SCENE IV. Lady MARY OLDBOY, Mr. JESSAMY. Mr. Jes. What's the matter with the Colonel, Madoes your ladyship know? dam; Lady M. Heigho! don't be surprised, my dear; it was the same thing with my late dear brother, Lord Jessamy; they never could agree that good natured friendly soul, knowing the delicacy of my constitution, has often said, sister Mary, I pity you. Not but your father has good qualities, and I assure you I remember him a very fine gentleman himself. In the year of the hard frost, one thousand seven hundred and thirty-nine, when he first paid his addresses to me, he was called agreeable Jack Oldboy, though I married him without the consent of your noble grandfather. 316 Mr. Jes. I think he ought to be proud of me: I believe there's many a Duke, nay Prince, who would esteem themselves happy in having such a son- Lady M. Yes, my dear; but your sister was always your father's favourite: he intends to give her a prodigious fortune, and sets his heart upon seeing her a woman of quality. Mr. Jes. He should wish to see her look a little like a gentlewoman first. When she was in London last winter, I am told she was taken notice of by a few men. But she wants air, manner 327 Lady M. And has not a bit of the genius of our family, and I never knew a woman of it, but herself, without. I have tried her: about three years ago I set her to translate a little French song: I found she had not even an idea of versification; and she put down love and joy for rhyme-so I gave her over. Mr. Jes. Why, indeed, she appears to have more of the Thalestris than the Sappho about her. Lady M. Well, my dear, I must go and dress myself, though I protest I am fitter for my bed than my coach. And condescend to the Colonel a little-Do, my dear, if it be only to oblige your mamma. 339 SCENE V. Mr. JESSAMY. Let me consider: I am going to visit a country Ba ronet here, who would fain prevail upon me to marry his daughter: the old gentleman has heard of my parts and understanding; Miss of my figure and address. But, suppose I should not like her when I see her? Why, positively, then I will not have her; the treaty's at an end, and, sans compliment, we break up the congress. But, won't that be cruel, after having suffered her to flatter herself with hopes, and shewing myself to her. She's a strange dowdy I dare believe: however, she brings provision with her for a separate maintenance. 351 Antoine, appretez la toilet. I am going to spend a cursed day; that I perceive already; I wish it was over, I dread as much as a general election. AIR. When a man of fashion condescends And all he says, does, eats, drinks, wears, But as for this brutish old clown here; Then a consort to take, For my family's sake, I'm in a fine jeopardy, split me! 360 SCENE VI. Changes to a Study in Sir JOHN FLOWERDALE's House; two Chairs and a Table, with Globes and Mathema. Lady M. And has not a bit of the genius of our family, and I never knew a woman of it, but herself, without. I have tried her: about three years ago 1 set her to translate a little French song: I found she had not even an idea of versification; and she put down love and joy for rhyme-so I gave her over. Mr. Jes. Why, indeed, she appears to have more of the Thalestris than the Sappho about her. Lady M. Well, my dear, I must go and dress myself, though I protest I am fitter for my bed than my coach. And condescend to the Colonel a little-Do, my dear, if it be only to oblige your mamma. 339 SCENE V. Mr. JESSAMY. Let me consider: I am going to visit a country Ba ronet here, who would fain prevail upon me to marry his daughter: the old gentleman has heard of my parts and understanding; Miss of my figure and address. But, suppose I should not like her when I see her? Why, positively, then I will not have her; the treaty's at an end, and, sans compliment, we break up the congress. But, won't that be cruel, after having suffered her to flatter herself with hopes, and shewing myself to her. She's a strange dowdy I dare believe: however, she brings provision with her for a separate maintenance. 351 to be in over great spirits either. To be sure, Madam, it's no business of mine; but, I believe, if the truth was known, there are those in the house, who would give more than ever I shall be worth, or any the likes of me, to prevent the marriage of a sartain person that shall be nameless. 403 Clar. What do you mean? I don't understand you. Jen. I hope you are not angry, Madam? Clar. Ah! Jenny- Jen. Lauk! Madam, do you think, when Mr. Lionel s a clergyman, he'll be obliged to cut off his hair? I'm sure it will be a thousand pities, for it is the sweetest colour, and looks the nicest put up in a cue --and your great pudding-sleeves! Lord! they'll quite spoil his shape, and the fall of his shoulders. Well! Madam, if I was a lady of large fortune, I'll be hanged if Mr. Lionel should be a parson, if I could help it. 416 Clar. I'm going into my dressing room-It seems then Mr. Lionel is a great favourite of yours; but pray, Jenny, have a care how you talk in this manner to any one else. Jen. Me talk! Madam, I thought.you knew me better; and, my dear Lady, keep up your spirits. I'm sure I have dressed you to-day as nice as hands and pins can make you. C |