Ex Libns . K. OGDEN MAID OF THE MILL A COMIC OPERA. BY ISAAC BICKERSTAFF. THEATRICAL REPRESENTATION, AS PERFORMED AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, CO VENT-GARDEN, REGULATED FROM THE PROMPT-BOOK, By Permission of the Managers, " The Lines distinguished by inverted Commas, are omitted in the Representation. LONDON : Printed for the Proprietors, under the DireElion of JOHN BELL, 2)ritii6^1Liiirai2, STRAND, Bookseller to His Royal Highness the PRINCE of WALES. M D cc xci. DEDICATION. / need not inform your Royal Highness, that in France, where the stage has been cultivated with more care, and * success, than in any other country, this species of entertainment is received with very great applause ; nor is it thought an injury lo Corneillc, and Mo Here, that the pieces of/lnscaumc andFavart, meet with success. It is true, among the French, Comic Operas have very often the advantage of being extremely well writ- ten; of which, On ne s'avise jamais de tout, Le Roy et le Fermier, and some others, are an instance; nor would the best composition of the greatest master, make a very contemptible poem pass on an audience: I wish I could assert with truth, that in this respect We fall nothing behind our neighbours, and that what I here present to your Royal Highness, might lay claim to some degree of merit, even in the Writing: but though I cannot do this, permit me to say, I have attempted to render it a little interesting, and not wholly undi-verling, as far as the music, my principal care, would give me leave. But I humbly beg your Royal Highness's pardon; in applying to the connoisseur, I forget that I am at the same time addressing a Great Prince : indeed, * This assertion can never be admitted He who prefers the tedious harangue of French Dramas to the business and passion cf our own, will never write better "*"** THE EDITOR. DEDICATION. V there is a subject on which I could dwell with the truest pleasure ; but I am too well instructed in your Royal Highness 's character, to dare to offend you, with a language which forms and customs too often impose upon princes, a necessity of hearing; I mean their own praise ; to those who are most deserving, ever least welcome. I therefore, subscribe myself, With the profonndest respect, May it please your Royal Highness, Your Royal Highness's, Most obedientf Most devoted, and Most humble servant, THE AUTHOR. ISAAC BICKERS TAFF. OF this man little is known, and that little, unhappily, is not good. He is a native of the kingdom of Ireland, and, we believe, went out with Lord CHESTERFIELD as a private Secretary, when his Lordship was Lord Lieutenant. We find him also an Officer of Marines, but he left the service with imputed infamy from prac- tices at which humanity shudders, and decency hides the head. It hurts us to pursue the narrative an irre- claimable depravation of appetite rendered him an exile from his country : in some foreign sink of debauchery and wretchedness, he perhaps even yet lingers, a striking monument of the absur- dity of that maxim, which teaches, that an au- thor's life may be best known in his WORKS. The writings of BICKERSTAFF are uniformly marked with much purity and simplicity. Had he lived as he 'wrote, this little book were perfecV ISAAC BICKERSTAFF. there would not then have been ONE Page which we could wish to BLOT. His Dramatic Productions are in number 19. Leucotboe, - - 1756 The Hypocrite, - - ___ Thomas and Sally, - - 1760 The Epbesian Matron, - 1769 *Love in a Village, - 1762 Dr. Last in bit Chariot, - 1766 Maid of the Mill, - 1765 The Captive, . . Daphne and Amintor, - 1765 A School for Fathers, - 1770 Plain Dealer, - - 1766 It* Well in no Worse, - 1770 Love in the City, - - 1767 The Recruiting Serjeant, Lionel and Clarissa, - 1768 He Would if He Could, - 1771 The Absent Man, - - Sultana, - (not printed. ) *Tbe Padlock, - - The pieces distinguished by Asterisks are all that now distinguish this Author. THE MAID OF THE MILL. LIKE PAMELA, is one of those delusions which fre- quently destroy the proper subordination of society. The village beauty, whose simplicity and innocence are her native charms, smitten with the reveries of rank and splendor, becomes affe6ted and retired, dis- daining her situation and every one about her. So much for the tendency of such pieces. Dramatic exhibition has ever its force in propor- tion to the unacquaintance of the spectator with life its vraisemblance is more certain and striking to the artless RUSTIC, than the cultivated inhabitants of aca- pital. I know no surer steps to corrupt the primitive simplicity of a village remote from the capital, than to introduce a Theatrical company Romance among unfurnished heads makes dreadful havock indeed. The literary merit of this piece (if it have any) is like that of the Novel from which it sprung. For laughter it has no food Sentiment, insipid sentiment, gives it what colouring it has. As a dramatic exhibition, the pleasure produced must be from its Music. Either asconsidering its Dialogue or its Air, we think it much interior to the Author's LOVE IN A VILLAGE. PREFACE. 1 HERE is scarce a language in Europe, in which there is not a play taken from our romance of Pamela : in Italian and French particularly, several writers of the first eminence have chosen it for the subject of different dramas. The little piece now ventured into the world, owes its origin to the same source : not only the general subject is drawn from Pamela, but almost every circumstance in it. The reader will almost immediately recoiled the courtship of Parson Williams the squire's jealousy and behaviour in consequence of it ; and the difficulty he bad to prevail with himself to marry the girl, notwithstanding his passion for her the milter is a close copy of Goodman Andrews Ralph is imagined, from the wild son which he is mentioned to have had Theodosia, from the young lady of quality, with whom Mr. B. through his sister's persua- sion, is said to have been in treaty before his marriage with Pa- mela even the gipsies are borrowed from a trifling incident in the latter part of the work. In prosecuting this plan, which he has varied from the origi- nal, as^far as he thought convenient, the author has made sim- plicity his principal aim. His scenes, on account of the music, which could not be perfect without such a mixture, necessarily consist of serious and buffoon. He knows grossness and insi- pidity lay in his way : whether he has had art enough to avoid stumbling upon them, the candid public are left to determine. Dramati0 HDeroonae* DRURY- LANE. LORD AlMWORTH - Sir HARRY SYCAMORI MERVIN FAIRFIELD - GILES RALPH - Men. Mr. Kelly. Mr. Waldron. Mr. Williames. Mr. Aickin. Mr. Dignurn. Mr. Suett. LADY SYCAMORE THEODOSIA - PATTY FANNY - Women. Mrs. Hopkins. Mrs. Forster. Mrs. Crouch. Miss Romanzini. COGENT-GARDEN. LORD AIMWORTH MERVIN FAIRFIELD - GILES, Sir HARRY SYCAMORJ RALPH ... Men. Mr. Tohnstone. Mr. Duffey. Mr. Hull. Mr. Bannister. Mr. Edwin. Mr. Blanchard. PATTY - THEODOSIA LADY SYCAMOR] FANNY - Women. - Mrs. Billington. - Mrs. Mountain. - Mrs. Webb. - Mrs. Martyr. THE MAID OF THE MILL. ACT I. SCENE I. A rural prospel, with a mill at work. Several people employed about ; on one side a house, PATTY reading in the window ; on the other a barn, where FANNY sits mending a net', GILES appears at a distance in the mill; FAIRFIELD and RALPH taking sacks from a can. CHORUS. FREE from sorrow, free from strife, how blest the miller's life! Chearful working through the day, Still he laughs and sings away. Nought can vex him, Nought perplex him t While there's grist to make him gay. IB THE MAID OF THE MILL. Aft I. DUET. Let the great enjoy the blessings By indulgent fortune sent: What can wealth, can grandeur offer 10 More than plenty and content. Fat. Well done, well done ; 'tis a sure sign work goes on merrily when folks sing at it. Stop the mill there ; and dost hear, son Ralph, hoist yon sacks of flour upon this cart, lad, and drive it up to lord Aim- worth's ; coming from London last night with strange company, no doubt there are calls enough for it by this time. Ral. Ay feyther, whether or not, there's no doubt but you'll find enow for a body to do. 20 Fat. What dost mutter ? Is't not a strange plague that thou can'st never go about any thing with a good will ; murrain take it, what's come o'er the boy ? So then thou wilt not set a hand to what I have desired thee ! Ral. Why don't you speak to suster Pat to do something then ? I thought when she came home to us after my old lady's death, she was to have been of some use in the house ; but instead of that, she sits there all day, reading outlandish books, dressed like a fine madumasel, and the never a word you says to she. 32 Fai. Sirrah, don't speak so disrespectfully of thy sister; thou wilt never have the tithe of her deserts. AB1. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 13 Ral. Why 1*11 read and write with her for what she dares ; and as for playing on the hapsicols, I thinks her rich good mother might have learn'd her some- thing more properer, seeing she did not remember to leave her a legacy at last. Fai. That's none of thy business, sirrah. 40 Ral. A farmer's wife painting pictures, and play- ing on the hapsicols; why I'll be hang'd now, for all as old as she is, if she knows any more about milking a cow, than I do of sewing a petticoat. Fai. Ralph, thou hast been drinking this morning. Ral. Well, if so be as I have, it's nothing out of your pocket, nor mine neither. Fat. Who has been giving thee liquor, sirrah ? Ral. Why it was wind a gentleman guve me. Fai. A gentleman ! 50 Ral. Yes, a gentleman that's come piping hot from London : he is below at the Cat and Bagpipes ; I cod he rides a choice bit of a nag ; I dare to say she'd fetch as good as forty pound at ever a fair in all England. Fai. A fig's end for what she'd fetch ; mind thy business, or by the lord Harry Ral. Why I won't do another hand's turn to-day now, so that's flat. Fai Thou wilt not 60 Ral. Why no I wont; so what argufies your put- ting yourself in a passion, feyther ! I've promised to go back to the gentleman ; and I don't know but what he's a lord too, and mayhap he may do more for me than you thinks of. C I 4 THE MAID OF THE MILL. AEl I. Fat. Well, son Ralph, run thy gait; but remem- ber I tell thee, thou wilt repent this untowardness. Ral. Why, how shall I repent it ? Mayhap you'll turn me out of your service ; a match ; with all hearts I cod I don't care three brass pins. 70 AIR. If that's all you want, who the plague will be sorry, 'Twere better by half to dig stones in a quarry ; For my share I'm weary of what is got by't .* S'Jlesh ! here's such a racket, such scolding and coiling. You're never content, but when folks are a toiling, And drudging like horses from morning 'till night. You think I'm afraid, but the difference to shew you ; First yonder' s your shovel ; your sacks too I throw you ; Henceforward take care of your matters who will ; They're welcome to slave for your wages who need 'em, Tol lol derol lot, I have purchas'd my freedom, 81 And never hereafter shall work at the mill. SCENE If. FAIRFIELD, PATTY. Fat. Dear heart, dear heart ! I protest this ungra- cious boy puts me quite beside myself. Patty, my dear, come down into the yard a little, and keep me com- pany and you, thieves, vagabonds, gipsies, out here, 'tis you who debauch my son. A8. L THE MAID OF THE MILL. Ij AIR. Pat. In love to pine and languish, Tet know your passion vain ; To harbour heart-felt anguish, 90 Yet fear to tell your pain. What powers unrelenting, Severer ills inventing, Can sharpen pangs like these ; Where days and nights tormenting, Yield not a moment's ease! . Fat. Well, Patty, Master Goodman, my lord's steward, has been with me just now, and I find we are like to have great doings ; his lordship has brought down Sir Harry Sycamore and his family, and there is more company expected in a few days. 101 Pat. I know Sir Harry very well ; he is by marriage a distant relation of my lord's. Fat. Pray what sort of a young body is the daugh- ter there ? I think she used to be with you at the castle, three or four summers ago, when my young lord was out upon his travels. Pat. Oh ! very often ; she was a great favourite of my lady's : pray father is she come down ? j 09 Fat. Why you know the report last night, about my lord's going to be married; by what I can learn she is, and there is likely to be a nearer relationship between .the families, ere long. It seems, his lordship was not l6 THE MAID OF THE Mil L Afl /. over willing for the match, but the friends on bcth sides in London pressed it so hard : then there's a swinging fortune : master Goodman tells me a matter of twenty or thirty thousand pounds. 1 1 7 Pat. If it was a million, father, it would not be more than my lord Aimworth deserves ; I suppose the wed- ding will be celebrated here at the mansion-house. Fat. So it is thought, as soon as things can be pro- perly prepared And now, Patty, if I could but see thee a little merry Come, bless thee, pluck up thy spirits To be sure thou hast sustained, in the death of thy lady, a heavy loss ; she was a parent to thee ; nay, and better, inasmuch as she took thee when thou wert but a babe, and gave thee an education which thy natural parents could not afford to do. Pat. Ah! dear father, don't mention what, perhaps, has been my greatest misfortune. 130 Fat. Nay then, Patty, what's become of all thy sense, that people talk so much about? But I have some- thing to say to thee which I would have thee consider seriously. 1 believe I need not tell thee, my child, that a young maiden, after she is marriageable, especi- ally if she has any thing about her to draw people's no- tice, is liable to ill tongues, and a many cross accidents ; so that the sooner she's out of harm's way the better. Pat. Undoubtedly, father, there are people enough who watch every opportunity to gratify their own malice; but when a young woman's conduct is un-. blameable 1 42 Fai, Why, Patty, there may be something in that j. Aft I. THE MAID 1 OF THE MILL. If but you know slander will leave spots, where malice finds none : I say, then, a young woman's best safe- guard is a good husband. Now there is our neigh- bour, Farmer Giles ; he is a sober, honest, industrious young fellow, and one of the wealthiest in these parts ; he is greatly taken with thee ; and it is not the first time I have told thee I should be glad to have him for a son-in-law. 151 Pat. And I have told you as often, father, I would submit myself entirely to your direction ; whatever you think proper for me, is so. Pai. Why that's spoken like a dutiful, sensible girl; get thee in, then, and leave me to manage it Perhaps our neighbour Giles is not a gentleman ; but what are the greatest part of our country gentlemen good for? 159 Pat. Very true, lather. The sentiments, indeed, have frequently little correspondence with the condi- tion ; and it is according to them alone we ought to regulate our esteem. AIR. What are outward forms and shews f To an honest heart compared? Oft the rustic, wanting those, Has the nobler portion shared. Oft we see the homely flower Bearing at the hedge's side Virtues of more sovereign pow'r 7* Than the garden's gayest pride. l8 THE MAID OF THE MILL. Aft I. SCENE III. FAIRFIELD, GILES. Giles. Well, master Fairfield, you and Miss Pat have had a long discourse together ; did you tell her that I was come down ? Fai. No, in truth, friend Giles ; but I mentioned our affair at a distance ; and I think there is no fear. Giles. That's right and when shall us You do know I have told you my mind often and often. Fai. Farmer, give us thy hand ; nobody doubts thy good will to me and my girl ; and you may take my word, I would rather give her to thee than an- other ; for I am main certain thou wilt make her a good husband. 183 Giles. Thanks to your good opinion, master Fair- field ; if such be my hap, I hope there will be no cause of complaint. Fai. And I promise thee my daughter will make thee a choice wife. But thou know'st, friend Giles, that I, and all belongs to me, have great obligations to lord Aimworth's family; Patty, in particular, would be one of the most ungrateful wretches this day breathing if she was to do the smallest thing contrary to their consent and approbation. 193 Giles. Nay, nay, 'tis well enough known to all the country, she was the old lady's darling. Fat. Well, master Giles, I'll assure thee she is not one whit less obliged to my lord himself. When his AIL THE MAID OF THE MILL. 19 mother was taken off so suddenly, and his affairs called him up to London, if Patty would have remained atthe castle, she might have had the command of all ; or if she would have gone any where else, he would have paid for her fixing, let the cost be what it would. 202 Giles. Why, for that manner, folks did not spare to say, that my lord had a sort of a sneaking kindness for her himself: and I remember, at one time, it was rife all about the neighbourhood, that she was actually to be our lady. Fai. Pho, pho ! a pack of woman's tales. Giles. Nay, to be sure they'll say any thing. 209 Fai. My lord's a man of a better way of thinking, friend Giles but this is neither here nor there to our business- Have you been at the castle yet ? Giles. Who I ! Bless your heart I did not hear a syllable of his lordship's being come down, 'till your lad told me. Fai. No ! why then go up to my lord, let him know you have a mind to make a match with my daughter ; hear what he has to say to it ; and after- wards we will try if we can't settle matters. 219 Giles. Go up to my lord ! I cod if that be all, I'll do it with the biggest pleasure in life. But where's Miss Pat ? Might one not ax her how she do ? Fai. Never spare it ; she's within there. Giles. I sees her odd rabbit it, this hatch is locked now Miss Pat Miss Patty She makes believe not to hear me. 80 THE MAID OF THE MILL. AEt /. Fai. Well, well, never mind ; thou'lt come and eat a morsel of dinner with us. Giles. Nay, but just to have a bit of a joke with her at present Miss Pat, I say won't you open the door? 231 AIR. Hark ! 'tis 1 your awn true lover^ After walking three long miles, One kind look at least discover, Come and speak M. word to Giles* You alone my heart Ijix on; Ah, you little cunning vixen i I can see your roguish smiles- Addslids ! my mind is so possest, Till we're sped, I shan't have rest j 240 Only say the thing's a bargain, Here an you like it, Ready to strike it, There's at once an end of arguing : I'm tier's, sAe J s mine ; Thus we seal, and thus we sign. SCENE IF. FAIRFIELD, PATTY. Fat. Patty, child, why would'st not thou open the door for our neighbour Giles ? Aft I. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 21 Pat. Really, father, I did not know what was the matter. 250 Fat. Well, another time ; he'll be here again pre- sently. He's gone up to the castle, Patty ; thou know'st it would not be right for us to do any thing without giving his lordship intelligence, so I have sent the farmer to let him know that he is willing, and we are willing ; and with his lordship's approbation Pat . Oh dear father w hat are you going to say ? Fai. Nay child, I would not have stirr'd a step for fifty pounds, without advertising his lordship before- hand. 260 Pat. But surely, surely, you have not done this rash, this precipitate thing. Fai. How rash, how is it rash, Patty ? I don't un- derstand thee. Pat . Oh, you have distress'd me beyond imagina- tion but why would you not give me notice, speak to me first ? Fai. Why han't I spoken to thee an hundred times? No, Patty, 'tis thou that would'st distress me, and thou'lt break my heart. 270 Pat . Dear father ! Fai. All I desire is to see thee well settled; and now that I am likely to do so, thou art not contented ; I am sure the farmer is as sightly a clever lad as any in the country ; and is he not as good as we ? Pat. 'Tis very true, father j I am to blame; pray forgive me. D 22 THE MAID OF THE MILL. AEl I. Fat. Forgive thee ! Lord help tliee, my child, I am not angry with thee ; but quiet thyself, Patty, and thou'lt see all this will turn out for the best. 280 SCENE V. PATTY. What will become of me? my lord will certainly imagine this is done with my consent Well, is he not himself going to be married to a lady, suitable to him in rank, suitable to him in fortune, as this farmer is to me ; and under what pretence can I refuse the husband my father has found for me ! Shall I say that I have dared to raise my inclinations above my condition, and presumed to love, where my duty taught me only gratitude and respect ? Alas ! who could live in the house with lord Aimworth, see him, converse with him, and not love him ! I have this consolation, however, my folly is yet undiscover'd to any ; else, how should I be ridiculed and despised ; nay, would not my lord himself despise me, especially, if he knew that I have more than once construed his natural affability and politeness into sentiments as un- worthy of him, as mine are bold and extravagant. Unexampled vanity ! did I possess any thing capable of attracting such a notice, to what purpose could a man of his distinction cast his eyes on a girl, poor, A 1 I. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 23 meanly born, and indebted for every thing to the ill- placed bounty of his family ? 302 AIR. Ah ! why should fate, pursuing A wretched thing like me, Heap ruin thus on ruin, And add to misery ? The griefs I languished under, In secret let me share ; But this new stroke of thunder, Is more than 1 can bear. 310 SCENE VL Changes to a Chamber in Lord AIM WORTH'S House. SIR HARRY SYCAMORE, THEODOSIA. 5. Har. Well, but Theodosia, child, you are quite unreasonable. The. Pardon me, papa, it is not I am unreasonable : when I gave way to my inclinations for Mr. Mervin, he did not seem less agreeable to you and my mama than he was acceptable to me. It is, therefore, you have been unreasonable, in first encouraging his ad- dresses, and afterwards forbidding him your house, in order to bring me down here, to force me on a gentleman 320 5. Har. Force you, Dossy, what do you mean ! By the la, I would not force you on the Czar of Muscovy. 24 THE MAID OF THE MILL. AEl 1. The. And yet, papa, what else can you call it? for tho' lord Aimworth is extremely attentive and oblig- ing, I assure you he is by no means one of the most ardent of lovers. S. Ear. Ardent ! ah, there it is ; you girls never think there is any love, without kissing and hugging ; but you shou'd consider, child, my lord Aimworth is a polite man, and has been abroad in France and Italy, where these things are not the fashion ; I re- member when I was on my travels, among the ma- dames and signoras, we never saluted more than the tip of the ear. 334 The. Really, papa, you have a very strange opinion of my delicacy ; I had no such stuff in my thoughts. 5. Har. Well come, ray poor Dossy, I see you are chagrin'd, but you know it is not my fault ; on the con- trary, I assure you, I had always a great regard for young Mervin, and should have been very glad The. How then, papa, could you join in forcing me to write him that strange letter, never to see me more ; or how indeed could I comply with your com- mands ? what must he think of me ? 344 S. Ear. Ay, but hold, Dossy, your mama convinced me that he was not so proper a son-in-law for us as lord Aimworth. The. Convinced you ! Ah, my dear papa, you were not convinced. 5. Ear. What don't I know when I am convinced? The. Why no, papa ; because your good-nature and easiness of temper is such, that you pay more re- Aft L THE MAID OF THE MILL. 35 speft to the judgment of mama, and less to your own, than you ought to do. 354 5. Har. Well, but Dossy, don't you see how your mama loves me ; if my finger does but ache, she's like a bewitched woman ; and, if I was to die, I don't be- lieve she would outlive the burying of me : nay she has told me as much herself. The. Her fondness indeed is very extraordinary. 5. Har. Besides, could you give up the prospedt of being a countess, and mistress of this fine place ? The. Yes, truly could I. 363 AIR. . With the man that I love, was I destined to dwell, On a mountain, a moor, in a cot, in a cell, Retreats the most barren, most desert, would be More pleasing than courts or a palace to me. Let the vain and the venal, in wedlock aspire To what folly esteems, and the vulgar admire; I yield them the bliss, where their wishes are placed, 370 Insensible creatures ! 'tis all they can taste. SCEKE VII. SIR HARRY, THEODOSIA, LADY SYCAMORE. L. Syc. Sir Harry, where are you ? 5. Har, Here, my lamb. fc6 THE MAID OF THE MILL. Al I. L. Syc. I am just come from looking over his lord- ship's family trinkets. Well, Miss Sycamore, you are a happy creature, to have diamonds, equipage, title, all the blessings of life pour'd thus upon you at once. The. Blessings, madam ! Do you think then I am such a wretch as to place my felicity in the possession of any such trumpery. 380 L. Syc. Upon my word, miss, you have a very dis- dainful manner of expressing yourself; I believe there are very few young women of fashion, who would think any sacrifice they could make too much for them. Did you ever hear the like of her, Sir Harry ? S. Har. Why, my dear, I have just been talking to her in the same strain, but whatever she has got in her head 388 L. Syc. Oh, it is Mr. Mervin, her gentleman of Bucklersbury. Fye, miss, marry a cit ! Where is your pride, your vanity ; have you nothing of the per- son of distinction about you ? 5. Har. Well, but my lady, you know I am a piece of a cit myself, as I may say, for my great-grandfather was a dry-salter. The. And yet, madam, you condescended to marry my papa. 397 L. Syc. Well, if I did, miss, I had but five thousand pounds to my portion, and Sir Harry knows I was past eight and thirty, before I would listen to him. S. Har. Nay, Dossy, that's true, your mama own'd eight and thirty, before we were married : but by the la, my dear, you were a lovely angel ; and by candle - Aft I. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 7 light nobody would have taken you for above five and twenty. 405 L. Syc. Sir Harry, you remember the last time I was at my lord duke's. 5. Har. Yes, my love, it was the very day your little bitch Minxey pupt. L. Syc. And pray what did the whole family say ; my lord John, and my lord Thomas, and my lady Du- chess in particular ? Cousin, says her Grace to me for she always called me cousin 413 The. Well, but madam, to cut this matter short at once, my father has a great regard for Mr. Mervin, and would consent to our union with all his heart. L. Syc. Do you say so, Sir Harry ? S. Har. Who, I, love ! L. Syc. Then all my care and prudence are come to nothing. 420 5. Har. Well, but stay my lady Dossy, you are always making mischief. The. Ah ! my dear sweet- L. Syc. Do miss, that's right, coax The. No, madam, I am not capable of any such meanness. L. Syc. 'Tis very civil of you to contradict me how- ever. 5. Har. Eh ! what's that hands off, Dossy, don't rome near me. 430 8 THE MAID OF THE MILL. Aft I. AIR. Why how now, miss pert, Do you think to divert My anger by fawning and stroking ? Would you make me a fool Your play-thing, your tool ? Was ever young minx so provoking f Get out of my sight, 'Twould be serving you right, To lay a sound dose of the lash on ; Contradil your mama, 440 Vve a mind by the la ! But I won't put myself in a passion. SCENE VIII. SIR HARRY, LADY SYCAMORE, LORD AIMWORTH, GILES. L. Aim. Come farmer, you may come in, there are none here but friends. Sir Harry, your servant. S. Ear. My lord, I kiss your lordship's hands I hope he did not overhear us squabbling " I have " been chattering here with my wife and daughter, " my lord We have been examining your lord- " ship's pictures. 449 L. Aim. " I flatter myself, then her ladyship found " something to entertain her ; there are a few of " them counted tolerable." Well now, master A3 1. THE MAID OF THE MILL. sp Giles, what is it you have got to say to me ? If I can do you any service, this company will give you leave to speak. Giles. I thank your lordship, I has not got a great deal to say ; I do come to your lordship about a little business, if you'll please to give me the hearing. 458 L. Aim. Certainly, only let me know what it is. Giles. Why an please you my lord, being left alone, as I may say, feyther dead, and all the business upon my own hands, I do think of settling and taking a wife, and am come to ax your honour's consent. L. Aim. My consent, farmer! if that be necessary, you have it with all my heart I hope you have taken care to make a prudent choice. Giles. Why I do hope so, my lord. L. Aim. Well, and who is the happy fair one ? Does she live in my house ? 469 Giles. No, my lord, she does not live in your house, but she's a parson of your acquaintance. L. Aim. Of my acquaintance ! Giles. No offence, I hope your honour. L. Aim. None in the least : but how is she an ac- quaintance of mine ? Giles. Your lordship do know Miller Fairfield ? L. Aim. Well Giles. And Patty Fairfield, his daughter, my lord ? L. Aim. Ay, is it her you think of marrying ? Giles. Why, if so be as your lordship has no objec- tion ; to be sure we will do nothing without your con- sent and approbation. 482 E go THE MAID OF THE MILL. AEl I. L. Aim. Upon my word, farmer, you have made an excellent choice It is a god-daughter of my mother's, madam, who was bred up under her care, and I pro- test I do not know a more amiable young woman. But are you sure, farmer, that Patty herself is inclin- able to this match. Giles. O yes, my lord, I am sartin of that. 489 L. Aim. Perhaps then she desired you to come and ask my consent ? Giles. Why as far as this here, my lord ; to be sure, the miller did not care to publish the banns, without making your lordship acquainted But I hope your honour's not angry with I. L. Aim. Angry farmer ! why should you think so? what interest have I in it to be angry ? S. Har. And so, honest farmer, you are going to be married to little Patty Fairfield ? She's an old ac- quaintance of mine ; how long have you and she been sweethearts? 501 Giles. Not a long while, an please your worship. S. Har. Well, her father's a good warm fellow ; I suppose you take care that she brings something to make the pot boil ? L. Syc. What does that concern you, Sir Harry ? how often must I tell you of meddling in other peo- ple's affairs ? S. Har. My lord, a penny for your thoughts. 509 L. Aim. I beg your pardon, Sir Harry ; upon my word, I did not think where I was. 511 Giles. Well then, your honour , I'll make bold to Ail I. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 3! be taking my leave ; I may say you gave consent for Miss Patty and I to go on. L. Aim. Undoubtedly, farmer, if she approves of it : but are you not afraid that her education has ren- dered her a little unsuitable for a wife for you ? L. Syc. Oh my lord, if the girl's handy 5. Har. Oh, ay when a girl's handy 519 Giles. Handy ! Why, saving respel, there's nothing- comes amiss to her ; she's cute at every varsal kind of thing. AIR. Odd's my life, search England over, An you match her in her station, /'// be bound to fly the nation .* And be sure as well I love her. Do but feel my heart a beating, Still her pretty name repeating, Here's the work 'tis always at, Pitty, patty, pat, pit, pat. 530 When she makes the music tinkle, What on yearth can sweeter be ? Then her little eyes so twinkle, 'Tis a feast to hear and see. 32 THE MAID OF THE MILL. Aft, I. SCENE IX. LORD AIMWORTH, SIR HARRY, LADY SYCAMORE. 5. Har. By dad this is a good merry fellow, is not he in love, with his pitty patty And so my lord you have given your consent that he shall marry your mo- ther's old housekeeper. Ah, well, I can see L. Aim. Nobody doubts, Sir Harry, that you are very clear-sighted. 540 S. Har. Yes, yes, let me alone, I know what's what : I was a young fellow once myself; and I should have been glad of a tenant, to take a pretty girl off my hands nor/ and then, as well as another. L. Aim. I protest my dear friend, I don't understand you. L.Syc. Nor nobody else Sir Harry, you are going at some beastliness now. 548 5. Har. Who I, my lady ? Not I, as I hope to live and breathe ; 'tis nothing to us you know, what my lord does before he's married ; when I was a bachelor, I was a devil among the wenches, myself ; and yet I vow to George, my lord, since I knew my lady Syca- more, and we shall be man and wife eighteen years, if we live till next- Candlemas-day, I never had to do L. Syc. Sir Harry, come out of the room, I desire. S. Har. Why, what's the matter, my lady, I did not say any harm ? 559 Aft I. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 33 L. Syc. I see what you are driving at, you want to make me faint. 5. Har. I want to make you faint, my lady ! L. Syc. Yes you do and if you don't come out this instant, I shall fall down in the chamber I beg, my lord, you won't speak to him. Will you come out, Sir Harry. 5. Har. Nay, but my lady ! L. Syc. No, I will have you out. 568 SCENE X. LORD AIMWORTH. This worthy Baronet, and his lady, are certainly a very whimsical couple ; however, their daughter is perfectly amiable in every respect : and yet I am sorry I have brought her down here ; for can I in honour marry her, while my affections are engaged to another ? To what does the pride of condition and the censure of the world force me ! Must I then renounce the only person that can make me happy ; because be- cause what ? because she's a miller's daughter ? Vain pride, and unjust censure ! has she not all the graces that education can give her sex ; improved by a genius seldom found among the highest ? has she net mo- desty, sweetness of temper, and beauty of person, ca- pable of adorning a rank the most exalted ? But it is too late to think of these things now ; my hand is 34 THE MAID OF THE MILL. Aft I. promised, my honour engaged : and if it was not so, she has engaged herself; the farmer is a person to her mind, and I have authorized their union by my approbation. 587 AIR. The mad-man thus, at times, we see, With seeming reason blest ; His looks, his words, his thoughts are free. And speak a mind at rest. But short the calms of ease and sense, And ah ! uncertain too ; While that idea lives from whence Atjirst his frenzy grew. 595 SCENE XL Changes to the prospeB of the mill. Enter RALPH, with MERVIN, in a riding dress, followed by FANNY. Fan. Ah, pray your honour, try if you have not something to spare for poor Fanny the gipsey. Ral. I tell you, Fan, the gentleman has no change about him ; why the plague will you be so trouble- some ? 600 Fan. Lord what is it to you, if his honour has a Acl I. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 35 mind to give me a trifle ? Do pray, gentleman, put your hand in your pocket. Mer. I am almost distracted ! Ungrateful Theodosia, to change so suddenly, and write me such a letter ! However, I am resolved to have my dismission face to face ; this letter may be forced from her by her mo- ther, who I know was never cordially my friend : I could not get a sight of her in London, but here they will be less on their guard ; and see her I will, by one means or other. 61 1 Fan. Then your honour will not extend your cha- rity ? AIR. / am young, and I am friendless, And poor, alas I withal ; Sure my sorrows will be endless ; In vain for help I call. Have some pity in your nature , To relieve a wretched creature r Though the gift be ne'er so small. 620 May you, possessing every blessing, Still inherit Sir, alt you merit Sir, And never know what it is to want ; Sweet heaven, your worship all happiness grant. 36 THE MAID OF THE MILL. Att I. SCENE XII. RALPH, MERVIN. Ral. Now I'll go and take that money from her, and I have good mind to lick her, so I have. Mer. Pho, pr'ythee stay where you are. Ral. Nay, but I hate to see a toad so devilish greedy. 629 Mer. Well come, she has not got a great deal, and I have thought how she may do me a favour in her turn. Ral. Ay, but you may put that out of your head, for I can tell you she won't. Mer. How so ? Ral. How so 1 why she's as cunning as the Devil. Mer. O she is I fancy I understand you. Well, in that case, friend Ralph Your name's Ralph, I think ? 639 Ral. Yes, sir, at your service, for want of a better. Mer. I say then, friend Ralph, in that case, we will remit the favor you think of, till the lady is in a more complying humour, and try if she cannot serve me at present in some other capacity There are a good many gipsies hereabout, are there not ? Ral. Softly I have a whole gang of them here in our barn ; I have kept them about the place these three months, and all on account of she. Mer. Really. 649 AB I. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 37 Ral. Yea but for your life don't say a word of it to any Christian 1 am in love with her. 651 Mer. Indeed ! Ral. Feyther is as mad with me about it, as Old Scratch ; and I gets the plague and all of anger ; but I don't mind that. Mer. Well, friend Ralph, if you are in love, no doubt you have some influence over your mistress ; don't you think you could prevail upon her, and her companions, to supply me with one of their habits, and let me go up with them to-day to my lord Aim- worth's. 661 Ral. Why do you want to go a mumming ? We never do that here but in the Christmas holidays. Mer. No matter : manage this for me, and manage it with secresy ; and I promise you shall not go un- rewarded. Ral. Oh ! as for that sir, I don't look for any thing, I can easily get you a bundle of their rags : but I don't know whether you'll prevail on them to go up to my lord's, because they're afraid of a big dog that's in the yard : but I'll tell you what I can do ; I can go up before you and have the dog fast- ened, for I know his kennel. 673 Mer. That will do very well By means of this disguise I shall probably get a sight of her ; and I leave the rest to love and fortune. F THE MAID OF THE MILL. Aft 1, AIR. Why quits the merchant, blest with ease, The pleasures of his native seat, To tempt the dangers of the seas, And crimes more perilous than these ; 680 Midst freezing cold, i r scorching heat. He knows the hardships, knows the pain, The length of way, but thinks it small', The sweets of what he hopes to gain, Undaunted, make him combat all. SCENE XIII. PATTY, RALPH, GILES, FANNY. Giles. So his lordship was as willing as the flowers in May and as I was coming along, who shou'd I meet but your father and he bid me run in all haste and tell you for we were sure you would be deadly glad. 690 Pat. I know not what business you had to go to my lord's at all, farmer. Giles. Nay, I only did as I was desired Master Fairfield bid me tell you moreover, as how he wou'd have you go up to my lord out of hand, and thank him. Ral. So she ought ; and take off those cloaths, and put on what's more becoming her station ; you know my father spoke to you of that this morning too. Acll. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 39 Pat. Brother, I shall obey my father. 700 Lye still my heart ; oh ! fatal stroke, That kills at once my hopes and me. Giles. Miss Pat I Pat. What? Giles. . 'Nay, I only spoke : Ral. Take courage, man, she does but joke, Come, Suster, somewhat kinder be. Fan. This is a thing the most oddest, Some folks are so plaguily modest ; {Were we in the case, 710 To be in their place, We'd carry it off with a different face. Giles. Thus I take her by the lily hand, So soft and white. Ral Why now that's right ; And kiss her too, mon, never stand. fWhat words can explain j My pleasure my pain ? Pat. GilesX A presses, it rises, \ My heart it surprises, 720 \^I can't keep it down, tho' I'd never so fain. Fan. So here the play ends, The lovers are friends ; Ral. Hush! Fan. Tush! Giles. Nah! Pat. Psha ! All. What torment's exceeding, what joys are above, The pains and the pleasures that wait vpon love. 40 THE MAID OF THE MILL. AS, II. ACT II. SCENE I. A marble portico, ornamented with statues, which opens- from Lord AIM WORTH'S house ; two chairs near the front. Enter Lord AIMWORTH reading. IN how contemptible a light would the situation I am now in shew me to most of the fine men of the pre- sent age ? In love with a country girl; rivalled by a poor fellow, one of my meanest tenants, and uneasy at it ! If I had a mind to her, I know they would tell me, I ought to have taken care to make myself easy long ago, when I had her in my power. But I have the testimony of my own heart in my favour ; and I think, was it to do again, I should acT: as I have done. Let's see, what we have here ? perhaps a book may compose my thoughts ; \reads and throws the book away'] it's to no purpose, I can't read, I can't think, I can't do any thing. 13 AIR. Ah ! how vainly mortals treasure Hopes of happiness and pleasure, Hard and doubtful to obtain ; By what standards false we measure : Still pursuing Ways to ruin, Seeking bliss, and Jinding pain. 20 Al II. THE MAID OF THE MILL. SCENE H. LORD AIMWORTH, PATTY. Pat. Now comes the trial : no, my sentence is al- ready pronounc'd, and I will meet my fate with pru- dence and resolution. L. Aim. Who's there ? Pat. My lord ! L. Mm. Patty Fairfield ! Pat. I humbly beg pardon, my lord, for pressing so abruptly into your presence ; but 1 was told I might walk this way ; and I am come by my father's commands to thank your lordship for all your fa- vours. 31 L. Aim. Favours, Patty ! what favours ? I have done you none : but why this metamorphosis? I pro- test, if you had not spoke, I should not have known you; I never saw you wear such clothes as these in my mother's life-time. Pat. No, my lord, it was her ladyship's pleasure I should wear better, and therefore I obeyed ; but it is now my duty to dress in a manner more suitable to my station, and future prospects in life. 40 L. Aim. I am afraid, Patty, you are too humble come, sit down nay, I will have it so. What is it I have been told to-day, Patty ? It seems you are going to be married. Pat. Yes, my lord. 42 THE MAID OF THE MILL. AEt 11. L. Aim. Well, and don't you think you could have made a better choice than farmer Giles ? I should imagine your person, your accomplishments, might have intitled you to look higher. 49 Pat. Your lordship is pleased to over-rate my little merit : the education I received in your family does not intitle me to forget my origin ; and the farmer is my equal. L. Aim. In what respe<5l ? The degrees of rank and fortune, my dear Patty, are arbitrary distinctions, un- worthy the regard of those who consider justly ; the true standard of equality is seated in the mind : those who think nobly are noble. 58 Pat. The farmer, my lord, is a very honest man. L. Aim. So he may : I don't suppose he would break into a house, or commit a robbery on the high- way : what do you tell me of his honesty for ? Pat. I did not mean to offend your lordship. L. Aim. Offend! I am not offended, Patty; not at all offended But is there any great merit in a man's being honest ? Pat. I don't say there is, my lord. L. Aim. The farmer is an ill-bred, illiterate booby; and what happiness can you propose to yourself in such a society ? Then, as to his person, I am sure But perhaps, Patty, you like him; and if so, I am doing a wrong thing. 72 Pat. Upon my word, my lord L. Aim. Nay, I see you do : he has had the good fortune to please you ; and in that case, you are cer- ARIL THE MAID OF THE MILL. 43 tainly in the right to follow your inclinations. I must tell you one thing, Patty, however I hope you won't think it unfriendly of me But I am determined farmer Giles shall not stay a moment on my estate, after next quarter-day. 80 Pat. I hope, my lord, he has not incurred your displeasure L. Aim. That's of no signification. Could I find as many good qualities in him as you do, perhaps But 'tis enough, he's a fellow I don't like ; and as you have a regard for him, I would have you advise him to provide himself. Pat. My lord, I am very unfortunate. 88 L. Aim. She loves him, 'tis plain Come, Patty, don't cry; I would not willingly do any thing to make you uneasy. Have you seen Miss Sycamore yet ? I suppose you know she and I are going to be married. Pat. So I hear, my lord. Heaven make you both happy ! L. Aim. Thank you, Patty ; I hope we shall be happy. Pat . Upon my knees, upon my knees I pray it : may every earthly bliss attend you ! may your days prove an uninterrupted course of delightful tranquil- ity ; and your mutual friendship, confidence and love, end but with your lives 1 102 L. Aim. Rise, Patty, rise ; say no more I suppose you'll wait upon Miss Sycamore before you go away at present I have a little business As I said, Patty, 44 THE MAID OF THE MILL. Aft II. don't afflict yourself: I have been somewhat hasty with regard to the farmer ; but since I see how deep- ly you are interested in his affairs, I may possibly alter my designs with regard to him You know- You know, Patty, your marriage with him is no con- cern of mine I only speak in AIR. My passion in vain I attempt to dissemble; TV endeavour to hide it, but makes it appear : Enraptured I gaze ; when I touch her I tremble, And speak to and hear her, with faltering and fear. By how many cruel ideas tormented! My blood's in a ferment ; it freezes, it burns .* This moment I wish, what the next is repented ; While love, rage, and jealousy, rack me by turns. 1 19 SCENE III. PATTY, GILES. Giles. Miss Pat Odd rabbit it, I thought his honour was here ; and I wish I may die if my heart did not jump into my mouth Come, come down in all haste, there's such rig below as you never knew in your born days. " Pat. Rig ! Acl II. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 45 " Giles. Ay, and fun" There's as good as forty of the tenants, men and maidens, have got upon the lawn before the castle, with pipers and garlands ; just for all the world as tho'f it was May-day ; and the qua- lity's looking at them out of the windows- 'Tis as true as any thing ; on account of my lord's coming home with his new lady " Look here, I have brought * a string of flowers along with me." 133 Pat. Well, and what then ? Giles. Why I was thinking, if so be as you would come down, as we might take a dance together : little Sal, farmer Harrow's daughter, of the Green, would fain have had me for a partner ; but I said as how I'd go for one I liked better, one that I'd make a partner for life. 140 Pat . Did you say so ? Giles. Yes, and she was struck all of a heap she had not a word to throw to a dog for Sal and I kept company once for a little bit. Pat. Farmer, I am going to say something to you, and I desire you will listen to it attentively. It seems you think of our being married together. Giles. Think ! why I think of nothing else ; it's all over the place mun, as how you are to be my spouse ; and you would not believe what game folks make of me. 151 Pat. Shall I talk to you like a friend, farmer You and I were never designed for one another ; and . I am morally certain we should not be happy. G 46 THE MAID OF THE MILL. AB If. Giles. Oh ! as for that matter, I never has no words with nobody. Pat. Shall I speak plainer to you then I dont like you. Giles. No! Pat. On the contrary, you are disagreeable to me 161 Giles. Am I ! Pat. Yes, of all things : I deal with you sincerely. Giles. Why, I thought, Miss Pat, the affair between you and I was all fix'd and settled. Pat. Well, let this undeceive you Be assured we shall never be man and wife. No offer shall persuade, no command force me. You know my mind, make your advantage of it. AIR. Was I sure a life to lead, 1 70 Wretched as the vilest slave, Every hardship would I brave i Rudest toil, severest need', Ere yield my hand so coolly, To the man who never, truly, Could my heart in keeping have. Wealth with others success will insure yen, Where your wit and your person may please ; Take to them your love, 1 conjure you, And in mercy set me at ease. 1 80 Acl If. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 47 SCENE IV. GILES. Here's a turn ! 1 don't know what to make of it t she's gone mad, that's for sartin ; wit and learning have crack'd her brain Poor soul, poor soul It is often the case of those who have too much of them. Lord, Lord, how sorry I be But hold, she says I baint to her mind mayn't all this be the effecl: of modish coyness, to dp like the gentlewomen, be- cause she was bred among them ? And I have heard say, they will be upon their vixen tricks, till they go into the very church with a man. Icod there's no- thing more likelier ; for it is the cry of one and all, that she's the moral of a lady in every thing : and our farmer's daughters, for the matter of that, tho'f they have nothing to boast of but a scrap of red ribbon about their hats, will have as many turnings and wind- ings as a hare, before one can lay a fast hold of them. There can no harm come of speaking with master Fairfield, however. Odd rabbit it, how plaguy tart she was I am half vext with myself now that I let her go off so. 200 AIR. When a maid, in way ofmarriage > First is courted by a man, Let ' do the best he can, 48 THE MAID OF THE MILL. A& II. She's so shame -f aC d in her carriage^ "fis with pain the suit's began. Tho'f mayhap she likes him mainly, Still she shams it coy and cold; Fearing to confess it plainly, Lest the folks should think her bold. But the parson comes in sight, ZI Gives the word to bill and coo ; 'Tzs a different story quite, And she quickly buckles too. SCENE V. Changes to a view of Lord AIMWORTH'J house, and im- provements', a seat under a tree, and part of the garden wall, with a Chinese pavilion over it ; several country people appear dancing, others looking on ; among whom are, MERVIN, disguised, RALPH, FANNY, and a' number of gipsies. After the dancers go off, THEO- IJOSIA and PATTY enter through a gate supposed to have a conmclion with the principal building. The. Well then, my dear Patty, you will run away from us : but why in such a hurry, I have a thousand things to say to you ? Aft Ih THE MAID OF THE MILL. 49 Pat. I shall do myself the honour to pay my duty to you some other time, madam ; at present I really find myself a little indisposed. 219 The. Nay, I would by no means lay you under any restraint. But methinks the entertainment we have just been taking part of, should have put you into better spirits : I am not in an over-merry mood my- self, yet, I swear, I could not look on the diversion of those honest folks, without feeling a certain gaietedc caur. 226 Pat. Why, indeed, madam, it had one circum- stance attending it, which is often wanting to more polite amusements ; that of seeming to give undis- sembled satisfaction to those who were engaged in it. Tlie. Oh, infinite, infinite ! to see the chearful, healthy looking creatures, toil with such a good will ! To me there were more genuine charms in their auk- ward stumping and jumping about, their rude mea- sures, and homespun finery, than in all the dress, splendor, and studied graces, of a birth- night ball- room. 237 Pat . 'Tis a very uncommon declaration to be made by a fine lady, madam : but certainly, however the artful delicacies of high life may dazzle and surprize, nature has particular attractions, even in a cottage, her most unadorned state, which seldom fail to affeft, us, tho' we can scarce give a reason for it. The. But you know, Patty, I was always a dis- tracted admirer of the country ; no damsel in romance was ever fonder of groves and purling streams : had 50 THE MAID OF THE MILL. Aft II. I been born in the days of Arcadia, with my present propensity^ instead of being a fine lady, as you call me, I should certainly have kept a flock of sheep. Pat. Well, madam, you have the sages, poets, and philosophers, of all ages, to countenance your way of thinking. 252 The. And you, my little philosophical friend, don't you think me in the right too ? Pat. Yes, indeed, madam, perfectly. AIR. Trust me, would you taste true pleasure^ Without mixture, without measure, No where shall you find the treasure Sure as in the sylvan scene ; Blest, who, no false glare requiring, 260 Nature's rural sweets admiring, Can, from grosser joys retiring, Seek the simple and serene. SCENE VI. THEODOSIA, MERVIN, FANNY. Mer. Yonder she is seated ; and, to my wish, most fortunately alone. Accost her as I desired. The. Heigh! AEl 77. THE MATD OF THE MILL. 51 Fan. Heaven bless you, my sweet lady bless your honour's beautiful visage, and send you a good hus- band, and a great many of them. The. A very comfortable wish upon my word : who are you, child ? 271 Fan. A poor gipsey, an' please you, that goes about begging from charitable gentlemen and ladies If you have ere a coal or a bit of whiting in your pocket, I'll write you the first letter of your sweetheart's name ; how many husbands you will have ; and how many children, my lady : or, if you'll let me look at your line of life, I'll tell you whether it will be long or short, happy or miserable. The. Oh ! as for that, I know it already you can- not tell me any good fortune, and therefore I'll hear none. Go about your business. 282 Mer. Stay, madam, stay, [Pretending to lift a paper from the ground. ~] you have dropt something Fan, call the young gentlewoman back. Fan. Lady, you have lost The. Pho, pho, I have lost nothing. Mer. Yes, that paper, lady ; you dropt it as you got up from the chair. Fan, give it to her honour. 289 The. A letter with my address ! [Takes the paper and ids.} " Dear Theodosia ! Though the sight of me was so disagreeable to you, that you charged me never to approach you more, I hope my hand-wri- ting can have nothing to frighten or disgust you. I am not far off"; and the person who delivers you ' this, can give you intelligence," Come hither, 52 THE MAID OF THE MILL. AEl //< child : do you know any thing of the gentleman that wrote this ? Fan. My lady 299 The. Make haste run this moment, bring me to him, bring him to me ; say I wait with impatience ; tell him I will go, fly any where Mer. My life, my charmer ! The. Oh, Heavens! Mr. Mervin ! SCENE VII. THEODOSIA, MERVIN, Sir HARRY, Lady SYCA- MORE, FANNY, GIPSIES. L. Syc. Sir Harry, don't walk so fast, we are not running fora wager. S. liar. Hough, hough, hough. L. Syc. Hey day, you have got a cough; I shall have you laid upon my hands presently. 309 S. Har. .No, no, my lady, it's only the old affair. L. Syc. Come here, and let me tye this handker- chief about your neck; you have put yourself into a muck sweat already. [Ties a handkercheij about his neck.] Have you taken your Bardana this morning ? I war- rant you not now, though you have been complaining of twitches two or three times ; and you know the gouty season is coming on. Why will you be so neglectful of your health, Sir Harry ? I protest I am forced to watch you like an infant. 3 1 9 Attlt. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 53 S. Har. My lovey takes care of me, and I am ob- liged to her. L. Syc. Well, but you ought to mind me then, since you are satisfied I never speak but for your good. I thought, Miss Sycamore, you were to have follow- ed your papa and me into the garden. How far did you go with that wench ? f fhe. 1 hey are gipsies, madam, they say. Indeed I don't know what they are. L. Syc. 1 wish miss, you would learn to give a ra- tional answer. 330 S. Har. Eh ! what's that ? gipsies ! Have we gip- sies here ! Vagrants, that pretend to a knowledge of future events ; diviners, fortune-tellers ? Fan. Yes, your worship, we'll tell your fortune, or her ladyship's, for a crum of bread, or a little broken victuals : what you throw to your dogs, an please you. 5. Har. Broken victuals, hussey ! How do you think we should have broken victuals ? If we are at home, indeed, perhaps you might get some such thing from the cook : but here we are only on a visit to a friend's house, and have nothing to do with the kitchen at aH. 342 L. Sjc. And do you think, Sir Harry, it is neces- sary to give the creature an account. S. Har. No, love, no ; but what can you say to obstinate people ? Get you gone, bold face. I once knew a merchant's wife in the city, my lady, who had her fortune told by some of those gipsies. They said she should die at such a time ; and I war- H 54 THE MAID OF THE MILL. /[# //. rant, as sure as the day came, the poor gentlewoman aftually died with the conceit.' Come, Dossy, your mama and I are going to take a walk. My lady, will you have hold of my arm ? 353 L. Syc. No, Sir Harry, I choose to go by myself. Mer. Now, love, assist me [Turning to the gipsies. ] Follow and take all your cues from me Nay, but good lady and gentleman, you won't go without re- membering the poor gipsies. S. Har. Hey ! here is all the gang after us. dp. Pray, your noble honour. 360 L. Syc. Come back into the garden ; we shall be covered with vermin. Gip. Out of the bowels of your commiseration. L. Syc. They press upon us more and more ; yet that girl has no mind to leave them : I shall swoon away. S. Har. Don't be frighten'd, my lady ; let me ad- vance. AIR. You vile pack of vagabonds, what do you mean ? I'll maul you rascallions, 370 Ye tatter -demalliom If one of you come within reach of my cane. SucA cursed assurance, ' Tis past all endurance. Nay, nay, pray come away. Al 77. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 55 They're lyars and thieves, And he that believes Their foolish predictions. Will find them but fittions, A bubble that always deceives. 380 SCENE HI!, MERVIN, THEODOSIA, FANNY, GIPSIES. Fan. Oh ! mercy, dear The gentleman is so bold, 'tis well if he does not bring us into trouble. Who knows but this may be a justice of peace ! and see, he's following them into the garden ! ist Gip. Well, 'tis all your seeking, Fan. Fan. We shall have warrants to take us up, I'll be hang'd else. We had better run away, the servants will come out with sticks to lick us. Mer. Cursed ill fortune [Here Mervin returns with gipsies.] She's gone, and, perhaps, I shall not have another opportunity And you, ye blundering block- head, I won't give you a halfpenny Why did you not clap too the garden door, when I called to you, before the young lady got in ? The key was on the outside, which would have given me some time for an explanation. 396 zd Gip. An please your honour I was dubus. Mer. Dubus ! plague choak ye However, it is some satisfaftion that I have been able to let her see 56 THE MAID OF THE MILL. AEl //. me, and know where I am [Turning to the gipsies, who go off.~\ Go, get you gone, all of you, about your business. 402 The. Disappeared, fled! [Tkeodosia appears in the pavilion.'] Oh, how unlucky this is ! Could he not have patience to wait a moment ? Mer. I know not what to resolve on. The. Hem! Mer. I'll go back to the garden-door. The. Mr. Mervin ! Mer. What do I see ! 'Tis she, 'tis she herself! Oh, Theodosia! Shall I climb the wall and come up to you ? 412 The. No ; speak softly : Sir Harry and my Lady sit below at the end of the walk How much am I ob- liged to you for taking this trouble. Mer. When their happiness is at stake, what is it men will not attempt ? Say but you love me. The . What proof would you have me give you ? I know but of one : if you please I am willing to go oft" with you. 420 Mer. Are you ! Would to Heaven I had brought a carriage ! The. How did you come ? Have you not horses ? Mer. No ; there's another misfortune. To avoid suspicion, there being but one little public-house in the village, I dispatched my servant with them, about an hour ago, to wait for me at a town twelve miles distant, whither I pretended to go ; but alighting a mile off, I equipt myself, and came back as you see : Aft II. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 57 neither can we, nearer than this town, get a post, chaise. 331 The. You say you have made a confidant of the miller's son : return to your place of rendezvous : my father has been asked this moment, by Lord Aim- worth, who is in the garden, to take a walk with him down to the mill : they will go before dinner ; and it shall be hard if 1 cannot contrive to be one of the company. Mer. And what then 439 Tlit . Why, in the mean time, you may devise some method to carry me from hence: and I'll take care you shall have an opportunity of communicating it to me. Mer. Well, but dear Theodosia AIR. The. Hist, hist ! I hear my mother call Pr'ythee be gone ; We'll meet anon : Catch this, and this Blow me a kiss In pledge of promised truth, ihafs all. Farewell ! and yet a moment stay ; Something beside I had to say : Well, 'tis forgot-, No matter what Love grant us grace ; The mill's the place : She calls again, I must away. THE MAID OP THE MILL. A& It, SCENE IX. MERVIN, FANNY. Fan. Please your honour, you were so kind as to say you would remember my fellow-travellers for their trouble : and they think I have gotten the money. 461 Mer. Oh, here; give them this [Gives her money. "\ And for you, my dear little pilot, you have brought me so cleverly through my business, that I must Fan. Oh, Lord! your honour \Mervin kisses her. ~\ Pray don't kiss me again. Mer. Again, and again. There's a thought come into my head. Theodosia will certainly have no objection to putting on the dress of a sister of mine. So, and so only we may escape to-night. This girl, for a little money, will provide us with neces- saries.- 472 Fan. Dear gracious ! I warrant you, now, I am as red as my petticoat : why would you royster and touzle one so ? If Ralph was to see you, he'd be as jealous as the vengeance. Mtr. Hang Ralph ! Never mind him. There's a guinea for thee. Fan. What, a golden guinea ? 479 Mer. Yes ; and if thou art a good girl, and do as I desire thee, thou shall have twenty. Fan. Ay, but. not all gold. Mer. As good as that is. Acl 11. -THE MAID OF THE MILL. 59 Fan. Shall I though, if I does as you bids me ? Mer. You shall. Fan. Precious heart ! He's a sweet gentleman ! Icod I have a great mind- Mer. What art thou thinking about ? Fan. Thinking, your honour ? Ha, ha, ha ! Mer. Indeed, so merry. 490 Fan. I don't know what I am thinking about, not I Ha, ha, ha ! Twenty guineas ! Mer. I tell thee thou shalt have them. Fan. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ! Mer. By Heaven I am serious. Fan. Ha, ha, ha ! Why then I'll do whatever your honour pleases. Mer. Stay here a little, to see that all keeps quiet : you'll find me presently at the mill, where we'll talk farther. 5 AIR. Yes, 'tis decreed, thou maid divine I I must, I will possess thee: Oh, what delight within my arms to press thtel To kiss, and call thee mine I Let me this only bliss enjoy ; That ne'er can waste, that ne'er can cloy : All other pleasures / resign. Why should we dally ', Stand shilli shally : THE MAID OF THE MILL. AEl IL Let fortune smile or frown ? 510 Love will attend us ; Love will befriend us ; And all our wishes crown. SCENE X. FANNY, RALPH. Fan. What a dear kind soul he is Here comes Ralph I can tell him, unless he makes me his law- ful wife, as he has often said he would, the devil a word more shall he speak to me. Ral. So, Fan, where's the gentleman ? Fan. How should I know where he is ; what do you ask me for ? 520 Ral. There's no harm in putting a civil question, be there ? Why you look as cross and ill-natured Fan. Well, mayhap I do and mayhap I have where-withal for it. Ral. Why, has the gentleman offered any thing un- civil ? Ecod, I'd try a bout as soon as look at him. Fan. He offer no he's a gentleman every inch of him ; but you are sensible, Ralph, you have been promising me, a great while, this, and that, and t'other ; and, when all comes to all, I don't see but you are like the rest of them. 531 Ral. Why, what is it I have promised ? A61 II. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 6| Fan. To marry me in the church, you have, a hun- dred times. Ral. Well, and mayhap I will, if you'll have pa- tience. Fan. Patience ! me no patience ; you may do it now if you please. Ral. Well, but suppose I don't please ? I tell you, Fan, you're a fool, and want to quarrel with your bread and butter ; I have had anger enow from fey- ther already upon your account, and you want me to come by more. As I said, if you have patience, mayhap things may fall out, and mayhap not. Fan. With all my heart, then ; and now I know your mind, you may go hang yourself. Ral. Ay, ay. Fan. Yes, you may who cares for you ? Ral. Well, and who cares for you, an you go to that > 550 Fan. A menial feller Go mind your mill and your drudgery; I don't think you worthy to wipe my shoes feller. Ral. Nay, but Fan, keep a civil tongue in your head : odds flesh ! I would fain know what fly bites all of a sudden now. Fan. Marry come up, the best gentlemen's sons in the country have made me proffers; and if one is a miss, be a miss to a gentleman, I say, that will give one fine clothes, and take one to see the show, and put money in one's pocket. 561 62 THE MAID OF THE MILL. Aft. II. Ral. Whu, vfhu \_Hits him a slap.'] What's that for ? Fan. What do you whistle for, then ? Do you think I am a dog ? Ral. Never from me, Fan, if I have not a mind to give you, with this switch in my hand here, as good a lacing . Fan. Touch me, if you dare : touch me, and I'll swear my life against you. 570 Ral. A murrain with her damn'd little fist as hard as she could draw. Fan. Well, it's good enough for you ; I'm not ne- cessitated to take up with the impudence of such a low-lived monkey as you are. A gentleman's my friend, and I can have twenty guineas in my hand, all as good as this is. Ral. Belike from this Londoner, eh ? Fan. Yes, from him so you may take your pro- mise of marriage ; I don't value it that [spits] and if you speak to me, I'll slap your chops again. 581 AIR. Lord, sir, you seem mighty uneasy ; But 1 the refusal can bear ." / warrant I shall not run crazy , Nor die in a Jit of despair. If so you suppose, you're mistaken ; For, sir, for to let you to know, I'm not such a maiden forsaken, But I have two strings to my bow. ,589 Aft II, THE MAID OF THE MILL. 63 SCENE XI. RALPH. Indeed ! Now I'll be judg'd by any soul living in the world, if ever there was a viler piece of treachery than this here ; there is no such thing as a true friend upon the face of the globe, and so I have said a hun- dred times ! A couple of base deceitful after all my love and kindness shewn ! Well, I'll be reveng- ed ; see an I be'nt Marster Marvint, that's his name, an he do not sham it : he has come here and disguised unself ; whereof 'tis contrary to law so to do : besides, I do partly know why he did it ; and I'll fish out the whole conjuration, and go up to the castle and tell every syllable ; a shan't carry a wench from me, were he twenty times the mon he is, and twenty times to that again ; and moreover than so, the first time I meet un, I'll knock un down, tho'f 'twas before my lord himself; and he may capias me for it afterwards an he wull. 606 AIR. As they count me such a ninny, So to let them rule the roast j /'// bet any one a guinea They have scored without their host. 64 THE MAID OF THE MILL. AB II. But if I don't shew them in lieu of it, 611 A trick that's fairly worth two of it, Then let me pass for a fool and an ass. To be sure yon sly cajoler Thought the work as good as done. When he found the little stroller Was so easy to be won. But if I don't shew him in lieu of it, A trick that's fairly worth two of it, Then let me pass for a fool or an ass. 620 SCENE XII. Changes to a room in the mill ; two chairs, with a table. and a tankard of beer. FAIRFIELD, GILES. Fai. In short, farmer, I don't know what to say to thee. I have spoken to her all I can ; but I think children were born to pull the grey hairs of their pa- rents to the grave with sorrow. Giles. Nay, master Fairfield, don't take on about it : belike Miss Pat has another love : and if so, in Hea- ven's name be't : what's one man's meat, as the say- ing is, is another man's poison ; and, tho'f some might find me well enough to their fancy, set in case I don't suit her's, why there's no harm done. 630 Attll. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 65 Fai. Well but, neighbour, I have put that to her ; and the story is, she has no inclination to marry any one ; all she desires, is, to stay at home and take care of me. Giles. Master Fairfield here's towards your good health. Fai. Thank thee, friend Giles and here's towards thine. I promise thee, had things gone as we pro- posed, thou should'st have had one half of what I was worth, to the uttermost farthing. 640 Giles. Why to be sure, Master Fairfield, I am not the less obligated to your good-will ; but, as to that matter, had I married, it should not have been for the lucre of gain ; but if I do like a girl, do you see, I do like her ; ay, and I'd take her, saving respect, if she had not a second petticoat. Fai. Well said where love is, with a little indus- try, what have a young couple to be afraid of ? And, by the Lord Harry, for all that's past, I cannot help thinking we shall bring our matters to bear yet Young women you know, friend Giles 651 Giles. Why, that's what I have been thinking with myself, Master Fairfield. Fai. Come, then, mend thy draught. Duce take me if I let it drop so But, in any case, don't you go to make yourself uneasy. Giles. Uneasy, Master Fairfield ; what good would that do? For sartin, seeing how things were, I should have been very glad they had gone according- 66 THE MAID OF THE MILL. Acl II. ly : but if they change, 'tis no fault of mine you know. 671 AIR. Zooks ! why should I sit down and grieve ? No case so hard, there mayn't be had Some med'cine to relieve. Here's what masters all disasters : With a cup of nut-brown beer, ;** 5 Thus my drooping thoughts I cheer .* If one pretty damsel fail me, From another I mayjind Return more kind ; 680 What a murrain then should ail me! All girls are not of a mind. He's a child that whimpers for a toy ; So here's to thee, honest boy. SCENE XIII. FAIRFIELD, Lord AIMWORTH. Fai. O the goodness, his lordship's honour -you are come into a litter'd place, my noble sir the arm- chair will it please your honour to repose you on this, till a better Aft II. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 67 L. Aim. Thank you, miller, there's no occasion for cither. 1 only want to speak a few words to you, and have company waiting for me without. 690 Fai. Without won't their honours favour my poor hovel so far- L. Aim. No, miller, let them stay where they are. I find you are about marrying your daughter I know the great regard my mother had for her ; and am satisfied, that nothing but her sudden death could have prevented her leaving her a handsome provision. Fai. Dear, my lord, your noble mother, you, and all your family, have heaped favours on favours on my poor child. 700 L. Aim. Whatever has been done for her she has fully merited Fai, Why, to be sure, my lord, she is a very good girl. L. Aim. Poor old man but those are tears of satis- faction. Here, Master Fairfield, to bring mat- ters to a short conclusion, here is a bill of a thousand pounds. Portion your daughter with what you think convenient of it. 709 Fai, A thousand pound, my lord ! Pray excuse me ; excuse me, worthy sir ; too much has been done al- ready, and we have no pretensions' L. Aim. I insist upon your taking it. Put it up, and say no more. Fai, Well, my lord, if it must be so : but indeed, indeed 68 THE MAID OF THE MILL. Aft II. L. Aim. In this I only fulfil what I am satisfied would please my mother. As to myself, I shall take upon me all the expences of Patty's wedding, and have already given orders about it. 720 Fat. Alas, sir, you are too good, too generous ; but I fear we shall not be able to profit of your kind intentions, unless you will condescend to speak a lit- tle to Patty. L. Aim. How speak ! Fat. Why, my lord, I thought we had pretty well ordered all things concerning this marriage ; but all on a sudden the girl has taken it into her head not to have the farmer, and declares she will never marry at all. But I know, my lord, she'll pay great re- specT: to any thing you say : and if you'll but lay your commands on her to marry him, I'm sure she'll do it. L. Aim. Who, I lay my commands on her ? 733 Fai. Yes, pray, my lord, do ; I'll send her in to you. L. Aim. " Master Fairfield! [Fairfidd goes out and " returns."] What can be the meaning of this? Re- " fuse to marry the farmer ! How, why ? My heart " is thrown in an agitation ; while every step I take, " serves but to lead me into new perplexities. Fai. " She's coming, my lord ; I said you were " here ;" and I humbly beg you will tell her, you in- sist upon the match going forward ; tell her, you insist upon it, my lord, and speak a little angrily to her. A3. II. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 69 SCENE XIV. Lord AIM WORTH, PATTY. L. Aim. I came hither, Patty, in consequence of our conversation this morning, to render your change of state as agreeable and happy as I could : but your fa- ther tells me, you have fallen out with the farmer : has any thing happened, since I saw you last, to alter your good opinion of him ? 751 Pat. No, my lord, I am in the same opinion with regard to the farmer now as I always was. L. Aim. I thought, Patty, you loved him, you told me Pat. My lord! L. Aim. Well, no matter It seems I have been mistaken in that particular Possibly your affections are engaged elsewhere : let me but know the man that can make you happy, and I swear 760 Pat. Indeed, my lord, you take too much trouble upon my account. L. Aim. Perhaps, Patty, you love somebody so much beneath you, you are ashamed to own it ; but your esteem confers a value wheresoever it is placed. I was too harsh with you this morning: our inclinations are not in our own power ; they master the wisest of us. 768 Pat. Pray, pray my lord, talk not to me in this stile : consider me as one destined by birth and for- tune to the meanest condition and offices ; who has K JO THE MAID OF THE MILL. AR II. unhappily been apt to imbibe sentiments contrary to them ! Let me conquer a heart, where pride and va- nity have usurped an improper rule ; and learn to know myself, of whom I have been too long ignorant. L. Aim. Perhaps, Patty, you love some one so much above you, you are afraid to own it If so, be his rank what it will, he is to be envied : for the love of a woman of virtue, beauty, and sentiment, does ho- nour to a monarch. What means that downcast look, those tears, those blushes ? Dare you not con- fide in me ? Do you think, Patty, you have a friend in the world would sympathize with you more sin. cerely than I ? 784 Pat. What shall I answer ? No, my lord, you have ever treated me with a kindness, a generosity of which none but minds like yours are capable : you have been my instructor, my adviser, my protector : but, my lord, you have been too good : when our supe- riors forget the distance between us, we are some- times led to forget it too : had you been less con- descending, perhaps I had been happier. 792 L. Aim. And have I, Patty, have I made you un- happy : I, who would sacrifice my own felicity, to secure your's ? Pat. I beg, my lord, you will suffer me to begone : only believe me sensible of all your favours, though unworthy of the smallest. L. Aim. How unworthy ! You merit every thing ; my respecT:, my esteem, my friendship, and my love ! Yes, I repeat, I avow it : your beauty, your mo- ARIL THE MAID OF THE MILL. Jl desty, your understanding, have made a conquest of my heart. But what a world do we live in ! that, while I own this; while I own a passion for you, founded on the justest, the noblest basis, I must at the same time confess, the fear of that world, its taunts, its reproaches 807 Pat. Ah, sir, think better of the creature you have raised, than to suppose I ever entertained a hope tend- ing to your dishonour : would that be a return for the favours I have received ? Would that be a grateful reverence for the memory of her Pity and pardon the disturbance of a mind that fears to enquire too minutely into its own sensations. 1 am unfortu- nate, my lord, but not criminal. L. Aim. Patty, we are both unfortunate : for my own part, I know not what to say to you, or what to propose to myself. 818 Pat. Then, my lord, 'tis mine to acl: as I ought : yet, while I am honoured with a place in your esteem, imagine me not insensible of so high a distinction ; or capable of lightly turning my thought towards another. L. Aim. How cruel is my situation ! 1 am here, Patty, to command you to marry the man who has given you so much uneasiness. Pat . My lord, I am convinced it is for your credit and my safety, it should be so : I hope I have not so ill profited by the lessons of your noble mother, but I shall be able to do my duty, whenever I am called to it : this will be my first support ; time and reflection will complete the work. 831 7 2 THE MAID OF THE MILL. ABU. AIR. Cease, oh cease, to overwhelm me, With excess of bounty rare ; What am I? What have I? Tell me, To deserve your meanest care ? 'Gainst our fate in vain's resistance, Let me then no grief disclose ; But resigned, at humble distance, Offer vows for your repose. SCENE XV. Lord AIMWORTH, PATTY, Sir HARRY SYCAMORE, THEODOSIA, GILES. S. Har. No justice of peace, no bailiffs, no head- borough ! 841 L. Aim. What's the matter, Sir Harry ? 5. Har. The matter, my lord While I was exa- mining the construction of the mill without, for I have some small notion of mechanics, Miss Sycamore had like to have been run away with by a gipsey man. The. Dear papa, how can you talk so ? Did not I tell you it was at my own desire the poor fellow went to shew me the canal. 850 S. Har. Hold your tongue, miss. I don't know any business you had to let him come near you at all : A& If- THE MAID OF THE MILL. 73 we have stayed so long too ; your mama gave us but half an hour, and she'll be frightened out of her wits she'll think some accident has happened to me. L. Aim. I'll wait upon you when you please. S. Har. O ! but my lord, here's a poor fellow ; it seems his mistress has conceived some disgust against him : pray has her father spoke to you to interpose your authority in his behalf ? 860 Giles. If his lordship's honour would be so kind, I would acknowledge the favour as far as in me lay. 5. Har. Let me speak [ Takes Lord Aimwortk aside"] a word or two in your lordship's ear. The. Well, I do like this gipsey scheme pro- digiously, if we can but put it into execution as hap- pily as we have contrived it. \hcre Patty enters'] So, my dear Patty, you see I am come to return your visit very soon ; but this is only a call en passant will you be at home after dinner ? 870 Pat. Certainly, madam, whenever you condescend to honour me so far : but it is what I cannot expet. The. O fye, why not Giles. Your servant, Miss Patty. Pat . Farmer, your servant. S. Har. Here you goodman delver, I have done your business ; my lord has spoke, and your fortune's made : a thousand pounds at present, and better things to come j his lordship says he will be your friend. Giles. I do hope, then, Miss Pat will make all up* 74 THE MAID OF THE MILL. AEl //. 5. Har. Miss Pat, make up ! stand out of the way, I'll make it up, 883 The quarrels of lovers, adds me! they're a jest ; Come hither, ye blockhead, come hither : So now let us leave them together. L.Aim. Farewell, then I Pat. For ever ! Giles. 1 vow and protest, 'Twas kind of his honour, 8g9 To gain thus upon her ; We're so much beholden it can't be exprest t The. I feel something here, 'Twixt hoping\zndfear ; Haste, haste, friendly night, To shelter our fight p* " \ A thousand distractions are rending my breast, Pat. mercy, Giles. Oh dear ! S. Har. Why miss, will you mind whenyou're spoke to t or not? Must I stand in waiting, While you" re here a prating? The"' 1 "' I Ma y ev'ry felicity faU to your lot. Giles. She curtsies ! Look there, What a shape, what an air ! All. How happy, how wretched! how tir 1 d am II Your lordship's obedient ; your servant ; goodbye. A8 HI. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 75 ACT III. SCEKE I. The Portico to Lord AIMWORTH'I House. Enter Lord AIMWORTH, Sir HARRY, Lady SYCA- MORE. Lady Sycamore. A WRETCH! a vile, inconsiderate wretch! coming of such a race as mine ; and having an example like me before her ! . L. Aim. I beg, madam, you will not disquiet your- self : you are told here, that a gentleman lately ar- rived from London has been about the place to-day ; that he has disguised himself like a gipsey, came hither, and had some conversation with your daugh- ter ; you are even told, that there is a design formed for their going off together ; but possibly there may be some mistake in all this. 1 1 S. Har. Ay, but my lord, the lad tells us the gen- tleman's name ; we have seen the gipsies ; and we know she has had a hankering L. Syc. Sir Harry, my dear, why will you put in your word, when you hear others speaking I protest, my lord, I'm in such confusion, I know not what to say : I can hardly support myself. L. Aim. This gentleman, it seems, is at a little inn at the bottom of the hill. 20 76 THE MAID OF THE MILL. AEl III. S. Har. I wish it was possible to have a file of mus- queteers, my lord ; I could head them myself, being in the militia : and we would go and seize him di- reaiy. L. Aim, Softly, my dear sir ; let us proceed with a little less violence in this matter, I beseech you. We should first see the young lady Where is Miss Sy- camore, madam ? L. Syc. Really, my lord, I don't know ; 1 saw her go into the garden about a quarter of an hour ago, from our chamber window. 31 S. Har. Into the garden ! perhaps she has got an inkling of our being informed of this affair, and is gone to throw herself into the pond. Despair, my lord, makes girls do terrible things. 'Twas but the Wednesday before we left London, that I saw, taken out "of Rosamond's pond, in Saint James's Park, as likely a young woman as ever you would desire to set your eyes on, in a new callimanco petticoat, and a pair of silver buckles in her shoes. 40 L. Aim. I hope there is no danger of any such fatal accident happening at present ; but will you oblige me, Sir Harry ? 5. Har. Surely, my lord L. Aim. Will you commit the whole direction of this affair to my prudence ? 5. Har. My dear, you hear what his lordship says. L. Syc. Indeed, my lord, I am so much asham'd, I don't know what to answer; the fault of my daugh- ter. 50 Attlll. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 77 L. Aim. Don't mention it, madam ; the fault has been mine, who have been innocently the occasion of a young lady's transgressing a point of duty and de- corum, which, otherwise, she would never have vio- lated. But if you, and Sir Harry, will walk in and repose yourselves, I hope to settle every thing to the general satisfaction. L. Syc. Come in, Sir Harry. [Exit L. Aim. I am sure, my good friend, had I known that I was doing a violence to Miss Sycamore's incli- nations, in the happiness I proposed to myself 61 S. Har. My lord, 'tis all a case My grandfather, by the mother's side, was a very sensible man he was elecled knight of the shire in five successive par- liaments; and died high sheriff of his county a man of fine parts, fine talents, and one of the most curio - sest docker of horses in all England (but that he did only now and then for his amusement) And he used to say, my lord, that the female sex were good for nothing but to bring forth children, and breed disturbance. 71 L. Aim. The ladies were very little obliged to" your ancestor, Sir Harry : but for my part, I have a more favourable opinion 5. Har. You are in the wrong, my lord : with submission, you are really in the wrong. THE MAID OF THE MILL. AEl III, AIR. To speak my mind of woman kind, In one word 'tis this ; By nature they're design'' 'd t To say and do amiss. 80 Be they maids, be they wives, Alike they plague our lives ; Wanton, headstrong, cunning, vain\ Born to cheat, and give men pain. Their study day and night, Is mischief, their delight : And if we should prevent , At one door their intent ; They quickly turn about, And find another out. g SCENE II. ," Enter FAIRFIELD, "RALPH." " Ral. Dear goodness, my lord, I doubts I have " done some wrong here ; I hope your honour will " forgive me ; to be sartin, if I had known A&IIL THE MAID OF THE MILL. 79 " L. Aim. You have done nothing but what's very " right, my lad ; don't make yourself uneasy." How now, master Fairfield, what brings you here ? Fai. I am come, my lord, to thank you for your bounty to me and my daughter this morning, and most humbly to intreat your lordship to receive it at our hands again. 100 L. Aim. Ay why, what's the matter ? Fai. I don't know, my lord ; it seems your gene- rosity to my poor girl has been noised about the neighbourhood ; and some evil-minded people have put it into the young man's head, that was to marry her, that you would never have made her a present so much above her deserts and expectations, if it had not been upon some naughty account : now my lord, I am a poor man, 'tis true, and a mean one ; but I and my father, and my father's father, have lived tenants upon your lordship's estate, where we have always been known for honest men ; and it shall never be said, that Fairfield, the miller, became rich in his old days by the wages of his child's shame. L. Aim. What then, Master Fairfield, do you be- lieve Fai. No, my lord, no, Heaven forbid : but when I consider the sum, it is too much for us ; " it is in- " deed, my lord," and enough to make bad folks talk : besides, my poor girl is greatly alter'd ; she us'd to be the life- of every place she came into j but since her being at home, I have seen nothing from her but sadness and watery eyes. 123 80 THE MAID OF THE MILL. Aft III. L. Aim. The farmer then refuses to marry Patty, notwithstanding their late reconciliation. , , Fai. Yes, my lord, he does indeed ; and has made a wicked noise, and used us in a very base manner : I did not think farmer Giles would have been so ready to believe such a thing of us. 1 29 L. Aim. Well, Master Fairfield, I will not press on you a donation, the rejection of which does you so much credit ; you may take my word, however, that your fears upon this occasion are entirely groundless : but this is not enough, as I have been the means of losing your daughter one husband, it is but just I should get her another j and, since the farmer is so scrupulous, there is a young man in the house here, whom I have some influence over, and I dare say he will be less squeamish. 139 Fai. To be sure, my lord, you have, in all honest ways, a right to dispose of me and mine, as you think proper. L. Aim. Go then immediately, and bring Patty hither ; I shall not be easy till I have given you en- tire satisfaction. But, stay and take a letter, which I am stepping into my study to write : I'll order a chaise to be got ready, that you may go back and for- ward with greater expedition. Aft HI. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 8l AIR. Let mejly hence tyrant fashion, Teach to servile minds your law ; 150 Curb in them each gen'rous passion, Ev'ry motion keep in awe. Shall I, in thy trammels going, Quit the idol of my heart? While it beats, all fervent, glowing I With my life Til sooner part. SCENE III. FANNY following RALPH. Fan. Ralph, Ralph ! Ral. What do you want with me, eh ? Fan. Lord, I never knowed such a man as you are, since I com'd into the world ; a body can't speak to you, but you falls strait ways into a passion : I followed you up from the house, only you run so, there was no such a thing as overtaking you, and I have been waiting there at the back door ever so long. 165 Ral. Well, and now you may go and wait at the fore door, if you like it : but I forewarn you and your gang not to keep lurking about our mill any longer ; 82 THE MAID OF THE MILL. A 8, III. for if you do, I'll send the constable after you, and have you, every mother's skin, clapt into the county gaol, you are such a pack of thieves, one can't hang so much as a rag to dry for you : it was but the other day that a couple of them came into our kitchen to beg a handful of dirty flour to make them cakes, and before the wench could turn about, they had whip- ped off three brass candlesticks, and a pot-lid. fan. Well, sure it was not I. Ral. Then you know that old rascal, that you call father ; the last time I catch'd him laying snares for the hares, I told him I'd inform the game-keeper, and I'll expose all' * 181 Fan. Ah, dear Ralph, don't be angry with me. Ral. Yes I will be angry with you what do you come nigh me for ? You shan't touch me There's the skirt of my coat, and if you do but lay a finger on it, my lord's bailiff is here in the court, and I'll call him and give you to him. Fan. If youHl forgive me, I'll go down on my knees. 189 Ral. I tell you I won't. No, no, follow your gen- tleman ; or go live upon your old fare, crows and polecats, and sheep that die of the rot ; pick the dead fowl off the dung-hills, and squench your thirst at the next ditch, 'tis the fittest liquor to wash down such dainties skulking about from barn to barn, and lying upon wet straw, on commons, and in green knes go and be whipt from parish to parish, as you used to be. AS, III. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 83 Fan. How can you talk so unkind f igo Rat. And see whether you will get what will keep you as I did, by telling of fortunes, and coming with pillows under your apron, among the young farmers wives, to make believe you are a breeding, with "the Lord Almighty bless you, sweet mistress, you cannot tell how soon it may be your own case." You know I am acquainted with all your tricks- and how you turn up the whites of your eyes, pretending you were struck blind by thunder and lightning. Fan. Pray don't be angry, Ralph. Ral. Yes but I will tho' ; spread your cobwebs to catch flies, I am an old wasp, and don't value them a button. eta AIR. When you mut a tender creature, Neat in limb, and fair in feature, Full of kindness and good nature, Prove as kind again to she ; Happy mortal! to possess her, In your bosom, warm, and press her, Morning, noon, and night, caress Aer t And be fond, as fond can be. 22 But if one you meet that's frotvard, Saucy, jilting, and untoward, Should you al the whining coward, T'is to mend her ne'er the whit: 84 THE MAID OF THE MILL, Acl III. Nothing's tough enough to bind her ; Then agog, when once you find her, Let her go, and never mind her ; Heart alive, you're fairly quit. 228 SCENE IV. FANNY. " I wish I had a draught of water. I don't know " what's come over me ; I have no more strength " than a babe ; a straw would fling me down." He has a heart as hard as any parish-officer ; I don't doubt now but he would stand by and see me himself; and we shall all be whipt, and all through my means. The devil run away with the gentleman, and his twenty guineas too, for leading me astray : if I had known Ralph would have taken it so, I would have hanged myself before I would have said a word but I thought he had no more gall than a pigeon. AIR. ! what a simpleton was I, 240 To make my bed at such a rate ! Now lay thee down, vain fool, and cry, Thy true love seeks another mate. No tears, alack, Will call him back, AtllU. THE MAID OF THE MILt. 85 No tender words his heart allure ; I could bite My tongue thro 1 spite Some plague bewitched me, that's for sure. SCENE V. Changes to a Room in the Miller's House. Enter Glints, followed by PATTY and THEODOSIA. AIR. " Giles. Women's tongues are like mill-clappers, 250 " And from thence they learn the knack, " Of for -ever -sounding clack."' Giles. Why, what the plague's the matter with you, what do you scold at me for ? I am sure I did not say an uncivil word, as I do know of: I'll be judged by the young lady if I did. Pat. 'Tis very well, farmer; all I desire is, that you will leave the house : you see my father is not at home at present ; when he is, if you have any thing to say, you know where to come. 260 Giles. Enough said, I don't want to stay in the house, not I ; and I don't much care if I had never come into it. M 86 THE MAID OF THE MILL. AEl III. The. Tor shame, farmer, down on your knees and beg Miss Fail-field's pardon for the outrage you have been guilty of. Giles. Beg pardon, miss, for what ? Icod that's well enough ; why I am my own master, be'nt I ? If I have no mind to marry, there's no harm in that, I hope : 'tis only changing hands. This morning she would not have me ; and now I won't have she. 272 Pat. Have you ! Heavens and earth ! do you think then 'tis the missing of you that gives me con- cern ? No : . I would prefer a state of beggary a thousand times beyond any thing I could enjoy with you : and be assured, if ever I was seemingly consent- ing to such a sacrifice, nothing should have compelled me to it, but the cruelty of my situation. Giles. Oh, as for that, I believes you ; but you see the gudgeon would not bite as I told you a bit agone you know : we farmers never love to reap what we don't sow. 283 Pat. You brutish fellow, how dare you talk Giles. So, now she's in her tantrums again, and all for no manner of yearthly thing. Pat. But be assured, my lord will punish you se- verely for daring to make free with his name. Giles. Who made free with it ; did I ever mention my lord ? 'Tis a cursed lie. Thto. Bless me ! farmer! 291 Giles. Why it is, miss and I'll make her prove Acl III. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 87 her words Then what does she mean by being punished ? I am not afraid of nobody, nor beholding to nobody, that I know of ; while I pays my rent, my money, I believe, is as good as another's : egad, if it goes there, I think there be those deserve to be pu- nished more than I. Pat. Was ever unfortunate creature pursued as I am, by distresses and vexations! goo The . My dear Patty See, farmer, you have thrown her into tears Pray be comforted. AIR. Patty. Oh leave me, in pity! The falskood I scorn ; For slander the bosom untainted defies : But rudeness and insult are not to be borne, TAo' offer' d by wretches we've sense to despise. Of woman defenceless, how cruel the fate I Pass ever so cautious, so blameless her way, Nature, and envy, lurk always in wait, And innocence falls to their fury a prey. 310 SCENE VI. MERVIN, THEODOSIA. The. You are a pretty gentleman, are not you, to suffer a lady to be at a rendezvous before you ? Mer. Difficulties, my dear, and dangers None of the company had two suits of apparel ; so I was 88 THE MAID OF THE MILL. Aft III, obliged to purchase a rag of one, and a tatter from another, at the expence of ten times the sum they would fetch at the paper-mill. The. Well, where are they J 318 Mer. Here, in this bundle and tho' I say it, a very decent habiliment, if you have art enough to stick the parts together : I've been watching till the coast was clear to bring them to you. The. Let me see I'll slip into this closet and e- quip myself All here is in such confusion, there will no notice be taken. Mer. Do so ; I'll take care nobody shall interrupt you in the progress of your metamorphosis [she goes in~\ and if you are not tedious, we may walk off without being seen by any one. 329 The. Ha ! ha ! ha ! What a concourse of atoms are here ? tho', as I live, they are a great deal better than I expected. Mer. Well, pray make haste ; and don't imagine yourself at your toilette now, where mode prescribes two hours, for what reason would scarce allow three minutes. The. Have patience ; the outward garment is on al- ready ; and I'll assure you a very good stuff, only a little the worse for the mending. 339 Mer. Imagine it embroidery, and consider it is your wedding-suit. Come, how far are you got ? The. Stay, you don't consider there's some con- trivance necessary. Here goes the apron flounced and furbelow'd with a witness Alas ! alas ! it has no AS III. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 89 strings ! what shall I do ? Come, no matter, a couple of pins will serve And now the cap oh, mer- cy ! here's a hole in the crown of it large enough to thrust my head through. Mer. That you'll hide with your straw-hat ; or, if you should not What, not ready yet ? 350 The. Only one minute more Yes, now the work's accomplish'd. AIR. Who'll buy good luck, who'll buy, who'll buy The gipsey's favours ? Here am 1 1 Through the village, through the town, What charming sav'ry scraps we'll earn I Clean straw shall be our beds of down, And our withdrawing-room a barn. Young and old, and grave, and gay, The miser and the prodigal ; 360 Cit, courtier, bumpkin, come away ; I warrant we'll content you all. SCENE VII. MERVIN, THEODOSIA, FAIRFIELD, GILES. Mer. Plague, here's somebody coming. Fat. As to the past, farmer, 'tis past ; I bear no malice for any thing thou hast said. go THE MAID OF THE MILL. AB III. Giles. Why, Master Fairfield, you do know I had a great regard for Miss Patty ; but when I came to consider all in all, I finds as how it is not adviseableto change my condition yet awhile. 369 Fat. Friend Giles, thou art in the right ; marriage is a serious point, and can't be considered too warily. Ha, who have we here ! Shall I never keep my house clear of these vermin ? Look to the goods there, and give me a horse -whip by the Lord Har- ry, I'll make an example Come here, Lady Light- fingers, let me see what thou hast stolen. Her. Hold, miller, hold ! Fat. O gracious goodness ! sure I know this face Miss young Madam Sycamore Mercy heart, here's a disguise ! 380 The. Discover'd ! Mer. Miller, let me speak to you. The t What ill fortune is this ! Giles. Ill fortune Miss! I think there be nothing but crosses and misfortunes of one kind or other. Fai. Money to me, sir ! not for the world ; you want no friends but what you have already Lack-a- day, lack-a-day see how luckily I came in : I be- lieve you are the gentleman to whom I am charged to give this, on the part of my lord Aimworth Bless, you, dear sir, go up to his honour, with my young lady There is a chaise waiting at the door to carry you 1 and my daughter will take another way. AS 111, THE MAID OF THE MILL. SCENE VllL MERVIN, THEODOSIA, GILES. Mer. Pr'ythee read this letter, " and tell me what " you think of it." The. Heavens, 'tis a letter from lord Aimworth ! We are betrayed. Mer. By what means I know not. 399 The. I am so frighted and flurried, that I have scarce strength enough to read it. " SIR, " It is with the greatest concern I find, that I " have been unhappily the occasion of giving some " uneasiness to you and Miss Sycamore : be assured, " had I been apprized of your prior pretensions, and " the young lady's disposition in your favour, I " should have been the last person to interrupt your " felicity. I beg, sir, you will do me the favour to " come up to my house, where I have already so far " settled matters, as to be able to assure you, that " every thing will go entirely to your satisfaction." Mer. Well ! what do you think of it ! Shall we go to the castle ? Well ! "The. Well! " Mer. What do you think of it ? " The. Nay, what do you think of it ? 92 THE MAID OF THE MILL. AEt III, " Mer. Egad, I can't very well tell However, *' on the whole, I believe it would be wrong of us to ' proceed any further in our design of running away, ' even if the thing was practicable. 422 " The. I am entirely of your opinion. I swear this w lord Aimworth is a charming man : I fancy 'tis " lucky for you I had not been long enough acquaint- " ed with him to find out all his good qualities.- " But how the deuce came he to hear- " Mer. No matter; after this, there can be nothing " to apprehend. What do you say, shall we go " up to the castle ?" 430 The. By all means! and in this very trim ; to show what we were capable of doing, if my father and mo- ther had not come to reason. " But, perhaps, ' the difficulties being removed, may lessen your pen- ' chant : you men are such unaccountable mortals. " Do you love me well enough to marry me, without *' making a frolic of it ? " Mer. Do I love you ! " The. Ay, and to what degree ? " Mer. Why do you ask me ? 440 AIR. " Who upon the oozy beech, " Can count the numerous sands that lie ; " Or distinctly reckon each " Transparent orb that studs the shy? Aft III. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 93 *' As their multitude betray, " And frustrate all attempts to tell: " So 'tis impossible to say " How much I love y I love so well" But hark you, Mervin, will you take after my father, and be a very husband now ? Or don't you think I shall take after my mother, and be a commanding wife ! 55 a Mer. Oh, I'll trust you. The. But you may pay for your confidence. [Exeunt. SCENE IX. GILES. So, there goes a couple ! Icod, I believe Old Nick has got among the people in these parts. This is as queer a thing as ever I heard of. Master Fair- field, and Miss Patty, it seems, are gone to the castle too; where by what I larns from Ralph in the mill, my lord has promised to get her a husband among the servants. Now set in case the wind sets in that cor- ner, I have been thinking with myself who the plague it can be : there are no unmarried men in the family, that I do know of, excepting little Bob, the postillion, and master Jonathan, the butler; and he's a matter of sixty or seventy years old. I'll be shot if it be'nt N 94 THE MAID OF THE MILL, Aft II!. little Bob.' Icod, I'll take the way to the castle, as well as the rest ; for I'd fain see how the nail do drive. It is well I had wit enough to discern things, and a friend to advise with, or else she would have fallen to my lot.' But I have got a surfeit of going a courting, and burn me if I won't live a bache- lor ; for, when all comes to all, I see nothing but ill blood and quarrels among folk when they are mar- ried. AIR. Then hey for afrolicksome life ! 11 ramble where pleasures are rife : Strike up with the free-hearted lasses ; And never think more of a wife. Plague on it, men are but asses, 580 To run after noise and strife. Had we teen together buckl'd ; 'twould have proved a fine affair : Dogs would have barked at the cuckold; And boys, pointing, crfd Look there. AB. III. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 95 SCENE X. Changes to a grand Apartment in Lord AiMWORTH'i House, opening to a view of the Garden. Lord AIMWORTH, FAIRFIELD, PATTV, RALPH. L. Aim. Thus, Master Fairfield, I hope I have fully satisfied you with regard to the falsity of the impu- tation thrown upon your daughter and me Fat. My lord, I am very well content ; pray do not give yourself the trouble of saying any more. 590 Ral. No, my lord, you need not say any more. Fat. Hold your tongue, sirrah. L. Aim. I am sorry, Patty, you have had this mor- tification. Pat. I am sorry, my lord, you have been troubled about it ; but really it was against my consent. Fat. Well, come children, we will not take up his honour's time any longer ; let us be going towards home Heaven prosper your lordship ; the pray'rs of me and my family shall always attend you. 600 L. Aim. Miller, come back Patty, stay Fai. Has your lordship any thing further to com- mand us ? L. Aim. Why yes, Master Fairfield, I have a word or two still to say to you In short, though you are satisfied in this affair, I am not ; and you seem to for- get the promise I made you, that, since I had been 56 THE MAID OF THE MILL. Afl III. the means of losing your daughter one husband, I would find her another. Fai. Your honour is to do as you please. 610 L. Aim. What say you, Patty, will you accept of a husband of my chusing ? Pat. My lord, I have no determination ; you are the best judge how I ought to al ; whatever you command, I shall obey. L. Aim. Then, Patty, there is but one person I can offer you and I wish, for your sake, he was more deserving Take me Pat. Sir! L. Aim. From this moment our interests are one, as our hearts ; and no earthly power shall ever divide us. 622 Fai. " O the gracious!" Patty my lord Did I hear right ! You, sir, you marry a child of mine ! L. Aim. Yes, my honest old man, in me you be- hold the husband designed for your daughter ; and I am happy that, by standing in the place of fortune, who has alone been wanting to her, I shall be able to set her merit in a light, where its lustre will be ren- dered conspicuous. 630 Fai. But good, noble sir, pray consider ; don't go to put upon a silly old man : my daughter is un- worthy Patty, child, why don't you speak ? Pat. What can I say, father ! what answer to such unlook'd-for, such unmerited, such unbounded ge- nerosity ! AS III. THE MAID OF THE MILL. $7 Ral. Down on your knees, and fall a crying. Pat . Yes, sir, as my father says, consider your noble friends, your relations It must not, cannot be. 640 " L. Aim. It must, and shall Friends! relations! " from henceforth I have none, that will notacknow- " ledge you : and I am sure, when they become ac- " quainted with your perfections, those, whose suf- " frage I most esteem, will rather admire the justice " of my choice, than wonder at its singularity." AIR. L. Aim. My life, my joy, my blessing, In thee, each grace possessing, All must my choice approve : Patty. To you my all is owing ; ! take a heart overflowing With gratitude and love. L. Aim. Thus infolding, Thus beholding, Both. One to my soul so dear: Can there be pleasure greater! Can there be bliss compleater I ' Tis too much to bear. 98 THE MAID OF THE MILL. AR Iff. SCENE XL Enter Sir HARRY, Lady SYCAMORE, THEODOSIA, MERVIN. S. Har. Well, we have followed your lordship's counsel, and made the best of a bad market So my lord, please to know our son-in-law, that is to be. L. Aim. You do me a great deal of honour I wish you joy, sir, with all my heart. And now, Sir Harry, give me leave to introduce to you a new relation of mine This, sir, is shortly to be my wife. 5. Har. My lord ! L. Syc. Your lordship's wife ! L. Aim. Yes, madam. L. Syc. And why so, my lord ? 669 L. Aim. Why, faith, ma'am, because I can't live happy without her And I think she has too many amiable, too many estimable qualities to meet with a worse fate. S. Har. Well, but you are a peer of the realm; you will have all the fleerers L. Aim. I know very well the ridicule that may be thrown on a lord's marrying a miller's daughter ; and I own, with blushes, it has for some time had too great weight with me : but we should marry to please ourselves, not other people : and, on mature consi- deration, I can see no reproach justly merited, by AEl III. THE MAID OF THE MILL. 99 raising a deserving woman to a station she is capable of adorning, let her birth be what it will. 683 5. Har. Why 'tis very true, my lord. I once knew a gentleman that married his cook- maid : he was a relation of my own You remember fat Margery, my lady ! She was a very good sort of a woman, indeed she was, and made the best suet dumplings I ever tasted. L. Syc. Will you never learn, Sir Harry, to guard your expressions ? Well, but give me leave, my lord, to say a word to you There are other ill consequences attending such an alliance. 693 L. Aim. One of them I suppose is, that I, a peer, should be obliged to call this good old miller father- in-law. But where's the shame in that ? He is as good as any lord, in being a man ; and if we dare sup- pose a lord that is not an honest man, he is, in my opinion, the more respeclable character. Come, Mas- ter Fairfield, give me your hand ; from henceforth you have done with working ; we will pull down your mill, and build you a house in the place of it ; and the money I intended for the portion of your daugh- ter, shall now be laid out in purchasing a commission for your son. Ral. What, my lord, will you make me a captain f L. Aim. Ay, a colonel, if you deserve it. Ral. Then I'll keep Fan. 708 THE MAID OF THE MILL. AEl III. SCENE XII. Lord AIMWORTH, Sir HARRY, Lady SYCAMORE, PATTY, THEODOSIA, MERVIN, FAIRFIELD, RALPH, GILES. Giles. Ods bobs, where am I running I beg par- don for my audacity. 710 Ral. Hip, farmer ; come back, mon, come back Sure my lord's going to marry sister himself; fey- ther's to have a fine house, and I'm to be a captain. L. Aim. Ho, Master Giles, pray walk in ; here is a lady who, I dare swear, will be glad to see you, and give orders that you shall always be made wel- come. Ral. Yes, farmer, you'll always be welcome in the kitchen. 719 L. Aim. What, have you nothing to say to your old acquaintance' Come, pray let the famer salute you Nay, a kiss I insist upon it. 5. Ear. Ha, ha, ha hem ! L. Syc. Sir Harry, I am ready to sink at the mon- strousness of your behaviour. L. Aim. Fye, Master Giles, don't look so sheepish ; you and I were rivals, but not less friends at present. You have aded in this affair like an honest English- man, who scorned even the shadow of dishonour, and thou shall sit rent-free for a twelvemonth. AS HI. THE MAID OF THE MILL. Joi 5. Har. Come, shan't we all salute With your leave, my lord, I'll- L. Syc. Sir Harry ! AIR. L. Aim. Yield who will to forms a martyr, While unaw'd by idle shame. Pride for happiness I barter, Heedless of the millions blame. Thus with love my arms I quarter ; Women graced in nature's frame, Evry privilege, by charter. Have a right from man to claim, The. Eas'd of doubts and fears presaging, What new joys within me rise I While mama, her frowns assuaging, Dares no longer tyrannize, i. So long storms and tempests raging, When the blust' ring fury dies, Ah ! how lovely, how engaging, ProspcElsfair, and cloudless skiet I S. Har. Dad but this is wond'rous pretty, Singing each a roun-de-lay ; And T II mingle in the ditty, TAo' I scarce know what to say. There's a daughter, brisk and witty ; Here's a wife, can wisely sway ; Trust me, masters, 'twere a pity, Not to let them have their way, O 102 THE MAID OF THE MILL. Aft 111. Patty. My example is a rare one ; But the cause may be divin'd: Women want not merit dare one Hope discerning men tojind. ! may each accomplish' d fair one t Bright in person, sage in mind, Viewing my good fortune, share one Full as splendid, and as kind. Giles. Laugh' d at, slighted, circumvented, And expos' d for folks to see't t 'Tis as tho'fa man repented For his follies in a sheet. But my wrongs go unrestnled, Since the fates have thought them meet .* This good company contented, All my wishes are complete. University of California SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1388 Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed. JAN10B96 DEC 2 7 1995 rn 3318 Eickerstaffi - Elm Maid of the 1791 mill PR 3318 B4m 1791