sentiments which, perhaps, I should have hid, with a frankness that, by a man less generous, less noble minded than yourself, might be construed to my disadvantage. 654

Lion. Oh! wound me not with so cruel an expression-You love me, and have condescended to confess it-You have seen my torments, and been kind enough to pity them-The world, indeed, may blame you

Clar. And, yet, was it proclaimed to the world, what could the most malicious suggest? They could but say, that truth and sincerity got the better of forms; that the tongue dar'd to speak the honest sensations of the mind; that, while you aimed at improving my understanding, you engaged, and conquered my heart.

Lion. And, is it! is it possible!

Clar. Be calm, and listen to me: what I have done has not been lightly imagined, nor rashly undertaken : it is the work of reflection, of conviction; my love is not a sacrifice to my own fancy, but a tribute to your worth; did I think there was a more deserving man in the world

Lion. If, to doat on you more than life, be to deserve you, so far I have merit; if, to have no wish, no hope, no thought, but you, can entitle me to the envied distinction of a moment's regard, so far I dare pretend.

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Clar. That I have this day refused a man, with whom I could not be happy, I make no merit: born

for quiet and simplicity, the crowds of the world, the noise attending pomp and distinction, have no charms for me: I wish to pass my life in rational tranquillity, with a friend, whose virtues I can respect, whose talents I can admire; who will make my esteem the basis of my affection.

Lion. O charming creature! yes, let me indulge the flattering idea; form'd with the same sentiments, the same feelings, the same tender passion for each other; Nature design'd us to compose that sacred union, which nothing but death can annul. 691

Clar. One only thing remember. Secure in each other's affections, here we must rest; I would not give my father a moment's pain, to purchase the empire of the world.

Lion. Command, dispose of me as you please; angels take cognizance of the vows of innocence and virtue; and, I will believe that ours are already register'd in Heaven.

Clar. I will believe so too.

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AIR.

Go, and, on my truth relying,
Comfort to your cares applying,
Bid each doubt and sorrow flying,
Leave to peace, and love your breast.

Go, and may the Pow`rs that hear us,
Still, as kind protectors near us,

Through our troubles safely steer us
To a port of joy and rest.

SCENE XII.

LIONEL, Sir JOHN FLOWERDALE,

Sir John. Who's there? Lionel ?

Lion. Heav'ns! 'tis Sir John Flowerdale.
Sir John. Who's there?

Lion. 'Tis I, Sir; I am here; Lionel.

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Sir John. My dear lad, I have been searching for you this half hour, and was at last told you had come into the garden: I have a piece of news, which I dare swear will shock and surprise you; my daughter has refused Colonel Oldboy's son, who is this minute departed the house in violent resentment of her ill

treatment.

Lion. Is he gone, Sir?

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Sir John. Yes, and the family are preparing to fol low him. Oh! Lionel, Clarissa has deceived me: in this affair she has suffered me to deceive myself. The measures which I have been so long preparing, are broken in a moment my hopes frustrated; and both parties, in the eye of the world, rendered light and ridiculous.

Lion. I am sorry to see you so much moved; pray, Sir, recover yourself.

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Sir John. I am sorry, Lionel, she has profited no better by your lessons of philosophy, than to impose upon and distress so kind a father.

Lion. Have juster thoughts of her, Sir: she has not imposed on you, she is incapable-have but a little patience, and things may yet be brought about.

Sir John. No, Lionel, no; the matter is past, and there's an end to it; yet I would conjecture to what such an unexpected turn in her conduct can be owing; I would fain be satisfied of the motive that could urge her to so extraordinary a proceeding, without the least intimation, the least warning to me, or any of her friends.

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Lion. Perhaps, Sir, the gentleman may have been too impetuous, and offended Miss Flowerdale's deli. cacy-certainly nothing else could occasion

Sir John. Heaven only knows-I think, indeed, there can be no settled aversion, and surely her affections are not engaged elsewhere.

Lion. Engag'd, Sir-No, Sir.

Sir. John. I think not, Lionel.

Lion. You may be positive, Sir-I'm sure

Sir John. O worthy young man, whose integrity, openness, and every good quality have rendered dear to me as my own child; I see this affair troubles you as much as it does me.

Lion. It troubles me indeed, Sir.

Sir John. However, my particular disappointment ought not to be detrimental to you, nor shall it: I well know how irksome it is to a generous mind to

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mind at present

live in a state of dependance, and have long had it my thoughts to make you easy for life. Lion. Sir John, the situation of my is a little disturb’d-spare me—I beseech you, spare me; why will you persist in a goodness that makes me asham'd of myself?

Sir John. There is an estate in this county which I purchased some years ago; by me it will never be missed, and who ever marries my daughter will have little reason to complain of my disposing of such a trifle for my own gratification. On the present marriage I intended to perfect a deed of gift in your favour, which has been for some time preparing; my lawyer has this day completed it, and it is yours, my dear Lionel, with every good wish that the warmest friend can bestow.

Lion. Sir, if you presented a pistol with design to shoot me, I would submit to it; but you must excuse me, I cannot lay myself under more obligations.

Sir John. Your delicacy carries you too far; in this I confer a favour on myself: however, we'll talk no more on the subject at present; let us walk towards the house, our friends will depart else without my bidding them adieu, 783