522! R32d a hundred enemies ? Henry. Enemies ! You mean friends. Sapling. No I don't I mean enemies to be fure I thought as you did, and fo I told Mrs. Sap- ling. Says I, " Now's the time, my life, to be re- veng'd on your enemies mortify them, by not afking them." " No," fays fhe, * I'll mortify you're talking to * and know, that handfome people are never jeaiops^-befides it's out it is'rt't in fa- frion V Enter Privilege through the Park Gates. "Privilege. Oh, my dear fir you'll he Co fafci- nated our charming Mrs. Sapling has cornpofed fuch a grand duet for to-night's fete and I'm to fing the principal part, and you and Mifs Honoris, are co come and hear it rehearsed. Sapling. And you alfo, Henry and to oblige you as a ftranger, ihe mall play all her other mu- fical compofitions her firft part of the efTay on man half Clariffa Harlowe and the whole of two German oratorios. Privilege. Aye i and all my love verfes to Ho- noria , who, by the bye, Sapling, I've at laft nude up my mind to marry. I have, upon my foul, Ma'am this morning I got my own confenr, and as to afking yours, or any body's elfe, that'* quite unneccflary becaufe, you know, I'm a prU vileg'd man. Henry. A pri vileg'd man, fir ! Privilege. Yes, fir : if you or any common jog- trot perfon were to propofe in this manner, as make love to married ladies, and run away with. them or borrow money, and not pay it you'd ftand a good chance of being fcouted, kick'd, and hang'd for it: but ifl do thefe things, every body laughs and exclaims " doa't mind hjm he's a 2 privileg'd DELAYS AND BLUNDER*. l privileg'd man I" now, fir, do you compre- hend ? Henry. I do, fir every body laughs at you, and nobody minds you I hope, uncle, that's your opi- nion ; but unluckily, I can't ftay to hear that, or the mufic now no firft let me vifit poor St, Orme. Honoria. St. Orme !^-you know him then f Henry. Intimately. Honoria. I knew his wife, and therefore feel for him. If that is your engagement, we mull fpare you j but foon return you fee, I need your friend - ihip alfo. Privilege. Very likely : but I wouldn't advife the gentleman to think of marrying you, or indeed any body becauje now-a-days wives are fuch ex- penfive articles, that none can afford them but pri- vileg'd men. But come, Sapling, we forget the duet, and your wife will be quite jealous at my flaying. Sapling. Jealous at your . ! Oh ! it's all right I'm not fufpicious no fo fond a part- ner and fo true a friend, may play duets as often as they pleafe. You fee, Mr. Annuity ! (to Henry) this is Honoria' s hufband ! [Exeunt -Honoria between Sapling and Privilege, and looking back at Henry Privilege Jlrutting and /mi ling con- temp tuoujly on Henry. Henry {looking after Honoria). 'Sdeath ! can (he endure one moment fuch a flutterer ? If (he does, I'll chop him into mefles. I'll but hold-r-hold where's her ladyfhip all this time ? the tender, the accomplilh'd Zounds! I wonder whether there ever was fuch a thing as a man loving two % women 10 DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. women at the fame time ? I'm afraid not. And if there was, could any man ever manage two wo- men at the fame time ? there's certainly no living inftance fo, farewell Honoria farewell, thou dear bewitching . Oh, damme what fignifies talking here (he can't hear me at this diftance fo every body fees going after her is no fault of mine again. [Exit through the Park Gates. IND OF THE FI&ST ACT, \ DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. 21 ACT II. SCENE. Infide of the County Gaol, Enter St. Or me. St. Orme, I cannot reft. Now as the awful hour approaches, my fears accumulate beyond endu- rance. Life I could yield up manfully j but to part with thofe, that once and ftill might render life a blefling my wife ! my child ! (hall I ne'er more behold them ! Henry Sapling {without). Where is he ? Where is Lieutenant St. Orme? St. Orme. Ha ! Who's here ? Gaoler {without). This way, fir. Enter Henry and Gaoler. St, Orme. Tis Henry, 'tis my friend ! Gaoler, There fir there is the prifoner. [Exit, Henry. Chariest (takes bis hand and bur fis into tears.) Damnation! I meant to behave like a man, but the word <; prifoner" come back you rafcal, and I'll leach you to make a Britifh failor expofe himfelf. St. Orme. Nay : your tears become you Henry ; and if now they fall, what will they do when in a few fhort days Henry. Don't if you are guilty, don't utter it. I won't hear it won't bear it never will be- lieve that Charles St. Orme that my friend, would fetk the life of any man. Bj St. ii delays and blunders. St. Orme. Then you're deceiv'd I fought Sir Frederick's life, and by this arm he fell ! Henry. Indeed ! St. Orme. Hear hear my vindication ! *Tis how near eighteen years fince 1 my Amelia chofe me for her hufband-$*and for this high ofFence, fhe was deferted by her father- the rafli, yet wrong'd Sir Frederick. We left the country-*- fled to Ame- ricanand, by the fale of my commiffion, purchafed an humble farm ; which till a year ago fupplied our moderate wants. Then illnefs drove me from my avocation ; and though Lauretta labour'd for out* aid, diltrefs fo rapidly purfucd us, that my fond wife -(till clinging to the wretch her family def* pifed fet forth for England j and not ten months paft, arriv'd alone, a beggar at that gate, that but for me had ne'er been fhut againft her. Henry. Well : go on. On feeing her, did her father perfift ? St. Orme. Oh>yes: with unabating rancour he never could forgive my poverty and birth. And now obferve, and fhudder as you hear it ! In a few weeks he wrote me to America, that his wrong'd daughter had detected my intrigues knew I had fent her home, to carry on a low clandeftine love and maddening at my falfehood and deceit, was fever'd to delirium was infane ! I anfwer'd haftily I knew not what, and flew to her affiftance. I arriv'd 1 afk'd for her abode when* death and fhame ! he faid the care of her was his alone, and that a perjur'd hufband mould not fee her ! Henry. Not fee her ! St. Orme. No ; his aim was feparation : and to fecure it, he defam'd me firft then robb'd me of the power to juftify myfelf, and folace her.* What could I do ? I knew the law would give me ample juftice i but burning with impatience and revenge, wa$ WELAYS AND BLUNDERS. ft 3 was I to wait a form fo tedious ? No I rufh'd into his prefence my daughter follow'd to detain -me I perfifted in my refolutidn, and demanded fatisfaction this he declin'd I prefented him a piftol he grafp'd it to defend his life which I conceiving an acceptance of my challenge, and wild with fury and with wrongs, fir'd ! he fell j and in a few fhort months Oh my friend ! I fee you tremble at my rafhnefs ; he was Amelia's father, and I defer ve a death more terrible than his ! Henry, N6 ; I tremble from another caufe the proof: who can give proof againft you ? St. Orme. None* but my daughter ; and fhe U purpofely concealed", if fhe remain fb till the trial's paft, I'm free to trace and refcue her I love ; but if fhe's found, I fall and fhe, poor girl her mo- ther robb'd of reafon, and her father by her own evidence ! Oh 1 I can bear all but this. Henry. And fo can I : therefore good b'w'ye. St. Or me. Why where are you going ? Henry. To Sir Edward to your new anta- gonift ; and I'll afk him civilly very civilly not to fearch after Lauretta $ but if that won't do, and he peffifts in forcing a daughter to convict her own father talk of piftols, my dear fellow I'll fire off all- the cannon in the navy. So go,; retire to your chamber, and rely on me. But ftop flop as J can't get on quickly, owing to this infernal bal- laft [fulling out a purfe) do lighten me, will you? do take part of a friend's load, Charles. St. Orme. I thank you : but a ftranger has foreftalled your generofity. .(produces a letter) :See not an hour ago, I received this letter. Henry. Prom a ftranger ! {reads) '* One, who ** pities the unfortunate, who was the friend of '* Mrs. St. Orme, and fufpe&s that the pre lent * 4 baronet protocutes you and fecretes her, Jblcly B 4 " to 24 DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. " to keep pofifeflion of the large eftate fends you c< the enclofed, in the wi(h that it may leffen your cc afflictions, and afTift in reftoring you to her, nefs on whole fole evidence his fate depends this ftage-ftruck daughter, who profeffionally knows all arts, all ftratagems oh ! if (he 'fcape -our fearch, is there no other way ? Paul. None ! no witnefs no verdict. Sir Edw. Then let me hafte again to feek her; and if found of courfe you have prepar'd the necefTary procefs. Paul. What pro oh 1 aye: the fubpcena-. No i I've been fo taken up with other parts of the cafe but I'll tell you what I'll fill it up this moment (going towards the table) this moment ^mu/icwitbffut). Heh! where's that delightful mufic? Sir t$ DELAYS AND BLUNDER?. Sir Edw. In the next room and they'll difturb and interrupt you. I'll ftop them as I pafs. Paul. Don't, on my account. I like rmufic - * often fing a merry fong myfelf and as there's nothing elfe, after filling up this little affair 'gad, I'll make one amongft them {fitting down and beginning to write). Sir Edw. You forget the pleadings are not half prepar'd, and every moment of your time is precious (as be is going, enter Honoria). Ho- noria ! what brings you here ? Honoria. I come by Mrs. Sapling's orders, to paint a copy of that reprelentation of the " Veftal buried alive." Sir Edw. Well, well, difpatch for it fhall be remov'd the fight is hateful to me. honoria. Why hareful, fir? SirEdzv. Why? Oh nothing, nothing but yon-, der's my folicitor ; and mind thatyou difturbhimnot. And now, fir be but as aftive and as zealous as the caufe delerves, and our fuccefs is certain {Exit, Honoria previoujly feats her/elf, and begins fainting^ unjeen by Paul be during the time is writing). Paul. I'll be aclive I'll now that I call a complete idle country gentleman, who will let nobody have any pleafure but himfelf', however, only let me fill up this infernal procefs, and fee if 1 aVt in the thick of the mufical party j for after fuch a fag as this, devil's in't if I mayn't en}oy myfelf j and mufic's a thing I'm doatingly fond of. So " Herefordshire to ; wit" (writing}. "Lovely, lovely Cbloe !" (finging.) Honoria (painting). Upon my word extremely well pray iing on, fir. Paul. Sing on ! (Locks up, fees ber y and /miles), Biefs DELAYS AND BLUNDERS; 20, Blefs my foul another thing I'm fo doatingly fond of! and look here now I havVt even time to oh, you little rogue ! I only wifh it were the long vacation but as it is " Herefordfhire to wit," "Lovely, lovely Chloe!" {writing and finging.") Honoria. That's right : you've an excellent voice, and I'd rather you'd do any thing than carry on this cruel profecution {rifes and comes down the ftage). Perhaps by fome neglect of his, St. Orme might (till be fav'd I'll try Oh ! Lord, here's my guardian ! Enter Sapling with manufcript mufic in his hand. Sapling. Oh, my dearHonoria! what fhall I do ? where fhall I go ? whom (hall I apply to? Poor Mrs. Sapling and poor Mr. Privilege ! Honoria. What's the matter, fir? any accident! Paul {putting thefubpcena in his pocket, and com- ing on the other fide of Sapling). Aye ! what's the matter, fir ? any accident? Sapling. Dreadful ! he's taken hoarfe ! now an hour before thft fylvan fete, Mr. Privilege is taken hoarfe, and there's an end of his and my wife's duet. Paul. An end of their duet ! Sapling. Yes : I offer'd to take his part here {pointing to the paper) : but it feems my voice is too natural. They fay I'm no finger, becaufe I don't quaver, and jerk, and twift my body, and make horribly ugly faces and it's very wrong of them I know it's all affectation for I'm fure in their hearts, they'd rather hear fuch a queer fellow as I am, fing w Old Ramjudrah," than all the fine flourifhing fongs in the univcrfe. Paul. So they would and at the end, applaud, as I applaud at the opera. Sapling. What ! do you applaud at the opera? 5 Paul. JO DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. Paul, Always for joy that it's over. But you want a fubftitute do you ? {Looking at themufic chuckling andjmiling.) Honoria. He does : and can't you recommend one, Mr. Poftpone ? Paul, I ! Oh fie, ma'am ! I hope you don't infinuate Honoria, Speak to him guardian his voice is only equal'd by his modefty. Nay : you know it's true: and by your own account, you've toil'd enough for this day. Paul. I have I've work'd like a horfe; and if I thought the ladies wifli'd it {going to take the vtuficfrem Sapling) but no Sir Edward will be angry. Sapling, Nonfenfe ! as mafter of the houfc 'twill be* doing him a favour. Paul. Will it ? Honoria. To be fure and you won't be out o/ the way you know. Paul. No more I fhall ! (ftill chickling.) Sapling. And if you refufe, a great finger mull be font for at a great expence. Paul. So there rouft and if I fiog a hundred fongs, I can but charge 6 s. and 8 d. each ! cqme along give me the part let fomebody play it over -and once in my life, I will relax for half an hour. Sapling. There's a noble lawyer for you t Oh I wifli I had known you fooner you ftiould have ^rawn my marriage fettlement. Paul. Never mind where there's law and parchment before marriage, there's generally law and parchment after; and if $ny little accident fhould happen (whijpers him)- between our- felves, now-a-days married people are the beft cheats, But come* and don't be afraid of my being DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. Jf being natural no my voice is like an rnftru- ment. Sapling. Ah ! that's the true ftyle. But, begging your pardon, if it be the faffaion for fine fingers to> refemble inftruments, I wifh there were inftru- ments to refemble fine fingers : then they might be had at a lefs price would be free from colds and hoarfenefTes and inftead of Venice and Naples, they might be manufactur'd at Sheffield and Bir- mingham. [Exeunt. SCENE. A Road. In the hack Ground, large Gates opening to a Park the Trees at a diftancs arejeen illuminated an Orchefira alfo all mark" ing a Sylvan Fete. Stage partly darkened. Enter Sir Epward Delauny and Ser vant through the Gates. Sir Edw. Difcover'd, fay you ! go on repeat the joyful, welcome tidings. Servant, Yes fir j we faw her fteafing out of yonder wood : and fo whilft William ftaid to watch and to obferve her, I came to afk your further orders. Sir Edw. And you are fure it is Lauretta St. Or me ! Servant. Quite fir ; we recollect her on the fa- tal morning and fee ! fhe comes this way. Sir Edw. Wifh'd for, enchanting fight ! go- inform my fojicitor -bid him come inftantly, and bring the procefs that fecures her I'll ftay myfelf, and guard her. [Exit Servant through the gates. Enter 3ft Delays and blunders* Enter Lauretta St. Or me. Lauretta. Oh, thanks to that fhdtering wood* that hitherto has thus preferv'd me ; and if I reach again my lone retreat, none but a father's voice > "ha! What lights are thofe ? furely I hav'nt loft oh yes fear, and the darknefs of the night, have quite milled me' Heavens ! let me fly Sir Edw, {advancing before her.) Stay pafs not I command you. Lauretta, Oh ! for mercy ! Sir Edw, Mercy ! from whom ? from him who reprefents Sir Frederick! (Lauretta Jkews vio- lent agitat(on) Ay : behold your mortal, deadly foe; who long has fought, but now will never lofe you. Lauretta (trying to crofs him). You cannot you will let me pafs! confider, by detaining me, you make me guilty of the very crime of which you charge my father. He gave me life: wjll you compel me to deftroy his ? Sir Edw. Peace ! I'm refolv'd. Lauretta (falling at his feet). JLookat me 'tis faid I bear a Itrong refemblance to my mother my poor ill-fated mother ! and fhall my rafhnefs rob her of a tender hufband's care ? Look do I not remind you ? Sir Edw. You do and therefore is your pre- fence ftill more hateful. Yes: (he firft debafed our noble houfe's name, by marrying with this outcaft. Lauretta (flill kneeling). She ! do you cenfutc her ! Sir Edw, I do ; and to complete the degrada- tion, did me not abroad expofe her daughter on a public ftage I Lauretta, DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. 33 Lauretta, How ! Sir Edw. Train her difgracefully in that low, mimic fchool - Lauretta {fifing). No, fir that fault was mine I faw her perifhing for want my father helplefs and infirm and though, as a woman, moft profef- fions are denied me, theftage was (till before me I and I fhall ever blefs thofe kind approving hearts that fanction'd my attempts; nor call that path difgraceful, that leads a daughter to fupport her parents. Sir Edw. Have a care dare not to vindi- cate Lauretta. Sir ! the ftage requires not vindica- tion Is it a crime to labour to inftruct and entertain r Is there in Shakfpeare's hallow'd lines, iuch ignorance and vice, that 'tis degrading to re- peat them ? No, fir : the day of prejudice is part in public life, let there be private virtue, and the poor player will be more refpected, than thofe who cenfure and defpife her ! Enter Henry Sapling. Henry. So ihe is and every body fliould refpecT: actors becaufe they always pay fuch handfome compliments to us Britifh failors. Lauretta. Heavens ! Mr. Henry ! Sir Edw. Ay, fir what brings you here ? Henry. I came to claim your promife, Sir Edward as vifitor at your houfe, by my uncle's intro- duction, you bade me afk for what I like now t don't afk fuch ferious favours of you, as fhooting or fiftiing on the bell part of the manor becaufe, I've heard, it only puts you country gentlemen to the trouble of whifpering your game-k-cper, to take * c one J4 DJSLAYS AND BLUNDERS. one to your neighbour's grounds no in the way of fport, I (imply beg leave to carry off this bird of paflage ! (taking Lauretta'j band.) Sir Edw. 'Sdeath, fir ! I infift (going to pari them.) Henry. And I infift, fir ! I knew her in a country where there are fome favages j but none bad enough to wilh her to convifl her father or if there were, do you think I'd fuffer it ? no I'm afraid of only one human being, and as fht's at an agreeable diftance, I wifh you good night, Sir Edward. Sir Edw. Hold, fir defift ! (Noife offiamping with feet without, Sir Edward looks round.) Ha ! I defy you now for here comes one veiled with legal power to fecure her I Dare you contend againft the law ? Henry. No but I dare run from it and I'm fure you ought to thank me, Sir Edward : for now you may enjoy your evening's fete but if I hadn't reliev'd you from this little burthen, (pointing to Lauretta,) all the mufic of the fpheres couldn'e have cheer'd you come, Lauretta this is the firft time I ever fled from an enemy; but if by my re- treating you efcape, 'twill be the proudeft victory I ever gain'd ! [Exit with Lauretta. Enter immediately from the Park Gate Paul Postpone, the MS. Mufic in his Hand. Sir Edw. Now, fir are you completely ready ? Paul. Quite, fir" To arms, to arms" (Humming tune, and then recoilefting him/elf.) Oh, I beg pardon, I thought it was Mr. but I perceive now; you want the fubpcena here it is all prepaid you fee. ii Sir DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. 35 Sir Edw. I do and look, yonder goes Lau- retta follow her make fure of her ; and, left her champion fhould moleft you, and my appearance may be thought vindictive, I'll feek and fend af- fiftance. Away lofe not a moment my happi- nefs, my reputation nay, my life depends on your fuccefs. \_Exit. Paul. I'll do it. I'll ferve the procefs in fpite of her and all her champions. (As he is going a flour ijh of grand martial mufic is heard.") Blefs my ibul ! it's beginning ! the mufic is beginning ! and now at the moment, when I mould have cut fuch a figure ! Was there ever fuch an infernal la- borious profefiion ? {looks out.) Yes: there they are all leated all the fweet beautiful ladies, wait- ing to applaud my vocal and inftrumental powers- dear ! dear ! Wouldn't it be time enough to ferve the fubpcena early to-morrow morning ? I've often put it off till the laft moment ; and ho mart living has ever loft I mean, gain'd, more caufes than I have done. But then, Sir Edward and his reputation ! Oh I muft go after her. Enter Sapling through the Park Gates , hajlily. Sapling. Oh, Lord ! I'm fo glad I've found you. Come along (taking his arm.) The fweet crea- tures are all on the tip-toe of expectation. Paul. I know it. So am I but look, look at that tormenting witnels. Sapling. Witnefs ! Where ? I fee nobody. Paul. Don't you! faith ! no more do I. Sapling. No : whoever they are, they're fafely out of fight for this night. So nonfenfe ! (tuff! put it off till day-light j and now it's the afiizes, c 2 recolleft ^6 DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. recollect you've a right to enjoy yourfelf ! Isn't it a part of the bufinefs to have balls concerts Paul. So it is j and if barrifters partake of them, why not attornies ? damme, I won't be the (lave I have been ! I'll let my genius take its bent; and if it ordains me mufical, it's a better trade than mine more profit lefs trouble Sapling. Ay : and as a reward for your labours, applaufe and repetition ; but in law ! now I only afk, Who ever claps a declaration ? Paul. No : or who ever encores a bill in Chan- cery ? come along." To arms ! to arms ! we heroes cry. Huzza ! to viftory !" [Exeunt finging to grand martial mujic, which continues after the dropping of the curtain. END OF THE SECOND ACT. DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. 37 ACT III. SCENE. An Apartment in Delauny Hou/e. Enter Mrs. Sapling and Honoria. Mrs. Sapling. Pofitively, Honoria, I will not liften to you. You really muft marry Mr. Privi- legeand foon very foon i for my own wedding is gone by, and I begin to want fomething new dreadfully. Honoria. Nay, madam : when I've told you that from early life, my hearc has been another's - Mrs. Sapling. Simple thing! (he don't know that hearts have been our, ever fmce pin-money and feparate eftablifhments came in. And furely you don't compare the elegant Mr. Privilege with this barbarous failor gentleman ? In the firft place, the man has no voice. Honoria. No, ma'am : no more has Mr. Sap- ling. Mrs. Sapling. No voice! my hufband!- Oh, I undeiftand you mean that I play the firft inftrument ? Vaftly well !- and fo you (hall find, ma'am though a widow though not quite fo young and ftriking as Mifs Honoria there is now-a-days this confolation old women never go by and whilft my voice lafts, neither his nor yours fliall be heard, I promife you. Honoria. No, madam : and till my guardian c 3 fliall 2$ DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. fliall affert his rights, I have no hope of happinefs or Henry. [Exit. Mrs. Sapling. None if 'twere only for his in- folent infmuations. Brute ! monfter ! to fpeak fuch home truths to fay I dreaded feeing my hufband on horfeback, becaufe his fortune was in annuity, when every body knows my love for poor little Sappy is fo violent fo Enter Paul Postpone and Sapling. Paul. I fay the fault's yours and fo I'll tell my client again and again. Sapling. Then I fay you are a bafe flanderous perfon. Mrs. Sapling. Mercy ! What's the matter, gentlemen ? Paul, The matter, ma'am ! Why the afiizes have began ; and owing to this feducing deceiver, our only witnefs has efcap'd. You know it, fir. You bade me put it off till day-light j and now, for the firft time, I fhall be fet down as an idle, difli- pated * Sapling. And fo you ought for the mufic didn't content you no you muft dance alfo and play billiards alfo and bet againft time alfo. Paul. Don't you talk of betting againft time ? Didn't you offer to trot on your own feet againft poft horfes ; and draw chaifes with your own hands againft dray horfes? In fact, didn't you fo com- pletely prove yourfelf a four-legg'd animal, that at fupper, when you afk'd for ham and fowl, the com- pany beg'd you'd ftand on no ceremony, but call for hay and corn as if you were alone ? Enter Servant. Servant. Sir, we have trac'd young Mr. Sap- ling DELAYS AND BLUNDERS, 29 Hng and the lady they took the road towards Ivy Farm and Mifs Lauretta is difguis'd in boy's clothes. Paul. Difguis'd in boy's clothes ! Servant. Yes, fir in a green coat white waift- coat round hat Paul (writing it down in memorandum book). Enough -, that, with her effeminate appearance, is full defcription. Shew the way, and, free from dif- fipated company, I'll fecure her. -- (Looking at Sapling.) Madam, yours. If at any time you want legal redrefs and with fuch a fafhionable huf- band, the thing's not at all unlikely there's my card : neat houie and charming accommodation for you and the female part of the family; but for the male extremely forry, but there's no liable on the premifes. [Exit* Sapling. Stable \ Make me out a four leg'd ani- mal ! Excufe me, my dear but nobody (hall take fuch liberties with me but yourfelf. Befides, to fuppofe I'd even name a horfe, when Mrs. Sapling. Oh, the odious creatures ! for Heaven's fake, don't let them make me a difcon- folate widow a fecond time, Mr. Sapling. Sapling. They fha'n't. You Iha'n't be a widow, my darling and what's more, Honoria fhall be a wife (he fhall marry Privilege directly ; and as for Mr. Henry leave him to me I've laid a train that will blow him out of water. Mrs. Sapling. A train ! Sapling* Mum ! He keeps a lady. -Robert Grange, a Yorkfhireman, informs me he keeps a coufin of his in London ; fo what do you think I've done ? fent Robert off exprefs ; bid him tell his coufin of Henry's love affair with Honoria and then you know, down comes her ladyfhip (he c 4 gives 40 DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. gives it him one way Honoria another Robert another Mrs. Sapling {laughing). So they do. Poor wretch ! What will become of him? Sapling. Aye : he may (land againft the can* non's roar ; but two jealous women, back'd by a Yorkfhireman damme, the roclt of Gibraltar could not refifl: their artillery. Mrs. Sapling. Oh delightful ! Mr. Privilege is now in the parkj and I'll immediately inform him. But though this is very well for fuch wo- men as Honoria and her felf-created lady/hip; it won't do in fafhionable lifeyou'll never find me jealous, Mr. Sapling. Sapling. No nor me, my dear. When J hint that you fometimes fpeak and look too kindly on your admirers it isn't jealoufy ! no it's pity general pity for mankind. I wifh you to be merciful, and fpare thofe murdering fmiles Mrs. Sapling. Do you ? Well ! Perhaps I will be merciful adieu ! You really improve every hour, Mr. Sapling. \_Exit Jmiling. Sapling. I do ! I'm finifh*d ! it's very odd, though if I weren't convinced that jealoufy was out of fafliion, I mould be fometimes like Othello quite black in the face with it ! for here's Mr. Privilege how can 1 te!) but (lie may go on pitying nim, till every body pities me. Very well 1 I know how to be even with her I can go hunt- ing and break my neck at any time. Enter Groom. Groom. Sir ! Sir ! Your favourite hunter Sa^.ing. Hulh! lower or your miftrefs may hear you. Groom, DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. 41 Groom. Sir, your poor mare Arabella, is fo low fpirited for want of hunting, that I do think the next time I take her to the river, (he'll coolly lay down, and drown herfelf. Sapling. Poor Arabella ! fhe's a charming goer ; and if your miftrefs would give me an op- portunity, William but no fhe's fo loving fo dutiful fo conusant Greom. Ah ! -it's a thoufand pities, fir but perhaps miftrefs mayn't be always fo, fir. Sapling. No ! Why not, fir ? Have you heard any thing ? Groom. Not at ppefent, fir but I hope for the beft. Sapling. You do j do you ? Leave the room. No (top follow me to the library, and I'll give you a prefcription for the mare : and as to your wilhing your mailer to be a ; no, fir, I am fufficiently fafhionable without that embellifh- ment. [Exeunt. SCENE. A lone Farm-Houfe, with much marked Desolation around it. EnterHniRY Sapling <3*/Lauretta St.Orme. Lauretta is difguifedin Boy's Cloaths. Henry. Come, come, cheer up. Look yon- der's Ivy Farm the lone fequefter'd houfe we are in fearch of; and thus difguis'd, and introduc'd as fervant to the farmer Lauretta. Aye : but the time the time ! think in a few fhort hours, my father will be fum- mon'd to the awful fcene, and if he blefies not the daughter who preferves him, he'll curfe the parri- cide whofe raihnefs has deftroy'd him. Oh ! I can't 42 DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. can't bear the recollection. Hide me from heaven, the world, and from myfelf. Henry. No I'll only hide you from your ene- mies Hufh (land afide fomebody approaches. (They retire behind the wing.) Enter from theHoufe Sternly and Farmer ' Night- shade. - Sternly. Enough I'll tell Sir Edward. Good day ! Night/hade. Good day ! Sternly. Remember now be more than ever wary. Night/hade. Fear not this fecures me (/hewing furfe, and exit Sternly): but plague on't j I can't manage without a fervant ; and this York- fhire rafcal that I lent for onewhat the devil is become of him ? Henry (locking out from behind the wing). It's he! I know him now (comes forward with Lau- retta). So, Matter Nightfhade, you want a ftrvant, don't you ? Nightjloade. I do, Squire Sapling want one mainly and fent my ploughman Henry. I know it and I've brought one fee (pointing to Lauretta) I'm fure you'll take my recommendation. Nightfhade. That I will, fir and thank you for this timely fervice j befides, I like the lad's countenance he looks difcreet and trufty : come along, boy. Only this, fir I hope he don't mind folitude we fee nobody at Ivy Farm. Henry. All the better is'nt it, boy ? there now you're fafe, till I inform your father, and return {afide to Lauretta). Adieu! You've got a trealure, Nightfhade. Nightfhade, DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. 43 Night/hade. I think I have, fir and as to my lazy Yorkfhireman if he don't come home directly, he fhan't come home at all. Henry. And ferve him right (Nightshade and Lauretta exeunt). Low-lifed, fcurrilous block- head ! I dare fay he is now all the time at the public-houfe, boafting that he's coufin to a lady. Well with all my heart I only know it is impof- fible he can be a coufin to my lady. Yes : there's a native elegance a fort of noble inde- fcribable and I'd a dream that fo reviv'd and rivetted my love (going.') Heh ! who is walking yonder with that coxcomical By heaven ! He*. noria, and the hufband they defign her ! and fee he kneels to her he kiflfes her hand and fhe permits it ! So, fo (he likes him fhe prefers him ! Oh ! after all, give me the woman who turns off cooks and lap-dogs; not her who felects privileg'dmen and that decides it. I'm for her ladyfhip and London. Enter Thomas hajiily. Thomas. Sir, Lady Senfitive has fent me pofi> hafte with this letter. Henry, I'm glad on't. I long to hear from her I figh to fee her dear delicious hand ! Oh, that that for the falfe Honoria's letter ( taking it from his pockety and throwing it down). Now let me dwell on a fuperior compofuion {reads). *' You know too well my tender nature; and if * f you do not fet off for London direftly, you will " never fee me more." Sweet innocent ! how I have negleded her ! (reading on.) " Never, you " faltwater favage ! Thanks to your uncle, Bob is arriv'd my Yorkfhire coufin Bob, fir ! and if 44 DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. * { if you don't quit this Mifs Honoria Thingam- " bob, I'll come down flioot you ftab her " and poifon myfelf ! My head goes round and (t round 1 write this between my fits and have *' already emptied the laudanum, hartfhorn, and e all the other bottles in the houfe. Your's, &c. f A. Senfitive." Pheugh ! (trembles and lets the letter fall.') I fhall have a fit myfelf Thomas! you don't believe that is her ladyfhip's hand, do you, Thomas ? Thomas, Sir, I faw her write it. Henry, Did you, Thomas ? Perhaps then I didn't read it rightly I'll juft look again (Takes up Honoria's letter bymiftake, andreads). " One * c who pities the unfortunate who was the friend U of Mrs. St. Orme," Confufion, fhame (hurfis into tears), Oh fool ! fool ! And you, iir you, who mull have known this grofs decep- tion - Thomas. Nay, fir what could I do ? nothing would open your eyes nothing ! for don't you remember, in one of her faimings, when you lent for the great phyfician ? Henry. I do and 'llead of phyfic, he prefcrib'd bank notes ; and on putting a twenty pound one info her hand, (he leer'd at it, jump'd up and went fhoppin^ diredlly ! Oh, 1 perceive it now brought up at fea and in the country, I know but little of the world, and never (hali- feeing no joy in guilt myicif, i can't conceive how others fhould purfue ir. Thomas. Aye* but how will you flop her, fir ? fhe'ii come down and kill us all, and Oh Lord j here fhe is I'm frighten'd out of my fcnfes. flerry. Frighten'd !- at what, blockhead ? (trembling DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. 45 {trembling and turning away.) Look out does fhe feem very violent ? Thomas. No, fir Now I look again, it feems a different perfon. Henry (looking). Yes : it is a different perfon Honoria flying from her lover ! treating hirti with fcorn and indignation ! and look here now I'm more afraid of her than of the other j I can't encounter her kind virtuous fmiles, becaufe I feel I don't deferve them I'm all perplexity and fear pick up the letter come along this moment ; and if you'd never be the wretch that I am, take a wife, Thomas Oh, there's rapture in the word a uife to me is a fhip well man'd, a profperous pi- lot, a fuccefsful voyage, victory, prize money, and firft lord of the admiralty. [Exit with Thomas. Enter Honoria hafiily. Honoria. Gone ! avoid me ! leave me to the mercy of this infulting coxcomb ! Surely it was Henry : but perhaps he faw me not ; or if he did, knew not the ferious danger I'm expofed to. Alone, unprotected, and menac'd by an artful wretch, whofe heart's unmanly as his form ; who, with a look effeminate, conceals a fa v age and fero- cious mind. How (hail I (hun him ? how reach home in fafety ? Enter Paul Postpone and Servant. Paul. Very well, that's Ivy Farm ; and Lau- /etta is difguis'd in a green coat, white waiftcoat, round hat enough. Tell Sir Edward that the wit- 6 nefs 46 DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. nefs is fecure, and, in law or in mufic, that Paul is firft fiddle. Honoria. Oh, Mr 4 Poftpone, I'm Co glad to fee you. Now I'm fafe I'm fure you'll give pro- tection to a timid, helplefs woman. Paul. That I will but as I told you before, it muft be in the long vacation I hav'n't a mo- ment now unlefs, indeed Lord ! (he's quite overcoming and, if I thought witnefs wouldn't cfcape again but no, no away, Cupid ! Re- member it's the affizes.-^-(Cr^j Honoria to go into Farm-Houfe.) Honoria. Then I muft protect myfelf for yon- der's my tormentor, {till feeking to infult me Sir, I (hall not reproach you, but when expos'd to in- folence and peril Paul (not regarding her, but looking out). Oho ! are you there, my little f< toll de roll loll." (Singing and capering. ) Honoria. How ! treat me with ridicule and fcorn ? Oh Henry ! is it not hard that none have feeling to defend and fave me ? [Exit, Paul (Jlill looking out and recurring to his pocket book). Green coat ! white wailtcoac 1 round hat ! " toll de roll loll." Enter Privilege hajlily, (N. B. Previoufly to this Scene, he mufl appear in Green Coat, &c. Jo as to rejemble Lauretta's Drejs as nearly as pojfible. ) Privilege. There fhe goes. Oh Lord ! how I am fatigu'd ! But I'll after her ! Paul {coming before him, fmiling, and putting bis hat before ha face with one hand, and with the ether DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. 47 other offering the fubpcena). Take it, will you ? I'm naturally fo modeft and Really the very thought makes me blufh fo, that upon my foul I'm afham'd to look at you. Take it, will you ? Privilege. Afham'd to look at me ? Why who the devil are you ? and what's this ? Paul. The fubpcena, you cunning little rogue ! and the next time you difguife yourfelf, do it bet- ter for to pay you the compliment that's due to you, fo far from any thing coarfe or mafculine, curfe me if ever I faw a more feminine delicate crea- ture in my life s never ; and I (han't want gallantry no, as you are fatigu'd, you (hall have a horfe ; and hark'ye, a nice foft fide faddle ! Privilege (cr ' offing him). Standby, fir; this is fome contrivance of Honoria's, but it fhan't amufe me from my purpofe; no, I'll inftantly purfue her : and for you, fir ; dare not to follow me* dare not to affront a privileg'd man. [Exit. Paul. Man ! that's a good joke ; as if nature ever meant fuch a thing as that, for one of my noble gender? And as to her (trusting and bluftering; does (he think I don't know one fcx from another ? Pooh; go where (he will, I'll go after her; and bring her before the Court, if it's only for a libel on the nation ; for if it confided of no better men than (lie is, we (hould be all Bond-ftreet beaus, men-milliners, butterflies, and jackadandies. [Exit. SCENE Infide of the Farm Hcu/e, Stairs leading to a large dark- colour 'd Door, a great Iron Cham acrojs it, Chairs, Table with a Jug upon it. Enter Nightshade and Lauretta St. Orme. Nightjhade. Aye aye, if you like retirement, this 4$ DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. this is the houfe for you. In the firft place, yo'tr are never to ftir out; and when I do, you are to expect to be lock'd in. Lauretta. Lock'd in, fir ! Nigbtjhade. Ay : and you are not to write let- ters or receive any ; and on no account to admit vifuors. Lauretta. No, fir ! Nigbtjhade. No you are to fee nobody, but myfelf, a nurfe, and another perfon : look at that door, that with the chain acrofs it. Lauretta. 1 fee, fir j you terrify me beyond de- fcription : let me go. Nigbtjhade. Nonfenfe ! 'tisn't to imprifon you j no, 'tis fecur'd in that manner for fecret pur- pofes ; and, when affiftance is requir'd, you muft be ready to afford it. And now, I've told you your employment, do as your predecefTor us'd to do come, (fitting down and taking the jug), enliven me with a long. Lauretta {looking at the door with great agita- tion). Sir, I 1 Nigbtjhade. Nay, 1 am matter here, and will not be refus'd fing, I infift j it will amufe us all. Lauretta fings Nightshade falls ajleep. SONG. Once happy in a peaceful home, Of Fortune's gifts I aflt'd no other ; A prifon's now my father's doom ; And fay, oh fay, where art thou, mother r If thou haft prefs'd a lucklefs bier Of vidians, Death ! Oh take another ;. Or, if immur'd in cavern drear, Boldly I'll fly to fave my mother. {After DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. 49 {After the fong, voice within), Lauretta! Lauretta. Ha ! that voice ! {Voice within). Help ! help, Lauretta ! Lauretta. My mother, it is my mother's voice ! {running towards door and beginning to unbar it). Night/hade (wakings ftarting up, and feeing her). Hold Who bid you unbar the door ? Lauretta. Inftin6t, which impels the offspring to affift its parent ! (Lauretta throws back the chain, door opens and discovers a dreary apartment, lamp hanging in it -, Mrs. St. Orme fa/Is in Lau- retta's arms.) Nightfloade {advancing tojeize Mrs. St. Orme). Stir not, (he's my prifoner. Enter Henry Sapling. Henry (feizing Nightshade). And you're mine. If taknig prifoners be the plan, a Britifh failor 'gainft the world, my boy. Mrs. St. Orme. Lauretta ! though thus dif- guis'd, I trace each well-known feature j and that bounteous power that long fince blefs'd me with returning health, reftor'd my harafs'd a id difor- der'd mind, now makes me feel the blefllng ten timts o'er ; for ] behold and know my child again. Oh ! I'm moft grateful ! but that ftranger is he not a foe ? Henry. Heaven forbid, Madam. Lauretta. No, he's the beft of friends, and will conduct you to my father. Mrs. St. Orme. Your father ! Never, never ! Lauretta. Never ! Mrs. St. Orme. No, his falfehood firft derang'd me; and that he fince has doom'd me to captivity, I have unanfwerable proof His letters oh, his d letter $0 DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. letter written to the late Sir Frederick, and mewrt me by Sir Edward's agent. Lauretta. His lerter ! Mrs. St. Orme. Ay, his! I knew the once lov'd hand too well, and. the indelible and cruel words can never be efFac'd. < I charge you to confine her ; if fhe efcape, my mifery is evedaft- rng." Oh ! this from him ! from him, the father of Lauretta ! Henry Sapling. Madam, my life on*t, he is wrong'd. Mrs. St. Orme. No, fir, this, with his falfehood, is fufficient proof j and I retort the aecufation of derangement the road to happinefs is virtue; thofe who forfake it are the truly mad,, and if this treat- ment of a doating wife be not infanky, 'tis worfe,, 'tis vice, and I would rather pity than defpife him. Henry. I fay again, he's wrong*d ; but this is not a place for explanation ; let me conduct you to fome fafer fpot. And for you, Mr. Solitude you fee that fpare room ? fay two words and I'll fhut you there, with no food but your reflections ; no company but your confcience : they were this fufFering lady's beft fopport but if you were a navy, they'd fink you, hypocrite ! Enter Thomas, in great hajle end agitation. Thomas. Sir 1 fir \ {whiff ering Henry). Henry. Come ! arriv'd 1 Thomas. Yes, fir {whifpering again). Henry. At the door ! in the low chariot with her Y< rkfhire coufin ! and to catch me -with two fuch lovely Oh, this will never do, I'll fneak and hide myfelf {letting go Mrs. St. Game's hand), 1 1 Lauretta* DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. 51 Lauretta, How ! Do you hefitate ? Will you at lad forfake us ? Look ! look on my mother. Henry. I do and it's coming I'm fcrewing myfelf up, I'm comparing my own paltry danger with fuch diftrefs as hers, and your hand, ma'am, I'm ready for action ! But, at the fame time, there can be no harm in your (licking clofe, Thomas. Nightjhade. Hold, fir none ftir without my leave. Henry. Your leave ! that's a good joke when I've made up my mind to engage a feventy-four, do you think I'm afraid of a common cock-boat ? go go before I infift, fir; and tell the enemy, if they dare fight againft two veflfds fhipwreck'd and diftrefs'd, they muft be cowards j and, fpite of coufins, cuffs, cordials and faintings, I'll convey both to harbour ! I, Henry, the friend of them, of marriage, of Honoria ! [Exeunt. SND OF THE THIRD ACT. P * 52 DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. ACT IV. SCENE. An Apartment in Delauny Houfe a Door in the Flat leading to a Bed-Chamber* Enter Privilege. "Privilege. So: I've got clear of him I've at laft efcap'd him and his fide-faddles, and fub- pcenas, and I begin to fufpect his bufinefs now. It's a writ he has got a writ againft me from fome curft taylor or other j and if I'm arretted at this moment, I lofe Honoria and her thirty thoufand pounds ; but (he's fafe now j I'm fure to catch her, before he catches me. No damme ! here's the horrid brute again ! Where (hall I go ? {tries op- pojite Jlage door.) This door's lock'd ! and yon- der's Mrs. Sapling's bed-chamber fhe's not in it though j or if fhe were, my character would there bring me off; but with lawyers and bailiffs fomehow I never could convince them I'm a pri- vileg'd man. [Exit into chamber. Enter Paul Postpone time enough 4oJee him. Paul. I fee you my darling ! I fee you ; and fhould have come up with you fooner; only I ftop'd to look at a cricket match.. He ! he ! it's pretty fport; (flawing money) and I fhould have won more on the runs, than thefe two guineas, only the dull dogs left off play to go to bufinefs. But now for it- {goes to the chamber door and tries t9 BELAYS AND BLUNDERS. 5-J to open it.) Foolifh little thing ! as if that would fave her. Holloa ! there's the fubpcena under the door that's a good fervice and thus 'the iron hand of law (trying to force the door) But flop; now in Sir Edward's houfe, and guarded by his fervants, fhe may be fafer here than under my protection (he will ! fo I'll ftep over to the town- hall, fee how caufe (lands -, and then return, and whi(k her like a whirlwind to the trial : and after this, let no man charge me with the law's delay. Never was fuch diligence and zeal. Enter Sapling and Honoria. Sapling. Come along j I know you meant to elope. 1 know the letter was from Henry, and when Mrs. Sapling has nam'd a hu(band for you, how dare you love another man ? Honoria. Nay, fir becaufe (he controls your feelings, is fhe to command mine ? Sapling. She is ; and I'll call her from her bed- chamber and if you don't inftantly marry Mr. Privilege {turning up the ft age.) Paul {meeting him face to face). Oh fie ! fie ! force her to marry one man, when you know (he loves another not that I allude to myfelf no whether I am or am not the happy object of her choice, this (he may depend on j I'll releafe her in the long Vacation: and for you Mr. Sapling; don't truft yourfelf near that chamber ; nor on any ac- count peep through the keyhole; for fafhion able as you are, you'll blu(h But I can't (lay to ex- plain particulars : muil ftep over to the town-hall fo, mum Don't you go near that chamber. \Exit. Sapling. Not go near my wife's chamber ! not peep through Oh Lord ! furely pooh, non- d 3 fenfe j 4 DELAYS AND BLUNDERI. fenfe; (he only treats poor Privilege as a play- thing : and whilft other ladies make pets of cats, puppies, and monkies on four legs, fhe chufes one on two legs, that's all. Honoria, And you'd have me marry a monkey, fir ? Sapling. Why not ? Put a monkey on a fhort coat, long pantaloons, thick neckcloth, cropt wig, large opera hat, and there's as good a hufband as the beft of them ; and you (hall have him and fpite of that fellow's fcurrilous infinuations, I'll venture to call Mrs. Sapling yes I'll {half afraid) hold, as ufual, let me announce my ap- proach by an elegant tap (taps at the door.) Privilege (within). Is it you, Mrs. Sapling ? Sapling. What ? Privilege (within). Is it you, my dear Mrs. Sapling ? or is it that horrid brute ? Sapling, It's he ! he calls me horrid brute ! There's the privileg'd man and here's the finifh'd man ! Within there ! William I William ! Honoria (not having heard Privilege). What's the matter, fir ? What are you doing? Sapling (not regarding her). When I lov'd and doubted, I was miferable; now I know I'm a hor- rid brute, I'm completely comfortable. (Enter Groom.) Come William, come and faddle Ara- bellato horfe ! to hunting ! to the field, my boy ! Groom. What ! Have you got leave, fir ? Sapling, No: I've taken leave. She has her favourites I'll have mine ; come, and faddle Ara- bella; and if being jealous is being ill-bred, fo much the better; 1 hate fafhion; I like feeling; fhe has cut me to the heart, William now I'll break her's, and we'll be both buried in the fame grave ! [Exit with Groom. Honoria, DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. 5$ Honoria. What can this fudden alteration mean? No matrer, it gives me momentary fafetyj and I may once more read my Henry's letter. (Reads.) '* I have fo offended Sir Edward, that I dare noc *' venture to his houfe ; but as I hope you take " an intereft in my fate, I write to tell you, I am ** at the Star, a friall inn on. the Ikirts of the " town, where I ^.ttj detain'd on fecret and impor- " tant bufinefs. For Heaven fake, if you>- ene- u mies continue their perfecutions, remember you Mrs. Sapling. I a deferted wife ! Peace, fir ! and know 'tis Henry Sapling 'tis his nephew that- - Paul. His nephew ! Pooh ! that's very well to blind you ; but that lort of cover won't do for me. No j ^4 DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. No j and fince. my reputation refts upon this cafe, and I'm tir'd of being libell'd for other people'* blunders, I'll have him out, and prove Mrs. Sapling. Do, fir : convince yourfelf, and this diftruftful girl, that Henry is this Arabella's fwain, and that my doatirig hufband, who never wanders from my apron-ftrings, and who is now at home waiting with anxious Enter Sapling, from the Inn, ftrutting y and in a hunting Drefs. Mercy on me ! here, in the inn ! Speak, fir how came you (Sapling pajfes by her, and goes towards the wing.) Why, what are you doing ? Sapling {pretending not to fee or hear her). Wil- liam ! Is my favourite ready t Mrs. Sapling. What favourite ? Heavens ! Surely you don't mean this creature, this Arabella ? Sapling. I do mean Arabella j and I avow it boaft of it. I have fecretly concealed her a long time , but now (he (hall have more of my com- pany. I'll go out with her every morning, vifit her every evening, keep her an additional fervant, have drawings, paintings, ftatues made of her in lhort, curfe me if I don't think I'll live with her. Mrs. Sapling. Aftonifhing ! live with her ! Sapling. Why not ? She will be careful of my neck, though (he has no annuity upon it ! And you, Honoria, you fhall alfo (hare my favour ; and we'll return to the farm, and never more quit it for faithlefs, fickle, cru {half crying). There I I've (hewn my fpirit. And now, come along, girl. Honoria. Thank Fortune ! Henry's affection is confirmed. Paul. Thank Fortune ! my reputation is con- firmed. And that Sir Edward may know of my fuccefs, DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. 6$ fuccefs come, madam; I'll attend you to De- launy Houfe ! And, for this little gay deceiver, depend on't, we'll bring him on his knees. Mrs. Sapling. Ay: he fhall fue in vain for pardon; and, for the reft oh ! 1 wifh, with all my heart, my firft hufband were alive. Sapling. So do I, with all my foul; then you'd have finilhcd him, inftead of rne. \Extunt feveratfy: SCENE-^ Wood. Enter Henry, Mrs. St. Orme, and Lauretta. N. B. Lauretta is in her own Cloatbs. Mrs. St. Orme y to Henry. May Heaven unite you to Honoria hearts fuch as yours can bed re- ward each other but, to my purpofe ; that you, my child, no more may fuffer by the frowns of for- tune, firft let me claim my loft hereditary rights, and then to feek abroad that happinefs denied me here. Lauretta. Abroad ! You cannot; you will fee my father. Mrs. St. Orme. No, he has deceiv'd me once, and may again confine me. Like you, I triumph in his late fuccefs, and wifh my charges were as groundlefs as Sir Edward's but no, hfs letter is decifive ! and therefore come to J>elauny Houfe, and there we part, my child. Lauretta. Part, mother ! Speak, intercede for me, fir. Mrs. St. Orme. Yes , part, Lauretta ! I to fome foreign clime, and you where duty and affection dictate he has no crimes to you, and though I thus e could $6 DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. could cling for ever round you, I will not rob him of a treafure he deferves. No, he has accuftom'd me to forrow, and I can proudly wifli him happy, happy with his daughter. Lauretta. Why, why won't you fpeak, fir ? Henry Sapling. I do, ma'am don't you fee I'm fpeaking all the time ? not with my tongue, that flicks to my mouth ; but my eyes, my hands, my heart, are all fpeaking ; and when a failor's on more, I don't think it kind of his friends to be always foaking him in this manner with fait water. {Weeping.) Befides, there's danger at Delauny Houfe. Mrs, St. Orme. What danger, fir ? the eftate is mine ; I go to claim it for my child j and jn fuch a caufe, fear can't affail me. Come, and when you've found your friend, fpeak not of me ; or, if you do, I will be filent and avoid him. Oh yes ; to him I'm (till a coward -, but to Sir Edward and his haughty friends, I'm firm as pride, maternal love, and confcious worth can make me. [Exit with Lauretta. Henry. Indeed ! I wifh (he'd fpare me a little of her firmnefs ; for between her, and St. Orme, and Honoria, and another lady, I'm fairly flurried out of my fenfes. Gad! I don't know which I think mod of. Yes I do, though ; her ladyfhip's is the lading imprefiion ! I (hall never forget her ! and as a proof fhe won't forget me, look, here's her curd York- fhire champion.. Zounds ! once in thefe fcrapes, a man never gets out of them. Enter Roeert Grange. Robert, Sir, your very humble fervant I 1-^ Oh Lord ! what will become of me ? {burjts into tears,) Henry. Delays and blunders. 67 Henry. Peace, fir ; none of your lham fenfibi- Robert. Nay; it's all downright earned now : for you mun know, I went to a lawyer about your cafting off Bell ; and when I got back to the ta- vern, I found (lie had caft me off! Yes, you fee fhe had a knack of never fainting properly, unlefs there was fomebody to look on; and fo fhe got blubbering at the window, and one Captain O'Safh faw her, and nodded, and dear ! dear ! I can't contain myfelf. Henry. No more can I ! Go on, melodious mefTenger proceed, feraphic orator ! Robert. One Captain O'Safh, I fay, nodded and tript up flairs ; and foon after, Bell order'd the low chariot, and away they both went to a French foreign place call'd Tipperary yes, Tipperary - and further, I'm forry I can't tell you. Henry. And fo am I ; for I could dwell for ever on that filver fweet ton'd voice and for this friendly captain Oh ! bleffings on him ! I'll go fee Ho- noria directly. Robert. Od dang it! what, won't thee try to bring her back again ? Henry. No, curfe me if I doand that you may not attempt fo rafli an act, here's money to drink them a pleafant journey. [Exit Robert. And now for that delicious darling hope, a wife, fire-fide, children, pure domeftic love. Oh, ge- nerous, noble captain ! May all his future days be gay and airy In the fweet bowers of love and Tipperary. 'Thomas. Sir, I ax pardon ; bur, to avoid detec- tion, and get time for efcaping, I underftand Far- mer Nightfliade has given out that Mrs. St. Orme is dead. e 2 Henry, N 68 DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. Henry. Dead ! 'Thomas, Yes, fir ; and Sir Edward believes the report. Henry. Indeed ! let the plot thicken, then. Tell St. Orme, he'll find Lauretta at Delauny Houfe. [Exit Thomas. And may he there again partake connubial joys. Enter Sapling. Sapling. Connubial joys ! That's right, Henry. Come and enjoy them. Come, and marry Honoria directly. Henry. What ! confent ! let me have a wife at laft! Sapling. Ay ; being in for't myfelf, the more the merrier, I fay. Henry. So fay I. Oh ! if every body knew the blefiings of matrimony as much as I do, England would treble its inhabitants ; and its mod valuable property would be old bachelors and old maids j for they'd be taken alive, and {hewn as curiofities. [Exeunt. SCENE. 'The Library , with Painting apparatus and tr an/parent windows , as in id Scene of the id Act only, being day-light, thePFindcws are now il- luminated. Lauretta is di/ccver'd painting Let- ters on the Vejlal buried alive at the Top Jke has already written the words " Edward Delauny," and at the bottom nearly finifttd thoje of " Amelia St. Orme." -Mrs. St. Orme is di/ccver'd with her. Mrs. St. Orme. Defift defift, Lauretta ! this libel on Sir Edward will never vindicate your fa- ther. $ Lauretta. DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. 69 Lauretta. Nay, deareft Madam, I have nearly flnifh'dj another letter will complete the work. There! {comes down). Thus let the myftery be folv'd, be this the touchftone of Sir Edward's con- duct ! And if it prove as I fufpect, that he's the real culprit, think of the bright reward you, mother ! you ftill fhall blefs Lauretta and her fa- ther. Mrs. St. Orme. Oh ! if I thought there were a hope ! but no, 'tis paft j and therefore to avow my claim St. Orme {without). Where is fhe ? "Where is my daughter ? Mrs. St. Orme. Heavens! So near me! my fhatter'd brain can't ftruggle with the conflict ! {Going towards ft age door). Lauretta. Stay, I implore you, flay. Mrs. St. Orme. I cannot ! dare not ! no, within this room I may remain conceal'd ; and, fince I gain'd admiilion here unnotic'd, unobferv'd, none can betray me but yourfelf. Lauretta. Fear not, for I blefs the lucky chance, that thus enables you to hear and judge how you have wrong'd my father. [Mrs. St. Orme exit at ft age door. Enter St. Orme and Sir Edward Delauny. St. Orme, to Sir Edward, as he enters. Think not I came to menace or intrude ; no, fir, I came on Henry's fuggeftion, to feck my dear lov'd daughter; and what ftrange motive brought her to this place, fhe fhall explain hereafter. We owe no favour to Delauny Houfe, and never will ! {Crojfes to Lau- retta, takes her hand, embraces her, &c.) Sir Edward {afide). And I mylclf fhould fcru- tinize her motive, but that Amelia's death makes e 3 me 70 DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. me defy all fear Oh yes, the dreaded tale died with her; and therefore [to St Orme), take a laft fare- well of this proud houfe, that Hill fo gaiU and irri- tates - - (Croffing, he fees the tranfpare-c}, and JiartsJ.rHa ; whole deed is this ? " Edward Delauny !" (reading and trembling). Lauretta. Ay ; and " Amelia St. Orme." What alarms you ? Why mould a picture agitate you thus ? I tremble not; no, nor my father 1 See, though the ftory (hocks his tender nature, he turns not from it with remorfe ; No, the faithful hufband and the ardent lover break forth in mingl'd tears of pity and affection ! (falls on her knees).--' Oh Heaven ! 1 faid I knew that he was inno- cent ! St. Orme. Explain, Lauretta. What means that Lauretta. Means ! That that lovely fuppliant is my mother : and that the hand that robs her thus of liberty and life, is her exalted kinfman's, who treats the ftage with fcorn and indignation, when but a mimic fcene like this can goad the guilty, and re- ward the good. Father ! you muft, you fhall be happy ! (embracing him.) Sir Edward. Audacious girl ! who dare accufe me of fuch crimes ? Lauretta. 1, in the face of Heaven and of man I will aver, that to retain this fplendid edifice and proud domain, you thus immured the beft of mothers and of wives if not, behold the picture firmly, like my father. See ! he dare not Oh, guilty ! on my foul he's guilty ! Sir Edward. 'Tis falie and were your mother here, (he would accufe another. St. Orme. What other, fir ? ir iLdward. You know too well. Nay, dare n&t DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. 71 to deny it here's damning proof againft you. {Pro~ during letter \ and reading.} " I charge you to con- fine her if fhe efcape" St. Orme. Oh villain ! curft contriving; villain ! if that which tendernefs and pity prompted, has been perverted to fuch favage purpofe, may every hufband's, every father's curfe But no, guilt fuch as this, is fo unparallel'd, that we fhould pray for mercy, not for vengeance. Sir Edward. Away, and know fhe died the vic- tim of her malady. St. Orme. Died! Sir Edw. Ay : and by her deceafe, I fway for ever here: and mark me, fir; if rafhly you re- vive the charge, this letter {hall acquit me to the world. No other witnefs can be found Enter Mrs. St. Orme. Mrs. St. Orme. There can and I'm that wit- nefs ! My life ! my hufband ! after fuch proofs, fhall I delay to clafp you to my heart? No: the flory of your falfehood was contriv'd like this, from treacherous, fordid motives; and henceforth my fufpicion is referved for thofe who would deftroy domeftic 'peace my love -and confidence for him and her, who know no wifh bryond it ! (getting between St. Orme and Lauretta.) St. Orme. Share fhare my joys Lauretta ; alone I can't tupport them. And you, Sir Edward Mrs. St. Orme. Upbraid him not: his triumph was to punifh, ours is to pardon. Yes, dr (to Sir Edward) the virtuous beft refent their wrongs, by deigning to forgive them. Sir Edw. I fee I am betray'd, and need not your reproaches; my own, and that reproachful look are quite fufBcient; and thus diigrac'd, I e 4 fhall 72 DELAYS AND BLUNDERS, fhall renounce all future claim; for fortune, rank, and life, are equally indifferent ! farewell! {going) and to relieve you from thofe bitter pangs that goad and torture here, know, 'twas the hand of Heaven, not your's, that doom'd Sir Frederick to his grave. Enter Mrs. Sapling, meeting him. Mrs. Sapling. What ! going, coufin ! now, when I expect the bride and bridegroom ! (Sir Edward exit.) and leave your company ! You're vaftly welcome though (curt/eying to St. Orme, Mrs. St. Orme, and Lauretta); and I expect my penitent hufband, and with him, Honoria married to Mr. Privilege : thefe are the terms of my for- givenefs, and fo Mr. Poftpone is gone to inform him. (inufic without.) Here they come. I ordered one of my grand marches to announce their arrival, Flourijh of Mujic, and enter Sapling, Henry, Honoria, and Pawl Postpone. Mrs. Sapling. Oh joy ! my dear Mr. Privilege 1 a thoufand joys ' Henry, You're too good and in return, allow me to introduce to you Mrs. Plenty Sapling ! Mrs. Sapling. What! Henry. Mrs. Henry Sapling ; and to fave you the trouble of telling her of my pad follies, I've told her myfelf, and fhe generoufly forgave me; and for. any further information on this fubject, I refer you to Captain O'Safh at Tipperary ; and for any information relative to the bridegroom you expected, I refer you to the taylor who has juft arretted him ; fo there end his privileges and here begin mine {kijjing Honoria). Mrs. Sapling. DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. 75 Mrs. Sapling, Why, Mr. Poftpone, havVt you explained ? Sapling. He has ; he told me how Privilege got into the bed-chamber, and I told him that my Arabella was related to Hambletonian, Rocking- ham, Ticklepilcher, and Potatoes; but, as ufual, he came too late. He ftopt to follow the fox chace. So, by his delay, I've loft a dear good wife, and Henry's gain'd one. Paul. Don't blame me; I told you all along there was no doing bufinefs by driving and hurry- ing. And twenty attornies wou'dn't be fufficient for fuch a fafliionable family as you are. But, 1 give you joy, ma'am {to Honoria) ; and if I've time, and your hufband's leave, I'll vific you every long vacation. And I give you joy Mr. St. Orme; and mould they traduce me for not convicting an innocent perfon, mould they fay I'm not a (harp* and active lawyer, lo much the better I know I'm an honeft one, and I'll delay to alter that character as long as I live. Henry. Come, fmce we are all united fince, as I hoped, Henry and Lauretta have regain'd their prize (hall nunky have no wife ? Come, madam, come Sapling. Mrs. Sapling ! my life ! my that's a good fign filence is a proof of love. Mrs. Sapling. Indeed ! then I fancy few married ladies are in love but I'm too well bred to wranr gle ; fo, there ! Sapling. And there ! (Jhaking hands ) Henry, And now henceforward copy me uncle ; .-think not of any Arabellas: or if you do be it to pity thofe, who, but for men's feducing arts, had known, like us, the blifs of virtuous love! Honoria, 74 DELAYS AND BLUNDERS. Honoria. Then crown our pleafures with your genial praife, Blame not our Blunders, pardon our Delays. All aid my fuit. {to Henry.) Henry \ Let me your favour court ; A married Tailor begs you won't fpoil fport. Sapling. So does a fox-hunter (recolletting and looking a- Mrs. Sapling ) a finifh'd man. Mrs. Sapling. Ay, ladies, look refufe him if you can. Mrs. St. Qrme. And we entreat you Paul. Yes, and Paul Poftpone. Your fmiles are fees for all his labours done. Each cheering nod demonftrates he has ?reat fenfe, And every clap's a glorious fix and eight pence, Then, take the hint, and, fpite of critic laws, We'll to an Englilh Jury truft our caufe. ?ND OF THE FIFTH ACT. EPILOGUE, WRITTEN BY MILES PETER ANDREWS, Es^ SPOKEN BY MRS. MATTOCKS, Ukce more I come my fervices to tender, Will you once more receive an old offender } Who, arm'd with Epilogue's farcaftic ftrain, Hath often here indulg'd her fportive vein ; Hath Falhion's fanttion'd ftore prefum'd to rifle, And wilh your fav'rite follies dared to trifle. Our Play concluded, fhall I humbly fue, - As Epilogue of old was wont to do ? Or, heedlefs of the Poet and his trade, Frolic at random, and cry, Who's afraid ? Balloons are now the hobbies that engage ; Certain criterion of a paring age. The flighty heroine, and the dafhing fair, Whofe characters are rather worfe for wear, May fcorn dull fqueamifh prudes, ftiff laced andcuri'd, Mount a Balloon, and rife above the world. How fine th' idea ! By the winds alone, Not by old dowagers, to be blown upon. But while on air fo pleafantly we rife, Things better hid, perhaps, may meet our eyes, Giles Grub the grocer, failing o'er his fliop, His eye may thro' his parlour ikylight pop : " Good Mounfliur Flyaway ! do let me out; " Dickens! what's duck and journeyman about ? *' The compter's left fpoufe does fo love to chat > ** She'll now do nothing elfe." No fear of dat. " Allons de French philofophie you learn " Leave journeyman he manage your concern.'' Off goes Balloon all cares are out of fight : Down in a marih drops Giles in haplefs plight, And finds himfelf a happy man e'er night. If France in novelties mult itill have fway, What dainty dame at home will bear to flay ? Sir 1 EPILOGUE. Sir Johk, a fimple knight, nor more nor lefs, Dubb'd for his townfhip's, not his own addrefs ; Thinks all but Paris now is low and filly ; So wife, fon, felf are cramm'd into the dilly. Chuckfull they go the door, you fcarce can lock it ; Shawls, drams, pie?, pattens ftufPd into each pocket. Sick of rough roads, they're trundl'd down to Dover ; More lick of rougher feas, they're wafted over. On fhore, my lady cries, " Now, dear, d'ye fee, ** Don't you parley but l^ave the French to me ! ** Here, Mounfur Waiter ! porter me fome beer. c Plait il, vtadame ? I fay Ontong d'ye hear? ' Porter de dinne. Is Paris far ? Bien loin." That's right, my lady Porter and firloin," ' Tteray Sir John. Zcunds, mother I change that ftrain, ** Speak in the vulgar tongue, and you'll fpeak plain. " Ft done ! with Englifh we fhall not advance : " Plain Englifh truths are not the tafle in France. '* No, faith thofe fquibs that we fo witty call, Egad the French efteem no jokes at all; ' Nor can one get, fo much they hate what's funny, *' An Englifh newfpaper^-for love or money." At home again one word before we part ; Our Author claims it from each feeling heart: But chief from you, ye fair, whofe cherifh'd name Love crowns with honour, or configns to fhame ; You will our Poet greet with warm applaufe, Who pleads fo firmly in your beauty's caufe ; And to vain man the contrail drives to prove 'Twixt lawlels paffion and connubial love. THE END. POETICAL WORKS, Printed for T. N. Longman and O. Rees, N. 39, Paternofier-Row, 1. The WORKS of THOMAS CHATTERTON: con- filling of all the Pieces contained in Rowley's Poems, Chatter- ton's Mifcellanies, and the Supplement; with more than an equal portion of new matter. The additions confift of all Chat- terton's fcattered Pieces which could be collected from the dif- ferent periodical publications with which he correfponded ; of various Productions afcribed to Rowley or written by himfelf, which have appeared in fundry works ; and of the nnpublifhed Pieces of both Rowley and Chatterton, which were in the pof- feffion of the late Dr. Glynn, Mr. Barrett and Mr. Catcott. To thefe are added feveral original Communications, calculated to illuftrate the Charafterof Chatterton, and to throw confiderable light on the long-depending Controverfy. In chree large vo- lumes, c&avo, price il. us. 6d. in boards, ornamented with feven Engravings. 2. JOAN of ARC, an Epic Poem. By Robert Soutkev. In two volumes, printed on fine wove paper, hot-preiTed, em- bellimed with an elegant Portrait of the Maid of Orleans. The fecond edition. Price 12s. in boards. M It affords us pleafure to fee that a poem, trie uncommon merit of which was recognized by us at its firft appearance (fee Monthly Review for April 1796), has fo far obtained the fairclion of the public, as to produce a demani {or a fecond edition. " We alfo are gra;ificd in obfetving that the author ha3 fo much fubJued the felf-confidence and impatience of youth, as to fubmit to the talk of a very care- ful revifion of the who!e, and to make ample factifices of fuch parts as could not ftand the fcrutiny of" his maturer judgment." Monthly Review, Jan. 1799. 3. POEMS, including The Vision of the Maid of Orleans. By Robert Southev. Two volumes. Price I is. in boards. " Among the youthful poets ofthe prefent day, Mr. Soathey bears no Incon- siderable rank. He courted the mules at an early age ; and they did not treat bis advances with dil'dain. He is not one of thofe cool verifiers who tamely purfue a fpiriclefs courfe; for he frequently difplays feeling, tafte, and ge- nius." Critical Review, June 1799. 4.' THALABA the DESTROYER, a Metrical Romance, with copious Notes. By Robert Southey. Elegantly printed in two volumes, foolfcap octavo. Price 14s. in boards. 5. LYRICAL BALLADS, with other POEMS. By W. Wordsworth. Neatly printed in two volumes, foolfcap oc- tavo. Price 11?. in boards. " The Poetical Works, printed for Longman and Rees. tc The attempt made in this little volume is one that meets our cordial ap- probation, arnd it is an attempt by no means unfuccefsful. The endeavour of the author is to recall our poetry from the fantaftical excefs of refinement to> fimplicity and nature. The account of this defign, and its probable effects upon modern readers, is fo very fenfibly given in the introduction, that we fliall in- fert the paflage at large. " We do not often find expreflions that we efteem too familiar, or deficient in dignity ; on the contrary, we think that the* author has fucceeded in attain- ing that judiciou's degree of fimplicity, which a; commodates itfelf to the fu- blime. It is not by pomp of words, but by energy of thought, that fublimity 3s moft fuccefsfully atchieved ; and we infinitely prefer the JimpHcity, even of the'moft unadorned tale in this volume to all the meretricious frippery of the Darwinian tafte." Britifh Critic, 0<:7. 1799. < c So much genius and originality are difcovered in this publication, that we wi/h to fee another from the fune hand, written on more elevat-d fubjects, and in a more cheerful difpofition." Monthly Review, June 1799. *' The author has thought for himfelf 5 he has deeply ftudied human na- ture, in the book of human a&ion j and he has adopted his language from the fame fources as his feelings. Aware that his poems are fo materially different from thofe upon which general approbation is at prefent bellowed, he has now defended them in a preface of fome length ; not with the fooli/h hope of reafon- ing his readers into an approbation of thefe particular poems, bufas a neceffary j unification of the fpecies of poetry to which they belong. It would be no mean, it would indeed be a very lofty praife, to aflert of a writer, that he is able to pour into our bofoms powerful feelings of a particular clafs, or belonging to a particular order of men. To this praife Mr. Wordfworth lays a well-fup- ported claim. He declares himfelf'the poet chiefly of low and ruftic life (fome ipecimens of ability he has given in other lines, but this is evidently his excel- lence) and he pourtrays it, not under its difgufting forms, but in fituations af- fording, as he thinks, the beft foil for the effential paflions of the heart, in- corporated with an elementary and durable ftate of nature. Each feparate poem has, as its diftinct purpofe, the developement of a feeling, which gives im- portance to the aclion and fituation, and not the action or fituation to the feeling." Britijh Critic, Feb. 1801, 6. LYRICAL TALES. By Mrs. Mary Robinson. Handfcmely printed in fmall odtavo. Price 5s. 6d. in boards. *' Her lyre is harmonious, and fhe has difplayed the power of touching the chords with pathos. As her life, though in fome periods gay and dazzling, was deeply tinctured with forrow, her mufe is of the fombre caft. Of the tweuty-two tales which compofe this volume, many are calculated to touch the foul with pity, and to fill the eye with tears." Monthly Review, Sept. 1801. 7. The POETICAL WORKS of Hector Macniel, Efq. Including Scotland's Skaith, the Waes o' War, the Links o* Forth, &c. &c. In two vols, foolfcap 8vo. Price 14s. in boards. Elegantly printed by Benfley, and embellifhed with ten beauti- ful engravings by defigns from Stothard. " With feveral of thefe poems the public is intimately acquainted : Who has not melted at she pathetic Hiftory of Will and Jean," and the ' Waes o' War ?" The greater number of thefe elegant eftufions are in the Scottish dialect ; they are more claffical and correct than thofe of Burns, and rival that wonderful genius in richnefs of fancy, fimplicity, and pathos." Sup. Month. Mag. July 180*. 8. The Poetical Works, printed for Longman ab^Rees. 8. The FARMER'S BOY; a rural poem. By Robert Bloomfield. The fifth edition. Foolfcap 8vo. Price 4s. ia boards. Alfo an 8vo. edition. Price 5s. 6d. in boards. 9. RURAL TALES, BALLADS and SONGS. By Ro- bert Bloomfield, Author of the Farmer's Boy. In foolfcap 8vo. with wood-cuts. Price 4s. boards. Other Edi- tions. Demy 8vo. 5s. 6d. Quarto, 10s. 6d. and Royal Quarto, 18s. in boards. PLAYS. 1. The POOR GENTLEMAN, a Comedy, by Mr COL- MAN, 2S. 6d. 2. MOUNTAINEERS, a Play, by Ditto, 2s. 3. SPEED THE PLOUGH, a Comedy, by Mr. Mor- ton, 2S. 4. ZORINSKI, a Play, by Ditto, 2s. 5. The WAY TO GET MARRIED, a Comedy, by Ditto, 2S. 6. The CURE FOR THE HEART-ACHE, a Comedy, by Ditto, 23. 7. SECRETS WORTH KNOWING, a Comedy, by Ditto, 2S. 8. FOLLY AS IT FLIES, a Comedy, by Mr. Rey- nolds, 2s 6d. 9. LIFE, a Comedy, by Ditto, 2s. 10. MANAGEMENT, a Comedy, bv Ditto, 2s. 11. LAUGH WHEN YOU CAN, a Comedy, by Ditto, 2s. 12. The DRAMATIST, a Comedy, by Ditto, 2s. 13. NOTORIETY, a Comedy, by Ditto, 2s. 14. HOW TO GROW RICH, a Comedy, by Ditto, 2s. 15. The RAGE, a Comedy, by Ditto, 2s. 16. SPECULATION, a Comedy, by Ditto, 2s. 17. WERTER, a Tragedy, by Ditto, 2s. 18. The POINT OF HONOUR, a Play, by Mr. C. Rem- BLE, 2S. 19. The DUENNA, a Comic Opera, by Mr. Sheri- dan, 2S. 20. The HEIRESS, a Comedy, by General Burgoyne, 2s. 21. The ROAD TO RUIN, a Comsdy, by Mr. Hol- CROFT, 2S. 22. ENGLAND PRESERVED, a Tragedy, by Mr. Wat- son, 2S. 23. The BANK NOTE, a Comedy, by Mr. Mac ready, 2s. 24. The VOTARY OF WEALTH, a Comedy, by Mr. Holm an, 2s. 25. RAMAfi PLAYS, printed for Longman and Reej. * 5 . RAMAH DROOG, or, WINE DOES WONDERS, by |. CobB, Efq. 2s. 26. SCHOOL FOR PREJUDICE, a Comedy by Mr. T. DlBDIN, 2S. 27. ILBONDOCANI; or, THE CALIPH ROBBER, by Ditto, is. 6d. 28. ST. DAVID's DAY, a Ballad Farce, by Ditto, is. 29. The BIRTH DAY, a Comedy; from Kotzebue, by Mr. T. Dibdin, as. 30. The JEW AND DOCTOR, a Farce, by Ditto, is. 31. LIE OF THE DAY, a Comedy, by Mr. O'Keefe, is. 6d. 32. HIGHLAND REEL, an Opera, by Ditto, is. 33. The FARMER, an Opera, by Ditto, is. 34. MODERN ANTIQUES, a Farce, by Ditto, is. 35. LOVE IN A CAMP ; or, PATRICK IN PRUSSIA, by Ditto, is. 36. ThePOSITIVE MAN, an Opera, by Ditto, is. 37. The POOR SOLDIER, an Opera, by Ditto, is. 38. WILD OATS, a Comedy, by Ditto, 2s. 39 . The CASTLE OF ANDALUSIA, an Opera, by Ditto, 2S. 4 0. SPRIGS OF LAUREL, an Opera, by Ditto, is. 41. HARTFORD BRIDGE, a Farce, by Mr. Pearce, is. 42. The MIDNIGHT WANDERERS, an Opera, by Ditto, is. 4V NETLEY ABBEY, an Opera, by Ditto, is. 44 .. ARRIVED AT PORTSMOUTH, by Ditto, is. 45 . The MYSTERIES OF THE CASTLE, by Mr. Andrews, 2s. 4 6 The IRISHMAN IN LONDON, a Farce, by Mr. Macready, is. 41. LOCK AND KEY, a Farce, by Mr. Hoar e, is. 48. MARIAN, an Opera, by Mrs. Brookbs, is. 49. MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS, a Tragedy, by Hon. Mr. St. John. 50. THE STRANGER, a Play, as performed at Drury Lane. 2S. 6d. A. Itrihan, Prinftr, Priiitifs-Streei. PR ^221 Reynolds - R32d Delays and blunders 2R 5221 13 2d \ it /{