it? + +ANDREWS. I have it not, she tore it. + +THOMAS. Tore it! how got she it? + +ANDREWS. It matters not. + +THOMAS. There's something more in this, than yet you know of. + +ANDREWS. If any thing by chance hath reach'd your ear, +Against the safety ev'n of an enemy, +Stain not your fair repute with the foul secret. +The faithful tongue will utter what the heart +In justice prompts, though death were the event. + +THOMAS. Then, sir, the letter is a black contrivance. +And would you now forgive this tell-tale honesty, +I shou'd not hesitate to name the forger. + +ANDREWS. These intermissions aggravate the misery. + +THOMAS. Prepare then for the shock. It was your wife. +Boldly I speak the truth; for much she's wrong'd, +If since she has been link'd with those high miscreants, +Who, whilst they plunder, hold her in derision, +Her foul's not ripe for ev'ry desp'rate project. [ANDREWS walks + about much disturb'd.] +Patience, good sir! I rest not on suspicion. + +ANDREWS. Audacious wretch, away!--quick, shun my rage! + +THOMAS. I meant you well. [Aside as he goes off.] How piteous + is his case! [Exit.] + +ANDREWS. How can I meet him, and we both survive it! +Dread interval! would I had ne'er been born. [Goes off.] + + + +SCENE IV. + +Mr. ANDREWS's house. + +Mrs. ANDREWS and MARIA. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Well, I believe if all my debts were paid, +I ne'er should hazard more. + +MARIA. And so return +To the dull, lonely life you once pursued? +Forbid it your good angel! 'twould destroy you. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. O! but that life, Maria, was estrang'd +To those anxieties which haunt me now. +I cannot bear to be alone a moment. + +MARIA. For that good reason, act like lady Belmour; +Like her be resolute, and scorn despair. + + Enter a SERVANT. + +SERVANT. Lord Belmour, madam, tenders his respects. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. [Aside.] How I dread these visits! Besides, of late, +He hath been more particular than usual; +So that it hath become the general notice. +[To the Servant.] Withdraw awhile. [To MARIA.] I will not be + at home. + +MARIA. What, not to him? +That gallant, gen'rous nobleman! your friend! + +Mrs. ANDREWS. A creditor for more than I can pay. + +MARIA. Bless us! where are your boasted gains of late, +And where the sum you just receiv'd from Jefferson? + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Of late, I have miss'd notes for several sums. + +Mar. I doubt she suspects me. [Aside.] Madam, 'tis like, +You've lent them to some friends? + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Of this again. +Have you yet rais'd the money on my jewels? + +MARIA. The broker thinks the pledge is not sufficient. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. For three thousand! they cost that sum twice told. + +MARIA. He'll not lend more than two. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. I must submit. +[Aside.] Shameful return this to the gen'rous donor! +Part was his present on our bridal day, +And part the day, he bore the city's honours. +He thought he never could enough adorn me. + +MARIA. But we forget--his lordship waits admission. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. I cannot see him,--yet, shou'd I refuse it, +As my curs'd stars have destin'd me his debtor, +He may, perhaps, conceive, it want of honour. + +MARIA. He scorns such thoughts; ev'n in his younger days, +as in his mien, so in all noble deeds, +Fair rumour tells, he was surpass'd by none. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Say, is your master in the house? + +MARIA. No, madam. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Well then, this once.--How I abhor myself! + [MARIA goes off.] + +Enter Lord BELMOUR. + +Lord BELMOUR. How does my charming creditor this morning? + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Your debtor, I suppose you mean, my lord? + +Lord BELMOUR. Thou never was't my debtor. I'm thy slave; +And in the pleasing chains would live for ever. +To view that lovely form! those radiant eyes, +And listen to the language of those lips! +What sum can be a recompense for these +O! that such matchless, such resistless beauty, +Shou'd be condemn'd to the cold arms of age +Or one of vulgar breed!--'tis--Oh! it is-- + +Mrs. ANDREWS. I know not what you mean. You talk in mystery. + [He attempts to take her hand, at which she seems + very uneasy, withdrawing it.] +My lord, I must beseech you to desist, +Or I must hence retire. + +Lord BELMOUR. But hear me first. +This is a free discharge of all demands. [Produces a paper] +This other writing binds me, as your debtor, +In two thousand. [Produces another paper] + +Mrs. ANDREWS. I see his base designs. +He seeks to take advantage of my wants. [Aside] +I need no further proofs of your intentions. +I have already heard too much. [She walks to and fro + much disorder'd.] + +Lord BELMOUR. Too much! +'Tis strange! what have you heard? that I do love, +Admire, adore you, O! beyond all utterance; +But why conceive, that I intend you injury? +Were my possessions as the globe extensive, +You might command the whole, as you may him, +Who lives, or dies, as you shall smile, or frown. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Into what mischiefs do you mean to plunge me? +Or wherefore do you dare insult me thus? +Is it because I'm wedded to a citizen, +(Forgetting that I am of your own kindred) +That you these liberties presume? Know, sir, +That through the world, an honest British trader +Esteem and honour meets. But, were I lower +Than vanity directs you to conceive me, +And you of the first rank; where freedom reigns, +You have no right to offer me such insult. + +Lord BELMOUR. Talk not of rank to one who loves as I do; +The pride of kings beneath those eyes might languish, +And prostrate thus, and trembling wait their sentence. [He falls + on his knees, seizes her hand, which she forces from him.] + +Mrs. ANDREWS. What have you seen in my deportment, sir, +To warrant this intrusion? 'tis unworthy. + +Lord BELMOUR. Will you not then vouchsafe one glance of pity? +Is there no ray of hope; no room for pardon? +O, inexorable! + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Protect me, heav'n! [Aside] +Sir, at your peril, speak to me again. + +Lord BELMOUR. Teach, teach me first, how this devoted heart, +Shall gain its freedom, or forget its fondness. +That voice conveys such rapture to my soul, +That I would hear it, though 'twere sure perdition. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. These hackney'd phrases, use to those they suit +To me, they are accumulated insults. [He rises.] + +Lord BELMOUR. Forego such thoughts; I, nothing meant but honour. +My wife and I, having resolv'd to sunder, +(For without love we met, and so have liv'd,) +Hope ev'ry moment our divorce for ever; +When both may wed again, as each best likes; +A practice now full easily accomplish'd. +Then, that your husband's fate is near its period, +'Tis said, some recent symptoms have pronounc'd +Wherefore, it soon may be my happy lot, +To make thee partner of my rank and fortune, +As thou'rt already empress of my heart. +--Accept then, I beseech thee, these small tokens. [He gives her + the papers, which she, in great confusion, insensibly takes.] +And now with that sweet breath, surpassing far +The spicy perfume of the budding rose, +Pronounce the sentence of my life, or death. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. To what an abject state am I reduc'd! +The time has been, I'd not have heard a king +Discourse me thus. [Aside.]--I charge you, sir, desist. + +Lord BELMOUR. I find 'tis vain to press my suit at present, +An humour this, to which 'twere better yield. +Best flatter it. [Aside.]--O! I am quite abash'd. +Your merited rebukes so awe my soul, +That I shall live from this day forth in penitence, +And adoration of your heav'nly virtues: +Let me then read in thy relenting eye +My peace restor'd, or seal my final doom! + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Your future conduct must determine it. + +Lord BELMOUR. Permit me then, I pray-- [He seizes her hand, + and kisses it.] + We are to meet +At lady Meldmay's drawing-room to-night; +Till then--[Aside as he goes off.]--The prize is mine. +She now must yield. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Are these his papers? heav'n what have I done? +I'll instantly dispatch them after him +Yet that were dang'rous too; they might miscarry; +And then in person to return them to him, +May cause another interview between us.-- +What mischiefs have I heap'd upon myself! [Goes off.] + + + +SCENE V. + +Mr. ANDREWS's house. + +ANDREWS and JEFFERSON. + +ANDREWS. What,--my old faithful steward!--O! impossible. +And yet, this finding of the secret key +Of the cash-chest, (with which he charg'd my wife) +And medals in his trunk--but then the letter, +Giving me information of this matter +Has not the writer's name--that causes doubt-- +Then, his surprize, which seem'd so unaffected, +With his most fim behaviour, so unlike +The consciousness of gulit, when in his presence +They were discover'd there, favour him much. +Wherefore, till this affair be further canvass'd +I wou'd not fend him to a public prison. [He walks to and fro.] + +JEFFERSON. I shall obey.--He never judg'd more justly. [Aside, + as he goes off.] + + Enter a Servant, with a letter to Mr. ANDREWS, which he reads. + +ANDREWS. The Speedwell cast away! a heavy loss! +Ills upon Ills in train pursue each other. +Heard you of this before? + +JEFFERSON. Such rumour was +On the Exchange to-day, but not with certainty. + +ANDREWS. However she's insur'd, and highly too. +Go fetch the policy, I wish to see it. +Or rather wait me in the compting-house. + +JEFFERSON. [As he goes off] O heav'n! I gave the money to his + wife. [Exit.] + +ANDREWS. He seem'd confus'd, and mutter'd to himself; +My fears anticipate some dread event. +But what of this? shou'd it be heav'n's high will, +That the remorseless billows should ingulf +The remnant of my wealth; yet this--all this, +I cou'd with patient resignation bear, +And toil with pleasure for an honest pittance. +But oh! to lose that precious, treasur'd gem, +Which my whole soul engross'd--to see another, +In my disgrace exult--yet more--yet more-- +My children--oh my children--must ye suffer! +Away all thoughts of peace henceforth for ever. [Goes off.] + + + +Scene VI. + +Lord WESTON's apartments. + +Lord BELMOUR and Lord WESTON. + +Lord BELMOUR. Well, nephew, have you yet consider'd better +Of your love-frolick for the merchant's daughter? +You may meet numbers through this spacious city +With wealth superior far to her possessions; +Nor need you languish for their hearts a moment. + +Lord WESTON. The common light shines not more unreserv'd; +Their very charms fatigue the public eye. +But, sir, my spirit scorns an easy conquest. + +Lord BELMOUR. Fine founding words, yet answer not my question. +You too much from the world seclude yourself; +Which serves to add fresh fuel to the flame. +Long have I been, as I may say, your parent, +And have at present in my thoughts for you, +A wife well suited to your rank and fortune. + +Lord WESTON. Thanks, my good lord! I doubt not your kind wishes; +But here, where all life's happiness depends, +Permit me to determine for myself. +True joys dwell only with united hearts, +And solitude is far the wiser choice +Than wedlock where domestic bliss is absent. +How vain is then the hope of such delights +With those of Fashion's stamp, whose only merit, +Is, that they are of this all-conqu'ring sex, +Of ev'ry other excellence regardless? + +Lord BELMOUR. Again, young lord, I tell you, shou'd you wed +With the first merchant's daughter of the world, +'Twould to your lineage be disgrace for ever. + +Lord WESTON. Disgrace lies only in the want of virtue, +That excellence, in which she most abounds. + +Lord BELMOUR. How long have you surrender'd to this dotage? + +Lord WESTON. Almost from infancy; for even then, +A mutual sympathy inspir'd our souls; +Which first commenc'd in her good father's house, +(Whom I then serv'd,) when all I knew of love, +Was that her presence ever gave me pleasure, +As did her absence pain--I even thought, +The air blew sweeter from the place she breath'd. +But when her heav'nly mind disclos'd its beauties, +My heart then fix'd beyond the power of change. + +Lord BELMOUR. All, all romance, with which your head seems fill'd. +But briefly to decide this matter, know, +'Tis now full thirty summers since I wedded, +Yet have not had one offspring to inherit +My large possessions, which I can bestow, +As best my pleasure suits: and you're the one, +Who in my mind stands fairest for adoption; +My heir apparent, as my next a-kin. +Reflect too, that your income is unequal +To that high rank in life, it shou'd support. + +Lord WESTON. The more I lose, the more I prize myself, +In persevering thus---but, my lov'd uncle! +What can impede the progress of my bliss, +When your consent hath sanctified my choice? + +Lord BELMOUR. What though I yielded once to your fond suit, +It is now rumour'd, and by all believ'd, +Not only that her father is reduc'd +To bankruptcy and want, but that the whole +Of the large fortune which an uncle left her +Is wasted with the rest. + +Lord WESTON. Is this her fault? +Is she to suffer for another's act? +Constantia hath that ever-during worth, +Which wealth or grandeur's glitter far outweighs: +That heav'nly mind, which will, when time hath cool'd +The fever of the heart, and reason rules, +Cause mutual friendship and domestic blessing. +But shou'd ev'n this misfortune be as rumour'd, +I have this one occasion more of proving +My constancy, and how I prize her virtues; +Then, to secure for ever that esteem +By me preferr'd to all terrestrial blessings. + +Lord BELMOUR. Infatuated boy! you form perfections +Which only have existence in your fancy. +But pray, consider, what the world will say. + +Lord WESTON. The world! base world! to censure gen'rous deeds; +You mean, perhaps, my lord, those slaves of fashion, +Who barter real for fictitious happiness; +Alas! Their judgment is not worth a thought: +If I'm approv'd of by the wife and honest, +I shall be happy, and despise that world, +Where virtue is discourag'd,--vice exalted,-- +Corruption an adopted cherish'd system, +And ev'ry manly sentiment extinguish'd. + +Lord BELMOUR. For shame, young lord, call reason to your aid! + +Lord WESTON. From beauty only, it might have preserv'd me; +But reason is Constantia's ceaseless advocate. + +Lord BELMOUR. Once more forsake her, if you prize my favour, +The world's esteem, or your own future welfare. +Away to distant regions; seek improvement; +There is no love that absence cannot cure. + +Lord WESTON. Absence!--No death transcends that thought.--O sir! +My fondness is to such excess, so true, +That were heav'n's bliss assur'd me to forsake her, +My soul might tremble for its own resolve. +But what would worlds be worth with loss of honour! +With loss of peace, its constant sure attendant! + +Lord BELMOUR. Since then all soothing arguments are fruitless; +'Tis fit t' apprize you that you yet remain +Under my wardship by your father's will; +And now to wed would be by law a nullity. + +Lord WESTON. Unrighteous, partial law! whose keen restraint +'Gainst female innocence alone is pointed, +Whilst villains riot in its spoils unpunish'd; +So that love's chaste, connubial joys no more, +On its fleet wings, but in the tardy pace +Of sordid interest move. But, thank kind heaven! +My will is free to choose; else, my good lord, +The parish proofs deceive. +Lord BELMOUR. Perish all love! +That one of the first families in Britain, +Shou'd by such whims of folly be dishonour'd! +A moment more, and I shall lose all patience! [He goes off hastily.] + +Lord WESTON. It grieves my soul that we should differ thus: +He still has acted as a tender parent +To me an orphan to his care intrusted. +But pride and pageantry engross him wholly; +With these, an avaricious selfish passion, +For some years past hath quite possess'd his heart, +And stagnated the streams of its benevolence, +Save where by humour, or by pleasure prompted. + +But no mean views shall ever make me fight +The sacred vows of love I once did plight. +The heart that's true, will still remain the same +Though crosses press, they but refine the flame +And more sure joys the virtuous passion wait +With calm content, than with the pomp of state. [Exit.] + + + + +ACT IV. + + + +SCENE I. + +A room in Mr. GOODWIN's house. + +GOODWIN and WILSON. + +WILSON. This letter just now brought from our friend Andrews, +Is superscrib'd to me, and yet most surely, +By its contents, it was design'd for you. [Gives him the letter, + which he reads.] + +GOODWIN. What proof this of his sad distracted state! +Nor wonder; his distress encreases hourly. +Midst which, one of his ships, it is reported, +with a rich cargo, fraught from India's shores, +Was lately wreek'd; and that by some neglect, +It had not been insur'd.--'Tis rumour'd too, +That some of his acceptances are noted. + +WILSON. Most true, I have myself paid several; +The just return to him, who, from his friends, +His purse on like occasion ne'er with-held. + +GOODWIN. His bosom glows with all the heav'nly feelings +Of gen'rous amity and social love. +So boundless too, he cou'd not rest and know, +That ev'n a worthy stranger felt distress. + + Enter a SERVANT and delivers a letter to Mr. Goodwin, + which he opens and peruses. + +'Tis all a mystery; or perfect madness. +It can't be meant for me. [To the SERVANT.] Where got you this? + +SERVANT. Your neighbour Andrews sent it to your house. + +GOODWIN. Do you withdraw. [SERVANT withdraws.] I pray you + hear it read. [Reads out.] + + "That you are the blackest of all villains you must + yourself admit. What, induce me to suspect my wife + with another (as you did this morning) in order to + carry on your own adulterous schemes? such an attempt + against my honour, peace of mind, and all that is most + dear to me! If you regard your safety you will be + cautious of our meeting. + James Andrews" + +WILSON. Give me the letter, 'twas design'd for me. +Some like discourse as is in part there hinted, +This morning pass'd between us--Give it, pray. + +GOODWIN. 'Tis plain, two misdirections have been written; +Yet, let me stipulate this one condition, +That you command yourself; for 'twill require +Your utmost fortitude. [Gives the letter.] + +WILSON. By heav'n! some stratagem, +Of deep and black contrivance is on foot; +For there's no mischief, but that artful woman +Hath heart and head to scheme. + + Enter a SERVANT. + +SERVANT. [To GOODWIN.] Sir, your friend Andrews. + +GOODWIN. [To WILSON.] And do you choose to meet him? + +WILSON. Shou'd I shun him, +It might induce him to conclude me guilty. + +GOODWIN. [To his SERVANT.] You--conduct him hither. I dread + the event. [SERVANT goes off.] +And yet well know your fortitude and temper. + +WILSON. Fear not.--I pity him; he's much disturb'd. + + Enter Mr. ANDREWS. + +ANDREWS. [To GOODWIN.] Did you receive some lines from me to-day? + +GOODWIN. To my surprize I did, which I suppose +By the contents were otherwise intended. + +ANDREWS. Most strange mistake! I wrote them for that villain. + +WILSON. Ha! villain in my teeth, what mean you, sir? + +ANDREWS. Have you not wrong'd me? injur'd me most basely? + +WILSON. Unhappy man! 'twas never in my thoughts. + +ANDREWS. By heav'n, 'tis false! [To GOODWIN.] You have perus'd + my letter. + +GOODWIN. I have by accident, as I inform'd you. + +ANDREWS. Is he not then the blackest of all villains? + +WILSON. Licentious railer, cease your foul invective, +Nor patience press too far: but for that amity, +In which we've liv'd, I cou'd not have endur'd +Ev'n half of this unmerited ill-treatment. +Again, I tell you, I'm an utter stranger +To ev'ry charge in your impassion'd letter, +Nor know I what it means. + +ANDREWS. Again, 'tis false. + +GOODWIN. O! my good friends, forbear; I've heard too much. +Permit me then to speak between you both. +What is affirm'd on one side, on the other +As firmly is denied: wherefore, it lies +On him who made the charge to shew his proof. + +ANDREWS. Then, at your instance only;--'twas a letter, +From my ill-fated wife to this deceiver, +Which on the way by accident I seiz'd; +Wherein th' attempts he made (advantage taking +Of the distress her indiscretion caus'd) +To his adult'rous purpose to seduce her, +Are manifest. + +WILSON. Deluded, undone man! +How this insidious woman hath depriv'd him +Of that sage judgment which he once possess'd! + +GOODWIN. Where is the letter? + +ANDREWS. Unluckily destroy'd. + +WILSON. And are these all the grounds on which you charge +An old and faithful friend with such a breach +Of virtue, honour, and of all that's worthy? +O most abandon'd woman! weak as wicked. + +ANDREWS. Recal your words, base slanderer, else this hand +Shall pluck forth the rude tongue that utter'd them. + +GOODWIN. Forbear, I pray! you will alarm my family. + +WILSON. [To GOODWIN.] This is too much for ev'n + a brother's bearing. +Nor can I longer answer for myself. [Goes off.] + +ANDREWS. [After remaining for some time deep in thought.] +Guilty! O guilty! every thing confirms it. +Had my sworn enemy distress'd me thus, +Time might have sooth'd the anguish of my soul; +But oh! what mode of patience can endure +To find the traitor in my bosom friend! + +GOODWIN. Rather think him innocent. + +ANDREWS. Yet how? +Did not the blush of conscience mark his visage? +The thought, the very thought, inflames to madness. + +GOODWIN. He seem'd surpriz'd, but shew'd no sign of guilt. +'Twere better sure, to sift this matter calmly; +Passion but mars the purpose it pursues. + +ANDREWS. O! cou'd I hope for doubt! + +GOODWIN. You've known him long? + +ANDREWS. These thirty years; no brothers e'er lov'd better: +And so exalted was, so pure the friendship, +Which 'twixt our souls in harmony subsisted, +Each knew no joy the other did not feel, +And all our evils were by sharing lighten'd: +He was my second self, as I was his, +Like streams whose currents mix and flow together. + +GOODWIN. And have you ever found him in a falsehood? + +ANDREWS. In his fidelity I so confided, +That with the dearest treasure of my soul +I had entrusted him--and now he's lost; +For ever lost--yet, yet to think--O heav'n! +That this unhappy woman, once so virtuous, +Cou'd ever thus have chang'd. O Goodwin! Goodwin! +There's not a peasant in the clay-built hut, +Who daily with his toil-tir'd arm acquires +A scanty pittance for life's common wants, +Whose state is not a paradise to mine! + +GOODWIN. Despond not thus, there's nothing certain yet; +Wherefore, compose awhile your ruffled spirit, +And bear with manly fortitude these trials: +The tempest may th' inferior regions shake, +Whilst those of higher sphere rest undisturb'd +Above the threaten'd ruin! + +ANDREWS. [After some pause.] Oh! tell me then, what says + report of her? + +GOODWIN. A dangerous request! + +ANDREWS. But cou'd you see your friend so deeply wrong'd? +Wrong'd in the tenderest point! and yet be silent? +What says the world of this lord Belmour's visits? +You start-- + +GOODWIN. Its rumours may be false--however, +Since you so press it, I will thus far venture-- +Suppose, that after you have left the city, +To sleep as usual at your rural dwelling, +This, or some other night, you should return? +And at some near-appointed station wait, +Until some friendly watch, whom you can trust, +Shall give you notice of the secret visit? + +ANDREWS. Thanks for this hint, it shall be so this night. + +GOODWIN. Mean while, you must be calm, or may prevent +The purposes you covet to accomplish. [They go off.] + + + +SCENE II. + +Mr. ANDREWS's house. + +Mrs. ANDREWS and MARIA. + +MARIA. Alas! what shall I do? 'tis I, 'tis I, +That should be punish'd. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Punish'd! for what? + +MARIA. I've brought my husband to a shameful end. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Why this alarm? explain the mystery. + +MARIA. Your safety only, and a rash resentment +(Not dreaming of the fatal consequence) +Made me convey the key into his trunk. +And Jefferson by note, without his signature, +Inform'd your husband he shou'd find it there. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Suspend, I pray you, your distress awhile. +As yet, he's but imprison'd in his room: +You know my husband has a tender heart, +And loves him much. + +MARIA. Alas! his doom is fix'd: +With everlasting infamy to wait +On him, and his, how innocent soever; +Nor shall I 'scape the bitter tongue of scandal. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Ere that shou'd happen, I'd accuse myself. +Again then, I beseech you, be compos'd. +And now, Maria, I've been just inform'd, +That Jefferson withdrew some hours ago, +And is not to be found. + +MARIA. And what of this? + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Shou'd it be true, it must be thought by all, +That the discovery of the secret key +Was schem'd by him alone to screen himself. + +MARIA. You've quite reviv'd my spirits with the thought. +I think the whole is like to fall on Jefferson. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. This night, I am to be at lady Meldmay's; +But lady Belmour claims my first attention. + +MARIA. I thought that those unfortunate discoveries +Had lower'd your spirits so, you had resolv'd +To keep at home this night. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Your hit is just. +But it is now too late to send excuse. +Where's my husband? + +MARIA. He left the city, early. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. 'Tis time to dress--attend me at my toilet------ + [They go off.] + + + +SCENE III. + +Mr. ANDREWS's house. + +LUCIA alone. + +LUCIA. I but now met him, and methought he shunn'd me. +Unusual this from his most gentle nature. +But deep distress seem'd on his brow imprinted, +And rumours are unkind to him of late, +Though none stood higher once in fair repute. +O Jefferson! would I cou'd tear thee hence, +From this fond heart, and its lost peace restore!--- +But soft! I hear my dear Constantia's voice. + + Enter CONSTANTIA. + +CONSTANTIA. O Lucia! I'm of women most unhappy; +No more must I of that chos'n youth have hope, +In whom my ev'ry thought, my soul is center'd. + +LUCIA. You quite astonish me--it cannot be. +Even the day was fix'd for your espousals. + +CONSTANTIA. O! but lord Belmour, his relentless uncle, +Hath just now charg'd my father, that henceforth +His visits here be countenanced no more; +Vowing most solemnly, that shou'd we wed, +He'd disinherit him. Besides in speech +He hath much flighted us. + +LUCIA. Most distressful! + +CONSTANTIA. From such examples, Lucia, we may learn +To dread those prospects of illusive fortune, +Which shew like havens on a treach'rous shore, +And lure us to our ruin. + +LUCIA. Happy man! +How by the tyrant custom art thou favour'd! +Canst speak the anguish of the love-sick heart, +And from the hand that wounds implore relief: +Whilst we in silent secrecy must shelter +The deadly shaft, that rooted rankles there, +And wastes the virgin bloom. Nor is this all; +Should but the modest blush, the fault'ring speech, +Or the disorder of the conscious soul, +Betray the fondness it would fain conceal; +Not only cold indifference, but neglect, +Is full too oft the base return we meet.-- + +CONSTANTIA. Ha! Lucia! whence these fears? am I despis'd? +What have I done! I have betray'd myself. +O! I conjure thee, by the sacred tie +Of honour, friendship, confidence and love, +Speak nought of this, but leave me to despair! + +LUCIA. Alas! 'tis my poor heart betrays itself. [Aside] +Why to despair? by all those sacred ties! +Thou wert not in my thoughts in what I've utter'd. +Hath yet lord Weston heard these fatal tidings? + +CONSTANTIA. Full well you know how long he hath been absent: +'Tis that distracts my soul.--How hath he vow'd, +That if a day pass'd by, and we asunder, +He felt it as the absence of an age! + +LUCIA. My dear Constantia! banish all such thoughts. +He hath a soul superior to all falsehood. +Affairs, 'tis said, of moment call'd him hence, +And his return is ev'ry hour expected. + +CONSTANTIA. True, he is all that's gen'rous, great and noble, +All that stirs envy and respect in man, +Or love in woman. O my friend, my Lucia! +Thou know'st not half the fondness of mine heart: +Oft have I wish'd (so will love's fancy rave) +That he had been the guardian of a flock, +And I the sovereign of unbounded realms, +To make him partner of that heart and throne: +Or that we had been rear'd, 'midst rural innocence, +A low, yet happy pair; with what delight, +My tender frame had shared the harvest toil, +To close with intercourse of souls the day! + + Enter a SERVANT. + +SERVANT. Madam, lord Weston's in the anti-chamber. + +CONSTANTIA. [To the SERVANT] Withdraw awhile-- [He withdraws.] +Be still, my flutt'ring heart! +Haste, Lucia, if thou lov'st me, make excuse: +Say, I am indispos'd--retir'd--yet stay. +Why thus conceal the truth which must be known? +Tell him, I cannot, must not, dare not see him-- +Yet, stay again--where is my father now? + +LUCIA. I know not; he went forth some hours ago. + +CONSTANTIA. 'Tis fit, lord Weston knows my father's orders, +That I no more admit his visits here. +Say, what would you advise? pause not, but speak. + +LUCIA. I'd see him, for the reason you have mention'd; +Not rashly cast away a gem so precious. + +CONSTANTIA. How soon we yield to that the heart approves! +Who waits without? [Enter a SERVANT] Conduct lord Weston hither. + + Enter Lord WESTON. LUCIA withdraws. + +Lord WESTON. Am I so bless'd to view thee once again! +O! my Constantia, could'st thou but conceive +What I have suffer'd in this tedious absence, +Of which the cause hath been conceal'd from thee! +Yet, whilst I languish'd on the verge of fate, +Thy image ne'er forsook my tortur'd fancy, +And its wild ravings were of nought but thee. + +CONSTANTIA. Would heav'n this interview had not been now! [Aside] + +Lord WESTON. Ha! not a word! not even a look this way! +All ailments, every pang were ease to this. +I read some dreadful sentence in thine eye.-- +What mean those shiverings?------Why that look of anguish? +Sure, cruelty ne'er wore a form like thine! + +CONSTANTIA. What can I say? my tongue denies its office. [Aside] +My lord, you have by this untimely visit, +Led me to break my father's strict injunction. +A father, dear as my heart's vital drops. + +Lord WESTON. What do I hear? O! are we not united? +By sacred, mutual, faithful vows united? +Of which I now am come to claim performance. + +CONSTANTIA. It is forbid--forbid, most sure, for ever! +I'm but the daughter of a bankrupt citizen, +(Th' ungentle terms with which I am reproach'd,) +Of whom, shou'd you think more-- + +Lord WESTON. What is't you mean? + +CONSTANTIA. Lord Belmour would renounce you then for ever; +And 'tis most fit, my lord, you should comply. +He is your uncle, and can much befriend you. + +Lord WESTON. O my Constantia! cruel, dear Constantia! +Can'st thou conceive that any earthly views, +Could for the loss of thee requite an heart, +That cannot form a bliss from heav'n without thee? +By that chaste passion, which no time can alter! +Not mines of wealth, nor all life's splendid pomp, +Can weigh with me against that worth of soul, +With which thou art enrich'd so far above +All others of thy sex I yet have seen, +Far as thy beauteous form excels them all. +Do but pronounce a peril, or a suffering +To prove my constancy, save loss of thee. + +CONSTANTIA. My lord, these honours far exceed my merit. + +Lord WESTON. By heav'n! this coldness may to madness drive me. +Am I to suffer for another's rashness, +Of which, the new-born babe is not more innocent? +Perhaps, some other hath usurp'd thine heart? +'Tis plain; too plain--You cannot doubt my truth! + +CONSTANTIA. Do not distress me thus--you know my heart; +As well you know, that on that truth alone +I would repose my ev'ry hope in life.-- + +Lord WESTON. Then haste thee with me, and for ever bless me: +A reverend priest attends to do the office, +To which your father hath long since consented. + +CONSTANTIA. Oh! oh! forbear,--I shudder at the thought. +I've told you all--You know a parent's right; +Parent, not only of my life, but mind, +Wherein he every wholesome seed implanted, +And watch'd with never ceasing care their growth. + +Lord WESTON. Nor hath the soil been faithless to its trust. + +CONSTANTIA. Could you then hope from an unduteous daughter, +To meet in wedded state, the due compliance +Heav'n hath ordain'd, or I expect its blessings? +You would yourself on serious thoughts condemn me. + +Lord WESTON. [He falls on his knees.] How far thou soar'st + above all human excellence! +And how thy virtues raise those peerless charms! +I have transgress'd---but Oh! vouchsafe thy pity! +It was the zeal of fondness, and the fear +Of losing thee, that urg'd me to the question, +Which hath thy delicacy so offended. + +CONSTANTIA. O! if you ever lov'd me--prize my peace! +Go, whilst my wav'ring heart can hold its purpose. +These tell-tale eyes proclaim an interest there, +Which time or fortune never can erase. +But now this meeting might to both prove fatal. + +Lord WESTON. Wipe, wipe away that tear! thy sovereign pow'r +Needs not an aid to bid my heart obey. +Yet, O permit me, like the sentenc'd criminal, +Who dreads the fatal stroke, awhile to parley! +But go where e'er I may, my heart will bear +The dear impression of thy image on it, +Nor time nor absence ever shall efface it. [He goes off.] + +CONSTANTIA. How have I suffer'd by this forc'd behaviour, +Gainst my soul's feelings, to this matchless youth! +But O! in what enchanting, phrase, he urg'd +His love, his fears and never-failing constancy! +I cannot rest, till Lucia knows it all. [She goes off.] + + + +SCENE IV. + +Lord BELMOUR's house. + +To Lady BELMOUR, enter a SERVANT. + +SERVANT. Mrs. Andrews waits upon your ladyship. + +Lady BELMOUR. Mrs. Andrews!--why did you admit her? + +SERVANT. I had conceiv'd it was your general order. + +Lady BELMOUR. I've chang'd my mind--I will not be at home; +yet stay a little--tell her, I shall see her, +At lady Meldmay's drawing-room to-night. [He goes off.] +'Tis like, she comes for what I got this morning: +All which and more ill fortune swept away. + + Enter Mrs. ANDREWS. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. What! my good friend! my dearest lady Belmour! +Not see her Andrews! her most faithful Andrews! +'Tis some mistake? perhaps, the servant's fault? + +Lady BELMOUR. He had my orders, though you thus intrude. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Such a behaviour!--I am all amazement.-- +Whence is the cause? I pray explain yourself. + +Lady BELMOUR. If, madam, you are bent on altercation, +I speedily shall leave you to yourself. +So to your business, brief.-- + +Mrs. ANDREWS. As you could wish; +Then, the five hundred you this morning borrow'd. + +Lady BELMOUR. You surely dream, or are not in your senses! + +Mrs. ANDREWS. If I retain them long, 'tis not your fault. +Lady Belmour! Honour!-- + +Lady BELMOUR. Ha! this from you! +When persons of my station condescend +To such connexions, they most justly merit +The treatment you have now presum'd to offer. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. You cannot surely mean to rob me thus? + +Lady BELMOUR. To rob you! you mistake; you owe me more +Than will be ever in your pow'r to pay. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. For what I pray? + +Lady BELMOUR. You are not ignorant. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. I am, as I shall answer it to heaven. + +Lady BELMOUR. Not only for my husband's fond affection, +But his fortune; which, (tis well known to all) +He lavishes on you--so that your visits +Can but reflect dishonour; wherefore, cease them. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. [Going off.] This is too much; ungrateful, + faithless woman! [She goes off.] + +Lady BELMOUR. This treatment may hereafter serve her much. +Even the meanest with the highest vie: +Their manners as their fashions vainly aping, +As might provoke the sourest spleen to laughter. [Exit.] + + + +SCENE V. + +An inn on Cornhill near Mr. ANDREWS's house + +MARIA to the HOSTESS. + +MARIA. Madam, a ticket from this inn informs me, +That some one in the house has wish'd to see me. + +HOSTESS. A person in a common peasant's habit, +Came here some moments since and sent for you, +Upon some pressing business, as he told me. + +MARIA. Is he here now? + +HOSTESS. He is; I'll shew the room. [They go off.] + + + +SCENE VI. + +Changes to a back room. + +Lord BELMOUR in the habit of a countryman, and MARIA. + +Lord BELMOUR. Am I not well disguis'd? + +MARIA. Lord Belmour!--Wondrous! +You might have pass'd me twenty times unknown. +But pray, my lord, the purpose of this meeting? + +Lord BELMOUR. First say, how fares it with your lovely mistress? + +MARIA. Her present troubles are beyond expression. +Oh! her distress is great. + +Lord BELMOUR. I'm on the rack. +My fortune, life, my all's at her command. +Unfold yourself, if you regard my peace. + +MARIA. Know then, her very ill success at play, +(Which has of late ev'n all conception pass'd) +Hath led her to use means, and such assistance, +That she some honourable claims might answer, +As otherwise she would have shudder'd at. +And many a tale has reach'd her husband's ear. + +Lord BELMOUR. As I could wish. [Aside.] Unmerited ill fortune! + +MARIA. Oh! but this is not all. + +Lord BELMOUR. 'Tis, 'tis too much. +Yet would I know the whole, that I may fly +On expedition's wing to her relief.-- +Speak on.-- + +MARIA. I cannot. + +Lord BELMOUR. Torture me no further. + +MARIA. Alas! my master cruelly hath charg'd her, +(How shall I name it!) with indecent conduct; +But chiefly, sir, with you. + +Lord BELMOUR. Most fortunate! +This will outrun whole years of fond entreaty--[Aside] +Ungen'rous, false accuser! thus to treat +The loveliest of her sex; but first, Maria, +We must relieve her from her present exigencies; +With which somewhat acquainted, I, her friend, +(None more sincere) am with the means prepar'd; +And 'twas for that alone I schem'd this meeting. +But for the purpose, you must so contrive it, +As to convey me to her chamber secretly, +This very night. + +MARIA. Heav'n! how you frighten me! +I would not for the world do such an act. + +Lord BELMOUR. Your fears are without cause; I mean it only, +Lest any prying babbler might observe us, +At such late hour, as we must be together. +And I can have none other opportunity, +Of giving her the quick relief she needs. +Wherefore, her friend must serve her at this juncture. +I know your faithful heart.-- + +MARIA. O! but my lord.-- + +Lord BELMOUR. Behold these two, Maria; [Shews her two purses] + each of these +Contains an hundred pieces; one of them, +You must vouchsafe at present to accept; +The other, trust me, shall be also yours, +Soon as I safely gain the wish'd-for station. [Puts one + of the purses into her hand.] +Your master left the city just at sunset? + +MARIA. My lord! my lord! + +Lord BELMOUR. You must, you shall accept it. + +MARIA. Well, my good lord, to save my injur'd mistress--[She + puts up the purse in her pocket.] +The backway thro' the warehouse is the safest, +When the moon's down; for 'twill be late to-night, +When she returns from lady Meldmay's supper. + +Lord BELMOUR. As sure as I exist--till then farewell! [He goes off.] + +MARIA. To what have I agreed?--Yet why repent? +If not temptation proof, it matters not, +When first she fails, or by whose means it happens; +If she refills, I'll stand out to the last, +And swear a thousand oaths, that I am innocent. +At all events, there are two hundred pieces, +Which will be most convenient, should my husband +Be to a trial brought--So chance direct! [She goes off.] + + + + +ACT V. + + + +SCENE I. + +An office in Mr. ANDREWS's house, and a CLERK sitting therein. + +Enter JEFFERSON in a cloak. + +JEFFERSON. Be not surpriz'd; it is an old acquaintance. +Have a few moments absence so estrang'd you? + +CLERK. O Jefferson! those moments have occasion'd +Many and various rumours of your fortune; +Wherefore, permit me to rejoice to see you +But whence this sudden ghastliness of visage +The hue of death itself! + +JEFFERSON. It matters not. +You never more may from this moment see me:-- +But this is foreign to me, present business. +There are some matters of most deep concern +Which I must straight impart to our good master; +For which, this night I fought him at his villa, +(Whither I heard he had resorted early) +But much to my surprize, he was not there. +I pray inform me, where I now may find him. + +CLERK. What shall I do? I am enjoin'd to secrecy. +Are you full sure they're of such high concern +As may excuse me in such breach of confidence? + +JEFFERSON. I should not else have urg'd it to you thus. + +CLERK. Try the new tavern in th' adjacent alley. +(There, melancholy man, he waits my coming, +At an approaching hour) [Aside.] But, Jefferson, +Should you disclose who pointed out your course, +I may for ever forfeit his regard. + +JEFFERSON. Rest well assur'd, no motive should compel it, +And blessings wait upon thee for this kindness! + +CLERK. [To JEFFERSON as he goes off.] Yet hold awhile; I nearly + had forgot. +This night, the gentle Lucia fought you here, +But disappointed, left you this remembrance. +'Tis for five hundred pounds. + +JEFFERSON. Too gen'rous maid! +O! had my truant, and ungrateful heart +Her merit justly priz'd, I might this day, +In honour, as in virtue have been happy, +Not thus a wretched outcast of the world-- +I pray return it with a thousand blessings-- +Heart-rending kindness!--Oh!--again farewell! [He goes off.] + +CLERK. His countenance betray'd some desp'rate fortune. + + Enter MARIA. + +MARIA. Was not that Jefferson? + +CLERK. 'Twas he indeed! + +MARIA. Undone!--undone for ever!--My poor husband!-- [Aside] +I spoke to him, but he declin'd an answer, +And rush'd into the street. + +CLERK. Unhappy youth! +He told me I should ne'er behold him more. + +MARIA. Again I am at ease--[Aside.] But if for certain +He hath our master plunder'd, as 'tis rumour'd, +Should he not be secured? + +CLERK. His errand hither, +Was to have seen our master. + +MARIA. Undone again! [Aside as she goes off.] + +CLERK. She seems not less disturb'd than him she fought. +'Tis fit I follow her, and seek her meanings, +Which from her scatter'd words I could not gather. +Besides, she mutter'd strangely to herself. +Some sad disasters are I fear approaching, +Whilst every countenance betrays distress. [He goes off.] + + + +SCENE II. + +A room in a tavern. + +ANDREWS and JEFFERSON together, the first walking to and fro + in much agitation. + +ANDREWS. And is this surely so? my blood runs chill. +Oh! tell me, how, or when I've been thine enemy, +That thou could'st calmly mean me all this mischief. +I cannot credit it. + +JEFFERSON. 'Tis, 'tis too true-- [Weeps.] + +ANDREWS. I once thought Jefferson the child of virtue. + +JEFFERSON. To fix me such, your lessons were not wanting. +But oh! when we indulge one vicious passion, +A train of others unforeseen will follow, +Until at length all virtue is extinguish'd. + +ANDREWS. What's to be done! distress crouds on distress------ +Inhuman! barbarous! most abandon'd woman! +And thou curs'd instrument!--Yet hold, my heart!-- +I see contrition in his mournful eye, +And feel soft pity throbbing in my bosom: +Deluded youth!--no object for revenge-- [Aside] + +JEFFERSON. I am indeed accurs'd; I have betray'd +The most indulgent master, best of friends! +But you will shortly have sufficient vengeance. +A dose I this night drank will rid me speedily +Of that sad life I can endure no longer. + +ANDREWS. Oh! 'twas a desp'rate act!--Could'st thou conceive, +A crime, to the Almighty so offensive, +Would for thy other failings make atonement; +May there not yet be help? + +JEFFERSON. 'Tis now too late, +The deadly drug, works far, and I grow faint-- + +ANDREWS. 'Twere better to have liv'd whole years in penitence, +Or wild despair, to expiate your guilt. + +JEFFERSON. Oh! cou'd I hope for your assisting prayers, +'Twou'd be some comfort to my fainting soul. +You are so good, you cannot but have interest +In those blest dwellings, whence my foul offences +May have excluded me, alas, for ever! +Nor dare I lift or eye or hand for mercy. + +ANDREWS. Sad-fated youth! my own distracted state +Is suited ill to intercourse with heaven. +But lose no time yourself: that righteous judge, +Whom you have so repeatedly offended, +Abounds in mercy, as he doth in justice; +And pray'r is at his throne a pow'rful advocate. + +JEFFERSON. And you, as sure as that Great Pow'r is just, +Will meet the due reward of all your virtues. +When I go hence, I pray you read this paper-- +My fate draws near---so now, farewel for ever! [He goes off.] + +ANDREWS. What horrid images crowd on my soul! +Yet worse may follow--blood perchance and murder-- +But will not injur'd honour,--ruin'd peace, +For ever ruin'd, justify revenge!-- [Pauses.] +I am resolv'd--So for this writing now-- [He opens it and reads.] + + "Most injured Sir, + Inclos'd you have my will by which, as some small recompense + for the many wrongs I have done you, I have bequeathed you + all the little fortune I have left. Oh! lend your prayers, + and pity a repentant wretched sinner. + William Jefferson." + +Some recompense!--There can be none for me. +The moment is at hand, the fearful moment, +When I'm to seek for that, which, when discover'd, +My sure perdition seals--yet even certainty +Were ease to that I feel--tremendous state! +Like some benighted traveller quite 'wilder'd, +I see no friendly ray to guide my steps-- +But 'midst my woes, I've let this hapless youth, +Plung'd in despair, escape me unattended. +I'll haste to seek him out--Yet, cannot now: +Troubles more intimate claim ev'ry thought. + + Enter one of his CLERKS. + +I near despair'd of seeing you: 'tis almost light. +What has delay'd you so? + +CLERK. It was your wife. + +ANDREWS. My wife! + +CLERK. Yes, sir, she's but at home some moments. + +ANDREWS. Was she attended? + +CLERK. One went in before her. + +ANDREWS. What, into my house? + +CLERK. Yes, sir. + +ANDREWS. Man, or woman? + +CLERK. A man, sir. + +ANDREWS. Hah!--And know you who he is? + +CLERK. Lord Belmour, sir. + +ANDREWS. Are you sure? + +CLERK. As I exist-- +For waiting, as 'twas your desire I should, +'Till I could warn you of your wife's return, +And walking 'twixt the dwelling and the warehouse, +I by a light, which glimmer'd from the moon, +Then almost waned, descry'd a man and woman +Close standing at the wicket of the gate, +That leads into the lane. I stood conceal'd, +Until lord Belmour and Maria pass'd me +Towards the house. + +ANDREWS. Can I now pass that way? + +CLERK. You may; I lock'd the doors, and have the keys. + +ANDREWS. Come, deep and sweet revenge! 'twere virtue here. [Aside] +It must be near the dawn. Go on, I'll follow. +Life's now a curse; death then my only wish. + + + +SCENE III. + +Mr. ANDREWS's house. + +THOMAS and MARIA. + +MARIA. Who releas'd you? + +THOMAS. Our unhappy master. + +MARIA. Is he in town, and up at this late hour? + +THOMAS. He's in the house; and heaven grant, Maria, +He holds his reason: for he rush'd impetuous, +With looks as madness wild, into the room, +Where I sat tied; when falling on his knees, +He crav'd my pardon; then, from my bruis'd arms +He cut the cords, and hastily ran off. + +MARIA. Which way? + +THOMAS. Towards the compting-house. + +MARIA. O heav'n! + +THOMAS. Why this alarm? + +MARIA. His arms are there. + +THOMAS. 'Tis true, +And never man appear'd more desperate. +Wherefore, as ev'n a moment's loss were dangerous; +I'll for his neighbours speed, Wilson and Goodwin. [He goes off.] + +MARIA. The mischief is at hand, and 'twill require +My deepest skill, or I'm undone for ever. +But to the last I will assert my innocence. [A bell rings.] +This is my mistress, and from her bedchamber. [Rings again.] +Again it rings; and with unusual violence.-- +I must away--What fights may meet me now!-- [She goes off.] + + + +SCENE IV. + +Another apartment. + +CONSTANTIA and LUCIA. + +CONSTANTIA. Oh! Lucia, Lucia, I shall die with terrours-- +What can these noises mean? [A groan is heard.] Heard you + that groan? + +LUCIA. Sure life expir'd with it!--A woman's voice-- + + Enter hastily WILSON and GOODWIN, THOMAS and other Servants, + at which CONSTANTIA and LUCIA shriek. + +CONSTANTIA. Protect us, heaven!--what are you? + +WILSON. A messenger, +In utmost hurry rous'd us from our beds, +And pray'd us to haste hither with all speed, +To save a family. + +CONSTANTIA. Oh sirs!--heav'n grant +'Tis not too late--some sad event, I dread-- [A groan, and + then another] +They're from the room where Mrs. Andrews sleeps. [CONSTANTIA + swoons, and is taken of with LUCIA.] + + Enter MARIA. + +MARIA. Woe! woe unutterable!--fights of horrour! +All welt'ring in their gore--haste! haste with me. [They go off.] + + [Back Scene opens and discovers Mrs. ANDREWS's bedchamber-- + Lord BELMOUR on the ground with his sword in his hand bloody, + and Mr. ANDREWS with his also drawn and bloody, in a fix'd + posture, resting on it, and looking on the ground.] + +GOODWIN. O heav'n! what havock's here! [To ANDREWS] Alas! + my friend, +What have you done? + +WILSON. He's quite insensible. +Perhaps this woman can inform us--speak-- + +MARIA. I will, I will. Hearing the bell twice rung +With violence unusual from the chamber +In which my mistress lay, I thither flew; +Where entering, with amazement I beheld +Lord Belmour there, and her upon her knees: +Sudden, my master, with an unsheath'd sword +In rage rush'd in, and instantly assail'd him, +(Who also had drawn his) they fought awhile; +When with a hideous groan lord Belmour reel'd, +Bit quick recovering, with doubled fury +At his assailant made--when, she, quite wild, +Rush'd on lord Belmour's sword, and fell with him. + +WILSON. 'Tis better done by him, than by our friend. + +ANDREWS. Done--What done? all is not done as yet--this-- + + [He is going to stab himself, GOODWIN and WILSON rush on him, + and wrest his sword from him.] + +GOODWIN. What would your madness do? too much already, +This fatal scene exhibits to our view. + +ANDREWS. Deaf, deaf to all,--away,--away with counsel!-- +'Tis clear as noonday light--burst--burst, my brain!-- + +Lord BELMOUR. Listen--oh listen to a dying criminal-- +Your wife is innocent--I, I alone-- + +ANDREWS. Peace, villain, peace!--how came you in her chamber? + +Lord BELMOUR. Without her knowledge--Oh! 'twas by that woman, + [Pointing to MARIA] +My vile accomplice in the soul attempt. + +MARIA. Mercy! O mercy! and I'll tell the whole. +Oh! she is innocent--I, all to blame-- + +WILSON. 'Tis fit a magistrate be sent for instantly; +As also meet assistance to these wounded, +Who seem to need it much. [A servant goes off.] + +Lord BELMOUR. Good sirs! +Let me be hence convey'd--I can't escape-- +And heav'n will in some moments give full justice. [He is led out.] + +ANDREWS. And let me also fly these scenes of horrour, +Or I shall wilder be than the chain'd wretch +That beats the dungeon walls. + + [As he is passing by Mrs. ANDREWS, she seizes the skirt of his coat.] + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Oh sir!--my husband!-- + +ANDREWS. Take! take the vile adultress from my sight. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. For charity, forbear those bitter words. +True, I have injur'd you beyond all hopes +Either of your indulgence, or heav'n's mercy. +But by that Pow'r! before whose just tribunal, +I shortly shall be summon'd to appear, +My soul abhors the base imputed guilt, +(How strong soe'er appearance fseak against me) +Ev'n in thought. + +ANDREWS. Abandon'd, faithless woman! +Oh! that her foul disgrace clos'd with her eyes! +Then might I undisturb'd behold this havock. [Aside] +Did not I, find you on your knees to him? + +Mrs. ANDREWS. I was beseeching him to leave the room. + +ANDREWS. How came he there? + +Mrs. ANDREWS. By the same Pow'r supreme! +You're not yourself of that event more ignorant. +Soon as my woman for the night had left me, +He from the closet rush'd into my chamber. + +ANDREWS. Oh! I have been too hasty--much too rash.------ + +Mrs. ANDREWS. You will not think so, when you hear the whole. +The wretched nobleman, you now have punish'd, +Is not less guilty than if I had yielded. +Yet, think not that I mean t' acquit myself; +My conduct led him to the vile attempt: +And, oh! with rage and thirst of vengeance fir'd, +I was too busy in th' infernal plot, +Contain'd in that false letter to your friend, +The honest, gen'rous, and most faithful Wilson. +I also had your old and trusty steward +Accus'd of crimes to which he was a stranger; +And Jefferson to me owes his perdition. + +ANDREWS. Cease! cease! pour self-convicting mourner, cease!-- +This cannot be--'tis the sick fancy's dream. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Oh! that it were untrue, as thou art kind. +Yes; this, all this, and more I have committed. +I have undone thee--I, thy bosom's favourite,-- +And am the fatal source of all these horrors. +But my swift hast'ning fate will be some recompence.-- +I bleed within apace, and grow most faint------ +How happy was I once, and how ungrateful! + +ANDREWS. 'Tis, 'tis too much-- + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Alas! I see it is.-- +How these reflections rack my madding brain!-- +Turn, Oh! turn that tender aspect from me! +'Tis worse than scorpion rods, or whips of steel. +Abhor me; scorn me; tear me from thy fondness, +And every imprecation pour upon me: +For hope is fled, and I would court despair. +Some suff'rings here might lessen those hereafter, +I would not covet else a moment's life.-- + +ANDREWS. Would I could sooth her tortur'd soul to rest! +Her sorrows rend my heart.--Oh thou sweet penitent! +There's not an angel in the heav'nly mansions, +That will not sue for thee. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Yet, there is something +I would petition as my last request-- +Let me conjure thee then, most injur'd excellence! +By all the happy hours we liv'd together, +Ere one infernal passion seiz'd my heart! +Have pity on the harmless, dear-lov'd innocents, +Whom I must leave amidst a cruel world! +And when you shall my rueful story tell, +Be thus far kind, and say, as is the truth, +Oh! say, she was not an adultress. + +ANDREWS. I will, I'll speak thee as my soul conceives thee, +Spotless, and free as Virtue's self from blemish. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Then, may with me, thy sorrows have an end!-- + +ANDREWS. Oh! canst thou then forgive my wild upbraiding? + +Mrs. ANDREWS. I blame thee not--so let me be convey'd +From thy dread presence, and this fatal spot: +They are too much for weakness to endure. + +ANDREWS. No, no, I'll watch thee whilst a single spark +Of that lov'd life remains, and sooth thy woes. + +Mrs. ANDREWS. Too kind!--Forbear!--Were your fond wish indulg'd, +It would but add new weight to your afflictions. +Oh! agonizing thoughts!--Oh! my pour soul!-- + +ANDREWS. She droops; she dies--and oh! by saving me-- +Physicians, surgeons, ev'ry help be sent for!-- + +Mrs. ANDREWS. 'Twere fruitless all unless their friendly aid +Some balm could minister to deep despair-- +Rage on, distress---haste, madness! quench my soul-- +Hark! hark! that voice!------the door of mercy's clos'd-- + +ANDREWS. [To the attendants.] Straightaway, convey her hence + to mine own chamber. + + [She is carried off, and as he is following her, + several bailiffs enter rudely with CONSTANTIA.] + +CONSTANTIA. Protect my father, heav'n! undone--undone-- + +WILSON. What can these ruffians mean? whom do you seek? + +Bailiff. He is our prisoner on several writs. [Pointing + to Mr. ANDREWS] + +ANDREWS. Ay, ay, come on--'Tis fit I shou'd be punish'd. +Take, drag me hence, ye ministers of justice! +Death, death, or madness only can relieve me. + +GOODWIN. What is the whole demand? + +Bailiff. Above four thousand? + +WILSON. He shall not sink for that: I'll be his pledge. + +ANDREWS. Most gen'rous, injur'd friend, this is too much. + +GOODWIN. [To WILSON.] I'll join you in the bonds.--Prepare them, + sirs. [To the bailiffs, who go off] + +CONSTANTIA. Thanks, best of friends! but you shall never suffer. +My fortune, independent of my father, +Far more than this for which you have engag'd, +Shall be our pledg'd security. + +ANDREWS. Daggers!------daggers! +Wasted--all wasted, in the general wreck. [Aside] + +WILSON. 'Tis fit lord Weston should be straight appriz'd +Of the sad fate of his unhappy uncle; +These two nights past, since his return to town, +He hath repos'd with me. + +GOODWIN. I hear his voice. + + Enter lord WESTON hastily. + +Lord WESTON. Where, where's my father! take, O take your son! +And let me fly as such into your arms! +Just hearing of your undeserv'd calamities, +From your remorseless creditors below, +I have engag'd for all their claim'd demands, +And come to wipe the tear from ev'ry eye. + +ANDREWS. Cold sweats bedew my feeble, trembling limbs, +And ev'ry object round me grows a blank. +Good heav'n! support me, to these tasks unequal------[As he is + falling, WILSON and THOMAS support him.] + +WILSON. The feelings of his heart o'erpow'r him so, +He cannot give them vent; it may prove fatal------ +He's all convuls'd: let's place him on this seat. [CONSTANTIA + attends him.] + +Lord WESTON. [He moves towards CONSTANTIA.] +My angel--My Constantia! O those tears! +And looks of desperation pierce my soul. +Your father lives--Fortune again may favour: +But I am your's, and will be so for ever. + +WILSON. O my good lord! +There are disasters yet within these walls, +More fatal far, which claim our instant aid. + +Lord WESTON. I've heard them all--my uncle is no more-- +Would that he had not fall'n in such a cause! + +WILSON. But heav'n hath will'd it, and we must submit. +With smiles delusive, other crimes decoy, +To hazard future ills for present joy: +Gaming alone no transient rapture knows, +No gleam of pleasure for eternal woes; +Distrust and anxious fears its birth attend; +And wild distraction waits its guilty end. + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, THE FEMALE GAMESTER *** + +This file should be named fmgst10.txt or fmgst10.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, fmgst11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, fmgst10a.txt + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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