PR 5187 P4 M3 1815 MAIN ;,-;:';.^«t;: B 3 321 fill / BERfC^Y . LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF V CALIFORNIA The MA'GFIJE.orflie MAIB THE MAGPIE Oil THE MAID IN THREE ACTS. TRANSLATED AND ALTERED FROM THE TRENCH, BY I. jPOCOCK, ESQ. ~ FIRST PERFORMED AT THE Cfeeatre-iRogal, Coaent«'®attien, On FRIDAY) September 15, 1815. THE MUSIC COMPOSED BY MR. BISHOP, LONDON: PRINTED FOR JOHN MILLER, 25, BOW-STREET, COVENT-GARDKN; By B. McMillan, Bow-Street, Covent Garden. 1815. [Price Two Shillings,'] PERSONS REPRESENTED. Gerald, a wexiUhij Farmer^ Mr. Fawcett. Henry, his Son, Mr. Abbott. Evrard, a Soldier : Annette'' s Fa- } ^f t> ' > Mr. liarrymore. ther, ' Martin, Godson and Servant to > mr j • , Mr» and Mrs. Gerald, 5 Malcour, Justice of the Village, Mr. Blanchard. Benjamin, a Jew Pedlar, Mr. Farley. Bertrand, ICeeper of the Prison, Mr. Atkins. George, Malcour^ s Servant ^ Mr. Howell. Dame Gerald, ►. Mrs. Davenport. Annette, distantly related to the ^ Farmer and his Wife, i heir ^ Miss Booth. Servant, «... J Soldiersy Officers of Police, Peasantri/, SiC, The Scene lies- at Palaiseau, a Villao^e not far from Paris --The time^ comprises part of an Evening, and the Morning of the succeeding Day, THE MAGPIE, y^i^ OR THE MAID? ACT L The Court-yard of a suhstaniial Far^n-hcuse: The House is seen on the right — Trees on the hfty and a Fence (in ichich is a Gate) at the buck — beyond it a sloping Hill, and the distant Coiin^ try. — In the front of the Scene, on one of the Trees, a Cage, in luhich is a tame Magpie, Pie. Martin ! Martin ! Mar. V\n commg— ( Enters ) Hey! what, no body here! — O Lord, O Lord ! the waiter at the White Horse^ in our village, leads the life of a gentleman, compared to mine. I've had ■:: tightish half-hour's work — fed the sheep, the pigs, the poultry, the horned cattle, and our big dog; — swept out the barn, killed a dozen rars, cut three trusses of hay — thrashed a sack of wheat, and been thrashed myself— for idling away my time — I don't wonder they call my godmother an active woman. 696 f THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? {]\fitsic — He goes into the House — Annette ap- pears on the Hill, and descends — the Mag- pie comes from the Cage on a perch, and calls, '' Martin, Martin V'^as the Music ceases, Martin runs from the House), Mar, Coming, coming! Pm coming and going, from morning till night, like a short stage. (Annette appears at the Gate,) — O, 'twas Annette — To think of such a girl as that being servant at a farm ! It's a down-right shame. j^nn. Ah, Martin, are you there? — {Coming forward.) Mar, Yes, Annette, Vm here and there, and every where— a servant never stays long in a place, where my godmother is — she's like a squir- rel in a cage — never stirs but she sets her whole house in motion — ferrets me about just as she pleases. Ann, But she does it all for your good, you know. Mar. So she tells me— She beat me in the barn just now, and said I ought to be very much obliged to her — she insists upon it, that knocking me down now and then is the only way to bring me up properly. But what did you call me for, Annette ? A)m. I ! — I didn't call you. Mar. No! Pie, Martin I Martin ! Mar, Oh, ycu bla'guard ! {Seeing the Bird.) That plaguy Magpie is always making merry at my ex pence. yJnn, So, 'twas old Margery, after all. Mar, As Mr. Malcour, our Magistrate, says, when he's about justice business, I wonder the tom-cat hasn't taken cognizance of that Magpie's THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? 3 demerits, and brought her to condign punish- ment. Ann. While Margery has her liberty, there's no fear of her being hurt, poor thing. Mar. Poor thing! Why, she's a nuisance, no one has a moment's peace or quiet for her ; she's so cunning and so spiteful, and such a devil of a glutton I — do you know that bird will tuck down pretty near as much as would serve me for a lunch. Ann, Ha ! ha ! ha ! Pie, Ha! ha ! ha! Mar, There! always mocking people. Ey! you mischievous monkey. Ann, Don't be angry, don't hurt her, Martin. Mar, Why, one wouldn't go to set one's wit to a poor bird, you know ; but godmother says Mag has more wit than I have — O she does — and thinks her company more entertainuig and agree- able too. Ann, Never mind, Martin, I think your com- pany very agreeable and entertaining ; but I mustn't enjoy it any longer, for I've a great many things to do, so good bye, Martin, good bye {Music — Annette enters the House ) iV/ar. Good bye, Annette. O bless you! That's the kindest soul in the village — every body loves her — and so do I — pity she has such examples before her as my godmother, and Margery here, ^—{Going to the Magpie,) Eh 1 you nasty little pyebald giggler. Dame G. {Coming from the House,) Make haste, Annette, make haste, and get every thing ir» order — Oh, I'm so delighted, so overjoyed ! In one hour more our dear child, our dear Henry will be with us again — but where is that lazy fel- low, Martin ? b2 I THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? Mar. Oh, oh ! — (Magpie tites him,) Dame G, What, you are there, are you, teaz- \r)g my bird again ! Mar, Confound her, she has hit me to the bone. DarTce G. And served you right, — v\hy don't you leave her alone, pretty creature. Mar. Devilirh pretty ! looks like a chiir.ney- sweep pelted uiih snow -balls. Dome G Go, run, prepare the great table, ard la) it out under tho e trees — no* I think cf !t, 't^iil be rrcre convenient, for the farmtr has invited all his friends to welcome home our Henry. Mar What, H«==nry corning home ? Dame G Yes, Martin, we expect him thi$ very evening, and Tm so happy, that I don't think I shall scold vou arain — j\/ar No ! Dame G. No, net i.u to-rnorro>v — 'tis now six years since he was a soldier, and nearly two since I have seen him*- but he shall never leave iTje af^ain. Mar. Oh, how I shall ]ose to hear him tell all "abnut the wars^ — how many tinies he covered him^flf, with glory, and how many wounds he received in b?itl!e. Dame G, Wounds ! I^ar, Ye^, but I hope he has got no scars upon his face, godmother, for he was very handsome, you know, and it would be a pity if he was to come back with a broken head. Dame G, Go along, you stupid fellow^ or you shall have a broken head of your own. Mar. Trn going, go/lmother. (Music — Farmer Gt raid appears at the hach^ rolling a cask of fVine.J THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? 5 Ger. Martin, come here, my boy, and lend a hand. Mar. I'm coming, godfather. Dame G. What have you got there, husband ? Gcr, Comfort — a cask of wine, good wife. (Martin helps him to set up the Cask.) Dame G. A nine gallon ca^k : Oh, it's too miu'h. Ger, Not a dr^p — Fm determined they shall have their skins fiill, to make a day's sport go off swimmingly - tliere's nothing like good wine to set them afloat - I've order'd some fiddlers too for the girls. Mar Some fiddlers! Oh then, they must have their skinSvfull too, for a fiddler without drink is as bad as his bow without rozin. Dame G. I'll rozin you, you blockhead, if you don't go and mind your business — (Martin gees oJf) — Q-^x\'i iret one of them to do any thing for me — I'm oblig'd to think, and to talk, till I quite tire myself. Ger. Yes, and tire me into the bargain. If yon would but think a little m.ore, and talk a little less, it would improve my health and your temper wonderfully. (JJlien Martin goes off, the preparations for the Supper begin, and Martin is continually on and off the Stage, directing the Servants, and attending to the conversation in front.) Dame G. Temper! n?y temper! — N'r. Ger- rald, I defy you to find a woman with more mild- ness, more [ 'itience, more good nature — Mar. Ha ! ha ! ha ! -Oil Lord! Oh Lord! Dame G. VVh.at are you laughing at. Sirrah ? A'jar. Oh — I — -I was only laughing at your mag — your Magpie, godmother. 6 THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? Dcime G. Then there's Annette, another dawdle — quite as idle as the rest — Ger. Come, come, wire, that's not true ; An- nette is a worthy gc#od girl ; exact in her duty, and obliging in her disposition Dame G. Yes, obliging with a vengeance!-^ she hardlv sives me time to mention mv orders, before theyare executed —I don't like that — Now, ^Jartin I can scold twenty times a day, aitd when- ever I l;iy a stick across his back it does me as much good as it does him ; it circulates the blood, and makes me feel quite alive. Mar. Does it, — 1 ui&h you'd get another doc- tor, tho'— Dame G. The fact is, you have half spoilt the girl — '* my good Annette," and, *' my charm- ing Annette"— O' my conscience, every body seems in love with her. — I verily believe that old fool, Mr. Malcour, the Justice, has taken a fit of fondness for her now. Ger. Pho ! Malcoufs a rascal ; he never was fond of any thing but himself — a mere pettifog- ging attorney, who, by art and chicanery, has screw'd himself into the Commission, and is as much a disgrace to the situation he now holds, as he uas to the honourable profession he was bred to — But lis! en, wife — Dame G. Listen! Ger. Yes, you have talk'd yourself out of breatd, and I think its my turn now. Dame G. Well, husband, uell — Ger. That girl must no longer be considered as a servant in this house — Her mother was my relation ; and tho' her death has made Annette dependant uf on us, and unavoidable misfortunes have forced her father to become a soldier, it is THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? 7 fny duty, and should be yoar pleasure, to honour the parent who has shed his blood in the service of his country, and ember this, ^Annette — there is no vice so danperons, as that which resembles virtue — retire. Ann, Cruel, cruel situation ! [Apart), Ger. That girl has hurt me, and raised ideas — but — no— It is impossible— Martin, bring pen, ink, and paper. (Martin brings them). The THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? 31 circumstance of Mrs. Gerald's loss has become public, and public sliall be the examination— you know the facts — Mai. Ay, ay — you had better apply to my Clerk— give him the usual fee, and he'll soon settle the business. Ger. Apply to your Clerk ! Mr. Malcour, your Clerk ! If I were a Justice, and received the sa^ lary, I should consider it my duty tado the work, and not injure my conscience or my country, by leaving matters of such importance to a deputy. Mai. Well, well— shall I take the pen? Ger. Yes, and that chair likewise — Friends, come forward — I will not leave a chance for ca- lumny to hang a doubt upon. ("Malcour takes his seat — the rest arrange themselves), Ger. Now, wife, your deposition. Mar. Mr. Malcour, now he is perch'd there, looks like a crow upon a woolsack — Mai. Silence in the Court ! V\\ write the usual preamble, and then well begin. Mar. He had better not begin with me. I'll stand none of his nonsense. MaL All your domestics must be questioned in rotation. Mar. Oh, T am not afraid of being questioned. Ann. Nor I certainly. MaL Now we proceed. Mrs. Gerald declares that a silver spoon, her property, has been stolen — Dame G. I declared no such thing— I did not say it was stolen. Mar. No, she didn't say it was stolen. MaL Silence 1 'tis the regular mode of pro- ceeding — Now, Mrs. Gerald, inform us, if you please, who has the care of youK plate. Dame G. Annette. 3^ THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? Mai. So, so, my pretty lass, I didn't expect this — strong presumplion against the said An« nette (ivrkes). j4nn. Against me ! — Not against me! MaL Yes, against you. — The name of her fa- mily ? Ger, Granville — But remark, Mrs. Gerald does not accuse Annette. Dame G. No ; understand that, — I have no proof, nor do I say it v^^as her. MaL No, no, you do not say it was her ; but as the said Annette is in your confidence, and had the care of said plate, your suspicions must naturally fall upon said Annette. Mar. Must ! you may call that law, but Til be hanged if it's justice. * j^nn. Oh, Madam ! Oh, Mr. Gerald ! pray speak for me. I have never, never wronged you, — indeed, I have been faithful — indeed, indeed I am innocent — {In pulling out he?' haudkerckief to ivipe her tears, the money which she received from the Jeiv^ falls). MaL What's that ?— Money ! Ann, Yes, it is mine — it is mine (she picks it up). Ger, Yours, Annette! — I thought you had sent all you had to your father ? Dame G. And so she did, to my certain know- ledge, eight days ago. Mar. Aptly remembered, good Mrs. Gerald— this is a new corroboration (writing). Ger. Annette, 1 trust you can explain this. Mar. Stay, don't spoil the paper with a pack of lies of your own— I know that this money zV Miss Annette's, and I know too whe?'e she got it. Ger. I rejoice to hear that — speak, Martin. MaL In the first place — Mar, Hold your tongue— Godfather told me THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? 33 to speak — not you — Old Benjamin the Jew gave it to her this very morning. Dame G, I am very glad of it — that is suffi- cient. MaL Not quite. Ger, Why, it's very clear. MaL Not quite - I beg to remark, that a poor pedlar is not in the habit of giving his money for nothing. Ger, That is true — Tell me, Annette, what it was you sold, of three crowns value ? MaL In the mean time, hand the money to me {Clerk takes it from her, and gives it to Mal- cour), — I will be accountable according to custom (puts it in his pocket). Mar, According to custom 1 good bye to it then. . ^nn. Oh, do not take it from me — its destina- tion is sacred — 'tis honestly and truly mine — have pity on my despair — I am innocent— indeed I am innocent {running to Gerald, and falling on her knees). Ger, 1 believe yon, Annette, sincerely ; but— MaL Mr. Gerald, excuse me. This money is no doubt the produce of the article that has been stolen — 'tis an affair that ccmes under thejurisdic* tion of the Grand Judge; and, unluckily for the culprit, he is this day expected; so tremble — Ger. Hold, Sir 1 'tis the duty of every man in your situation, to support and protect the ac- cused, not terrify and brow beat her into an ap- pearance of criminality— Remember, Mr. Mal- cour, that Justice always appears most beautiful when she is most merciful. It seems to me ne- cessary to send for the principal, I mean Benja- min the Jew — Martin, you bring him. Mar. I will, I will. \^Exit Martin. p 34 THE MAGPIE, OH THE MAID? Ann, Ob, yes; pray send for him. Mai. There can be no objection — for he'll make matters still worse. {Aside), Ann. Oh, father, if I might speak ! {Aside), Hen. (ivitkoui). Who is it dares accuse her ! Ann. Ah, Henry ! (Shuddering). Enter Henky. Hen. Father! what mockery is this ? — accuse Annette of theft — of meanly pilfering ! Anyi. Do not believe vt, Henry— I entreat you not to believe it. Hen. Never, my beloved — never will I do so great an injury to her, whose gentleness, and truth, have fixed for ever my confidence, my love 1 Dame G. Henry ! — He7i. Yes, mother ; my honour, and my heart, alike are pledged, and I swear to shield,— protect her with my life. Dame G Tm astonish'd ! — but this is no time to talk. Ger. The best and only time, good wife. You will find advocates enough where fortune smiles ; but he is the most worthy, who fearlessly stands forth the friend of the oppressed and helpless. Hen, And might not you, dear Sir, have been that friend ? Vv'hy did you expose my dear An- nette to the malice of a man whose integrity at least is doubtful ? Mai. Doubtful, doubtful ! — read. Sir, read the proofs. Hen. Proofs! father? — are there proofs ? Ger. I Jiope not. Mai. There, Sir, I think that paper will fully ascertain my character. {Giving the Proceedings to Henry). THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? 35 Hen. I do not doubt It. (Looking over the Pa- per). Are these your proofs? Contemptible 1— because a paltry piece of plate by accident is lost, you must conclude she stole it ! But the Grand Judge (well versed in honour and humanity) will sentence heavily, a wretch who would thur sacri- fice an innocent girl at the shrine of error and malio-nity, {Tliroivs hack the Paper). Mai, Bless my soul! this has taken an ugly' turn. Mar. Come along, come along ! — here he is — I've brought him. (Martin drags in the Jeiu), MaL The Jew 1 — all's well again. Benj, Pray, Mr. Martin, have compassion, and don't tear ma cloathes~Ey, te Justice here ! and Martin not to tell me — the next time he puys a razor of me, I'll shave him to the pone. {Aside — Gerald and the rest resume their places). Mai. Now, Mr. Jew, answer to the questions I am about to put — at present I am Judge. Benj. Inteed ! I wish mit all my heart, Jus- tice may never again find so pad a representative. Hen. Speak the truth, and fear nothing. Beyij. 1 shall. MaL Tell me your name — How are you called ? Benj. Te peoples call me Benjamin— shall I tell vat they calls you ? ' MaL No evasions — what is your profession } Benj. I'm a marchant. MaL Ah ! commonly call'd a pedlar. Benj, Yes, by plaguards. MaL Do you ever lend money ? Benj. In the way of pusiness. MaL Do you ever give money ? Benj. Yes — on cood security. MaL Ey ! where do you find security for mo- ney that you give ? p 2 36 THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? BenJ, In the acknowledgment of my own heart a clear conscience is petter as a clear estate. Ger. Do you know this young woman ? BenJ. Vat, Miss Annette? lam proud to ac- knowledge that I do — she is a cood girl — and a fair dealer. Mai, A dealer ! oh — now we come to the point. Ger, What was the article you purchased of her this morning for three crowns? Ben;, It was a shilver spoon. fj4ll betray emo- tion), Ger, A silver spoon ! M(il, Good I (ivriting). Hen. Annette 1 is this — j4nn. The truth, Henry— nothing but the truth— but produce that spoon, Benjamin — shew it compare it — my life — my good name — all depends on that. Benj, It's quite impossible, ma tear. I popped him into a crusible, and melted him down immedi- ately. Mar, Then I wish you had popped in after it, with all my soul. Ger. Tell me, Annette — on your answer all must depend — how came that spoon in your pos- session ? Who gave it to you ? Ann, I must not, dare not speak. Hen, Distraction ! Ger. 'Tis too evident! This mystery confirms it ; and painful, agonizing as I feel the confession, I am bound in duty, in justice, to admit — this looks like guilt. Mai, I commit her. Hen, Commit her, commit Annette to prison ! Dame G, She shall not stir — it was my pro- perty, and I forgive her. THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID ? 37 Ger, Wife, your compassion comes too late ; 'tis no longer you, but public justice, that must be satisfied — miserable, infatuated girl ! one word may clear your fame, and still you hesitate. jinn. Press me no further — I ought — I must be silent. Mai. Lead on, then. (IVlalcour speaks with an Officer, who goes out J, Hen, Stay yet a moment — quick, mother, bring one of the same set from which this in question has been lost. (Mrs. Gerald ru7is to the Buffet, and returns with a Spoon — Gerald, Martin, and Filla^ gers draiu near, and anxiously regard the responses 0/ Benjamin). Hen, Now, on your oath, declare, was that you purchased of Annette this morning, plain or fluted ? Benj. It was fluted. {The group express sor^ row). Hen. Had it a cypher } Benj, Let, me think a moment — Yes, yes — Dere vas a cypher. Hen, And you remember the letter ? Ben;, I do — G— G, vas the letter. u^nn, (j4part). Oh fatal coincidence 1 — Gran- ville and Gerald ! — the initials are the same ! Hen. One question more, and I have done. [Snatches the Spoon from them, and presenting it to Benjamin) — Here, take it, examine it — the make, the pattern, the — remember on your oath — . Benj. {In great agitation, after looking at it, and fixing a look of pity on Annette, exclaims) As 1 hope for mercy, to the best of my remem- brance, they are alike I {^Pause — Soldiers enter). 38 THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? Ann, Henry ! Hen, Oh, Annette ! I loved, I adored you ! you have destroyed my happiness — you have de- stroyed yourself: — yet still I love you. (//e throws himself into his Father s arms), Ann» I am unfortunate, but on my soul not guilty. (The Soldiers lay hold of her). Oh, Henry, do not forsake me! — as Heaven is uiy wuness, I am innocent—^I am innocent ! (^Music — They lead her hack as she speaks — Henry attempts to follow her ; is wHhh'^ld by Gerald — Mrs. Gerald hides her fac& with her handkerchief —the Jew appears overwhelmed with grief ; and Martin broKeii hearted — The Curtain falls on the picture) o END OF ACT II. ACT III. SCENE I. 77ie Prison — Annette discovered, (Music, as the Curtain rises.) Ann. O, my poor father ! — What will become of him 1 When the story of his daughter's shame shall strike a deeper, deadlier wound upon his heart, he'll sink at once beneath afflictions, al- ready too severe for nature to support.— Long ere this, he will have sought in the appointed spot — THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID ? 39 he will have sought in vain, and think perhaps that my neglect, my inattention — No— no, he could never think unkindly of his child — he will know bOfne accident has prevented my obedience, and wail until to morrow ! he must not again be disapfiointed — one way is left — this Cross ! — but to whom can I apply, in whom can I confide — - Mr. Gerald? Henry? — no — it would excite en- quiries which I dare not answer — increase suspi- cions that may at last destroy me. (Martin heard at the Portal with Bertrand). Ber. You can't see her — 'tis impossible. Mar, I know its impossible while you keep the door locked. A7in. Ah ! Martin — to him I may entrust it, {Takes the Cross from her neck) — his affection and simplicity will secure both success and secrecy. Enter Bertrand o'TZii Martin — Bertrand j&om^5^ to Annette, and exit. Mar, There she stands, poor girl ! — as patient as a lamb, and as innocent, I'll be sworn, as I am. I shall never be able to speak to her. Ann, Martin, my good Martin ! I was wish- ing much to see you — it may be the last time ! Mar, Oh, Miss Annette, don't talk in that way. j4nn. It is in your power to render me a most essential service. Mar, In mine ! Ann. In yours alone. — You observed that they took from me this morning, the money, for which I had the greatest necessity— Mar, Oh, yes — but that was quite regular— however, I am glad they took it. Ann. Glad ! 40 THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? Mar. Very — (Putting his ha?id in his Pocket) For as I helped to get you into trouble, it is but fair that I should do my best to get you out again — so I broke open my box - and if there is enough (rS he puts it awai/ J "Oh pray y pr^y» take it, for Tm sure if it doesn't help to do you service, I shall never live to enjoy it — (^Ready to cry), Ann. No, Martin, I only wish you to advance a sum equal to that I have lost, and carry it where I desire you — At the end of the village, a little way on the road to Paris, there is an old willow — Mar, I know it very well — Lord ! that willow was growing there when I was a little boy — it was in climbing that tree — Aiin, Well, well — in the hollow of that tree, I would have you deposit this money — Mar, Put money in a hollow tree! — why you don't mean to say— j4nn. You promised not to ask— This little Cross is their full value — take it. Mar. Not I, — Fll not touch it— pray do not think me such a brute as to take it from you — now 1 — Ann, Then I must not accept your services. Mar, Ah, but I know what is to be done, and it shall be done — you can't get out to prevent me. Ann. Alas, no! Mar. Confound my tongue ! (Vexed at him- self). Oh, Annette, my heart is so full, and my head so empty, that I can feel for you — but I can't talk to you — (Greatly affected), Ann. Good fellow! be comforted. One thing else, and then farewell I— This ring I have plaited with my own hair — give it to Henry — tell him that my last wish — my latest prayer— tell him to pity— not to despise me. THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? 41 Mar. If I stay a moment longer I shall blubber like a baby — Good bye, Annette — good bye, but Vm sure we shall meet again — j4n?i. Beyond a doubt— we shall ! Mar. Oh I oh! — Mai. [without). " Let the Officers wait till I have spoken with the prisoner/* Bertband hurries hu Ber. Stand aside, man, stand aside — here's the Justice. Ann, Farewell, Martini — remember your pro- mise — Mar. Oh, Oh! (Bertrand puts Martin hack, and as Malcour enters and advances, they go out of the Pri' son)* Mai. Must make the most of my- time — if she'll consent, I know my course — discover a flaw in the record — ^Young woman, I am cottie to inform you, thai the Grand Judge has taken an account of the evidence, and in a few mitiutes you will be brought to trial. Ann. To trial! — me to trial ! I am innocent— you know I am innocent. Mai. Pardon me — don't know, but am willing to believe — I wish to serve you, to clear your cha- racter, to prove myself your friend — and on cer- tain conditions — Ber. (/Advancing suddenly/)* Mr. Gerald ! Mai. Confound him, he has interrupted pro- ceedings — in one word, will you accept my assist- ance ? 42 THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? Ann, No, Sir! — Assistance never can be va- luable, when proffered by a villain ! Mai, Ifs all over then ! Enter Gerald, with a Paper — He speaks to Ber- TKAND. Ger. Malcour here ! no matter — this paper admits me to your prisoner. This is an order which must be executed, strictly and rigorously —'tis from the Grand Judge (Exit Bertrand) Ah, my poor girl ! Ann. O Sir, do not abandon me —I am with- out a friend — almost without hope ! Ger, (Aside), I must be firm — Annette, for- give me, that I am forced to doubt — do not think me cruel — the strength of the accusations, and your unaccountable refusal to confute them, weigh heavy on my heart, and curbs each thought that rises to proclaim you innocent — open then your soul — tell me — by what fatality you have thus involved yourself? Ann. A vow — that never shall be broken — chains my ulterancs — the secret is not mine — I can prove nothing, produce nothing in my de- fence : — one only witness might have cleared me, but now 1 even his evidence would not avail— he would be consider'd an accomplice, and lose him- self, without releasing me. Ger. That oath cannot be binding, which afFects your life — the danger you are in, absolves it. Ann, Never, never ! (Malcour advances). Mai, It is near the hour of trial, Mr. Gerald. Ger. Check your impatience, Sir — when your own hour of trial comes, you will not be so THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? 43 eager (Malconr retreats amazed) —Annette, I am come to lead you to your Judge — 'tis I that must denounce you at the tribunal— and — unfore- seen necessity, 'tis I must there stand forth your prosecutor ! Ann, You ! Ger. It will be your last examination — I dread to tell you with what rapidity the sentences of this Court are pronounced and executed — if you refuse to speak — it may be possible — that thi^ day — Ann, I may be condemn'd ! Ger. Yes! Ann, Then — I must seek resignation in the joyful certainty, that when I am unconscious of the triumph, my innocence will appear beyond the shadow of a doubt. Your poor Annette may go dishonour'd to the grave, but tears of remorse and pity must fall to consecrate her memory. Ger. What am I to think ! reason, reflection, conviction — all are stagger'd by that air of truth — no, no, a guilty mind never yet possessed such calmness in such extremity. Ann, Will you, dear Sir, without disguise, re- ply to one enquiry ? — it would ease my almost broken heart. Ger, Sincerely— I will. Ann. Henry! your son! — if I should fall, what vvill be his thought ? — Ger. That vour fate has been unmerited. Arm. And vou ? — Ger. I ! I always consider every person inno- cent till they are proved guilty. Ann. Then I shall not die without consolation ! Mai. Sorry to Interrupt — but the Court is waiting, and — Ger, You are too busy. Sir — I shall be respon» sible— G 2 44 THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? Mai. Not conscious of any deficiency in my duty, Mr^ Gerald— Ger, Except where interest and your passions prompt you to betray it — had Annette been more complying, you would have been less severe — but I know you, Sir, and the world will know you for a wretch, composed of more vice than folly— with just head enough to contrive crime, but not heart enough to feel its consequences — a reptile, dangerous in every stage of its existence, whose very atmosphere is infection, and whose very touch is poison. [_Exit Malcour. — Come, child, be composed — an upright Judge will never suffer an examination dictated by re- venge, to weigh the tythe part of a hair, against a fellow creature's life, Bertrand enters ivilh two Soldiers, who place themselves on each side of the Portal. Bert. (In a subdued voice). The prisoner is summon'd. ^nn. I am ready — Come, conduct me. Ger. Annette 1 my dear Annette ! what im- perious duty binds you to become your own de- stroyer, I cannot divine — but before we part, let me hope that the persuasion of your Judge will effect a disclosure that I have pleaded for in vain — remember, on this point your life depends — not only yours —Henry 1 the lover of your heart—my poor boy's— ^mi. Oh, Heavens, do not augment my sor- rows- do not drive me to despair ! Ger. Disclose, confess the truth ! I entreat ! I conjure you! -one hour hence it may be use- less ! Jnn. Then has hope forsaken me ! {Jpart). THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? 45 That confession would cut at once the thread of a dear father's life ! I must not think on't — no, never, never! (Music — Bertrand again advances — c^Geral^ and Annette go off, he appears to entreat her, she still refusing — the Soldiers Jile afte^ them, Bertrand folloiving) . SCENE 11. The Ft'lage — on the left, a Church ivith Tower and Belfrjj — the Door of the Church a little open* On the right, the Court- House. — hi front (also on the right) a Rustic Porch — the entrance to the Farm — a Sentinel at the hack. Enter Evkarij. Ev. Disguise and terror both seem needless — I wander through the village unregarded, and the stragglers gaze u[)on me while I pass, as if they looked on vacancy. Grief is in every feature — in every movement a dejection that speaks some great calamity — yet wherefore should my mind forbode ? — Illness, the want of secret opportu- nity, a thousand circumstances might prevent An= nette from reaching the appointed spot. Benj. {Descending the Steps of the Court- house) » Oh, 'tis a cruel prejudice — they drive me from the door —abuse me — call me names. Ev» A stranger— a wandering outcast like my« self. I may accost hirn safely. {4part, and list- ening) . BenJ. Pless ma heart, pless ma heart ! 'tis so heavy, I can hardly move mit it, and my poor old eyes yater so, I can hardly see my vay— »but 46 THE MAGPIE, OR TFIE MAID? somehow, I always loved her : whenever T came to te village, it was te happiest day in te whole year ; and I rejoiced more at losing fifty per cent, to her, that I did to gain a hundred rron:i any pody else. Poor Annette! Poor Annette! Ev. Annette I just Heaven 1 let me be patient —-the name is common — and it may be possible — Mejij, I shall never drive anoder pargain mit advantage — my spirits are quite proke — I shall be a pankrupt mitout a Farthing in the pound — ma trade will go to te divel, and I shall go to te dogs. Ev, Friend I Bc7ij. Ey ! I am not your friend-^ — I am no pody's friend — tiie only friend I had, when I most wishM to serve, I ruined — V\l never ruin anoder. Ev. Of whom are you speaking ^ Benj. A poor girl vat they have just taken to trial. Ev, To trial!— on what pretence ? — Beuj, They call her tief — say she has betrayed her trust, and stole her mistress' property — But its a lie! — its an abominable lie ! — she never be- tray 'd a human being — she never stole any ting, but the affections of those that knew her. Ev, And her name is— • Benj. Annette — Annette Granville. (Evrard starts back h. agony^ concealing his face witk his Cloak) , Ev. Dishonour'd ! disgraced I {Apart), Benj. Ah, I don't wonder you are sorry — every pody loves her as if she was their own child — but when iier father hears it— 'twill be a death-blow to his poor old heart. Ev. Oh ! — (Evrard groans). Benj. Come, come, restrain your passions — THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? 4.1 you are not her father, are you ? — Vat right have you to make yourself so miserable ? (Benjamin ivipes his eijes, and retires on one side, to 7'ecover himself), Ev. Support, sustain me ! let me but await the sentence of my child with fortitude, and all shall be accomplished — I have been proud in honesty — content in an unblemish'd character — blessed in the affections of a lovely daughter — Bitter, bitter reflection!— I must resign them all— I must have no child to comfort my declin- ing age — no country but the desert — no home, but in the grave ! \_Exit Evrard* Benj, Ah, dere's Martin coming. Enter Martin". Mar. Three crowns in a hollow tree 1 there can be no security in such a bank— the firm's rotten — but it's done — O ! you are there, are you {To Benjamin) — We have made a pretty business of it becween us. Benj. When pad luck is to be had, I am al- ways in te market — it has caused iiiC more trouble as all my monish. Mar. So it has me — but I've just got rid of some, {pulls out money) — Now I'll count how much trouble I have left — {sits, on a bench by the porch). Benj. Vat's all dat ? JVlar. Money — I thought the sight of it would brighten up your countenance — [beginning to count), Benj, Shall I count it for you, ma tear ? Mar. No, I thank you — I am richer than I thought I was. This fine new half-crown piece was poor Annette's {the Magpie appears at the Gate), 48 THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID ? Beiij. Annette's ! — how much do you ask for him ? Mar. ril never sell it— *'tvvas her keepsake — and no living creature shall ever take it from me. Pie, Martin ! Martin ! Mar, Ey 1 that rascally bird again— get away, you brute, go ! (throws Hat at Bird, who fiies hack to enclosure)— Qv^n that Magpie bore false witness against her, poor girl — but I wish you wouldn't talk of her — I shall never be able to keep count if you do— one, tvvo^ three — I sup- pose you know that rogue of a Justice is found out at last. '* Benj, Pound out 1 Vat! is te tog discovered ? Come, come, tings look better — but can te news be depented upon ? Mar, To be sure it can — he has embezzled the public money, and been committed to prison. He'll be transported, to a certainty. Benj. So shall I— mit delight, mit joy ! Oh, I'm a good man again ! — I'll go and tell Annette all vat — Oh tear, I forgot, I forgot. Mar. {Comes forward) , I wish you had forgot — plague on't, you have put me out again. (During the foregoing, the Magpie perches on the Bench, andfies away 2vith the Half- crown piece). Benj. Ey 1 Look at te pird, look at te Magpie ! Alar. Stop thief, stop thief! — she has got my half-crown piece ! Benj, Vat a sensible pird — I wish I could get a nest of te young ones. Mar. There she goes — confound her! Ben;. Veil, I've heard a great teal about mo- ney flying ! but I never saw it fly before — Ah I ah! -THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? 49 Mar, A devilish good joke, isn't it ! - but its as old as you are — See ! see 1 she is gone into that hole in the belfry mndow — if I could but scramble up — Ah, the door is open ! Come, come and help me. ^- {They go in). • •' {Klusic — The Officers of Justice, with Soldiers , and the Pillagers, come from the Court- house — Annette in custody, as having been found guilty — as shepasses the Church- porch she kneels, faints ; and is led off' by one of the Soldiers, the Croivd fohoiuing) , (Evrard comes fonvard), Ev, All is over, all is concluded ! they return with her to prison'. (}^QV\vy descends the steps of the Courthouse, followed by Gerald and his Wife — Martin at the same time is seen going up to the Belfry). Hen, O, 'tis a stain upon the name of Justice, that never can be cancelled — Leave me, father — dear mother, let me pass — 1 must, I will, see and speak to her. Dame G, No, no ;come in ; come home with us, Ger, Henry, I command you ! — why inflict upon her heart another, and an unavailing pang ? Hen. Oh torture ! there was no proof! all was surmise. The evidence was circumstantial, not positive, and yet they have condemned her ! Ev. Condemned ! speak, tell me ! what is her sentence ? Ger. Who demands it ? Dame G. Ah ! I know him well, I remember his features — 'tis Granville ! - Her. How !~ Her father ! Ev. Aye, her distracted — her heart-broken father ! H 30 THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? Ger. Miserable man ! at what a time ! Ev. Let me know the worst — I am prepared. f^Gerald turns from him).- — Nay, do not agonise me by suspense Hen, Hear it then from me. (Evrard grasps his hand) — they have sentenced her — to death ! Ev, Death ! (Martin looking from the Belfry). Mar. Holloa 1 stop, stop ! come back, come back ! Annette is innocent ! Annette is inno- cent! (He pulls the Bell violently). {The Croivd return) — Huzza! huzza! Mar, Annette is innocent ! — IVe found the Fork ! I've found the Spoon !— Annette is inno- cent ! Croivd. Huzza ! huzza I Ev. Merciful Providence ! Hen, Innocent I Who affirms it ? Mar, I — I affirm it — here are the very things we have lost — (Benjamin comes from the Door of the Church) — She is innocent ! I can sw^ear to them, and I will swear to them ! Beiij. So vill I — ril take my oath of *em when I see 'em. Ger. Throw them down — quick, Martin, quick ! Dame G. Into my apron. fShe holds her apron, and Martin throws them)— As I live, the very same ! Here is the Fork lost a fortnight ago — and here, the very Spoon that has caused us all this misery. Hen. Annette! thou al-t mine again ! (Rushes through the Croivd). Ger. Oh joyful discovery ! — they are indeed the same ! Ev, {IVho has listened with anxiety) What said you — a spoon— a silver spoon : THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? 51 Ger. Aye ! — Ev. And Annette — Oer, Disposed of one exactly similar this morn- ing early — but for what purpose, no power could force her to disclose. Ev. {Clasping his hands). It was to save her father ! Oh, generous, exalted girl ! to shield the life of the deserter Evrard, she would have sacri- ficed her own ! Ger, Evrard! Evrard I — speak, are you known by the name of Evrard ? Ev. I am. Ger, Then be happy, for all is well — ^The vil- lain Malcour is dismissed. I have been appointed Magistrate in his place, and rejoice to tell you, that among his papers, I found this — which an- nuls the Order for your apprehension. Ev, Gerald ! — do you mean — Ger. Yes, Granville, you are pardon'd, your Captain generously confessed that he had pro- voked the insult which you offered; — with his own hand he drew up a Memorial, and presented it to the King — the King has signed it, and you are pardon'd. Afar, Come out, you villain ! — {Bringing the Magpie from the Belfry- tow er^ and holding it from above the Porch.) —Here, godmother, here's the thief! your darling devil of a Magpie ! — Benny, my boy, set the bell ringing for joy, and bring all the neighbours to hear the news ! (Benjamin pulls the Bell — Huzza*s I repeated by the Crowd — Henry bears Annette in his arms to the Front, follotved by the mul^ titude, exclaiming, '* Annette is innocent! Annette is innocent P'' — hxmeiiei'iishes into her Father s embrace)-^ 5^ THE MAGPIE, OR THE MAID? Ev. Annette ! my dear child ! — ^nn. Oh, Father! — Father! — Crowd. Huzza ! huzza ! She is innocent, she is innocent! Ger. Now friends, follow us. Those who have sympathised in our afflictions, have the best right to partake of our felicity • and while we celebrate this happy triumph of innocence and virtue, — let us not forget the danger of trusting to appear- ances—but learn to accuse with caution, and con- demn with justice. Crowd. Huzza! huzza! — {The Characters form Tableau, and the Curtain falls). THE END, London : Printed by J). M'Millsnj Bow-Street, Covent-Garden.