;-NRLF i ? * - fflte* THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS, A CO M E D r, IN FIVE ACTS. AS PERFORMED WITH DISTINGUISHED SUCCESS By their Majefties Servant s^ + A T T M t WRITTEN BY Miss CHAMBERS, Jaffa of ' He Dfftrvfs Himftlf,"~A DomtJHc Tatt> in LONDON : PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY BARKER AND SON, Dramatic ftepo^ttarp, GREAT RUSSELL STREET COVENT GARDEN, 1805. TO that generous Public^ whofe indulgent approbation of this, my Jirjt Dramatic attempt, has been to me my greateji Pride, and my beji Praife. I beg permiffion, To Dedicate The SCHOOL for FRIENDS, And to Subscribe myfelf, The Public's moft Obedient, And Obliged, MARIANNE CHAMBERS. m J8 YOUNG and entirely ignorant in that Know- ledge of the Stage, which is only to be acquired by Experience, I cannot deny myfelf the Pleafure of thus Publicly offering my lincere Thanks to MR. WROUGHTON, (as A&ing Manager) and the PERFORMERS, for their very friendly folicitude (hewn to me (a ftranger) on this occafion, highly fenfible as I am how much tfoi^Comedy owes its dif- tfnguifhed fuccefs to the exertion of thofe Pro- fefllonai Talents, which have fo long adorned the Stage. PROLOGUE. WRITTEN BY JAMES KENNEY, SPOKEN BY MRS. H. SIDDONS. A FEMALE bard fince counfel is decreed her, To win your fmiles, fends me, a female pleader ; But fince this pleading oft a profing trade is, I've an enigma for the beaux and ladies ; What animal is that (its race muft be, From all reports as old as A. B. C.) Of temper fo preverted or difeas'd, Its greateft pleafure is to be difpleas'd ? j Moft naturaltfts, tho' other notions pafs, j 'Mongft creatures venemous affigu its clafs. Fretful as porcupines, like them at will, It vents its fatal vengeance in a quill. Some who have well examined it have faid, It has a ferpent's heart and goofe's head. And tho' it may belong to both, or neither, The noife it makes is very much like either. Yet one hint more thrice fhudd'nng with affright, Our bard of fuch a being, dreamt laft night. Who'll give the anfwer ? (to the Pitt] Why that fcowling face? I won't fweet Sirs, I hope I've too much grace* Nor think we dare infinuate, that here, We ever fuch an animal can fear. No ; for our doom the voice we have to truft, Is ftill acknowledg'd kind, indulgent, juft. The public voice that voice whofe warm applaufe, Ne'er knew diflention in a generous caule ; That fhoutsfond homage to the patriot's worth, And gives each great, each nobler virtue birth. That voice that fobb'd at NELSON'S hallow'd name, When late his requiem fill'd the trump of fame; That voice (Till hails true genius in its dawn, JNor ever chilFd it with the breath of Scorn. Waking our author foon the truth confefs'd, And chas'dthe phantom that dilturbM her red - r Affured that voice will ever be the fame, Prompt in its praife, relu&ant in its blame ;. Pleas'd to be merciful, e'en more than juih *Tis in herfelf alone is her diftruft. DRAMATIS PERSONS. MEN. LORD BELMOUR .... Mr. Ellistoru SIR FELIX MORDANT . . Mr. Wroughton, SIR EDWARD EPWORTH . Mr. Barrymore. MR. HARDY ....'. Mr. Dowton. MATHEW DAW .... Mr. Matthews. JENKINS . . . . . ' . Mr. Dormer. Landlord . Mr. Maddocks. LORD BELMOUR'S Servant . Mr. Fisher. Waiter . . Mr. Purser. Servants, sV. WOMEN. LADY COURT/LAND . ; . Mifs Popc^. Mrs. HAMILTON . . . Mrs. Jordan. Mils EMILY . . . . . Mrs. H. Siddons, Lucr .,.,... Mifs Mellon. SARAH, ..... Mifs Tidswell. SCENE, A Waiving Place. THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS, A C T I. SCENE l. lnfide of a Lodging- Houfe. Enter JENKINS and Lucy. Jen.' WHAT fignifies telling me a Canterbury ftory, what's your miftrefs* misfortunes to me. If all my Lodgers was to pay their rent in this coin I (hould have my houfe full of trouble, and my pockets full of emptinefs. If fine ladies will come down from London to thefe here watering places, and take fine lodgings they muft pay for themthat's what I fay. Lucy. Fine lodgings ! do you call thefe fine lodg- ings indeed ! three rooms on a fecond floor, they might ferve for fome of the vulgar people, who are not ufed to no better accommodation but for peo- ple who have always lived at the weft end of the town, as [ and my lady have, with a dozen fervants at our command. t THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. Jen. Come, Miftrefs, a little lefs pride, and a little more honefty as to your coming from the weft cud of the town, as you make fuch a brag about why fo much the worfe there is a great many of the gentry who come down here from that quarter whofe characters won't bear enquiry ; and you and your miftrefs may be of the fame kidney for what I can tell. Lucy. You are a low vulgar feller, without hedi- caiion and I Acorns your words. I fees you have not been ws'd to people above your own condition. ' : jen* What xio you mean by that you and your miftrefs have been in my houfe thefe two months, and not a farthing of her money have I feen but when I afk for my rent, you teil me I muft wait for it for your lady came from the weft end of the town I fhall fpeak to her myfelf. Lucy. You would not be fuch a brute, as to go for to frighten a lady, who has never been ufed to no fuch low-life doings as paying of rent me was born to a higher condition (he never know'd what it was to pay for nothing. Jen. Why that is the way to arrive at a high con- dition not to pay for nothing (going towards the door of an inner apartment) 1 fhall fee to that tho* Lucy. Deiir, dear, if he goes to talk about his money, it will fet my poor lady all over in fuch * tremblation. Enter MATTHEW DAW. (He looks at them infilencc comes forwards.) Daw. I thought I heard the voice of one that was high in anger. Jen. And fuppofe you did, Mr. Daw, what then ? I hope a man may be in a paffion in feis own houfe, THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. g without afking leave of his lodgers let every man mind his own bufinefs, that is my argument. Daw. Friend Jenkins, I would rather be fufpefted of impertinence, than convifted of neglecl: and to liften unmoved to the wrathful words of perfons in debate, without trying to appeafe them, is not the, duty of a chriftian. Jen. Why, as to that, mafter Daw you hav* lodged in my houfe fome time, and I refpefts you, becaufe you always pays, but as to your preaching, why that's quite another thing with me, you may lead all the ftray'd flieep in the village and welcome, fo that I am not one of the flock. Daw. Thou art a man, friend Jenkins entirely of this world, one that plods on, neither turning to the right nor to the left, left, peradventure,thou fhould'ft mifs the road where intereft is leading thee ; thou eateft and drinkeft of the good things of this world, and care ft not for hi that is hungry. Jen. What do you mean by that ? J am as mind- ful of my duty as my neighbours, I works hard for my money owes nobody nothing neither bor- rows nor lends, and that is what I call living like a chriftian. Lucy. Ay, and here is my poor lady in trouble enough, and yet he ain't content to wait a little lon- ger for his rent. Daw. Why are thefe unfriendly paffions raifed againft the unfortunate haft thou no compaffion ? Jfn. Companion ! What have I to do with com- paffion? What has it done for you ? Why if it had not been for your compaffion^ you might have lived like any gentleman, and kept a warm houfe over your head, and not have been running about in a thread-bare coat, looking like a pauper, B io THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. Daw. Perchance, friend, compaffion hath pur- chafed a fenfation for me, thy heart was never acquainted with ; it fprings within the human breaft, when we relieve the diftrefles of a fellow-creature. Jen. May be fo, but that's what I knows nothing about. Lucy. Mr. Mathew, you are a pious man, if Mr. Jenkins would but wait till to-morrow, Jen. Why the woman is aim oft a ft ranger to me* Daw. Look ye, friend Jenkins, the world is a large manfion, the people cf one family for HE that governs it, is the father of us all, who is the (Iranger then ? Jen. If I was fure of not being again difappoint- ed. Lucy. I hear my lady coming this way. Jen. Well, well this once, but mind if to-mor- row Lucy. Now do go along, there's a good man. Jen. Ay, ay, I'm a good man now. [Exit. Matthew Daw loiters behind* Enter Mrs . HAMILTON. (Matthew looks at tier with reverence as he goes out.) Mrs. Ham. What voices were thofe I heard fo loud ? who has been with you, Lucy ? Lucy. Only Mr. Jenkins, ma'am Mrs. Ham. I thought I bade you tell me when he came again for tho' it would inconvenience me exceedingly to fettle with him, until I receive let- ters from London, yet he muft not be kept in fuf- pence; I am a ftranger here. Lucy. Dear ma'am, I mould n't have thought of fuch a man as that being afraid of your ladyfhip THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS.' u I told him as much fays I, my lady is a perfon of confequence, tho' (he deigns to put up with fuch poor apartments ; It is not, fays I, that fhe is obligated to appear in this humble condition. Mrs. Ham. Why did you tell him this ? have I not repeatedly cautioned you againft any hints, that may lead to a difcovery of ivho I am, have I not ufed every means to to conceal my real fituation. Lucy. Yes ma'am, and what's the good comes of it, why nobody pays you any refped: ; for my part, I don't think thtae is much encouragement in this world for humblenefs, fo I am always for mak- ing myfelf of as much confequence as I can ; there's a poor Quaker-man, whofe name is Daw, the only civil creature in the houfe, for he fays if he can be of any fervice to your ladyfhip Mrs. Ham. How mould he know I am in want of affiflance ; why do you talk of my concerns to a flranger ? If you are diffatisfied with the change of life that my misfortunes have reduced me to, don't fcruple to tell me fo. Lucy. O dear, O dear, how have I behaved to de- ferve this unkindnefs did not I live with you in my good old mailer's (your father's) life-time? When' your ladyihip's goodnefs and beauty was the pride of all the country round ; didn't 1 fee you married to one of the firft gentlemen, and when your fweet baby was born, didn't you promife that I fhould always remain in your fervice, and fo to be fure I have, and feen a difmal change ; who could have thought that my matter would have turn'd out fo fadly. Mrs. Ham. If you think my regard of any confequence, breathe not one fyllable againft your mailer. . Lucy. Why now ma'am, if he was my hufbind I'd foon fhew him the difference -but you was * THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. always fo meek and fo mild ; never upbraiding him, but coming down here in difguifement, for fear of expofing his wickednefs to the world ; and now you want to turn me away in the midft of ycur affliction, but, if you pleafe, ma'am, I won't go for whilft fuch a lady as you can put up with a pitiful place like this, your fervant has no right to complain. Mrs. Ham. Well, well, I meant not to fpeak unkindly to you I am not lefs fenfible of your fidelity than I ufed to be, but misfortune has made me more petulant. (a knocking is heard withouti Who can that be ? Lucy. I'll fee, ma'am. [Exit. Mrs. Ham. Why flow thefe tears ? Where is my fortitude, that a repetition of pad fcenes, has power to awaken this tendernefs ! Why remember a huf- band's vows of love and conftancy ? has he not broke them all ? left and abandoned rne ? my child too ? could not thy innocent fmiles, my boy, have plead- ed for a father's love ? nature's language fpeaks with eloquence in nature's caufe but midft the tumult of uncheck'd, defires what voice is heard ? what claim allowed ? what tie held facred ? or what faith revered, Enter LUCY, Lucy. Here is a letter for your 'Lady (hip, directed forMrs. Hamilton ah ! when your ladyfhip married you little thought of changing your name. Mrs, Ham. It comes from London (looks at the Signature) horn my hufband's agent there now, now, at laft, my fears of poverty for thee, my boy are lilenced. (reads with emotion) ** We receiv- " ed your ladyfhip's application for your quarterly ium of eighty pounds, with fome furprize, it hav- ing been paid a few days pad to a perfon authorized by your hufband." [Lets the letter drop without [peaking. * THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 13 Lucy. Well to be fure, here's a trick ! Sure your ladyfhip won't bear fuch ufage I'd go to a conftable, ma'am, or a lord-mayor, or one of the bifhops, of forne fuch perfon, but what I'd have juftice. Mrs. Ham. I can bear it, Lucy, I can bear it all, for the fake of my poor boy I will encounter any forrow 1 will be patient ! not a figh, not a tear, but oh, if I am filent, I am not infenfible (with great caution) I have affedions, paffions Lucy. Come now, ma'am. Mrs. Ham. My poor boy who now (hall guard thy tender age, or guide thy riper years ? where fhall thou hope to find j* friend, if a parent can abandon thee ? ungrateful man, to take advantage of my tendernefs why do I rail fomething mud be thought of for the future Lucy follow me. [Exeunt. SCENE II. 4n Elegant Apartment in the Houfe of Lady Courtland. SIR EDWARD EPWORTH and Lady COURTLAND, difcovered at the S' Mifs EMILY watching them. Lady Court. One more lucky move, Sir Edward* and your chance of the game is at lead equal to mine. Sir Edw. Ay, madam, but I have been playing my part in it lately fo ill, that it is now time to reflefta little. Lady Court. Pooh ! you are fo grave, I never knew your prudent \>toy\z for Innate ones they take as much time in thinking how they (hall ad, as eftablilhes the fuccefs ofalefs cautious adventurer. Come, courage 14 THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. my dear Sir Edward when / challenge you* (in a languifliing manner} Emily. Ay, courage my dear Sir Edward, when my grandmamma challenges you. Sir Edw. What was that, Mifs Emily ? Emily. Sir, I only faid I was fare no young man of fafhion could refufe to play with my grand- mother. Lady Court, Grandmother ! how dare you make ufeoffo horrid an expreflion. Emily. How dear ma'am, what am I to call you ? for as you was my father's mother you muft be my grandmama Now am I not right Sir Edward ? Lady Court. Provoking ftupidity have I not repeatedly told you, fuch foolifli diftinftiom are now banifh'd all civilized fociety no one is able to dif- cover, in the prefent improved (late of things, who are fathers, fnijbatuk, wives, or children^ at leaft not by their conduct towards one another but you are as literal in your ideas as a baby. Emily. Dear ma'am, how can I help that, what fhould / know about civilized fociety when I have never been ufed to converfe with any one except your ladyfhip. Sir Edw. Well faid, fimplicity. Enter SERVANT. Serv. Sir, my Lord Belmour defires his compli- ments. Sir Edw. Lord Belmour ! where is he ? Serv. Juft arrived at the Rofe, fir ; he called me in as I was paffing the door of the inn, and enquired for your lodgings I told my lord your honour wafi living with Lady Courtland Upon which he defir- ed his compliments, and that he would be with you preiently. THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 15 Sir Edw. I (hall be happy to receive him a very particular friend, Madam j have I your ladylhip's permiflion. Lady Cow t. Sir, the ceremony is all your own. One word, Mr. Thomas how dare you take the liberty of uiing my name fo freely ? I de fire for the future you will not fay your matter is living with Lady Courtland^ but that Sir Edward is on a vijtt at the Abbey. Strv. 1 humbly beg your lady (hip's pardon I had entirely forgot being in the fame houfe was not living with your lady (hip. [Exit. Emily. For my part I think Mr, Thomas was quite right in what he faid-Mfor didn't you bring Sir Edward from Bath, you did not find him here / Lady Court. I bring Sir Edward ? Emily. Nay now, grandma, I'm fure he did not if ring you. Lady Court. Did you expect your friend, Lord Belmour, fir, to vifit you in this part of the coun- try ? Sir Edw. No madam, fo far from it, his lad let- ter, informed me of his having bufinefs that would detain him in town for fix months at lead, fo your lady(hip may judge of the fteadinefs of his na- ture. Emily. Bufinefs \ Pray fir, is my Lord Belmour a merchant then ? Sir Edw. Yes, in the way of pleafure, f~w met) deal more largely. Lady Court. 1 hope he has a capital to fupport his- credit. Sir Edw. Why, Madam, he is not fo rich, that more would become fuperfluous, nor fo poor, that lefs would deprive him of a fufficiency ; his lordfliip is no common trader, his principal riches are fuch as 16 THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. render Lim mod valuable to thofe who know his heart. Emily. And pray, fir, in all this gentleman's deal- ings, has he nothing to do with love ? Sir Edw. A perfect monopolizer, he fpeculates on every beauty he fees. Lady Court. Such an enterprizing fpirit deferves to meet with encouragement. Sir Edw. Aye, madam, but like mod other traders upon this principle, I am afraid his loffes have doubled his gains. Lady Court. What, is the poor gentleman mar- ried ? Sir Edw. No, not quite fo bad neither though he is ready to run away with every lady he meets. Lady Court. I beg, sir, you will give him a free in- vitation here. Emily. Oh ! delightful ! but pray ! fir, (taking him on one fide) which does your friend like beft ild women or young f Enter SERVANT. Serv. Lord Belmour, lir ! [Exit. Enter Lord BELMOUR.. Sir Edw. (Embracing htm) Welcome, dear Charles ! this is a pleafure great as unexpected. Lord Bel. Thank you, thank you. Sir Edw. Lady Coutland my friend, Lord Bel- mour, madam. Lady Court. Sir, you do me honour. (Lord B* bows.) Sir Edw. Mifs Emily, my lord. THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 17 ILord Eel. I am happy in being introduced to fo charm ing a young lady. Lady Court. I prefume your Iprdfhip has juft left London ? Lord Bel. About a fortnight ago, madam. Sir Edw. And been all that time coming hither? Lord Bel. Not I, faith, I don't admire fuch tor- toife-like travelling I generally drive as moft of us live Ned, fader than my own horfes can carry me. Sir Edw. My lord, madam, has brought his ufual flow of fpirits with him.. Lady Court. I hope, fir, he never travels without them ; his Jordfhip feems to manage them fo agree- ably. Lord Bel. I endeavour, madam, to make them my fervants, rather than my companions power, is a dangerous weapon in the hands of the unruly, and if I did not fqmetimes call upon dif- cretion to reftrain them, they would foon govern me. Sir Edw. My friend is a ikilful architect, madaiH, he can build his happinefs on any ground. Lord Bel Not fo, Ned, I could never build it on the ruin of another^s. Nature did not put the ma- terials for happinefs into our hands, to raife fo mif- chievous a ftructure. Lady Court. (Looking uneafy) Did yonr lord (hip leave the town pretty full of company ? Lord Bel. A ufual, madam, more people in it than could find either bufinefs or pleafure a mere mafquerade, where every one is anxious to play a part, but very few able to fupport a charader. Lady Court. The fame dull fcene, over and over again, my lord, nothing new, but now and then a change pf aclors. C i8 THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. Lord Bel. Oh ! madam! I cannot think fo, there are fome chara&ers brought forward at the prefent period, which we never before thought of fupport- ing, prejudice that ftood guard to keep out cri- minals, is now making way for modern candour, \vho is employed in umering in the new group. Lady Court. Happy period ! Lord Bel. Yes, madam, very\; for now we have mo- ther's abandoningtheir offspring plenty of hufbands neglefting their wives modern friends, mortal ene- mies virtuous females no longer modeft old men running away with girls of (ixteen and young fel- lows marrying their grandmothers Sir Edw. (a/ide) Now is he at his old tricks- I thought herladyfhip would not efcape him. Lady Court. Your lordfhipwill excufe my abfence for a fhort time I leave you, fir, with your friend ; who I hope will fecure you as our vifitor whilft you can find pleafure in this part of the country come, Mifs Emily. [Exeunt Lady COURTLAND and Mifs EMILY. Lord Bel. Your ladyfhip does me too much honor, (watching her 'till out offyht, then turning to Sir Edw.) come, Ned, why don't you do as the old lady defir'd you teach me to fed myfelf at home here I fee (he has taught you Sir Edw. Will you never be ferious ? tell me now, what has brought you thus fuddenly to this place ? ftarted fome frefli game, eh, Charles ? Lord Bel. Faith, you are right I am in full chace of what all the town are hunting to the devil. Sir Edw. A defperate puifuit indeed ! Lord Bel. I will tell thee what 1 am in chace of (in his ear] a friend's honor. Dos't think I (hall re- cover it ? THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 19 SirEdw. (Starts, laughing affeEledly) Travel fo many miles in purfuit of a friend's honor ? Lord Bel. Why not? 1 would travel from this place to the poles, back again to the equator and feel the fame motive no difgrace that urg'd me to this undertaking. Sir. Edw. And pray, my lord, how long has your friend's honor been miffing ? Lord Bel. Ever fince he took up the dice box, Ned, and rattled away his eftate among (harpers. Sir Edw. Are you fure your friend's conduct has been rightly interpreted ? Lord Bel. His fudden departure from town, and his conduct preceding it, have given his friends an opportunity of tranflating it into this language. Sir Edw. The conduct of mankind, Charles, is a volume open to the world's infpe&ion, which without underftanding, all think themfelves quali- fied to read, and malice or prejudice fo often take up the work, that it feldom juftiy interpreted. Lord Bel. Give me your hand, Ned; there is an air of levity in my manners, which the world is very apt to miftake for a carelefs difregard to the concerns of thofe I mod value but you muft know my heart better for I could not hear that my friend was under ernbarraffments, without coming poft after him and now behold me, arrived with- hand and heart, ready to do you all the fervice in my power. SirEdw. with emotion) Sir, I don't underftand you. Lord Bel. Come, come, this affected ignorance is not well tim'd ; have you or have you not, loft more than half your fortune at play ? 20 T^f, SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. Sir Edw. What, if I have loft the whole of it, the men who won it of me, dare not afperfe my honor. Lord Bel. O, no, you loft it in as honourable a manner as moft men of honor win trying to raife their fortunes on the ruin of an adverfary but, what the deVil, could you find no other balm for your wounds, than what this old dowager can adminifter. Sir Edw. This is not friendly. Lord Bel. Perhaps, Ned, her ladyfhip adminifters a quieting draught to your confcience lulls it to fleep with gilded pills how does (he entertain you ? couldn't you juft give me a hint ? Enter SERVANT. Serv. Sir, my Lord Belmour's gentleman is with- out' and begs to fpeak with his matter. LordBeL Bid him wait I (hall return to the inn prefently. Serv. If it would pleafe your lordfhip to fee him now, he has [bmething of importance, (as he fays,) to communicate. Sir. Edw. Let him come in by all means. [Exit SERVANT. Lord Bel. What hiftory has he to relate now ? the fellow is a proper traveller he is always meeting with fome improbable adventure* Ent$r Lord Belmour's Servant. Serv. Good my lord, I have found her. Lord Bel. Found found what ? the greyhound I mifs'd after I left town ? Serv. Nc, my lord, the lady you mijf d before you left town. THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 21 Lord Bel. What, not my charming incomprehen- ilble, my beautiful obfcure ? Serv. Yes, my lord, the fame. Lord Be!. Impoffible fwear it, you dog. Serv. What, fwear that it is impoffible, my lord? Lord Bel. But the when> the zvhere, the kow ? Serv. Why, my lord, as I was going round Lord Bel. O damn your round-abouts, crofs over and come to the point at once. Serv. Why then, my lord on the honor of a gentleman's gentleman, I have difcover'd her abode. Lord Bel. Give me joy, Ned, give me joy grief and regret muft follow his reflexions. Enter LUCY (cut of breath.) Lucy. O ma'am didn'tyou think I fhould neverget back again fuch a piece of unluckinefs. Mrs. Ham. What now has happened? Lucy. I'll tell you ma'am but if you pleafe I'm quite out of breath who could have thought of his finding us ouc in fuch a place -as this. i\ln. Ham. Who has found us out ? what are you. talking of explain yourfelf. Lucv. Why ma'am as I was returning from the jewellers, jutl by the Role-inn, who (hould I come plump againft but the fancy footman, belonging to the ftrange gentleman, that befet your ladylhip fo before you left town. THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 2J Mrs. Ham. Is it poffible he did not fee you, I hope. Lucy. Why my lady, I was fo frighten'd far fear he fhould that I gave a fort of a fcream. Mrs. Ham. Which difcover'd you to him. Lucy. Yes, ma'am, but I couldn't very well help it, fo then he began his old trade of lying, fwearing his mafter had loft his fenfes on your lady/hip's fudden departure from town., Mrs Ham. Here, I was in hopes at leaft to have been fafe Lucy as you value my favour, give no encouragement to this ftranger avoid all commu* nication with him, Lucy. Why madam, when did I do otherwife ? I am fure when he us'd to follow me to afk impertinent queftions, he never was a bit the wifer for any thing I anfwer'd him* Mrs. Ham. Indeed I believe not. Lucy. Where do you live, fays heat home, fays I, you want to be at your old tricks rhifter, do you, fays I, watching when my lady goes out peeping and prying for your worthy mafter but perhaps ray lady never goes out, perhaps there is no lodging- houfe oppofite ours, that will accommodate fpies, perhaps my lady is not here, fays I, nor herjervtnt neither, fays he. Mrs. Ham. You (hould not have talk'd to him thus. Lucy. Ma'am I was fo afraid that he would find out where we liv'd. Mrs. Ham. And if he does but tell me Lucy, what about the jeweller ? Lucy. Ma'am when I fhow'd him the trinkets he faid, it might be fo long before he could dilpofe f them, that he could not make it worth his while 24 THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. to become a purcbafer, and here they are. (giving her a fmall cafe. ) Mrs. Ham. What is to be done ? I have no other means to raife a prefent fupply, Lucv. Yes, there's my matter's pifture fet round with diamonds. Mrs. Ham. I have told you nothing but the laft extremity fhall urge me to part with it. Lncy. And what is this but the laft extremity, has he not refus'd your ladyfhip your lawful claim. Mrs. Ham. No, I will not believe my hufband capa- ble of fo great an unktndnefs he couldn't fee the meaneft of his fellow-creatures wanting the [necefla- ries of life, without holding his hand open to fupply them would fuch a one refufe his wife and child a claim that he allow'd to every other perfon ? O, no, I know his nature better. Lucy. Then ma'am how came it that he receiv'd your ladyfhip's allowance, without even letting you know that he had done fo, when it was all your la- dyfhip had to depend on. Mrs. Ham. On my life there is fome miftake which the moment he difcovers he will rectify. Lucy. In the mean time, let me fpeak to Mr. Daw, he underftands the value of thefe fort of things, h is a very honeft man, he extorts every one to be fo, but perhaps your ladyfhip won't like him becaufe he is a quaker. Mrs. Ham. Indeed you wrong me, if his meaning is good it would be hard indeed to make his religion an objection. I will fpeak to him myfelf, I am go- ing to my clofet, fend him tome Lucy, Lucy. I will ma'arti. (Exit feverally *t oppofite doors.) THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. SCENE. Changes to an inner apartment. Enter LORD BELMOUR (from another door.) Lord Bel. So, not a foul here neither, I have been racking my brains to find an excufe for my vifit, and not a creature can I fee to repeat it to. Another door open, 'gad 1 will fee where it leads the event only can determine the iuccefs of the wife/I evpc- dition. [Exit. Enter Mrs. HAMILTON, (looking over afmall cajket of jewels Lord BELMOUR appears at a door in the flat.) Lord Eel (afide) Ah ! what do I fee yes, 'tis her by all my hopes of happinefs (is coming forward, fops on hearing her fpeak.) Mrs. Ham. (taking up a bracelet.} Thefe jewels once I thought of little value, and now I am weak enough to weep over the fooiifti toys thus we know not how to eftimate the value of greater bleflings, 'till we feel the neceflity of parting with them. Lord Bel. (coming forward.) And if happinefs is fo feldom within our reach, who would hefitate to accept her when fhe offers herfelf. Mrs. Ham. \Jlarts] Ah ! who is this ? Lord Bel. Dear madam, if I have alarmed you.* Mrs. Ham. Alarm'd me, fir ! Lord Bel. You are terrified madam. Mrs. Ham. (looking at her jewels) terrified fir ! Lord Bel. Heaven's madam, you cannot fufpecl. Mrs. Ham. What am I to think fir, when a gen- tleman breaks in upon my retirement fo unceremo- nioufly fo ftrangely, fo fo D 26 THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. Lord Bel. Impertinently, you would add, madam but hear me, a bill in the window gave iignal for lodgings to let within, the door ftood invitingly open, I enter'd and in fearching for the landlord, difco- vered the retreat of one of the the moft beautiful woman in England I hope, madam, you left all your family well in London. Mrs. Ham. Sir ? Lord Bel. Your friends here, madam, I mean, I hope you found them in perfeft health your little boy, is he quite recovered ? Mrs. Ham. Sir, this conduct carries with it too much the air of an infult, and you will pardon me, If I treat it as fuch (going towards the door.} Lord Bel. Nay, madam, hear me, I came to this place by accident I enter'd this houfe by accident I found you in it by accident, and if I have done wrong by accident, don't give me the puniihment that is due to a premeditating offender. Mrs. Ham. Sir, this language from a ftranger Lord BeL There fhould be no ftrangers in the world, madam, if I had the government of it, we all fhould be united and but one intereft among us I had the pleafure to fee you in London, is it fo ex- traordinary that oqe fellow-creaiure fhould be 19- tcrefted in the concerns of another ? f would rather look upon the human heart in a more favourable point of view come, madam, break thro* this pre- judice that fences in the better part of our nature, meet me on the broad way of confidence, as a fel- low-traveller ^thro' the fame road, allow me to call myfelf yuur friend. Mrs. Ham. This, fir, is the language of the mo- ralift a language that no man who does not follow his precepts has a title tp ufe. THE SCHOQL FOR FRIENDS; 27 Lord Eel. Nay, madam, 'till my aflions become a fatire on my words, it will not offend virtue, to think, favourably of them. Mrs. Ham. Heaven forbid that I fhould cherifh an opinion unworthy of thefe fentiments yet Lord Bel. Nay, madam, no yets 1 befeech you. Mrs Ham. If thefe doubts wrong you Sir, charge them to the account of that which infpired them afk if fincerity is the diftinguifhing feature of the age in which we live ? Afk if the language of truth is never utter'd, but by thofe who follow her dictates? If honoris never made the pledge of infamy ? If vice, always appears in her natural deformity ? O no ! for now {becomes habited fo like virtue, that under the fpecious name of friendfhip, the worthiest hearts have been wickedly betray'd. Lord BeL I won't contend about the honefty of other men's hearts, but in tfce prefent infrance, permit me to anfwer for my own. Mrs. Ham. Then leave me Sir, leave me-^-if you are what T could wifli to think you are, this requeft will not appear ungrateful ; if you are otherwife I fliall have lefs reafon to regret its propriety. Enter LUCY/ Howe d by MATTHEW DAW. Luey. Here is Mr. Daw, Ma'am, come to look at the jewels you whh'd to difpofe of. [Mrs, Hamilton apears confu/ed. Lord Ed (afide^- Part zvitb her jewels, this looks like dijtrefs.} Pray ma'am uie no ceremony with me. Daw. Thy hand-maid hath informed me, friend, of thy wilhes concerning forne worldly baubles called jewels. Mrs. Ham. Another time, if you pleafe Sir. Lord BeL Allow me, madam, I arn the beft judge of diamonds in the world (taking up $ ring] 2ft THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. This ring now, what do you think Sir of this ring. Daw. It (hineth with exceeding luftre but the foolim brightnefs of thefe toys, like the light of falfe philofophy, is more dazzling than ufeful. Lord Bel. Pray Sir, what is your profeflion ? Daw. I am called a watch-maker by trade. Lord Bel. And does philofophy regulate your watches as well as your opinions? Daw. Thou art pleafed to jeft with me ; my opini- ons relate not to learning, but in my humble occu- pation I make my work a book, and find in it much matter for argument. Lord Bel. Aye indeed, and what my good friend is the leffon you read. Daw That the different degrees of men's condi- tion, which are fo apt to raiie doubts in our minds, concerning the juftice by which we are govern'd, is nothing more than this a watch taken to pieces by one unacquainted with the art, who fees a num- ber of fmall parts which appear to him, to bear no proportion to each other till beholding the mechanic apply them to their different ufes, he views, with delighted wonder, the fitnels of their order, and whilft he acknowledges the aftonifhing wifdom of the artift, blufhes that he ever doubted. Lord Bel. By which you would imply, that youy watch is the world your ftranger, man, and your artift, (faufe, looking up with devotion} give me your hand Sir, if I fpoke with too little caution accept this as an apology this honeft gentleman has given me fuch a favourable idea of his trade that I have a great inclination to try my fuccefs in it Come, madam, won't you encourage fo laudable a refolution allow me to begin upon thefe (taking out his pocket-book} 1 have a bill here.- Daw. (looking over his fhoulder] Two hundred THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 29 pounds, verily thefe trinkets are not worth one twentieth part of that fum, Lord Be/. Pooh, pooh ! I fee you know nothing of the matter bff&ing the note to Mrs. Hamilton) Mrs. Ham. For the'honor of humanity Sir, I will think you offer this in kindnefs. Lord Bel. Nay now indeed I muft have them ; come, dear madam, take this foolifh note I fhali never difpofe of it again to fo much advantage you don't know what mifchief your refufal may Create It may go to purchafe a poor man's honefty or a rich man's difgrace, for we are all honeft enough, as long a* we thrive upon it, but if the devil himlelf was to offer better terms faith I'm afraid we mould change our party. Mrs. Ham Indeed you are miftaken, wy fit.ua tion does not require the afliftance of a ftranger I am by no means deftitute, as you feem to think me, I have connexions, very tender connexions friends very one very, very dear friend Sir you have affected pain'd me (burjlirig into tears) Lord Bel. By heaven my words were' traitors to my meaning, if in utterance they carried with them lets than honor and refped ; thefe fcruples I muft think are the effect of a too rcfin'ci delicacy nay madam be not alarm'd, this inftantl am gone for modefty is fo beautiful in my eyes, that let her ap- pear in what form (he will, I mult reverence her. \Exit Lord BELMOUR. Mrs. Ham. (after a paufe) Lucy, how came this gentleman to gain fuch free admittance here ? Lucy. Why my lady, that is juil the queftion I was going to afk your iadythip his faucy footman watch'd me home, no doubt, but- how he iru: matter, is pail my art to guefr. 3 o THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. Mrs. Ham. Make my excufes to this good man I will fpeak to him hereafter. (Exit. Daw. Young woman, thy miftrefs feemeth much grieved in her mind. Lncy. Why you muft know Mr. Daw, the flranger who has juft left us happen'd to live op- polite to my lady in town, and being ftruck with her beauty (tho^lre faw me every day at the window) my lady could never ftirout that he did not follow her ! when my young matter was fick, he fent every day to afk after him offerd his chariot for our ufe in fhort there was no getting rid of him 'till rny lady growing uneafy, refolv'd to leave town, and the waters of this place being recommended for her child, we came hither, but even here, worfe luck, he has found us out to be fure he don't feem to mean any harm. Daw. But as long as what thee called gentlemen refufe their wives the protection of hufbands other" men won't want an excufe for offering them theirs. Lucy, (looking on the table.) What's this ! Why as fure as I am alive my lord has left the note he offer'd my .miftrefs-for the jewels ; (going to the door f the inward afar tment ) My lady, ma'am. Mn. Ham. (comes forward) Who is it calls ? Lucv. If you pleale ma'am, my lord has left this note upon the table a draft for two hundred pound, ma'am. Mrs. Ham. No, I hcpe not. Lucy. See, my lady, here it is what is to be done ma'am ? we don't know where he lives. Mrs. Ham. A perfon of bis confequence cannot long remain unknown in fuch a place as this. &aw. Perchance thy friend may call again. Mrs, Ram. Which of all Uaings mod I wilh pre- vented, THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS 31 Daw. If he tarrieth here, I will feek him out, and reftore it to him, fliould thy pleafure will, it fo. Mrs. Ham. I thank ydu, but Daw. Thou he fi tat eft to truft a poor man with what thou thinkeft, too great a temptation for his honefty, thou needed not fear j I am too rich to covet what is another's, I have weighed my wants in nature's fcale, and found her gifts a balance to my wifhes. Mrs. Ham. Go fir, you have my confidence reftore my lord his we'alth, and if he will iiften to \ou, inftrwcl him how to ufe it not as a bribe to betray the unhappy into vice but as the reward of induftry and virtue. Daw. I will tell him, that it is only lent to him in truft for his fellow-creatures, and as he di{- f>Qfes of it now, fo he muft account for it hereafter. [Exit fever alfy. SCENE A rooom at lady Conrtland's. SIR EDWARD and LORD BELMOUR. Sir Edw. So much for your fair incomprehenfible, your M7w//7#/obfcure, ah! ah! ah! Lord Bel. Nay hear me- elated with the thoughts of having found her fo unexpectedly I enter'd her lodgings full of love and delight, but the air o modeft dignity with which ihe check'd my advances, lilenc'd every thought but of reipeft for her. Sir Edzv. (laughing) You who have had fo long acquaintance with the female heart, to be impos'd n by a few tears. Lord Bel, If fhe is not a woman of virtue, fhe has the art of the devil. , 3 2 THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS*. Sir Edw. A woman of virtue, the very circum- ftance of parting with her jewels, confirms her fitua- tion. A cad miftrefs, my life for it, fetting up on the credit of a borrow'd reputation 'till by her arts (he induces fome fool to marry her, or a runaway wife perhaps, paying the price of her infidelity. Come, come, leave this foolifh woman to the obfcurity in which you found her, here is Lady Courtland's grand-daughter with beauty aud fimpli- city, to chaim the heart of any man, her fortune is by no means an inconhderable one what fay you &ow, to putting in 'for the prize ? Lord Eel. A meie child I have difficulties enough to encounter already, and don't want a wife to add to my perplexities. Sir Edw. Yet you would take a miftrefs marry firft, Chavles. Lord Be/. And take a miftrefs after, curfe me if I do no, no, if ever I marry it {"hall be on a more honorable principle oh ! for fome kind gentle foul, into whofe faithful bofom I could pour forth the ful- nefs of my heart with honeft confidence, who would fometimes think for me, direft, council me, watch me with the eye of an enemy, and reprove me with the tendernefs of a friend. Sir Edw. Right, right the chafte endearments ef fuch a being, leads the mind to the full enjoy- ment of domeftu: happiness, awakens all the virtues and calls forth the beft affeftions of our nature. Lord Bel. Why Ned, you fpeak like one infpir'd, man; does the thought of your old dowager awaken this tranfport ? Sir Edw. Nay, nay, t!:is is not friendly. Lord Bel. Well, well, it I mull not enquire into your fituation with this0/^ lady, let me talk of mine with a young one, what muft I do, to fecure this THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 33 lovely ftranger if money would purchafe her favors, I would give half my fortune to obtain them. Sir Edw. Offer her a fettlement at once. Lord Bel. But how, on what terms ? on my foul I could not offer her wrong again. x Sir Edw. Why you would not marry her ? Lord Bel. By heaven I would that is, my boy, if flic is not a wife already. Enter SERVANT. Serv. There is a perfon without fir, who defires to fpeak with lord Belmour. Lord Bel. Bid him fend up his bufinefs. Serv. My lord, he fays he comes to deliver money to your lordfhip. Lord Bel. What is he a tall thin looking fel- low? Serv. Yes, my lord. Lord Bel. This can be no other than the quaker I met at Mrs. Hamilton's. Sir Edw. Bid him come up. [Exit Servant. Lord Bel. Ned, you inuft fpeak to him for me, he brings the draft I left with that lady fay I am not here that I have left the town fay any thing, you rogue, that will excufe your receiving the money. Sir Edw. Yes, yes, leave me to manage him he is here, away, away, [Exit LORD BELMOUR. Servant uffiering in MATTHEW DAW. Daw. (Retreating on feeing Sir Edward) I fear thy fervant hath led me into an error it is with the man called lord Belmour that [ would fpeak. E * THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. Sir Edw. My friend is not here at prefent, but I believe I underftand your bufinefs your name is Daw. Daw. Sir Edw. You bring a meflage from Mrs. Hamilton. Daw. She calleth herfelf by that name. Sir Edw. What, Hamilton is not her real name. Daw. So I am informed, but I fpeak after no man. Sir Edw. One would not betray the confidence of a lady, Mr. Daw. Daw. Aye, thefe women, thefe women, there is no fuch thing as perfuading young men, that their happinefs lies in avoiding them. Sir. Edw, And is this obfervation gathered from other people's follies, or your own Mr. Daw ? Daw. Who I? keep us out of fuch temptations * do / look like fuch a perfon ? (furveying him/elf. ) Sir Edw. Corne, come, to the bufmels that brought you here. Daw. I bring a note that thy friend left with her we fpeak of, Sir Edw. What, lord Belmour has not brib'd high enough to purchafe her favors ? Daw. No, he muft offer her riches of greater 4vorth. Sir Edw. I dare fay he muft, this woman has found out, that he has more generofuy then pru- dence. Daw. She is not one of the common fort. Sir Edw. O, the Devil ! If Ihe is one of your delicate finners, it is all over with his lordfriip a few tears and an appearance of innocence, will fecure him her prilbner for life. Daw. He feemeth indeed of an ingenuous nature, full of health and fpirits, but his heart appeareth fo free of accefs, that DO wonder if he is betrayed into many indifcretions. THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 35 Sir Edw. Is it poffible can you think thus ? Daw. Why not 1 came out of pure good will, thy friend is ignorant of this woman's real fituation fhe is not what (he feemeth to be. Sir Edw. Juft as I fufpeded lord Belmour is for ever made the dupe of appearances you are acquainted with Mrs, Hamilton's way of life. Daw. Perfectly, I lodge in the fame houfe with her. Sir Edw. How ! Daw. There is no part of her conduct that j uni- fies thy friend's opinion of this woman. Sir Edw. I thank you for this caution If I could convince lord Belmour of her real fituation, he would have no fcruples of treating with her accordingly, a thought ftrikes me, I will write to her. Daw. Not a word friend, that I gave thee a hint of her unhappy circumftances Sir Edw. Reft fatisfied, I will take it all upon myfelf. Daw. I muft not carry back this note. Sir Edw. Never fear, my letter will filence all her fcruples, come along. [Exit.' Daw. Friend, I follow thee. [Exit. SCENE. Changes to a Chamber in the Rofe-Inn, Enter Landlord followed by Servants. Land Come lads, quick, quick, fee that every thing is in proper order, bid the cook be ready with fome refrefhment againft his honor arrives, and do you hear, tell her to fend up all the beft of them ior the attendants. Enter Lord BELMOUR. Lord Bel. My friend, you are as bufily employ'd in preparing for your guefts, as if you intended 36 THE SCHOOL FOR fRIENDS. this fliould be the end of their journeying. Whe are you going to receive now ? Land. My lord we have juft had notice, that our member for the county is on his way hither, and I fliould be forry, if his honor was to find our houfe in diforder. Lord Bel. Sir, a parliament man is fo us'd to a houfe in diforder that I dare fay he wouldn't make it an obje&ion. Land. Our member is no common man, fir, he is a gentleman who potteries all the honor of our an- cient nobility and he carries in his deportment fo much of the true nobleman, that refpect follows him wherever he goes. Lord Bel. Sir, you did well to make him* your ele&ion. Land. Our hearts, my lord, on .fuch occafions, fhould ever be in our voices but I won't deny that our member brib'd our favour, becaufe it was with fuch riches as we could not withftand for his honor brib'd us with his virtues. He is the zealous fup- porter of thofe laws, which guard our beft interefts, and the firm oppofer of fuch as infringe upon our rights ; his greateft pride is his independance, and his higheft aim the people's good. Lord Bel. The virtues of your hero have made you an orator, you have afcribed to him fo many noble qualities, that I mould be glad to be made acquainted with his name. Land. The honorable fir Felix Mordant, my lord. Lord Eel. The uncle of Sir Edward Epworth you have fpoken of him as he deferves. When my fervant returns, tell him to follow me to the Abbey* Land. I will my lord. \Exit. Lord Bell. Ned muji be apprized of his uncle's arrival. [Exit, END Of ACT THE SECOND. THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 37 ACT IIL SCENE. ARoom in the Inn (t able fpread for breakfafl.) Enter HARDY (meanly drejfedj followed by Waiter. Hardy. I TELL you I will find fault I cannot live without finding fault befides I have not been in England before thefe twenty years, and I have a right to find, fault. An Englifh Inn us'd to afford a man good warm cheer ; here I fee nothing but a vile imitation of the fopperies of fafhion the houfe is better furmfh'd than the table, this indeed looks a lit- tle like old times (fitting down to the table.) Waiter. Sir, .you can't breaftfafl in this room. Hardy. Why not, I fhan't eat more than I fhall pay for. Waiter. That I know nothing about, but we ex- peel: other company. Hardy. Let them come, here is plenty I hope for them and me too, unlefs indeed your company is a corporation. Waiter. Sir without any more words I muft beg you to leave this room immediately. Hardy. Pray fir does your matter live by his cuf- tomers, or does his cuftomers live by him ? I thought every thing might have heen had in fuch a houfe as this, for money, even civility. . Waiter, (afide] I hear my mafter's noife, what fhall I do with this old curmudgeon he is ufhering up the baronet pray fir, confider fir, here is a 3 8 THE SCHOOL OF FRIENDS. member of parliament, fir, a perfon of your appear- ance this way fir, down the back flairs if you pleafe. Hardy. No fir, I don't pleafe fir, to go down the back flairs fir, fire and furiesthis is kicking down the pillars of the temple, to fee whether it will ftand without fupport. Enter Land!o> d ufliering in Sir F L i x Mo R D A N T. ' Sir Felix. Thank you, thank you (fpeaks apart to his [erva.nl.] Land, (aftde to tie waiter.) Who is this? How came he here ? Waiter. Sir he is the quereft old fellow he came to our houfe late laft night and becaufe he was not quite fo well accommodated as he expected, he has done nothing but find fault ever fince, juft as if he was any gentleman. ( Apart to the, landlord.) Land. (Going up to Hardy ; Sir, I am very forry, but really, this room is engaged. Sir Felix. Don't let me diflurb any gentleman pray fir keep your feat. Hardy. Sir, I am as unwilling to give an offence as I am to take one and the unprovoked infolencc I have met with here, would be no excufe for Ibewing my petulance before a ftranger. Land. Sir I am very forry, if you have met with any incivility in my houfe I was not at home laft Right when you arriv'd. Hardy. Why there it is now, I am inclin'd to think if I had brought a retinue of fervants with me, I (hould have had no reafon to complain of your negled. Sir Felix. Indeed I am forry to hear this let me have breakfail immediately. (Exit landlord and waiter t will you favour me, fir, with your company. THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 39 Sir, I can't think of fuch an honor, tho* I feel the liberty of an Englifhman, I don't wifh to abufe it, by fuppofing myfelf under no obligation to my fuperiors I wouldn't oppofc the infolence of wealth with more reaclinefs, than I would pay ref- peel: to a gentleman whofe behaviour commands it. Sir Felix. My good fir I muft acquit you of all obligations,' till I can prove, in a better manner, that I am not unworthy your regard. I prefume you are a ftranger here. Hardy. Why yes, fir, for after twenty years ab- fence from my native country, I don't find I have a friend to welcome me on my return. Sir Felix. That's hard indeed what, all your re* lations are dead. Hardy y No, no, no I did not fay that, I was fpeaking of friends, there is one indeed who I fhould be glad to fee, and in fearch of whom I am come hither, although, perhaps after all, the girl may bs too proud to acknowledge fuch a fhabby old fellow as rne for her uncle. Sir Feltx. Why (hould (he, fir? Haidy. Nay fir, why fhould (he not? Are not all the world in a confpiracy to render poverty contemp- tible? Is it not even among one of the firft impref- fions our children receive ? For how often to fright- en them into obedience, are they threatened with being deliver'd to the terror of the village, ^the man with a fhabby coat. Sir Felix. I hope you will find your niece an ex- ception to your general opinion. Hardy. Why fir, it is not that I think thus of her, in particular, on the contrary, I have reafon to be- lieve her a girl of fenfe and feeling, but fhe is now rais'd to a rank in life very much above her former condition it was all my poor brgther's fault he 49 THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. thought of nothing but marrying th girl to a title, with this hope, half his little patrimony was fquan- dered away on her education, fhe had beauty, which attracted the notice of .a young gentleman of fafhion, who could not marry her openly without the content of his relations, fo my brother allow'd her to be fmuggled into his family but poor man, he was a genius and they never do any thing like other people. Sir Felix. It is to be wifh'd, fir, that to conduct was fingular in this inftance, but unhappily it is now adopted by all ranks of men and where one family is honourably eftablifh'd upon this principle, a hun- dred are plung'd into mifery and difgrace the lady is apprized of your arrival in England, I fuppofe ? Hardy No fir, nor has (he any reafon to expect me, fince the death of my brother, I have had no in- tercourfe with her ; from his executors, I learn, that her hufband is here, of courfe his wife is with him but I beg pardon, lam troubling you with my concerns, forgetting you can have no intepeft in them. Sir Felix, Pardon me, fir, you are miftaken, I am anxious to know what fort of a reception you will meet with from your niece my bufinefs will not detain me here, above a few hours. Hardy. Sir you are very obliging If I could be fo happy as to fee you again in that time. Sir Felix. I am going to fpeak with the landlord ; we will talk of it, if you pleafe, as we go along. Hardy. Sir I will follow you and I heartily wifh every gentleman in parliament, may be as well qua- lified to take the lead. #!& THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 41 SCENE. A Dreffing Room at lady Court/and^. Sir EDWARD and her Ladyjhip. Lady Court. I tell you Sir, I muft have the money paid down immediately. Sir Edw. Nay madam, you know my utter inabi- lity to raife two hundred pounds, 1 have no re- resources left. Lady Court. That I deny. Sir Edw. Is not the whole of my eftate loft ? Lady Court. What then, the reverlion of your un- cle's eftate is not loft. Sir Edw. Madam, madam, would you have me add infamy to folly ? I have already told you I have no title to his fortune, but what his favour may hereafter allow. Lady Court. You have heard fir from lord Belmour J fuppofe, of your uncle's arrival. Sir Edw. I have madam, a little while fince and I fhould have welcom'd him with pleafurc. Lady Court. Lord, you are grown very particular all of a fudden, Sir Edw. Teach me madam to forget what I was when I became acquainted with your ladyfhip, and you (ball never hear me reproach you, with my p r e- lent ruin and difgrace. Lady Court. And pray fir, -what was you* when you became acquainted with me ? Sir Edw. A man, madam, who might have chal- lenged empires to have produced a happier; for then reflection was not unwelcome to me. Lady Court. Pfhaw ! did not I introduce you to public gaieties, and private iplendor ? was not my houfe, my table, my iervant?, nay my fortune at your F 4* THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. command ? but for me, how would you ever have experienced the delightful emotions that have at- tended you at the gaming-table ? when I have feen you in the ardor of expe&ation, waiting a throw of a die that was to enfure you thoufands. Sir Edw. Yes, madam, and have you not feen me the next moment, ftruck dumb with horror, at hav- ing loft thouj f and$ would that was all I parted with curje on fachfa/kion, curfe on fuch rites* which ferve only to corrupt our hearts, by indulging our follies, and cherifhing our vices. Lady Court. What tragedy airs are thefe ? If you cannot make yourielf more agreeable than you have done fince you came hither, your abfence, fir, will be more delirable than your company. Sir Edw. Right, madam, right ; he who expeBs a fecurity for his happinefs, when he places it in the hands of the unprincipled, deferves to meet this contempt. Enter Secant. Serv. Madam, there is a perfon below who begs to fpeak with you. Lady Court. Who is it ? Serv. A ilranger, madam. Sir Edw. An elderly gentleman ? Serv. Yes, fir, he would not tell me his name, I did not quite underftand him, but he faid fomething about being uncle to your honor. Sir dw, This muft be fir Felix ; s'death in my prefent temper, I dare not nxeet his reproaches. Serv. Sir, he only aik'd for my lady. Lady Court. Shew him into the drawing-room wait on him immediately, [Exit Servant THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 43 $ir< Edw. Madam, fir Felix, is not a man to be trifled with. Lady Court. Sir, I am a woman of too much fpirit to be tied down by thofe vulgar rules, which reft rain the common people from following their inclinations. {Exit Severally , SCENE Changes to a drawing-room* HARDY ( looking about him . ) Hardy. So this is Sir Edward Epworth's houie a noble one it is to be fure by his living here in fo much (Vile, it looks 'as if the young man's family were reconciled to my niece fhe is a longtime coming (he little thinks who is waiting to receive her, poor girl. I hear footfteps zounds! what crazy old figure have we got here. Enter Lady COURT-LAND (they both look ajlonlfhed.) Lady Court, (afide) This his uncle's politenefs, heaven keep me from iuch breeding how the brute flares. Hardy. Madam, I apprehend here is iome miftakfc, 1 afk'd to fee the lady of the houfe. Lady Court. Sir I am the lady of the houfe. Hardy, (going) Madam your fervant, I underftood Sir Edward Epworth liv'd here. Lady Court. Sir, Sir Edward Epworth does live here. Hardy. Then madam, 1 preiume you are th young gentleman's mot lie r. Lady Court. Sir, do I look like his mother, Hardy. M^dam a thoufand pardons, (coming a little dofer] I perceive my miftake I fee you are his wether. 44 THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. Lady Court. Do you come here to infult me, Sir. Hardy, (ajide) An old maid by her fqueamifhnefs. Dear madam you wrong me, I have too great a re- fpect for ladies of your condition. Lady Court. Sir I underftand your fneer. Hardy. Madam I am very unfortunate, but with- out venturing any more guefles at what you are, allow me to tell you what lam. Lady Court. (Interrupting him) Sir, don't think that you can impofe yourfelf on me I am acquainted with your claim upon Sir Edward Epworth but fir, don't imagine that your calling yourfelf his uncle, gives you a title to intrude yourfelf here this is my houfe. Hardy. Madam, greatly as you may think I am honor'd by my connexion with Sir Edward Epworth I am not ambitious of proving either his friendfhip or yours; you muft allow me to tell yon my motive for coming here. Lady Court. Spare your explanation fir, I read it in your looks. Hardy. What do you mean, madam, do you think I come here for what I can get. Lady Court. Sir I think you come here for what you can take away. Hardy S'death madam, I would dig, beg,Jiarve 9 rather than be indebted to the pride of profperity for a (hilling. Lady Court. What does the old man mean (ajide) Sir I muft tell you this is very ftrange language from a gentleman of your confequence. Hardy. How dare you madam, how dare you but you are a- Lady Court. What am I, Sir ? Hardy. A woman. Lady Court, (fnteringly} And you, Sir, are a Nobk- the descendant pf an ancient and honorable THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS 55 family ; api&ure of old times anobferver of fooitfh cutloms A fupporter of prejudices I'll natured fplenetic, phlegmatic, morofe Hardy. Whew ! what the Devil is the old woman driving at, fure fhe is not in her right mind. Lady Court. Sir I am not to be told what your opini- on of my conduct has been, you have made pretty free, fir, with my name. but let me tell you fir. what your anceftors denominated a vice, we can now prove to be a virtue. Hardy. She is mad, (he is mad. Lady Court. And the polite part of the world will never quarrel with a lady for following her inclina- tions. Hardy. What a fool have I been to take offence with a poor creature that don't know what fhe is faying if I had not been blinded by paffion, I might have feen her misfortune in her looks poor foul how fhe is drefs'd, a melancholy contempla- tion, to behold the reafon of an old woman fo entirely overfet I don't like that (tare tho' (looking round the room for a bell) Lady Court. What are you about, fir ? Hardy, (rings) Don't be afraid, my good woman, no one (hall hurt you where I am be pacified compofe yourfelf. Lady Court. What does the brute mean ? Enter Servant. Serv. Did your lady (hip ring ? Hardy. Ladyfhip no, no (winking at the jervant) it was / that rung, (wbifpering) where is your lady's keeper. Serv. Sir ? Hardy, I know her fituation, I fay where is her Jceeper ? 4& THE SCHOOL FOR FRI&NDS. Serv. Sir ? Sir Edward is gone out. Hardy. What (he minds him does (he, better than any one elfe Ihe is fond of Sir Edward per- haps. What does the fellow laugh at her mif- fortunes. Lady Court. This is too much, infuk me to my face, before my fervant ! Leave my houfe, Sir, leave my houfe inftantly. (Hardy winking at the Jcrvant) Serv. The man is crazy to be fure. (Lady Court' land beckons the Servant . ) H*rdy. I wonder what flie is faying. Lady Conn. What { is not this man Sir Edward's uncle ? Serv. Not a bit like him, madam I have feen Sir Felix, he is quite another fort of a gentleman, this perfon feems a pooor crazy man, my lady. Lady Conn. It mull be fo, nothing but infanity can account for \\\s Jlrange behaviour , I am frighten'd out of my wits at thefe fort of people get him out of the houfe, get him out of the houfe. Serv. (to Hardy) Sir, if you pleafe, we will go into another room. Hardy. No, no, don't leave this poor creature, if nay niece is at home, cannot (lie come to me here ? tell her my name is Hardy her uncle Hardy, juft arnv'd from the Weft-Indies. Lady Court. The poor wretch has got fome fancy in his head, and now we (hall have fome trouble to get rid of him if you will be fo obliging, fir to go with that gentleman, he will conduct you to the lady who you wilh to fee. (afide] Thefe people love refpeft. Hardy. Go with that gentleman. Poor creature they are all gentlemen with her. f #// Servant. THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 47 Enter Servant, ufhering in Sir FELIX. Scr* A gentleman, my lady, who enquires for Sir Edward Epworth. [*/>. Lady Court. Sir I am very forry the baronet isjuft gone out if you have any commands. Hwdy. Why Sir, who would have thought of meeting you here, are you acquainted with mj niece ? Sir Felix. Is this lady your niece. Hardy. What an old crazy woman Sir Felix. I prefume madam you are lady Coart- land. Lady Court. Sir you are not miftaken. Sir Felix. Then, madam, my name is Mordant I am the uncle of fir Edward Epworth. Lady Ccurt. Sir, you do me honor. Sir Felix. I am informed madam, my nephew is an inmate of your ladyfhip's houfe. Lady Court* Sir I have the happinefs to entertain him* Sir FeHx. And he madam, the misfortune to be en . tertain'd. Lady Court. Sir ? Sir Felix. His eftate, madam I find, is mortgaged to your lad} (hip for a confiderable fum of money, which he has fmce loft at your lady Blip's faro table! Hardy. What's this, what's this ? pray fir excufe me, where is lady Epworth ? Sir Felix. ACk that lady. Hardy. Where is Sir Edward's wife, madara ? Lady Court. Did you exped to find her, in my keeping, fir ? Sir Felix. At leaft, madam, this gentleman could not exped to find her hujband in your keeping for fhame, for fharne at your age- 4* THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. Lady Court. My age ! oh ! what a brute fir, you muft know '*ery little of the fafhionable world, to imagine a lady's age is any obftacle to her pleafures, fuch ftupid prejudices might have been entertained in your great grandmother's time, but, thank heaven, this is an age when people's under- ftandings are greatly enlightened. Sir Felix. Madam, madam, weak as the age is, and abandoned as we are to its follies ftill the loud voice of indignation is raifed againft the bold ef- frontery of vice ; our hearts are not yet fo depraved as to have loft all refpeft ior virtue nor are we fo familiarized with vice, as to fancliun the open and avowed profligacy of a licentious woman. Enter Lord BELMOUR. (retiring on feeing her lady [hip engaged.) Sir Felix. Lord Belmour ! Lord Bel. Ah! my dear Sir Felix, I rejoice to fee you here. Sir Felix. If we had met any where but here, my lord, I fhould have been proud to have returned the compliment. Lord Bel. Sir, I am forry to be found in any place, that is an exception to your favor. Sir Felix. So am I, my lord, for I was in hopes your friendfhip for Edward, was formed on a more honorable principle, than that which has led you to follow him to this vicious retreat. Lord Bel. Give me leave, fir, to fay a few words on the part of my friend. Sir Felix. My lord, I have no doubt bat you have fome veiy perfuafive arguments to ufe, in favor of your friend's profligacy, for thofe whofe candor will THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 4$ admit of bis defence fir, / have ftudied in the old fchool of morals, when all hoftilities had not ceafed between vice and virtue; your friend has fet defi- ance to his family, facrificed his fortune at the gam- ing table, and abandoned his wife. Lord Bel. His wife, fir, What! is Sir Edward married ? Sir Felix. Pardon me, my lord, if I doubt your ignorance on this fubjecl. Lord Bel. Then upon my foul, fir, you do me wrong, for 'till this inftant, I never knew that he had formed any fuch connexion. Sir Felix. Why then my lord; as my nephew's difhonour is more familiar to that lady than to me, I refer you to her for the particulars, ^/fo, I believe, can inform you, that Sir Edward Epworth is a mar- ried man. [*//. Lady Court. To glance at my reputation, 1 who am vifited by every body ; Sir Felix Qiall find I am not to be infulted with impunity his nephew is in my power, let him look to it. \jExif Hardy. Pray, fir, excufe me, who is this lady, that has juft left us ? and what are her claims on Sir Ed- ward Epworth ? Lord Bel. She's an old decoy dowager, who baits her houfe with dice, to lure all the young fools about town. Here Sir Edward's fortune has paid the price of his folly; do you know any thing, fir, of the lady he married ? Hardy. Sir, (he is my niece I have travelled far to fee her, with the fond hope of finding her happy in the protection of a hulband I am an old man, and fooiifhly indulged many pleafing fancies poor girl, poor girl her father loved her tenderly (wipes his eyes. ) Sir, you are Sir Edward's friend tell him from me G p THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. Lord Ed. Sir, if I find he has deferted his wife, I (hall tell him from myfelf, he is a villain in the mean time, if I can give you any affiftance in dif- ccveringlady Epworth. Hardy. Sir, I thank you, I fhall make it my bufi- nefs to fee Sir Edward myfelf -men can't want courage to confefs their faults, if they are not aiham'd to commit them. {Exit. Enter Mifs EMILY, flarts on feeing Lord Belmour. Lord Bel. Ah ! Mifs Emily ! in tears my love ? Emily. No, no, no nothing, fir (a noife is beard without, Mifs Emily looking towards the door*) Lord Bel. I hear voices 'tis Sir Edward's, he has met the baronet. Emily. Oh 1 unhappy Emily ! (covering her face with her hand. ) Lord Bel. Mifs Emily, Mifs Emily, I cannot bear this, what has happened to caufe this emotion ? Emily. Oh! fir, mygrandmama Sir Ed ward Ep- worth what will the world fay of the poor Emily, indeed my lord, I am innocent. Lord Bel. Charming fenfibility innocent, aye, as an angel. Emily. What will become of me, every body will confound me in the guilt of my oh ! if my dear father had fufpeded, that my grandmama would have run away with a married man, he would never have expofed his poor Emily to this unhappy fituation I hope, fir, you won't think her conduct any re- proach to my dear parents memory for if 1 love virtue, I owe it to the example of the beft of mo- thers. LordBe I. Her fmipiicity affeds me. THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 51 Emily. I am fare I n^ver heard any thing of his having a wife did you know, fir, that Sir Edward was a married man ? Lord EeL No, on my life, Mifs Emily ; I have been abroad tbefe four year, and am but juft re- turned. Emily. I am glad to hear you fay fo, fir for I arn fure I fhould have been very forry if you had known it. Lord Ed. Indeed ! , Emily, My lord, every one who appears good, I rejoice to find fo fpr 1 think the ftrongeft argument in favor of virtue, is the practice of it. Enter Sir EDWARD, much agitated Lord Bel. So, what is the matter now, fir? Sir Edw. An unmannerly mifiake of my unde's; Sir Felix fhould have known me better than to have threatened me with the lofsof hb eftate, neither the hope of enjoying, nor the fear of lofing it, ftall ever influence my conduct I haye too much of -his pride in my nature, to be brib'd to do his will. Lord Esl. Your uncle is jealous of the hosor of his family. Sir Edw. So am I, my lord. Lord Bel. With this difference, bis honor is of the old fcheol. yours of the new and modern honor has paft through fo many refinements, that it is quite changed in its quality. Sir Edw. Who dares fay this ? Lord Bel. A friend. Sir Edw. *Tis falfe, is it the office cf & Jmnd to infult a man ? Lord'JSel. No, but it is his office ^ to poiiU out his errors, ""not palliate them 5 to remind him that be is a 52 THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. man* and that every fpecies of duplicity, is incom- patible with the dignity of man. Sir Edw. What has made me accountable to you, fir, for my actions ? Lord Bel. That which makes all men of high rank, accountable to the whole world. Example ; for who lhall wonder if the ignorant neglect the moral duties of life, when they can find a precedent in one of your exalted ftation ? Sir Edw. My lord, I will not bear reproof, you know the violence of my temper. Lord Bel. I know your temper is a damn'd bad temper, Ned, and has always been your word enemy I would not yield to fuch a pitiful foe op- pofe it conquer it. Sir Edw. Sir, you have gone too far this is no place, or I would tell you Emily. (Alarmed) Nothing, nothing, you are friends, what my lord faid, was only meant in kind- nefs. Ljord Bel. To your wife, Ned to your wife. Emily- Pray, fir, no more of this. Sir Edw. Prepare, fir, to anfwer this contempt, in a manner you may lead defire. [Exit. Emily. No, no, he does not know what he is faying, you are too generous to notice it, 1 am fure you are ; my lord, why do you look fo grave ? Lord Bel. If my fears are juft, by heaven, he fhall anfwer for his perfidy (going.) Emily. (Greatly agitated.) You muft not leave me thus, ftay, fir, I conjure you day. Lord Bel Why this alarm, Mifs Emily? you don't know what you afk. Emily. Yes, yes I do I am giddy, I am indif* creet, but I am not unfeeling. THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 55 Lord Eel. (Afide) This terror tor his fafety, con- firms my fears, her youth, her innocence you know not half your danger. Emily. Danger ', my lord, what danger ? you frighten me. \ ^Lord Bel. Sir Edward has a wife. Emily. What of that ? I care not for Sir Edward. Lord Bel. " Your words tell me one thing, your looks another, which am I to believe ?*' Emily. (With dignity) Which you pleafe, my lord. Lord Bel. Nay, you mud not be angry I know you entertain too jufta fenfe of female delicacy, to allow yourfelf to think ferioufly of a man, who can, never give you a proof of honourable affection. Emily. My lord! Lord. EeL Do you always feel thus interefted, on eveiy (light occafion ? Emily. Is this a flight occafion, fir ? Lord Eel. Nay, Mifs Emily, that is not an an- fwer to my queftion I afk'd if you were always thus interefted ? Emily. Yes, I am fure at lead I think I am. Lord Bel. Suppofe now, for inftance, I was going to meet any other perfon, would you be quite fo much afFecled? Emily. O yes, quifc, quite as much, pray my lord don't don't fight with any one why do you fmile, fir? Lord Bel Tell me, when you firft heard Sir Ed- ward had a wife, did not you did not you feel a fudden refentment towards Emily. O yes, I felt my whole heart rife with in- dignation againfl (paufes.) Lord Bel. Againll his wife ? Emily. Oh! no, againft my grandmam*, and I Lord Bel. What did you wifh ? wifh'd- 54 THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. Emily. That I could tell his wife how much I pitied her. Lord BeL I am fatisfy'd. Emily. Then you won't meet Sir Edward. Lord Bel. (Smiling} Not as an enemy, my love. Emily. I take you at your word. (going.) Lord Bel. (With tenderntfs) Thank you, Mifs Emi- ly, I will not forfeit It. [Exeunt jeverally. END OF THE THIRD ACT. ACT IV. THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 5$ ACT IV. SCENE. Mrs. Hamilton's Lodgings. Mrs. HAMILTON and LUCY. Mrs. Ham. MY hufband here ! Lucy. Yes, ma'am, I could have told you thai before. Mn. Ham. And you have feen him? Lucy. Yes, my lady. Mrs. Ham. How did he look ? Lucy. As well, ma'am, as ever I fawhim. Mrs. Ham. Is he/0 happy ? (Jighs) Lucy. Not now, ma'am, I fancy. Mrs. Ham. Heav'ns! What new calamity? Speak! Lucy. Why there it is now, ma'am 5 you put yourfelf into fuch a fright about his concerns, when I am fure he don't deferve you mould ever think about him. Mrs. Ham. Be not afraid; I have borne his egle6t of me, and after that, I can bear any thing* Lucy. Why then, ma'am, my matter is arrefted. Mrs. Ham. Gracious heaven ! my hufband ar- refted? Lucy. I know the houfe where he is confin'd. Mrs. Ham. I will go to him this inftant -whilfl he is in forrow he Jhall not refufe to fee me. r Couldn't you learn the fum? Lucy. Two hundred pounds, my lady. Mrs. Ham. Two hundred pounds, no mor% where is Mr. Daw. Lucy. I have not feen him r ma'am, fmce your lady (hip. 4 fr THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS* Mrs. Ham* If he has not returned the note, let him inform Lord Belmour, I accept it till I can redeem this, (taking a picture from her bofom.) Lucy. My mailer's pifture ! Mrs. Ham. Thefe diamonds are more than worth that fum ; lofe not a moment when you get the money into your pofle"ffi on. Lucy. Your ladyfhip will go with it to my maf- ter. Mrs. Ham. No, that fhall be your office. To give him liberty will be my happinefs ; to receive it from me, whom he has injured will be his re- froaeh ; his neglect of me has been voluntary, his return (hall not be conftrain'd I rely on your fidelity let him not k now from whom it comes. Lucy. Dear madam! - Mrs. Ham. If you difputc my commands, you will oblige me to perform this duty myfelf. [Exit Lucy angrily. ~\ I fee him return again to me and to his child I hear him acknowledge his errors ; I talk of the future to prevent his thinking of thepaft Reafon triumphs over paflion Virtue refumes fcer power and I am the happieft of wives. Enter MATTHEW DAW. Did you fee Lucy, 'Sir ? Daw. Yea, verily, friend; I met her at the outward door of thy dwelling; I judge this letter will inform thee Mrs. Ham. (Interrupting him) What letter, from Lord Belmour? Daw. No, a man who called himfelf his friend did write it in my prefence Moreover he did fay it would filence all thy fcruples, concerning the note thou would'ft have returned. Mrs. Ham. (Eagerly) Then you have it. Sir? Daw. Verily, thy handmaid did demand LI me in hafte; (he did fay it was at thy THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 57 Mrs. Ham. (Taking the letter, breaks the feal, Ah! what do I fee, my hufband's fignature ? (afide) Is it poffible he could know to whom he wrote? Daw. Verily, he feemed not ignorant of thy condition. [Exit. Mrs. Ham. (Reads with great emotion) " Ma- " dam, I think it proper to caution you againft " attempting to draw Lord Belmour into a laft- " ing engagement, for I am too much his friend 4; to allow him to be made the dupe of appear- * 6 ances thus far I will pledge myfelf that you " fhali receive from him a handfome maintenance ec whiiftyou behave with candour to merit it, Your's, E. EPWORTH." Enter Lord BELMOUR, (gaily.) Lord Bel. I come, my dear madam, to exprefs my grateful thanks for the honor you have done me, by accepting the note. I have feen your fervant, I am afraid I have been too fcrupulous. (taking out his pocket book.) Mrs. Ham. Hold, my lord! hitherto you have beheld me a weak woman, finking under the weight of my afflictions now, Sir, behold me a refolute one I command you to leave me. Lord Bel. What can this fudden indignation mean? I came not, madam to infult your mif- fortunes. Mrs. Ham. My misfortunes, no, no, no, it is my hufband who is unfortunate, not me; at this moment I feel my fuperiority 'tis fuch wealth as worlds fhould not ternpt me to barter it has foothedme in affliction; fupported me in aclver- H 5 S THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS/ fity ; guided me thro' all hazards it has arm'd me with courage in danger, and now exalts me above this indignity 'tis the riches of an uncor^ jupted heart ! Lord Ed. Hear me, madam. Mrs. Ham. What ! abandon his wife to the bafe folicitations of his friend ! Monftrous, mon^ ftrous. Lord Bel. Madam, you do me wrong if you fufpeft by Heaven- Mrs. Ham. Dreadful profanation ! Do you call Heaven to witnefs your friend's perjuries or your cwn? Lord Bel. Madam underftand me rightly. Mrs. Ham. Sir this letter has fufficiently in- formed me. Oh, Sir Edward Epworth, to what have you expofed me ! Lord Bel. Madam, did I hearrii;ht? Sir Ed- ward Epworth: can it be ? is it poffible that Mrs. Hamilton is the wife of Sir Edward Epworth ? Mrs. Ham-. Sir, I underftand your reproach' * 1 have been more tender of his honour, than he has been of mine. Lord Bel. Reproach you! I honor, efteem, adore your virtues. Madam, from this moment I abjure all fellowfhip with Sir Edward; iruft me, you have nothing to fear from any future impor- tunities. I will only afk of you to look upon me as a brother; I have a houie, madam, make it your's you have a child, in my affeclion he (hall find a father. Mrs. Ham. Sir, you behold me abandoned by tny hufband; my foul fired with indignation at his unnatural defertion of me torn with conflicting agonies for the fate of my belov'd child r-but my Jord, you behold me a wife^ as fuch I am ac- THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 59 fcountable to the world for my condutt) you be- hold me a mother^ as fuch I am accountable for my example to mothers; above all, fir, you be- hold me a chriftian-, in the holy precepts of my religion I have hitherto fought for council, and in following its divine inftru&ions, I have found the fweeteft confolation; Sir, I will truft to it ftill. [Exit. Lord Bel. What has honor done to create fuch an hoft of enemies? In the fhort fpace of an hour a whole army have rifen up to give her battle ; impatience, defire, love, opportunity,* 'twas a hard conteft did'ft thou think I Ihould be vanquifhed ? Set thy heart at reft thy vir- tues have made a hero of me; an Alexander; pooh, pooh! what was Alexander to me? He only fubdued others, I conquer myfelf, and where is there an enemy fo formidable as our paflions? Where is there a vi6lory more honourable than the fubduing them ? [Exit* SCENE changes to the Rofe Inn* Enter Sir EDWARD, followed by a WAITER* Sir Edw. Lord Belmour not here? Waiter. No, fir, but we exped his lord/hip every moment. [Exit. Sir Edw. My releafe could come from no one clfe; his lordfhip's name was to the note; ge- jaerous man; I have been too hafty with him. Enter Lord BELMOUR* Sir Edw. Dear Belmour, after what has paffed I am afhamed to fee you. (offering his hand.) H 2 60 THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. Lord Eel. (Shunning him.) Faith you have reafon. Sir Edw. I acknowledge it I am indebted to your friendfhip for more than I can now pay. Lord Bel. I believe it. Sir Edw. I have been a fool, Belmour wretch. Lord Bel. I know it. Sir Edw. You are not acquainted with my worft follies. Lord Bel. Then they are damned bad ones, indeed. Sir Edw. Curfed fpirit for play ! into what mifery has it not plunged me for this I deferted my wife. Lord Bel. Very inhumanely. Sir Edw. I incurred my uncle's lafting difplea- fure. Lord Bel. Very defervedly. Sir Edw. My own bitter refle&ions- Lord Bel. Very naturally. Sir Edw. 'Sdeath, I have not courage to en- counter the evils my follies have incurred I will quit the kingdom ; tuy wife ! I dare not fee her herfenfe of honor is great; after what has panned, how would (he look upon me? Lord Bel. Moft indignantly. Sir Edw. My boy! (paufes) What will my prayers avail; at this moment they appear Lord. Bel. Damn'd hypocritical. Sir Edw. Dear Belmour do not anfwer thus ; I am milerable ; my wife, my child when I am gone will want the affiftance of a friend you are a man of honor Lord Bel. So are you. Sir Edw. Torture! When I am gone, fee THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 6t her, give her this, (offering a paper] 'twill fecure to her and to my child all that is left of my once ample fortune. Lord Bel. Give it her yourfelf. Sir Edw. Impoffible, my refolution's fixed Lord Bel. I promife' to fulfil your wifhes on one condition. Sir Edw. Name it. Lord Bel. You are acquainted with my paflion for Mrs. Hamilton. Sir Edw. Conquer it conquer it Lord Bel. I have chang'd my opinion of her fince we laft met. Sir Edw. I knew you would, I wrote to her plainly. Lord Bel. Plainly indeed! You are acquaint- ed with her perhaps? Sir Edw. Sir I wifh her to think fo, the fellow (he mploys knows his trade; it was not to his interett that ihe Ihould become honed he gave me to underftand what me was you are fatisfied Ihe is not the woman you took her for. Lord Bel. Yes, yes, with your affiftance I could not fail of difcovering it. Sir Edw. I (hall always think myfelf fortunate. Lord Bel. Yes, yes, you are very fortunate, but you mult aid me (till farther before I can ac~ complifh my defigns. Sir Edw. How ? Lord Bel. 1 will tell you, this woman ftill affecls fome fcruples of delicacy. Sir Edw. All a farce, fir. Lord Bel. Weil, well, to keep it up on my part, and the fooner to bring the affair to a con- -clufion, what do you think I have promifed her? Sir Edw. Indeed, my lord, 1 cannot fay. 62 THE SCHOOL FQ FRIENDS* Lord Eel. The countenance and protection of a refpe&able relation. Sir Edw. Who? Lord Bel. My uncle, forfooth. Sir Edw. How will you bring the old gentle- ipan into your plot. Lord Bel. You fhall perfonate him. % Sir Edw. ImpofTible. Lord Bel. Nothing fo eafy a patch over one eye, a horfeman's coat, and a wig, compleats your metamorphofe beyond difcovery. Sir Edw. Ridiculous! Lord Bel. Nay, you need only go with me to her lodgings, you (hall not fpeak a word if you don't like it; you (hall hear me abufe her hufband. Sir Edw. Sir, if fhe is a married woman, I will have no hand in making her a difhoneft one. Lord Bel. Pooh! the fellow is a poor pitiful wretch, he would expofe her to the infults of all the fools about town I have feen a letter from him, wherein he abfolutely facrifices her to his friend. Sir Edw. Indeed, my lord, you muft excufc me in this affair. Lord Bel. Impofllble! remember the condi- tion. Meet me here at feven this evening. Sir Edw. Well, well, if I muft my lord, I am not in fpirits for this bufmefs, v and make no fmall facrifice to friend ihip at this moment in undertaking it. Lord Bel. Never fear Ned; the fight of Mrs. Hamilton will rai fey our fpirits. [Exit Sir Edward.] Juft as I remember him when he was a boy, never Ib impatient of rebuke, as vhen he felt that he deferved it. THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 63 Enter a SERVANT with a letter. Lord BeL For me ! Servant. Yes, my lord. [Exit. Lord BeL From Mifs Emily; what can the little girl have to fay to me ? (reads)- " My * 6 lord, after a great many ftruggles, I have at " length ventured to write to you lady Court- a lowwhifper) May I come forth? (walks out) Lady Court, (fcreams) Hardy. At length your ladyfhip hath raifed him. Lady Court. Wretch! how came you into my houfe? Hardy. Odds life, madam, let me fpeak firft. Daw. I appeal unto Sarah. Hardy. I mall choak with paffion, Sir Ed- ward, Sir Edward, where is my niece? My name is Hardy Hardy, Sir, the brother of the good man, whofe daughter you married, and have fo inhumanly deferted. Lady Court. (Pajfionately) And my name, Sir, is Courtland Anfwer me this inftant, at whofe inftigation you have dared offer me this indignity? (DAW looks at them both injilent wonder) Hardy. Her matchlefs beauty, her fpotlefs in nocence. Lady Court. Negle&ed, expofed, betrayed. Hardy. Odds life, what recompence Sir, can you make ta atone for this cruelty ? Daw. I am confounded at thy fayings ! Hardy. And I at thy impudence. Mark me young man, though I am old, I have an arm yet to punifh infolence I will have immediate fatis- fattion. Lady Court. So will I, Sir. Hardy. Not of this gentleman, if my piftols are faithful to their duty. Daw. Piftols! My friend thou talked to me in parables. Hardy. (Pa/ionately) Called thou me friend? Wretch (feizes him by the collar) where is my niece? So THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. Daw. (Dif engaging himfelf) I pray thee loofen thy hand from my coat thou do ft give me great pain. Enter SARAH. Sarah. The fame young woman again, ma'am, Now (he afks for Sir Edward, and calls herfelf Lucy. Lady Court. Do they take the Abbey for a Re- gifter Office ? Daw. Sarah, fay unto thefe people what thou knoweft o f me. Sarah. A Regifter Office truly! for here's a fellow that I never faw before wanting me to give him a character. [Exit. Lady Court. This clamour is not to be borne. Where are all my people to difperfe thefe wretches? [Exit. Enter LUCY. Lucy. (Seeing Daw, runs up to him.} So, fir, this is keeping your word, is it? Hardy. Another after him I mall choak with rage. Daw. I appeal unto Sarah. Lucy. Thou mayefl appeal unto Satan; oh! Matthew ! Matthew ! Hardy. Eh ! what odd's life if after all and now I look at him he don't appear much like a baronet who is this man, child ? Lucy. Matthew Daw, and pleafe your honor, a poor, fooliih, watchmaker. Hardy. The devil he is to wafte my wrath upon the Pariih Dial This is regulating one's THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS, Si time-piece by an ill-going clock, 'till one is curfedly out in the hour. Daw. If thou calleft fo often on Belzebub, when thy time-piece ftoppeth he will be for winding thec up. Hardy. f angrily) And who did you call upon when you came fneaking out of that bed-chamber ! Daw. My coufm Sarah. Lucy. What, hid in a bed chamber with your coufin Sarahgrant me patience thou vile man I (han't crytho* it don't hurt me (bwjlinginto tean) Cruel cruel Matthew. [Exit. Daw. Who judgeth of a man only by appearance x:ondemneth him rafhly, \Exlt. Ha'fy. Yes, and he who is in purfuit of a profli- gate, meets with fo many anfwering that defcnption that he is in danger of (hooting one half the young fellows he meets before he encounters the identical perfon. Daw. My vifit unto this houfe was direfted by charity, who led me hither in behalf of the injured wife of the man they call Epworth for which I have met with nothing, but fierce looks and con- temptious fay ings. Hardy. What's that Sir Edward's wife do you know where (he is to be found ? Daw. Perchance I do. Hardy. Tell me, 1 befeech you. Daw. Nay I (hall not communicate with thce. SARAH Entering and ufheringin^iu FELIX. Sarah. I will let my lady know, fir, you are here. [fel/. Sir Felix. Mr. Hardy your mod obedient. L 8s THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS Hardy, (fulfcly) Sir, your fervant. Sir Fetix. I owe you an apology for not keeping my promife. Ha r dy. Don't mention it, fir, I beg you are a parliament man. Sir F, At the time I was to have met you at the Rofe Inn, I was engaged in an affair that materially concerns us both, Mr. Hardy. ha'dy Nothing lefs than the good of the nation, I hope fir. Sir F. Private duties, my good friend, leading to public benefits the good of the nation is beft pro- moted by thefe means to receive a prodigal nephew who returns repentant to me, is not, I hope, to be otherwife em ploy 'd. Hardy. And is this the houfe appointed for your meeting. Sir Felix, where there are fo many items of his wickednefs* Sir Fekx. No. my bufmefs here is with lady Courtland. as this letter will explain, (offering if to him' Hardy, (offended* refufing to read it) You may have reafon, Sir Felix, to forgive Sir Edward Epwortb he is your nephew /don't feel myfelf under any iuch obligation. Sir Felix. Your refentment of his conduft is fo natural I can fay nothing to ibften it. Hardy. What do you mean by that, Sir do you take me for an ignorant, unreeling old blockhead Sir, I muft tel- you 1 am no fuch peribn odd'slife a man may be generous without underftanding the claffics ! Tell me, Sir, your nephew lov'd my niece ; that he was led unwarily from his home at fome unguarded hour, by his thougbtleis companions to the gaming table tell me at one unlucky throw he loft the wholeof his cftate and I will yet forgive him-^but don't tell me he has left my niece, houfe- THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. . 8 8 lefs, pennylefs an outcaft upon an unfeeling world, while he is living here, in guilty fpendour. Sir Felix. You have imagined rightly, Mr. Har- dy, of the manner in which he was betray'd into the folly of gaming hedefcribes it with the keeneftre- morfe but with far greater anguifh the lofs of his Emilia unable, he fays, to endure the fight of his wife and child after the injuries he had done them he hurry'd hither almoft frantic with defpair Hardy. A*id left them to perifli a refinement upon feeling indeed ! Sir Felix. Not fo, he placed a futn of money for their ufe in the hands of his bankers, and it was not til] this morning he difcover'd, through tta'r means, a forgery on his name, by which his wife has been depriv'd of the money, and on enquiry, having left her ufual place of abode, is no where to be ht.~rd of (Hardy much, affefted) Mr. Hardy- be aflur'd I feel for you very ienfibly on this occa- Hardy. Sir, I don't want your pity. I don't want any man's pity ; I am a very wretched old man I go about from houfe to houfe in fearch of my niece 1 afk every body I meet if they have feen her, the only human being who has a claim upon my heart is become an outcaft and a wanderer, (in a burft of grief } Why will they not tell me where fhe is to be found ? J*#V Enter Lady COURT-LAND. Lady Court. Sir, I muft tell you thefe repeated vifits are by no means agreeable to me. Sir Felix. A very few words, madam, will etf^lain this intrufion your ladylhip can be no ftranger t this hand writing, / & 84 THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. Lady Court, (alarmed) Ah ! my letter to Jarvis. Sir Feli* Written by your JadyQiip, unknown to Sir Edward, to obtain a fum of money appropriated by him to the ufe of his wife. Lady C, Vile infinuation ! Sir Felix. Are you aware, Madam, of the light in which your conduct will appear in a court of juftice. Lady C. Sir, I defy your power. Sir F. Have a care, madam, how you provoke it. This letter forwarded to your fteward, who was then in London, inclofed a draft on my nephew's bankers xvith Sir Edward's name, which he never fign'd. Lady C. What does this prove ? Sir F. So much, madam, that unlefs you confent to fign this Paper [offering if her) Lady C. (alarmed, looking at it) What, bind myfelf to reftore Sir Edward's Eftate ? Sir F. Confider, madam, confider well the mif- chief which has arifen from your conduct, in doing fo, you will naturally reflect on |your prefent fitua- tion, fo different from any other lady's in the fphere you niove age is a feafon fliould be pre-eminent- ly diftinguifhed for virtue. Lady C. My age do you again make it a fubjel ofderifion. Sir F. Never When I behold a being who has pafs'd her youth with honor, gracefully declining into the vale of years when I lee her cherifh'd by that love and refpect her goodnefs has created I look upon her as one who approaches fo near the perfection of an angel, as foon to become one, whilii a fenument rifing almoft to devotion is infpired by her pretence. Lady C. No fuch fenfation is excited by my j>rer fence, it fhould feem. Sir F. This is not a feafon for ceremony, madam, truth lequircs I (hould fpeak freely unlefs yo THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS g inftantly agree to the propofal I have offer'd, your ladyfhip will be plac'd in the power of thofe who may exact a feverer penalty. Lady C. Am I to be threatened into a compliance, It is proper I fhould know how that letter came in to your hands. Sir F. There, madam, you muft excufe me. Lady C. On no other condition will I fign this paper. Sir F. Do fo then, madam, do it inftantly and I pledge myfeif you (hall be inform'd. LadyC. (Signs if.) There, fir, (gives it him.) Sir F. Through the carelefsnefs of your lady (hip's fteward, it fell into the hands of Mils Emily. Lady C. Ah I Sir. F. Innocent of the fatal confequence it might have proved to your ladyfhip, fhe gave it to Sir Ed- ward. Lady C. The young viper, to cabal with them againft me. Sir F. Alarmed at Sir Edward's threats on receiv.* ing it, fhe flew to me to intercede for your lady* ihip. LadyC. I will marry to-morrow on purpofe to dilinherit her. Sir F. At prefent, madam, fhe is under my protedlion. Lady Court. L will never fee her more. Sir F. I knew and refpecled her father -have a daughter of my own and if the Iwtcr orphan Emily will be contented to fhare my love with her; fhe Small be my child alfo, madam. 1 take my leave. Lady Court, (loith affeRedcalmnefs.} One word, Si? Felix, your nephew is too pitiful a wretch to ex* ite even my indignation I defpife the hypocrite, 6 THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS, I renounce him for ever, and as an acknowledg- ment for the favours I have received of your family, I fmcerely wifh them ail the happinefs, pride, po- verty, and contempt are capable of beftowing. [Exeunt JevfraKj. SCENE V. Mrs. Hamilton's Lodgings. Mrs. HAMILTON at a table with a letter in her hand Ijswftandwg at a dijlance watching her. Lucy. You mud not be unhappy, ma'am, to be fure nobody was ever us'd fo wickedly but pray ma'am don't be unhappy. M r s. Ham.. I am not unhappy ' (Jigbs heavily] not at all unhappy. Lucy O I can't bear this fhe does not know what (he is faying pray ma'am don't look fo fadly; Mrs. Ham. No, no, no ; I am .quite well quite eafy I don't even fhed a tear. Lucy. O my dear, dear lady, you muft not take on thus confider what will become of your own fweet boy, if you forfake him. Mrs. Ham. Did you fay my child yes, yes, J am a mother I believe I am not quite well I feel a tightnefs here (laying her hand on her heart Lucy gives her a chair a loud knocking at the 'door Mrs. Hamilton rifes alarm' d.) Lucy* What will become of us. Mn Ham. Another letter, I will not read it do not bung it to me, good girl for mercy's fake do not it will drive me mad. \_Exit Lucy. ( Mrs. Hamilton walks about greatly agitated.) Enter LUCY. Lucy. 'Tis Lord Belmcur's voice madam, fhall I fay your ladyfhip is engaged ? THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 8 7 Mrs Ham. (angrily.) Any thing I will not be interrupted {walks to the back part of the flage read- itg. [Exit Lucy Enter Lord BELMOUR and Si>- EDWARD (th$ latter fiill in difguife.) LordBel. Softly, foftly, let me introduce you to her Us going forward setums to fir Edward^ Once more madam I venture to intrude, but 1 bring with me one who I hope will fatisfy your moft fcrupulous delicacy; Mrs. Ham. (greatly agitatidj Sir, in my prefent fituation this conduct is cruel expofed to this ftranger. Lord Bel. A ftranger O, my dear madam, no, a very near relation, my uncle Mrs. Hamilton, &r -(Mrs. Hamiitin turning to fir Edward with an iu- qyifitht air.} Sir Edw. (uttersacryofa/loni/h?nenf.) By heavens my wife ! ! ! Lord Bel. My uncle, madam, is Acquainted with the fervour of my pafllon, and contrary to moft mea in his fituation, he fays if you mould incur any blame by flying to me for protection, he will take it upon himfelf won't you uncle (in his ear.} Sir Ediv. Do I hold faith with men or devils. Lord Bel. Did you (peak, uncle. Sir Edw. (violently agitated.) Sir this. outrage, this unprecedented villainy. Lord Bel. (a fide to Sir Edw.} What trie devil ails you, Ned~(tfAm$ My uncle, madam, has the mil- fortune to have a little hefitation in his fpeech, Sir Edw. Sir, a hufband's honor. Lord Etl. What the devil have you to do with her hufband's honour ? If the poor man has never (hewn regard for it bimfclf, why the deuce fhould we ? 18 THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. Sir Edw. Does he mock my injuries make a jefl of my refentment. Mrs. Ham. Sir, your conduct appears as odious to this gentleman as to me. Lord Bel. O no, he fees it in its true light and is only hurt to think, that a man capable of inflicting the fevereft tortures, without pity or remorfe, no fooner fufpefts his own happinefs endanger'd, than his wee and exquifite fenfe of feeling would willingly draw down a tenfold vengeance on the aggrefibr. Si* E. Damnation ! Lord B. Come, come, uncle tell this lady I love her to diffraction perhaps you could fpeak with more eafe on this fubjecl in my abfence [fir Edw. ftarts) what, you are not afraid of a fine woman, (Sir Edward endeavouring to leave the Room, hrdBelmour preventing him.) Nay, no retiring you are fairly in for it I have brought you here Ned, to behold a deferted wife, and leave you to find excufes for a hufband's negleft of her. [Exit. Sir E. (greatly agitated.) Have I been in danger of becoming the pander of my wife's fedudion ? - Juft Heav'n, in this moment of complicated feeling, what horrors have I efcaped ! Mrs. H. I will not fuppofe, Sir, that lord Belmout has your fanction to infult me, and as you are his friend, I entreat you to tell him, his vifits here mujt not be repeated, (going.) Sir E. Stop, I conjure you one word. Mrs. H. (turning to him "with dignity.) Sir! Sir E, (irrefoiute. in extreme agitation.) How (hall I fpeak to her. (A noije is heard.) Enter DAW ([peaking to one wit Daw. I pray thec tarry awhile, and I will bring her unto thse. THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 89 Mrs* H. (alarmed}. Who is coming this way ? Daw. The fervants of juftice and like unt many others in place, abufing their matter Mrs. H. What do they come here for? Daw. Be not difmayed -Thou moulded have paid thy rent. SirEdw. Bailiffs! Daw. Yea (going up to him) one of them I am, informed is here in difguife thu haft a youthful countenance. Sir Edw. Villain be mute ! Mrs* Ham. Will they tear me from my boy will they take me to a prifon? Daw. Be not alarmed I will fave thee from the power of the.philiflines (going.) Si r Edw. Hold ! what art thou ? Daw. Verily, a man. Si r Eaw. Shall (he be indebted to thee ?- why do you interfere ? (greatly agitated.) Daw. Look upon this woman, deferted by her hufband. and thou art anfwered. Si r Edw. (Gives him money) Go quickly, and fave me from defperation. \Exit DAW a noife is heard without. Mrs. Ham. (to Sir Edw.) Oh I hide me, protect me ! r Sir Edw. (Throwing off his difguife} Whilft I have life ! ( Mrs. Hamilton utters a c r y of terror, andjhrinks from bis embrace. } SirEdw. Emilia ! am I not your hufband ? Mrs. Ham. Hufband ! ph 1 dward ! (Jhewing the letter.) SirEdw Not a ward not a look ! by the oath of everlafting faith you gave me, I call upon you to hear me I have been guilty, Emilia. M go THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. M r s. Ham> I defire no confeffion I fee what yu feel and pi y you, before we part for ever. Si r Edw. Ah ! for ever ! Mrs. Ham. (In a burft of grief kneels to htm) My boy do not utterly forfake him ! Ss Edw. Into what contempt am I fallen a hufband a father no ftation honourably fupport- ed no duties properly fulfilled. Mrs Ham. That look of horror, Edward (put- ting her hand on bis arm*) Sir Edw. Borne down the ftream of indolent plea- fure no councellor but my paffions and no matter but my will. Mrs. Ham. What is it you meditate ? Sir Edw. Tortur'd with remorfe for the paft, without hope for the future driven to defpera- tion. Mrs. Ham. Whither would you tranfport my hur- ry'd thoughts ? that letter ! Sir Edw. Merciful powers ! do you fufpeft me of the horrid crime that cruel letter implies .' Mrs. Ham. (takes f he letter *ujhing into his arms] No, no, I have no doubts, no fears take my forgivenefs of the paft ; you are my hufband {till. Sir Edw. My wife, my Emilia this angel-good- nefs overpowers me. Lord BELMOUR and HARDY, without. Hardy. Aye, aye, I {han't forgive her tho* (en- tering.) Mrs. Ham. Lord Belmour, and a fl ranger with him. Hardy. It is, it is the fame I parted with the very image of her mother ! Mrs. Ham. My clear uncle ! welcome welcome! THE SCHOOL LOR FRIENDS. 91 Hardy, (embracing her} No, I an't welcome ! I won't be welcome ! curfe this choaking ! (Lord Belmour and Sir Edward retire to the back part of the Stage.) H Mrs. Ham. Your return fo unexpected forgive thefe tears. Hardy. (Wiping his eyes) I cannot bear this what, I warrant, you think I am come home a rich old codger ; no, no, poor as a poet. Mrs. Ham. It fhall be my happinefs then to (both and comfort you. Enter Sir FELIX, leading in EMILY. Sir Felix. Edward, let me congratulate you on your return to virtue and to happinefs. Sir Edzv. (embracing him) Can you forgive me ? Sir Felix. Nay, nay I know not whethe.i I ought to forgive myfelf, unreftrained folly in youth begets prefumption in manhood but where is your wife ? (Mn. Hamilton comes forwa r d. ; Sir Edw. My Emilia is already prepared to cf- teem aud honour you. Sir Felix, (embracing her) Had I known her worth earlier, much mifery might have been fpar'd us all. Mrs. Ham. This unexpe&ed cgndefcenfion, I have not words to fpeak the feelings of my heart. Sir Felix. Now, Edward, you behold-but I will leave your own heart to comment on the pail, whilft I provide for your future happinefs. Hardy. What, I warrant, / ftavit fpeak firft ?* ftand afide, fir, if you pleafe-^ look you young gen- tleman, I am a comical fort of an old man there is a p r oud ftruggle in your mind, that looks like remorfe of confcience here is my hand you married my niece without a fhillling don't interrupt me -her father gave her to you with nothing but youth ** THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS; beauty for her portion now take her from me with approved virtue and fixty thoufand pounds I am not jelling it was hardly earn'd well, well, it will wear the better 1 by concealing my riches from my niece, I have difcever'd her real fentiments I haveh ad my reward. Sir F. (to Afrr. Ham.) Allow me, madam, to pre- fent to you a young lady, who is every way worthy your protection. Lord B. I wifli the truft had been delegated to me, Sir Felix. Sir F. What fays Mifs Emily ? Emily. (To Sir F. with great emotion) Do not let me , do or fay a -wrong thing I have no parent you (hall be a father to me, fir, I will be only at your difpofal (biding her face on his arm.) Sir F. Thus, then I act a parent's part and give you the moft fuitable protector you have honor to reward her virtues and merit todeferve them take this excellent young creature from me, my lord. Lord B. (rapturoufly) As the moft precious gift man is capable of receiving. Enter DAW, leading in LUCY, dreffed like a Quaker. LordB. Who have we here ? my friend, Mr, Daw and Mrs. Lucy, turn'd quaker. Lucy. Yea, friend this man hath converted me unto the true faith. Daw. Yea I have efpoufed this woman. Mrs. H. This is the generous man who would have relieved me in my di ft refits, SirE. Accept my thanks. Hardy. Come, come we'll fettle this another time. Eord B. Nay, here allow me to fpeak the in mechanic, who by his ingenuity, THE SCHOOL FOR FRIENDS. 93 his countrymen with fo many of the neceflaries of life, at the fame time, affording them an example of moral reftitude, is a character fo highly deferr- ing every honed man's praife, that I am proud in having this opportunity of paying it. J)azv. Friend, thou opprefseth me ! Mrs. H, How (hall I be grateful enough for fo many bleffings ? SirF. By continuing, my dear child, as you have done to deferve them your conduct under fo many difcouraging circumftances, has been a noble proof of conjugal fidelity. Lord B. And what do you fay to mine, Sir Felix? SirF. (Giving him his hand) Why fay, there are flill fome noble fpirits among our youth, to maintain the caufe of virtue, however, the contrary may be infidioufly imply'd. Daw. Verily, me needeth fome 4 brave defenders ; vice hath menaced her fome time with an jnva/ion, and by holding her threats in contempt, we have her to ftrengthen her power, until flie is become a formidable enemy. Sir F. Right, Mr. Daw But as virtue is flill dear to humanity, in the hour of attack, we will rally round her ftandard and give to furrounding na- tions, not only an example of our intrepidity as warriors, but of our moderation as men. EPILOGUE. EPILO'GUE. WRITTEN BY T. D I B D I N, El^. IPOKBN BY MR. MATTHEWS, WITH your permiffion I have not done yet, But am fome few remaining lines in debt ; Lines which vain faflnon forms with jingling chime. Through men call'd poets and by them call'd rhyme. A Heathenifh fort of thing I'm bid to fpeak, An E-pi-Iogue the word to me is Greek, And as a fort of folks, called criticks, fay, 'Tis often found as foreign to the play ; But that's no matter it is cuftom'i blame : That we can judge fo little by a name : For inftance thofe who kindly may intend, To ridicule in us the name of friend, Are pleas'd to ftylc us Quakers 'tis a name We Britons born, do utterly difclaim : No tremblers we, be that the lot of thofe Who are to us and focial order foes : Thefe (I fpeak plainly to prevent miftake,) Who were by dear friend Nelfon forc'd to quake t Yea, thofe invading, vaunting, threatening men. Who have quaked^ 4o quake, and fhall quake again. The man flylcd Emperor, has made his boaft, That he will eat the beef which we do roaft. The man call'd John declares that if he comes, He fhall have pudding too, with iron plambs ; For John hath got fomemeii of war on {hore,-\ Call'd foldiers, who have beat him before, V In Egypt and would beat him here once more. J And John pofleffes too a chofen band Of youths call'd volunteers, who hand in hand > Would elbow forth the fpoilera of the land. EPILOGUE. Thus having made fo many friends appear, We truft there'll be no lack of kind friends here ; Confider our petition is not common, *Tis for that dear, bewitching thing, call'd woman Woman, our very bed of friends you'll own, Woman, whofe hope to-night is you alone, Who bids me yield to whatfbe'er you fay, Except " hats off," and that I can't obey, Or if my beaver muft be mov'd why then Lt me to-morrow put it on again, DRAMATIC DRAMATIC RE No. ig, Great Russell Street, Covent-Garden* BARKER AND SON Refpeclfully inform the Public, they have a Colle&ion of PLAYS on Sale, which, confidered either as to its Extent or Rarity, has fcarcely bern equalled, having been upwards of Thirty Years in forming, principally from the Libraries of MR. HE-NDERSON DUKE OF BRIDGEWATER DR. FARMER G. STEEVEXS, ESQ. SHELDON, ESQ. MAJOR PEARSON DR. WRIGHT MR. DODD MR. MACKLIN In this Aflemblage will be found the ORIGINAL Editions of our moft valuable Writers; as, SHAKESPEARE JONSON CHAPMAN HEYWOOD MIDDLETON WEBSTER BEAUM.&FLETCHER MASSINGER SHIRLEY DAVFNANT THORNE KILLICREW, &c. &ci Subjoined to thefe, are the more modern AUTHORS; to which every Article is added, as foon as publiilied, %* A Catalogue of which may be had. Printed by Barker and Sjn, Gt. Ruflel St Coven THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW AN INITIAL FINE OF 25 CENTS WILL, BE ASSESSED FOR FAILURE TO RETURN THIS BOOK ON THE DATE DUE. THE PENALTY WILL INCREASE TO 5O CENTS ON THE FOURTH DAY AND TO $1.OO ON THE SEVENTH DAY OVERDUE. APR 10 194? LD 21-100m-12, '43 (8796s) V - v M50998 THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY