PR 3515 i^^\ "?/:., ^^^/---^ ^/^tH^fo^^, No. XLIX. MODERN STANDARD DRAMA EDITED BY EPES SARGENT. THE EOAD TO RUIN IN FIVE ACTS. BY THOMAS HOLCHOFT. WITH THE STAGE BUSINESS, CAST OF CHARAC- TERS, COSTUMES, RELATIVE POSITIONS, ETC. NEW YORK : WM. TAYLOR & CO., 18 AJNfN STREET. PRirE 1 2 1-2 CENTS. ^t ^ Ptice 12 1-2 Cents each.—Bowid Volumes %l 00 rot. 1. 1. loa 2. tazio. 3. The Lady of Lyons. 4. Richelieu. 5. The Wife. • 6. The Honey Moon. 7. The School for Scan- dal. 8. Money. Wiih a rortrail and Memoir of Mrs. A. C. MO WATT. TOL. n. 9. The Stranger. 10. Grandfather White- head. 11. Richard UI. 12. Love's Sacrifice. 13. The Gamester. 14. A Cure for the Heart- ache. 15. The Hunchback. 16. Don Caasar DeBasan. With a PortraU and Mempir of Mr. CHAS. KEAN. TOL in. 17. The Poor Gentleman. 18. Hamlet. 19. Charles H. 20. Venice Preserved. 21. Pizarro. 22. The Love-Chase. 23. OtheUo. 24. Lend me Five Shillings WUh. a Portrait and Memoir of Mr. W. £ BURTON. VOL V 33. A New Way to Pav Old Debts. ^ 34. Look Before You Leap. 35. King John. The Nervous Man. Damon and Pythias. The Clandestine Mar- riage. William Tell. The Day after the Wedding. ^Vith a Portrait and Tmnoir of O. COLMAN the Elder. 37. 40. VOL. Tl 41. Speed the Plough. 42. Romeo and Juliet. 43. Feudal Times. 44. Charles the Twelfth. 45. The Bridal. 46. The Follies of Night. 47. TheLron Chest. 48. Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady. fTi^A a Portrait and Memoir of Sir E. BUL- WER LYTTON. 25. 27. 29. VOL. IT. Virginius. The King of the Com of vot. vn. Road to Ruin. Macbeth. Temper. Evadne. Bertram. London Assurance The Rent-Day. Two Gentlemen Verona. 30. The Jealous Wife. 31. The Rivals. 32. Perfection. WUh a Portrait and Memoir of Mr. J, H. HACKETT. 54. The Duenna. 55. Much Ado About Nothing. 66. The Critic. With a PortraU and Memoir of R. B. SHERI- DAN. VOL vm. 57. TheApotJate. 58. Twelfth Night 59. Brutus. 60. Simpson & Co. 61. Merchant of Venice. 62. Old Heads and Young Hearts. 63. Mountaineers. 64. Three Weeks After Marriage. WUh a PortraU and Memoir of Mr. GEO. U. BARRETT. VOL II. 65. Ix)ve. 66. As You Like it. 67. The Elder Brother. 68. Werner. 69. Gisippus. 70. Town and Country. 71. King Lear. 72. Blue Devils. With a PortraU an Memoir of Mrs. SUA W VOL X 73 Henry VIII 74 Married and Single 75 Henry IV 76 Paul Pry 77 Guy Mannering 78 Sweethearts k Wives 79 The Serious Family 80 She Stoops to Conque With a PortraU aw Memoir of Miss CHAR LOTFE CUSHMAN. VOL XI 81 Julius Caesar 82 Vicar of Wakefield 83 I^ap Year 84 The Catspaw 85 The Passing Cloud 86 The Drunkard 87 Rod Roy 88 George Barnwell WUh a PortraU anr" Memoir of Mn. JOHl sefion: VOL xn 89 Ingomar 90 Sketches in India 91 The Two Friends 92 Jane Shore The Corsican Brothers 94 Mind your own Busi- ness. 95 Writing on th^^WaU 98 Heu- at Law WUh a PortraU and Memoir of THOMAS S. UAMBLIN. VOL xin 97 The Soldier's Daughter 98 Douglas 99 Marco Spada 100 Nature's Nobleman 101 Sardanapalus 102 Civilization 103 The Robbers 104 Katharine & Petruclo WUh a PortraU and Memnir of EDWIN FOR- REST. On a remittance of One Dollar, free of postage, Ten copies of any of ^ ^^--^ ^.m be sent by mail WM. TA ZLOR 4. CO., 18 Ann^Street. 4 ODERN STANDARD DRAMA^ EDITED BY EPES SARGENT. No. XLIX. THE ROAD TO RUIN 21 dlonubj) IN FIVE ACT'*: BY THOMAS H O L C R (> F T WITH THE STAGE BUSINESS, CASTS OF CHARACTERS, COSTUMES, RELATIVE POSITIONS, ETC. ^NE W-YORK : ^ WILLIAM TAY^LOR & CO., No. 18 ANN-STKERT. 1«^'' ?V1 QiFT EST. OF J H. COtNING JUNE 20. 1940 EDITORIAL INTRODU(VnON. • The author of this excellent comedy, says Cumberland, *'is Thomas Holcroft, who from an humble sphere of life, oy un- wearied industry and powerful talent, rose to considerable lite- rary eminence. He is a very voluminous author, having writ- ten no less than thirty-one dramatic pieces — indeed, more have been ascribed to him — besides sundry novels and translations. His greatest effort is The Road to Ruin — a comedy that will live as long as the language in which it is written. Mr. Hol- croft made himself politically notorious by voluntarily surren- dering himself to a charge of high treason^ m the autumn of 1794. But the liberties of the people of England were not to be sacrificed by an arbitrary and frivolous indictment : three of the accused were tried, and honourably acquitted, the remaining eight (Mr. Holcroft was among the number) were discharged without trial ! In private life, Mr. Holcroft was amiable and inoffensive. His memoirs have been written and published since his death by his daughter, Miss Fanny Holcroft." We were told not long since by Thomas Cooper, the veteran actor, that when Holcroft read the Road to Ruin to the actors in the Green Room, nearly all were dissatisfied with their parts. From the success of Quick, in the character of a choleric old fa- ther, with some touches of pathos, in Holcroft's play of " The German Hotel," Holcroft had written the part of Old Dornton, with a particular view to its personation by Quick. Bat the latter claimed Silky as his legitimate part, and Silky he must have. Holcroft then appealed to Munden to play Old Dornton, but Mupd.'^n decided that he could do nothing with it ; and it was not till after much persuasion, that he was induced to ven- ture upon it. Tersonat(u-s of volatile and vivacious young men. The " Road to Ruin" was first performed at Covent Garden in 1792. Its success was very great; and i^ was a hoxuz-e of considerable profit to the author. CAST OF CHARACTERS. Drury Lane, 1824 Covcnt Garden, 1325. Park, 1846. Old Domton Mr. Munden. Mr. W. Faireu. Mr. Bass. Harry Dornton " EUiston. " Cooper. " Dj'^ott. Goldfinch " Harley. ' Jones. " Barrett. Mr. Milford <' Penley. " Bartley. " Chanfrau. Mr. Sulky " Terry. " Blanchard. " Sutherland. Silky " Kuigrht. " Henry. " G. Andrews. Mr. Smith " Mercer. " Collett. " McDouall Hatter " Tumour. " Evans. Jacob " Webster. *' Barnes. " Povey. Hosier '• Povey. " Ryals. " Gallot. Furrier " Randall. " Ryals. SheriJ's Officer " Read. " Crampton. " Milot. Footman " Seymour. *' Heath. " Heath. Widow Warren Mrs. Harlowe. Mrs. Glover. Mrs. Vernon. Sophia Miss S. Booth. Miss Goward. " Hunt. Jenny Mrs. Orger. Mrs. Daly. " Dyott. Mrs. Ledger " Willmott. " Hutton. Miss Flynn. Milliner. Miss Phillips. " Brown. Mwiituariiaker Mrs. Webster. Miss H. Boden. OLD DORNTON.— Old-fashioned black suit, black silk stockings, three-coriM red hat, shoes and buckles. HARRY DORNTON.— Blue dress coat, white waistcoat, black silk breeches and knee-buckles, black silk stocking^, shoes and buckles, dress hat. GOLDFINCH. — Scarlet sporting-frock, buff waistcoat, white cord breeches, with gilt buttons and long- silk knee-strings, high-crowned hat, top boots. MILFORD. — Blue dress coat, white waistcoat and trousers, white silk stockings, round black hat. SULKY. — Old-fashioned brown suit, covered buttons, striped silk stockings, shoes, and large buckles. SILKY. — Twilled striped suit, large buttons, brown silk stockings, shoes and buckles. MR. SMITH. — Blue coat, white waistcoat, black trousers, black silk stockings, shoes with strings. WIDOW WARREN. — First dress: White satin, trimmed with green. Second dress : White satin, with a profusion of gold spangles, white satin turban, with ditto, and white plumes. SOPHIA. — White muslin, with a slight pink trimming. JENNY. — Plain muslin dress and api-on, trimmed with pink ribbon, white stockings, black shoes. MRS. LEDGER.— Plaic, matronly, coloured dress, bonnet and cloak. EXITS AND ENTRANCES. R. means Right; L. Left: R. D. Eighl Door; L. D. Le/i Door; S. B. Seco?id Entrance; U. E. Upper Entnnce; M D. Middle Door. RELATIVE POSITIONS. R., menus Right; L., Left ; C, Centre; R. C, Right of Centre i L. C, Left of Centre. THE ROAD TO RUIN. ACT I. Scene I. — DorntorCs House. 'Enter Mr. Dornton, l. Dor. (c.) Past two o'clock, and not yet returned— Well, well — (r.) — it's my own fault ! — Mr. Smith ! (l.) Enter Mr. Smith, l. Mr, S. (l. c.) Sir. Dor. (c.) Is Mr. Sulky come in 1 Mr. S. No, sir. Dor. Are you sure Harry Dornton said he should re- turn to-night 1 Mr. S. Yes, sin Dor. And you don't know where he is gone 1 Mr. S. He did not tell me, sir. Dor. \Angrilt/.] I ask you if you know 1 Mr. S. 1 believe to Newmarket, sir. Dor. You always believe the worst! — I'll sit up no lon- ger. — Tell the servants to go to bed. And, do you hear 1 should he apply to you for money, don't let him have a guinea. Mr. S. Very v/ell, sir. Dor. I have done with him ; he is henceforth no son of mine ! Let him starve ! JV//-. S. He acts very impropeily, sir, indeed. Dor. Improperly] Howl [Taking kU hand.] What does he do 1 [Alarmed. ^^ THE ROAD TO RUIN. [Act I. Mr.S. Sir! Dor. Have you heard anything o€ — ' Mr. S. [Confused.\ No — no, sir — Nothing — nothing but what you yourself tell me. Dor. Then how do you know he has acted impro- perly ? Mr. S. He is certainly a very good-hearted young gen- tleman, sir! Dor. Good-hearted I How dare you make such an as- sertion ] Mr. S. Sir ! Dor. How dare you, Mr. Smith, insult me so ? Is not his gaming notorious ? his racing, driving, riding, and associating with knaves, fools, debauchees, and black- Mr. S. Upon my word, sir, 1 — Dor. Upon your word ! But it's over ! His name has this very day been struck out of the firm ! Let Lis drafts be returned. It's all ended ! And observe, not a guinea ! If you lend him any yourself, I'll not pay you. I'll no longer be a fond, doating father ! Therefore, take warn- ing ! Take warning, 1 say ! Be his distress what it will, not a guinea ! Though you should hereafter see him beg- ging, starving in the streets, not so much as the loan or the gift of a single guinea ! [ Wifk rehemence. Mr. S. (c.) I shall be careful to observe your orders, sir. Dor. Sir ! (c.) Why, would you see him starve 1 Would you see him starve, and not lend him a guinea ? Would you, sir? Would you 1 Mr. S. Sir ! Certainly not, except in obedience to your orders ! Dor. [ With a?fiaze??icni and co?/? pass ion.] And could any orders justify your seeing a poor unfortunate youth, re- jected by his father, abandoned by his friends, starving to death '? Mr. S. There is no danger of that, sir. Dor. I tell you, the tiling shall happen ! He shall starve to death ! \Distresscd at the sfipposition.] I'll never look on him more as a son of mine ! and I'm very certain, when 1 have forsaken him, all the world will forsake him, too. [ WeejJs.] Yes, yes ! he is born to be a poor wretched out- cast. SokneI.] ^ THE ROAD TO KUIN. 9 J\Tr. S. I hoj^e, sir, he still will make a fine man Dor. Will ! there is not a finer, handsomer, noble:-look- ing youth in the kingdom : no, not in the world ! M?\ S. I mean, a worthy man, sir. Dor. How can you mean any such thing ? The com- pany he keeps would corrupt a saint. Mr. S. Sir, if you will only tell me what your pleasure is, I will endeavour to act like a laithful servant. Dor. I know you are a faithful servant, Mr. Smith. — [Takes his hand.\ 1 know* you are. — But you — you are not a father. Enter Mr. Sut.ky, l. — Exit Mr. Smith. Dor. Well, Mr. Sulky, have you heard anything of him 1 Sul. (l. c.) Yes. Dor. And, hey ? — [Impatiently, \ Any thing consoling — any thing good ] Sul. No. Dor. No 1 — No, say you ! — Where is he ? What is he about ? Sul. 1 don't know. Dor. Don't 1 — You love to torture me, sir ! — You love to torture me. Sul Humph ! Dor. For heaven's sake, tell me what you have heard ! Sul. 1 love to torture you. Dor. Put me out of ifiy pain ! If you are not a tiger, put me out of my pain ! Sul. [Slowly drawing a newspaper out of Ms pocket?^ There : read ! Dor. Dead? Sul. Worse! Dor, Mercy defend me ! where 1 what % Sul. The first paragraph in the postscript : the begin- ning line in capitals. Dor. [Reads.] ^' The junior partner of the great hanking- liouse not a mile from the post-ofice, has again been touched at Newmarket, for upwards often thousand pounds. [Paus€.\ It can't be ! Sul. Humph ! Dor. Why, can iti c 10 THE ROAD TO RUIN. [Act . Sul. Yes Dor. How do you know ] What proof have you that ft is not a lie % Sul. His own hand-writing. Dor. How] Sul. Bills at three days* sight, to the full amcunt, have already been presented. Do7\ And accepted ? Sul. Yes. Dor. But — why — were you mad, Mr. Sulky 1 Were you mad 1 Sul. I soon shall be. Dor. Is not his name struck off the firm ? Sul. They were dated two days before. Dor. The credit of my house begins to totter ! Sul. Well it may ! Dor. What the effect of such a paragraph may be, I cannot tell. Sul. I can : — Ruin ! Dor. Are you serious, sir 1 Sul. I am not inclined to laugh. — A run against the house, stoppage, disgrace, bankruptcy ! Dor. Really, Mr. Sulky, you — Sul. Yes, I know I offend. I was bred in your house, you used me tenderly, I served you faithfully, and you ad- mitted me a partner. Don't think I care for myself. No, I can sit at the desk again. But you ! you ! first man of the first commercial city on earth, your name in the Ga- zette ! Were it mine only, 1 would laugh at it. What am I 1 who cares for me 1 [Crosses, r. Dor. Where is the vile — [Calling.] Mr. Smith — Tho- mas — William ! Enter Mr. Smith, l. Call all the servants together, Mr. Smith ; clerks, foot- men, maids, every soul ! Tell them their young master is a scoundrel. Mr. S. Very well, sir. Dor. Sir] Bid them shut the door in Hs face! I'll turn the first away that lets him set his foot in this house ever again ! Mr. S. Very well, sir. Scene I J THE KOAD TO RUIN. 11 Do>\ A^ery well, sir ! Damn your very weJ, sir ! I tell you, it is not very well, sir. He shall starve, die, rot in the street ! Is that very well, sir 1 [Exeunt Dornton and Smith, l. Sul. (r.) He has a noble heart. A fond father's heart ! The boy was a fine youth ; but he spoiled him ; and now he quarrels with himself and all the world, because he hates his own folly. \A knocking at the street door, l.J So ! here is the youth returned. [Knocking again. — lEtxit^ l. Enter Dornton, with Servants, l. Dor. (c.) Don't stir! — On your lives, don't go to the door ! Are the bolts and locks all fastened 1 Servants. All, sir. Dor. Don't mind his knocking ! Go to bed, every soul of you, instantly, and fall fast asleep ! He shall starve in the streets I [Knocking again.] Fetch me my blunderbuss ! Make haste ! [Exeunt^ r« Scene II. — A Street. Enter Harry Dornton, Milford, and Postillions, l. Pos. (l. c.) We smoked along, your honour ! Har. [Knocks at d, f. l. c.J I know you did. Had you been less free with your whip, you would have been a crown the richer. Your next step should be to turn drum- mers, and handle the cat-o'-nine-tails. Pos. It is very late, your honour. Har. Begone! I'll give you no more. [Knocks. — Exei/nt Postillions, l. Dornton. [At the ivindow over him, ivith Mr. Sulky, throw- ing up the sash, and presenting the blunderbuss.] Knock again, you scoundrel, and, you shall have the full contents, loaded to the muzzle, rascal ! Har. So ! I suspected dad was in his tantrums. Mil. You have given him some cause. Har. Very true. [ To his father.] Consider, my dear sir, the consequences of lying out all night ! Dot. Begone, villain ! Har. Bad women, sir; damps, night air! Dor. Will you begone % Har. Watch-houses, pickpockets, cut-throats f 12 Tin: i;oAi) to ruin. [ActI. SuL Come, come, sir. [Shuttmg tin 7vindou\ Mil We shall not get in. Har, Pshaw! how little do you know of my father The door will open in less than fifteen seconds. Mil. Done, for a hundred ! Har. Done! done! [Tahe out their watches — the door opens.] I knew you were had ; double or quits, we find the cloth laid, and supper on the table. Mil. No, it won't do. [Exeunt into the house. Scene ITT. — Dornton^s House. 'Enter Harry Dornton, Milford, and. Footman, l. Foot, (l, c.) My old master is in a bitter passion, sir. Har. (l. c.) I know it. Foot. He is gone down to turn the servant out of doora that let you in. Har. Is he % Then go you and let your fellow-servant in again. Foot. I dare not, sir. Har. Then I must. \Exity l. Foot. (l. c.) He inquired who was with my young mas- Mil. Well! Foot. And when he heard it was you, sir, he was ten times more furious. [Exit, r. Re-enter Harry Dornton, r. Har. (c.) All's well that ends well. This has been a cursed long voyage, Milford ! Mil. (c.) I'm a hundred and fifty in. Har. And 1 ten thousand out. Mil. I believe I had better avoid your father for the pre- sent. Har. I think you had. Dad considers you as my temp- ter ; the cause of my ruin. Mil. And I, being in his debt, he conceives he may treat me without ceremony. Har. Nay, damn it, Jack, do him justice: it is not the money you had of him, but the ill-advice he imputes to you- that galls him. Mil, I hear he threatens to arrest me. •SCENF. I.] THK ROAD TO RUIN. 13 H(ti\ Yes ! He has ihreatenefl to strike my name out of the firm, and disinherit me, a thousand times. Mil. Oh, but lie has been very serious in menacing me. Har. And me too. Mil. You'll be at the tennis-court to-morrow ? Har. No. Mil. What, not to see the grand match ] Har. No. Mil. Oh, yes, you will. Har. No, I am determined. Mil. Yes, over night ; you'll waver in the morning. Har. No. It is high time, Jack, to grow prudent. Mil. Ha, ha, ha ! My plan is formed : I'll soon be out of debt. Har. How will you get the money ] Mil. By calculation. Har. Ha, ha, ha ! Mil. (r.) I am resolved on it. How many men of rank and honour, having lost their fortunes, have doubly reco- vered them 1 Har. And very honourably ! Mil. Who doubts it 1 Har. Ha, ha, ha ! Nobody ! nobody ! Mil. But pray, Harry, what is it you find so attractive in ray late father's amorous relict? Har. Ha, ha, ha ! What, the Widow Warren 1 Mil. She seems to think, and even rejDorts, you are to marry her ! [Both sit at table, c. Har. Marry? Her? A coquette of forty, who ridicu- lously apes all the airs of a girl ! Fantastic, selfish, and a fool ! And marry ? Disgusting idea ! Thou wert philosophising, as we drove, on the condition of a post- horse — Mil. Well! Har. I would rather be a posthorse, — nay, the brute that drives a posthorse, than the base thing thou hast imagined ! [Rises and comes fm'ward. Mil. Then why are you so often there ? Har. (c.) Because I can't keep away. Md. [r. c.) What, is it her daughter, Sophia ! Har. Lovely, bewitching innocent ! Mil. The poor young thing is fond of you ? B 14 THE ROAD TO RUIN. [Act Har. I should be half mad if I thought she was not ; yet am obliged to half hope she is not. Mil Why 1 Har. What a question ! Ami not a protiigate, and in all probability ruined ] Not even my father can overlook this last affair ! No ! heigho ! Mil. The loss of my father's will, and the mystery made of its contents by those who witnessed it, are strange cir- cumstances ! Har, In which the widow triumphs. And you, being a bastard, and left by the law to starve, she willingly pays obedience to laws so wise. Mil. She refuses even to pay my debts. Har. And the worthy alderman, your father, being over- taken by death in the south of France, carefully makes a will, and then as carefully hides it where it is not to be found ; or commits it to the custody of some mercenary knave, who has made his market of it to the widow. So, here comes the supposed executor of this supposed will ! Enter Mr. Sulky, l. My dear Mr. Sulky, how do you do 1 Sul. (l.) Very ill ! Har. Indeed % I am very sorry ! What's your disor- der] Sul. (l. c.) You ! Har. (c) Ha, ha, ha! Sul. Ruin, bankruptcy, infamy ! Har. The old story 1 Sul. To a new tune. Har. Ha, ha, ha ! Sul. You are — Har. What, my good cynic 1 Sul. A fashionable gentleman. Har. I know it. Sul. And fashionably ruined. Har. No ; — I have a father. Sul. Who is ruined likewise. Har. Ha, ha, ha ! Is the Bank of England ruined ] Sul. I say,, ruined. [Mi/ford walks about, n.] Nothing less than a miracle can save the Louse. The purse of For- tunatus could not supply you. II.] THE ROAD TO RUIN. 15 Har. No ; it held nothing but guineas. Notes, bills, paper for me ! Sul, Such effrontery is insufferable. For these five years, sir, you have been driving to ruin more furiously than — Har. An ambassador's coach on a biith-night. I saw you were stammering for a simile. Sul Sir! Har. Youth mounts the box, seizes the reins, and Jehus headlong on in the dark ; passion and prodigality blaze in the front, bewilder the coachman, and dazzle and blind the passengers ; wisdom, prudence, and virtue are overset and maimed, or murdered ; and at last, repentance, like the footman's flambeau lagging behind, lights us to dangers, when they are past all I'emedy. SmI. Your name is struck off the firm. I was the adviser. Har. You were very kind, Mr. Sulky. Sul. Your father is at last determined. Har. Ha, ha, ha ! Do you think so ] Sul. You'll find so ! [To Milford.] And what brought you here, sir ? Mil. (r.) a chaise and four. Sul. (r. c.) It might have carried you to a safer pldce. When do you mean to pay your debts 1 Mil. When my father's executor prevails on the Widow Warren to do me justice. [Harry sits. Sul. And which way am I to prevail] Mil. And which way am I to pay ray debts ? Sul. You might have more modesty than insolently to come and brave one of your principal creditors, after hav- ing ruined his son by your evil counsel. Har. [Seated in the background..] Ha, ha, ha ! Don't believe a word on't, my good grumbler : I ruined myself: I wanted no counsellor. Mil. My father died immensely rich ; and though I am what the law calls illegitimate, I ought not to starve. Sul. You have had five thousand pounds, and are five more in debt. Mil. Yes ; thanks to those who trust boys with thou- sands, Sul. You would do the same, now that you think your- self a man. 16 THE KOAD TO RUIN. [Act I. Mil. [Firml?/.] Indeed, T would not. Sul. Had you been watching the widow at home, in- stead of galloping after a knot of gamblers and pickpock- ets, you might perhaps have done yourself more service. Mil. Which way, sir? Sul. The will of your late father is found ! Mil. Found? Sid. I have received a letter, from which I learn it was at last discovered, carefully locked up in a private draw- er; and that it is now a full month since a gentleman of Montpellier, coming to England, was intrusted with it. But no such gentleman has yet appeared. Mil. If it should have got into the hands of the widow- Sul. Which I suspect it has ! You are a couple of pret ty gentlemen ! But beware ! misfortune is at your heels ! Mr. Dornton vows vengeance on you both, and justly. He is not gone to bed ; and, if you have confidence enough to look him in the face, I would have you stay where you are. Mil. I neither wish to insult, nor be insulted. [Exit, r Sul. [Retiring up the stage to table.] Do you know, sir, your father turned the poor fellow into the street, who compassionately opened the door for you ] Ha?'. Yes ; and my father knows I as compassionately opened the door for the poor fellow in return. Sul. Very well, sir ! Your fame is increasing daily. flar. [Rising.] I am glad to hear it. Sul. Humph ! Then perhaps you have paragraphed yourself? Har. [Comes forward icitJi him.] Paragraphed! Where? where 1 Sul. (r. c.) In the St. James's Evening. Har. (c.) Me? Sul. Stating the exact amount — Har. Of my loss ? Sul. Yours. — You march through every avenue to fame, dirty or clean. Har. Well said ! Be witty when you can ; sarcastic you must be, in spite of your teeth But I like you the better. You are honest. You are my cruet of Cayenne, and a sprinkling of you is excellent. Sul. Well, sir, when you know the state of your own Scr.NE 11.] THE ROAO TO RUIN. 17 affairs, and to what you have reduced the house, you will be less ready to grin. Har. Reduced the house ! ha, ha, ha ! [Dornton appears, l. Enter Dornton, with a newspaper in his handf l. JDor. (l.) So, sir ! Har. \Bowing, l. c.J I am happy to see you, sir. Dor. You are there, after having broken into my house at midnight!— And you are here, [holding up the paper,] after having ruined me and my house by your unprinci- pled prodigality ! Are you not a scoundrel ] Har. No, sir ; 1 am only a fool. SitJ. (r.) Good night to you, gentlemen. [Going, r. Dor. Stay where you are, Mr. Sulky. 1 beg you [Crosses, r., to Sulky, \ to stay where you are, and be a witness to my solemn renunciation of him and his vices! Sul. (r.) I have witnessed it a thousand times. Dor. But this is the last. [ To Harry. \ Are you not a scoundrel, I say 1 Har. (c). I am your son. Dor. [ Calling, l.J Mr. Smith ! bring in those deeds. Enter Mr. Smith, with papers, l. You will not deny you are an incorrigible squanderer? Har. (l. c.) 1 will deny nothing. Dor. (c.) A nuisance, a wart, a blot, a stain upon the face of nature ! Har. A stain that will wash out, sir. Dor. A redundancy, a negation ; a besotted, sophisticat- ed incumbrance ; a jumble of fatuity ; your head, your heart, your words, your actions, all a jargon ; incoherent and unintelligible to yourself, absurd and offensive to others 1 [Smith retires, l. Har. I am whatever you please, sir. Dor. Bills never examined, every thing bought on cre- dit, the price of nothing asked ! Conscious you were weak enough lo wish for baubles you did not want, and pant for pleasures you could not enjoy, you had not the effrontery to assume the circumspect caution of common sense! And to your other destructive follies, you must add the de- testable vice of gaming I 18 THE ROAD TO RUIN. f Act 1 Har. These things, sir, are much easier done than de- fended. Dor. But here. \To Smithy who advanceSy l.] Give me that parchment ! The partners have all been summoned i Look, sir ! your name has been formally erased ! Har. The partners are very kind. Dor. The suspicions already incurred by the knovi^n pro fligacy of a principal in the firm, the immense sums you have drawn, this paragraph, the run on the house it will occasion, the consternation of the whole city — [Smith retires to background. Har. All very terrible, and some of it very true. [Half ^^^de. Dor. [Passionately.] If I should happily outlive the stomi you have raised, it shall not be to support a prodigal, or to reward a gambler ! You are disinherited ! Read ! [Taking more papers from, Sinithy c. Har. Your word is as good as the Bank, sir. Dor. ril no longer act the doting father, fascinated by your arts ! [Smith stands^ r. Har. I never had any art, sir, except the one you taught me. Dor. I taught you ! What, scoundrel ] what % Har. That of loving you, sir. Dor. Loving me ! Har. Most sincerely ! Dor. [Forgetting his passion.] Why, can you say, Harry — Rascal, I mean — that you love me % Har. I should be a rascal indeed, if I did not, sir. Dor. Harry! Harry! [Greatly agitated.] No; confound me if I do ! Sir, you are a vile — Har. I know I am. Dor. And I'll never speak to you more. [Going, l. Har. Bid me good night, sir. Mr. Sulky, here, will bid me good night, and you are my father ! Good night, Mr. Sulky ! Sul. (r.) Good night. [Exit, r. Har. Come, sir! Dor. Good — [Struggling 2oitk passion.] I won't! If 1 do — Har. Reproach me with my follies, strike out my name, disinherit me — 1 deserve it all, and more. But say, " Good night, Harry !" Scene 1 J THE ROAD TO RUIN- 19 Dar. I won't ! I won't ! I won't I Har. (l. c.) Poverty is a trifle, — we can whistle it off; but enmity — Dor. I will not ! Har. Sleep in enmity ! And who can say how sound- ly % (l.) Come ! good night. Dor. I won't ! I won't ! [Runs off, l. Har. Say you so % [Goes back to the table.] Why, then, my noble-hearted dad, [Returning,] I am indeed a scoun- drel ! Re-enter Mr, Dornton, r. Dar, (r.) Good night ! [Exit, r. Har, (c.) Good night ! [Exit, l END OF ACT JU ACT II. 3cBNE I. — The Home of the Widow Warren, Enter Jenny and Mrs. Ledger, l. Jen. (l.) I tell you, good woman, I can do nothing for you. Mrs. L. (l.) Only let me see Mrs. Warren. Jen. And get myself snubbed. Not I, indeed. Enter Sophia, r. Soph, (r.) La, Jenny ! Yonder's my mamma, with a whole congregation of milliners, mantua-makers, mercers, haberdashers, lacemen, feathermen, and — and all the world, consulting about second mourning. Jen. (l. c.) I know it. Soph, (c) It will be six months, to-morrow, since the death of my father-in-law ; and she has been busy giving orders for this fortnight, that everything might be brought home and tried on to-day. I do believe she'll sleep in her new clothes ! Jen. How you run on, miss ! Soph. What would my dear grandma say, if she saw herl Why, she is even more fond of finery than I am ! 20 THE ROAD TO RUIN. [Act Jen. Sure, miss, you are not fund of finery % SopJ/. [Skipping about.] Oh, but I am. 1 wonder why she won't let me wear high-heeled shoes? I am sure I am old enough ; I shall be eighteen next Christmas-day, at midnight ; which is only nine months and two days ! And since she likes to wear slips, and sashes, and ringlets, and — nonsense, like a girl, why should not I have high heels, and gowns, and satins, and trains, and sweeps, [Mi- micking.] and — and like a woman ] Jen. It's very true what your mamma tells you, miss : you have been spoiled by your old fond grandmother, in Gloucestershire. Sop/i. I>i3iy, Jenny, I won't hear you, call my dear grand- ma' names ! Though everybody told the loving old soul she would spoil me. Jen. And now your mamma has sent for you up to town, to finish your Jieddccation. Soph. Yes, she began on the very first day. There was the stay-maker sent for to screw up my shape ; the shoe- maker to cripple my feet ; the hair-dresser to burn my hair ; the jeweller to bore my ears ; and the dentist to file my teeth. Jen. Ah ! You came here such a hoyden ! [To Mrs. L.] What, an't you gone yet, mistress ? Soph. La, Jenny, how can you be so cross to people 1 What is the matter with this good woman 1 Jen. Oh, nothing but poverty ! Soph. Is that all 1 Here, [Rummaging her pockets,] giv« her this half-crown, and make her rich ! Jen. Rich, indeed ! Soph. What, is not it enough 1 La, I am sorry I spent all my money yesterday ! I laid it out in sweetmeats, (Cakes, a canary bird, and a poll parrot. But I hope you are not very, very poor ? Mrs. L. (l.) My husbMid served the late alderman five- and-twenty years. His master promised to provide for him ; but his pitiless widow can see him thrown with a broken heart upon the parish. Sop. Oh, dear ! — Stop ! — Stop a bit ! [Capering off, l.] Be sure you don't go ! Enter Mu. Sulky, r. Sul. (r ) Where's your mistress, girl Scene I.] THE ROAD TO RUIN. 21 Jen. (c.) My name is Jane Cocket, sir. Sul. Where's your mistress I Jen. Busy, sir. Sul. Tell her to come down. — Don't stare, girl, lut go and tell your mistress 1 want her. Jen. [Aside.] Humph! Mr. Black-and-grufF! [ExityB.. Re-enter Sophia, running uritk great eagerness, r. Soph. I've got it ! Here ! Take this, good woman ; go home and be happy ! Take it, I tell you ! [ Offering a purse. Sul. (c.) Who is this 1 Mrs. Ledger ! How does your worthy husband ] Mrs. L. Alack, sir, ill enough : likely to starve in his latter days. S?il. How ! Starve ] Mrs. L. The widow refuses to do anything for him. Sul (l. c.) Humph ! Mrs. L. Service, age, and honesty, are poor pleas with affluence, ease, and Mrs. Warren. Sul. Humph! Mrs. L. You, sir, I understand, are the late alderman's executor ] Sul. I can't tell. Mrs. L. Perhaps you may be able to serve my husband] Sul. I don't know. However, give my respects to him. He shan't starve : tell him that. Soph. Nay, but take this in the meantime. Sul. Ay, take it, take it. [Exit Mrs. Ledger, -l. s. e.] And who are you. Miss Charity 1 Soph. Me, sir] oh ! I — I am my grandma's grand-daugh ter. Sul. Humph ! Soph. Sophia Freelove. Sul. Oh ! — The Widow's daughter, by her first hus- band! Soph. Yes, sir. Re-enter Jenny, r. Sul. Where's your mistress T Jen. (r.) Coming, sir. ^o\ [To Sophia ?[ You have sto- len your mamma's purse, miss 1 22 THE ROAD TO RUIN. [Act il Soph. La, don't say so ; 1 only ran away with it ! Sho was bargaining for some smuggled lace with one of your acquaintance, and I thought 1 could dispose of her money to better advantage. Jen. Without her consent ? Soph. Yes, to be sure ; I knew I never should dispose of it in that manner with her consent. Jen. Well ! here comes your mamma. [Exit, l. Enter the Widow Warren, r., in a fantastic, girlish Morning -dress J surrounded by Milliners, Sfc, and their Attendants, with Band-boxes, all talking as they enter. Sophia humming a tune, and capering about in the back' ground. Widow, (r.) So you'll be sure not to forget my chapeau a-la-Prusse, Mr. Mincing ? Hatter, (u.) Certainly not, madam. Widow, (c.) And you'll make a delicate choice of the feathers 1 Hatter. The selection will be elegant, madam. Widoiv. Yes, I know, Mr. Mincing, you're a charming man ! And you will let me have my pierrot a-la-Coblentz by nine in the morning, Mrs, Tiffany ] Mantua-maker, (r.) To a minute, ma'am. Sul. Madam, when you have a moment's leisure — Widow. Be quiet, you fright; don't interrupt me. — And my caraco a-la-hussar, and my bavaroises a-la-duchesse. And put four rows of pearl in my turban. Milliner. Ver veil, me ladyship. Widow. And you'll all come together exactly at nine % Omnes. We'll all be here ! Widow. And don't forget the white ermine tippets, and the black fox muffs, and the Kamschatka furs, that you mentioned, Mr. Weazel ! Furrier. I'll bring a fine assortment, madam. Widow. And, and, and — No ; no — you may all go ; — I can think of nothing else ; — I shall remember more to- morrow. Hatter, Furrier, Milliner, h^c. Thank you, madam ! — Very much obliged to you, ma'am ! — De vei good bon- jour to me ladyship. \Together — Exeunt, r. Scene I.] THE ROAD TO RUIN. 23 Widow, (r.) What was it you were saying, Mr. Sulky 1 — Pray, child, what have you done with my puree 1 Sopk. Given it away, ma'. Widoiv. (r. c.) Given it away, minikin 1 Soph. Yes, ma'. W'ido?v. (c.) Given my purse away 1 To whom 1 For what purpose 1 Soph. (l. c.) La, ma', only — only to keep a poor woman from starving ! Widow. I protest, child, your grandmother has totally ruined you ! Sul. (c.) Not quite, madam ; she has left the finishing to you. Widow. What were you saying, Mr. Sulky? Sul. You won't give me leave to say anything, madam. Widow. You know you are a shocking troublesome man, Mr. Sulky ! I have a thousand things to remember, and can't bear teasing. It fatigues my spirits ! So pray relate this very urgent biisiness of yours in a single word. What would you have 1 Sul. Justice. Widow. Lord, what do you mean 1 Do you think I am in the commission 1 Sul. Yes, of follies innumerable ! Widoiv. You are a sad savage, Mr. Sulky ! And who is it you want justice for 1 Sul. Your late husband's son, John Milford. Wid. Now pray don't talk to me 1 You are a very in- trusive person ! You quite derange my ideas ! I can think of nothing soft or satisfactory while you are present. Sul. Will you hear me, madam ? Widoiv. I can't ! I positively can't ! It is an odious subject. Sopk. Nay, ma', how can you be so cross with my bro- ther Milford ? Widow. Your brother, child 1 — Country education ! — How often, minikin, have I told you he was no brother of yours 1 Soph. La, ma\ he was your husband's son ! Widow. Yes, his ba — Faugh ! — Odious word ! — Your brother ? Sovh. Yes, that he is ! For he is in distress. 24 THE ROAD TO RUIN. [ICT I SuL Humph! Widow, (r.) And would you j?ow — you who pietend to be a very prudent — ridiculous kind of a person, wish to see me squander the wealth of ray poor dear little old dead man on Mr. Milford and his profligate companions 1 SuL Not I, indeed, madam ; though the profligate to whom you make love should happen to be one of them ! Widow. Ha, ha, ha ! Oh, the monster ! I make love ! — You have no eyes, Mr. Sulky ! [ JValking about loitli a conceited ai?\] You are really blind ! But I know whom you mean. Sul. I mean young Dornton, madam. Widow. To be sure you do ! Whom could you mean 1 Elegant youth ! Rapturous thought ! Soph. I am sure, sir, young Mr. Dornton is no profli gate ! SuL [Significantly.^ You are sure? Soph. Yes, that I am. Sul. Humph ! Soph. And it's very scandalous, very scandalous indeed, to say he is my ma's lover ! Sul. Humph ! Soph. Because he is a fine genteel young gentleman ; and you know ma' is — Widow, (c.) Pray, minikin, be less flippant with your tongue. Soph. Why, la, ma', you yourself know you are too — Wid. Go up to your chamber, child ! Soph. I am sure, ma', I say it is very scandalous to call the handsome Mr. Dornton your lover ! [Exitf skipjnng, r. Sul. (c.) Do you blush 1 Widow, (r.) Blush, indeed! Blush 1 Ha, ha, ha! You are a very unaccountable creature, Mr. Sulky! — Blush at the babbling of a child? Sul. Who is your rival ! Widow. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha I. My rival 1 The poor mi- nikin ! My rival 1 But I have a message for you ! Now do compose your features to softness and complacency ! Look pleasant if you can ! Smile for once in your life ! [Crosses to Sulki/, r. 5"?//. Don't make love to me ! I'll have nothing to say to you ! SckneI.J THK road TO RUIN. 25 Widow, (k.) Ha, ha, ha ! Love? SuL Yes, you make love to Dornton ! Nay, you make love to the booby Goldfinch ! Even I am not secure in your company! Widow. Ha, ha, ha ! You are a shocking being, Mr. Sulky ! But if you should happen to see Mr. Domton, do astonish your acquaintance ; do a good-natured thing, and tell him I am at home all the day. Love to you 1 Ha, ha, ha I Oh, you figure ! You caricature of tender- ness ! You insupportable thing ! [Exit, r. Sul. [Sighs.\ Ah ! All labour in vain ! [C7-ossing. Entej- Jenny, l. Stand out of tHe way, girl ! \Exit, l. Jen. (c.) There she goes ! [Looking after the Widow.] That's lucky ! This way, sir ! Enter Harry J) ornt on, followed hy a Servant with hills in his hand, l. My mistress is gone up to her toilette, sir : but I can send you somebody you may like better ! [Exit, r. Har, (c.) Obliging abigail ! [Looking over his papers.^ 'Sdeat.h ! What, all these tradesmen's bills ! Ser. All, sir. Mr. Smith sent me after you with them. Har. When were they brought 1 Scr. Some last night, but most this morning. liar. Hi news travels fast, and lionesty is devilish indus- trious. Go round to them all, return their bills, and bid them come themselves to-day. Has Mr. Williams, the ho- siei', sent in his bill 1 Ser. No, sir. Har. I thought as much ; tell him to come with the rest, and on his life not to fail. Ser. Very well. sir. [Exit, l. Enter Sophia, in high spirits, r. ^oph. (r. c.) Oh, Mr. Dornton, T am glad to see you' Do you know, I've got the song by heart that you were so good as to teach me ! Har. And do you know, my charming Sophia, you are the most delightful, beautiful, bewitching scholar that ever took a lesson I 26 THE KOAD TO RUIN. [Act II Soph. La, Mr. Dornton, I'm sure Vxn very stupid ! Har. That you are all intelligence, all grace, all wit! Soph. To be sure, my ma' caught me singing it, and she was pettish ; because, you know, it's all about love, and ends with a happy marriage Har. But why pettish ] Soph. La, 1 can't tell. I suppose she wants to have all the marriage in the world to herself! It's her whole talk! I do believe she'd be married every morning that she rises, if anybody would have her! Har. Think not of her, my sweet Sophia, but tell me — Sojyh. (c.) What] Har. I dare not ask. Soph. Why] Har. Lest I should offend you. Soph. Nay, now, Mr. Dornton, that is not right of you ) 1 am never offended with anybody, and I am sure I should not be offended with you ! My grandma' always said I was the best-tempered girl in the world. — What is it ? Har. Were you'? [Taking her hand.] Did you ever know what it is to love 1 Soph. La, now, how could you ask one such a question ? You know very well, one must not tell ! Besides, you know, too, one must not be in love ! Har. Why not ] Soph. Because — Because I'm but a girl. My grandma' has told me a hundred times, it's a sin for anybody to be in love before they be a woman grown, full one-and-tvven- ty ; and I am not eighteen ! Har. Love, they say, cannot be resisted. Soph. Ah, but I have been taught better ! — it may be resisted : nobody need be in love unless they like : and so I won't be in love, for I won't wilfully do amiss. No ! I won't love any person, though I should love them ever so dearly ! Har. [Aside.] Angelic innocence ! [Aloud.] Right, love- ly Sophia, guard your heart against seducers. Soph. Do you know it is full five weeks since Valentine's Day; and, because I'm not one-and-twenty, nobody sent me a Valentine ! Har. And did you expect one 1 >'oph. Nay ! I can't say but 1 did think ! In Glouces- Scene I.] THE ROAD TO RUIN. 27 tershire, if any young man happens to have a liking for a young woman, she is sure to hear of it on Valentine's Day. But perhaps Valentine's Day does not fall so soon here, as it does in the country. Har. Why, it is possible you may yet receive a Valen- tine. Soph. Nay, now, but don't you go to think that I am asking for one ; for that would be very wrong of me, and 1 know better. My grandma' told me I must never men- tion nor think of such things till I am a woman, full one- and-twenty grown ; and that, if I were to find such a thing at ray window, or under my pillow, or concealed in a plum- cake — Har. A plum- cake % Soph. Yes, I assure you, I have heard of a Valentine sent baked in a plum-cake — and, indeed, I would not re- ceive such a thing for the world — no, not from the finest man on earth, if 1 did not think him to be a true and faith- ful, true, true lover ! Har. But how must he prove his faith and truth 1 Soph. Why, first, he must love me very dearly ! — With all his heart and soul ! And then he must be willing to wait till I am one-and-twenty. Har. And would not you love in return 1 Soph. N — yes, when 1 come to be one-and-twenty. Har. Not sooner 1 Soph. Oh, no ! I must not ! Har. Surely, you might, if you pleased 1 Soph, Oh, but you must not persuade me to that! If you do, I shall think you are a bad man, such as my grand- ma' warned me of! Har. And do you think me so 1 Soph. Do I ? — No ! — I would not think you so for a thousand, thousand golden guineas I Har. [Aside.] Fascinating purity ! What am I about ] To deceive or trifle with such unsuspecting affection would indeed be villainy ! Goldfinch. \ Without^ l.] Is she above 1 must see her ! Soph, (l.) La, I hear that great, ridiculous, horse-joc- kej. Goldfinch, coming up ! [Signs.] Good bye, Mr. Dorn- ton. Har. (r ) Heaven bless you, Sophia ! — Sweet Sophia, Heaven bless you, my lovely angel ! heigho ! 28 THE KOAD ro RUIN. [AcT II Soph. Hcigho ! Gold. [ WitJwut, L.] Is she here % ^ ^ Scr. [ Wiihoi/t, l.] I don't know, sir. Enter Goldfinch, l. Gold, (l.) Ha, my tight one ! Har. [Surveying kim.\ Well, Charles ? Gold. How you stare ! — an't I the go 1 that's your sort! Har. Ha, ha, ha ! Gold,. Where's the widow 1 Har. Gone up to dress, and will not be down these two hours. Gold, (c.) A hundred to eighty, I'd sup up a string of twenty horses in less time than she takes to dress her fet- locks, plait her mane, trim her ears, and buckle on her body clothes ! Har. (c.) You improve daily, Charles! Gold. (l. c.) To be sure % that's your sort ! An't I a genus ? [Strutting about. Har. Quite an original ! — You may challenge the whole fraternity of the whip to match you 1 Gold. Match me I Newmarket can't match me I — > That's your sort. [Struttirig. Har. Oh, no ! ha, ha, ha ! you are harder to match than one of your own pied ponies — a very different being from either your father or grandfather. Gold. Father or grandfather ! — Shakebags, both. Har. How I Gold, Father a sugar-baker, grandfather, a slop-seller: — I'm a gentleman — that's your sort I Har. Ha, ha, ha ! and youi father was only a man of w'orth ' Gold. Kept a gig ! [Contemptuously.] Knew nothing of life ! never drove four 1 Har. No, but he was a useful member of society. Gold. A usef— what's that ? Har. Ha, ha, ha ! A pertinent question. Gold. A gentleman like me a useful member of society ! bet the long odds, nobody ever heard of such a thing ! Har. You have not acquired your character in the wojfld for nothing, Charles ! Gold. World ! what does the world say t Scene I.] THE ROAu TO RUIN. 2ij Har. Strange things. It says you have got into the hands of jockeys, Jews, and swindlers; and that, though old Goldfinch in his day was one of the richest men on 'Change, his son will shortly become poorer than the poor- est black-leg at Newmarket. Gold. Damn the world ! Har. With all my heart, damn the world, for it says lit- tle better of me ! Gold. Bet you seven to five the Eclipse colts against the Highflyer, the second spring meeting. Har. No. — I have done with the Highflyer and Eclipse too. So you are in pursuit of the widow 1 Gold. Full cry ; must have her. Har. Ha, ha, ha ! heigho ! you must ? Gold. All up with me else ! If I don't marry the wi- dow, I must smash ! I've secured the knowing one. Hur. Whom do you mean ; the maid ? Gold. Promised her a hundred on the wedding-day. Enter Jenny, r. Jen. My mistress can't see you at present, gentlemen. Gold. Can't see me ? [Vexed.] Take Harriet an airing in the phaeton. Har. What, is Harriet your favourite ? Gold. To be sure ; I keep her. Har. You do 1 [Jenny retires, l. Gold. Fine creature ! Har. Well bred ] Gold. Just to my taste ! Like myself, free and easy. That's your sort ! Har. A fine woman 1 Gold. Prodigious ! Sister to the Irish Giant ! Six feet in her stockings ! — That's your sort ! — Sleek coat, flowing mane, broad chest, all bone ! Dashing figure in a phaeton ! — Sky-blue habit, scarlet sash, green hat, yellow ribands, white feathers, gold band and tassel ! — That's your sort ! Har. Ha, ha, ha ! Heigho ! Why, you are a high fel- low, Charles ! Gold. To be sure ! know the odds — hold four in hand — turn a corner in style — reins in form — elbows square — wrist pliant — hayait ! — drive the Coventry stage twice a week all summer — pay for an inside place — mount the box 30 THE ROAD TO RUIN. j;Act 11 — tip the coachy a crown — beat the mail — come in full speed — rattle down the gateway — take care of your heads ! never killed but one woman and a child in all my life — that's your sort ! [Going to l. Jen. [Aside to GoldJi?ich.] Take him with you ! [Exit, L. Gold. Want a hedge ] Take guineas to pounds— Pre- cipitate against Dragon ? Har. No. Go/d. [Aside. \ Wish I could have him a few ! — odd oi even for fifty. Har. Ha, ha, ha ! odd enough. Gold. Will you cut a card, hide in the hat, chuck in the glass, draw cuts, heads or tails, gallop the maggot, swim the hedgehog, anything ] Har. Nothing. Gold. I'm up to all — that's your sort ! [Aside.] Get him with me and pigeon him. — Come and see my grays — been to Tattersall's and bought a set of six — smokers ! beat all England for figure, bone, and beauty ! Hayait, charmers ! that's your sort ! bid for two pair of mouse ponies for Har- riet ! Har. Ha, ha, ha ! The Irish Giantess drawn by mouse ponies ! Gold. Come and see 'em. Har. No. — I am weary of the company of stable-boys. Gold. Why so 1 Shan't play you any tricks. If they squirt water at you, or make the colts kick you, tell me, and I'll horsewhip 'em — Arch dogs ! deal of wit ! Har. When they do, I'll horsewhip them myself. Gold. Yourself? 'Ware that ! — wrong there ! Har. I think I should be right. Gold. Do you ! what — been to school ? Har. To school ! why, yes — I — Gold. Mendoza ! oh! good morrow ! [Goingy l. Har. Ha, ha, ha ! There goes one of my friends ! heigh o ! Enter MiLFORD, hastily, i.., followed by Goldfinch. Gold. What is it. Jack, tell me ! [Eagerly. Mil. (c.) Come, Harry ! we shall be too late ! they are about to begin ! we may have what bets we please ! ScE^^: I.] THE ROAD TO RUIN- 31 Gohl. (c.) Where? wliat? Mil. The great match ! the famous Frenchman, and Will the Marker ! A thousand guineas a-side ! Gold. What, tennis 1 Mil. Yes. The Frenchman gives fifteen and a bisk. Gold. To Will the marker? Mil. Yes. Gold. Will, for a hundred ! Mil. Done! Gold. Done, done ! Har. I bar the bet ; the odds are five to four already. Gold. What, for the Mounseer 1 Har. Yes. Gold. I'll take it, five hundred to four. Hirr. Done ! Gold. Done, done ! Har. No, I bar ! — I forgot — I have cut. I'll nev€r bet another guinea. Mil. You do, for a hundred 1 Har. Done ! Mil. Done, done! ha, ha, ha! Har, Pshaw ! Gold. What a cake ! Mil. But you'll go ? Har. No. Mil. Yes, you will. Come, come, the match is begun! everybody is there ! the Frenchman is the first player in the world ! Har. It's a noble exercise ! Mil. Ay ! Cato himself delighted in it. Har. (r. c.) Yes, it was much practised by the Romans. Gold. The Romans ! who are they % Har. Ha, ha, ha ! Mil, Ha, ha, ha ! — Will you go, or will you not, Har- ry ] Har. I can't, Jack. My conscience won't let me ! Mil. Pshaw ! Zounds, if we don't make haste, it will be all over ! Har. Do you think it will 1 — No — I won't — I must not. Mil. [Taking hold of him.] Come along, I tell you. Har No. Mil They have begun ! 32 T»E F10\D TO iiur.Nf. [Act H, Gnld. Have they?— I'm off! [Exit, l. Jl/^/. [Still struggling with Ilamj.] What folly ! — come along. Har. No, I will not. Mil. [Leaving him and going. ^ Well, well, if you're so positive — Har. (l.) [Calling.] Stay, Jack ; stay— I'll walk up the street with you, but 1 won't go in. Mil. Double or quits the hundred that you won of me last night, you do ! Har. I don't, for a thousand! * Mil. [Without, L.] No, no, the hundred. Har. I tell, you, I won't ! I won't go in with you. Mil. Done, for the hundred ! Har. Done, done ! [Exeunt, L. Scene II. — The Parlour of the Tennis Court. — Markers discoi-ered, engaged tmfh Rackets and Balls. Sheriff's Officer, ttvo Followers^ and one of the Marhers^ L. — Shout. Marker. Hurrah ! Officer. Pray, is Mr. Milford in the court ? Mar. I'll bet you gold to silver, the Frenchman loses! hurrah ! [Exit, r. Enter Mr. Smith fro?n the Court, c. d. f. Mr. S. He is not there. Offi: Are you sure 1 Mr. S. The crowd is very great, but I can neither see him nor any of his companions. Oj/i. Then he will not come. Mr. S. I begin to hope so ! 0//i. [Examining his writ. \ "Middlesex fount — one thou- sand jmunds — Dornton against John Milford.''^ Mr. S. You must take none but substantial bail, [Shoyt.^ What a scene ! OJi.. He will not be bere. Mr. S. Heaven send ! * [Shout. Enter Goldfinch, l., and a Marker running across. Gold Is, the match beirun % KcKNr. II.] THK ROAD TO KUIN. 33 Marker. The first game is just over. Gold. Who lost ] Marker. The Frenchman ! Gold. Hurrah ! Marker. Hurrah ! Gold. Damn the Mounseers ! — That's your sort. [Exit into the Court, in the hack scene, Mr. S. That's one of his companions. [Aside.] I begin to tremble ! — Stand aside ! Here they both come ! OJi. Which is he 1 Mr. S. The second. [Shotit, c. D. P. Enter Harry Dornton and Milpord, in haste, l. Har. I hear them ! I hear them ! Come along ! Mil. Ha, ha, ha ! — Harry ! — You would not go ! — You were determined ! [Shout. Har. Zounds ! Come along ! [Exit in haste, c. d. p. — Milford follows him, laughing. OJi. [Stojyping him.] A word with you, sir, if you please. Mil. With me 1 Who are you % What do you want ? OJi. You are my prisoner. Mil. Prisoner ! Damnation ! Let me go. OJi. I must do my duty, sir. Mil. Here, here ! this is your duty. [ Taking out his purse Mr. S. [Advancing.] It must not be, sir. Mil. Mr. Smith ! — What ! at the suit of Dornton 1 Mr. S. Yes, sir. 'Tis your own fault. Why do you lead his son to these places ? He heard you were to bring him here. Mil. Furies ! Marker \ [To a Servant passing.] Tell Harry Dornton to come to me instantly. Ser. Yes, sir. [Exit, c. d. f. — Shout. Mil. Zounds ! Let me but go and see the match ! Mr. S. You must not, sir. Enter Marker, m. d. Mil. [To another Marker.] Marker! Mar.- Sir \ Mil Who wins? Mar. The Frenchman has the best on't. Mil. Tell Harry Dornton I am here in trouble. De- sire him to come this moment. 34 THE UOAD TO RUIN. Act 1 1 Mar. Very well, sir. [ Exit, c. d. f. — Sfwvt. Mil. [To OJJir.er.] I'll give you ten guineas for five mi- nutes ! Mr. S. Take him aw^ay, sir. O^. You must come along, sir. 3Iil. [ To a iMarkcr, returning, c. d. f.] Have you told him ? Mar. He can't come, sir. Mil. Very well, Harry ! very well ! \To Second Marker.] Well, sir 1 Mar. He would not leave the court for a thousand pounds ! [Exit, c. d. p. OJi. Come, come, sir! [To his two Attendants.] Bring him along ! Mil. Hands off, scoundrels ! [Shout, c. d. f.] Fiends ! [Exeuntf l. Scene HI. — The House of Mr. Silky. — A Room of ^Busi- ness. — Ledger, Letter-Jilc, Inkstand, Sfc. Silky discovered, and Jacob entering, l. Sil. (l. c.) Well, Jacob ! Have you been 1 Jac. (r.) Yes, sir. Sil. Well, and what news ] How is he ? Very bad 1 Jac. Dead, sir. Sil [Eagerly.] Dead '( Jac. As Deborah ! Sil. [Aside.] I'm a lucky man ! [Aloud.] Are you sure he is dead, Jacob 1 Jac, (r. c.) I saw him with my own eyes, sir. Sil. That's right, Jacob ! I'm a lucky man ! And what say the people at the hotel '? Do they know who he is? Jac. Oh, yes, sir ! He was rich ! A gentleman in his own country ! Sil. And did you take care they should not know you 1 Jac. To be sure, sir ! You had given me my Lesson ! Sil. Ay, ay, Jacob ! That's right ! — You are a fme boy ! Mind me, and I'll make a man of you ! And you think they had heard nothing of his having called on me 1 Jac. Not a word ! Sil. [Aside.] It was a lucky mistake ! — Well, Jacob ! Scr.NElII.] THE ROAD TO RUIN. 35 Keep close ! Don't say a word, and I'll give you — I'll give you a crown ! Jac. You promised me a guinea, sir. 8il. Did I, Jacob ] did n Well, well ! I'll give you a guinea ! But be close ! Did you call at the Widow War- ren's ] Jac. Yes, sir. Sil. And will she see me 1 Jac. She desires you will be there in an hour. ^il. Very well, Jacob. Keep close ! Not a word about the foreign gentleman, or his having been here a week ago, or his being taken suddenly ill and dying ! [^*2^e,] It is a lucky stroke ! — Close, Jacob, my boy ! Jac. But give me the guinea, sir ! ^il. What, now, Jacob % Jac. If you please, sir. You may forget — Sil. Well, there, Jacob ; there ! You'll be a rich man, Jacob ! a cunning fellow ! I read it in your countenance, Jacob ! Close, Jacob, and then— Jac. Perhaps you'll give me another guinea 1 Sil. W^ell said, Jacob ! you'll be a great man. Mind what I say to you, and you'll be a great man ! yKnocking^ R.] Here's somebody coming ! go, Jacob ! close ! Jac. And another guinea % [Exitf r. Sil. This is a lucky stroke ! Enter Goldfinch, r. So, Mr. Goldfinch ! what do you want 1 Gold. Money — a thousand pounds directly. Sil. (c.) Fine talking, Mr. Goldfinch ! money's a scarce commodity ! times are ticklish ! Gold. (r. c.) Tellee, I must have it. Sil. Give me but good security, and you know I'm your friend. Gold. Yes, good security and fifty per cent ! Sil. Why, look you there, now ! for all you know the last annuity I had of you, I gave a full hundred more than was offered by your friend, Aaron, the Jew ! Gold. My friend ] your friend ! you collogue together ! Sil. Hear you, now ! for all you know I have always been your friend — always supplied you with money, have not 1 1 and, when I saw you were running to ruin, I ne- thl: road to kuin. [Act II. ver told you of it, did I ? I was willing to make all things easy ! GoW. Easy enough ! you have pretty well eased me ! Sil. There is your companion, Jack Milford ; I shall be a heavy loser by him ! Gold. Ah ! It's all up with poor Jack ! he's fixed at last! Sil. What do you mean ] Gold. Old Dornton has sent the Nab-man after him ! Su. And arrested him ? Gold. Yes, he's touched ! Sil. [ CrosseSy r., and calls.] Jacob ! Enter Jacob, r. Run as fast as you can to my good friend, Mr. Strawshoe, the attorney, and tell him to take out detainers for all the debts I have bought up against Mr. Milford ; make haste ! Jac. Yes, sir, [Exit, r. Gold. 1 thought you were Jack Milford's friend, too ! Sil. So I am, Mr. Goldfinch ! but I must provide for my family ! Gold. Come, come ! — The bit ! tellee I want the coal, directly ! Sale at Tattersall's to-morrow morning ! three pot-eight-o' brood mares, with each an Eclipse colt ! would not lose 'em for all Lombard Street — so will you let me have the bit 1 Sil. Dear, dear ! I tell you, I can't, Mr. Goldfinch ! Gold. Then some other Jew must. [Crosses, r. Sil. (l. c.) Jew ! hear you ! hear you ! this is to be the fi'iend of an ungrateful spendthrift ! Calls me Jew ! T, who go to morning prayers every day of my life, and three times to tabernacle on a Sunday ! Gold. (r. c.) Yes ! you cheat all day, tremble all night, and act the hypocrite the first thing in the morning. [Going, r. Sil. Nay, but stay, Mr. Goldfinch ! stay ! I want to talk to you ! I have a scheme to make a man of you ! Gold. What ! bind me 'prentice to an usurer. Sil. Psha! you are iii pursuit of the Widow Warren ? Go/d. Well. Sil. Now, what will you give me, and I'll secure her to you 1 Sc^,^'KIrI.] THE ROAD TO RUIN. 37 Gold. Youl Sll I. Gold. Which way] Sil. I have a deed in my power, — I won't tell you what, but 1 have it, by which 1 can make her marry the man I please, or remain a widow all her life ; and that I am sure she will never do if she can help it. Gold. You a deed 1 Sil. Yes, I. Gold. Show it me. Sil. Not for twenty thousand pounds ! — Depend upon me, 1 have it ! I tell you I'm your friend, and you shall have her ; that is, on proper conditions. — If not, Mr. Gold- finch, you shall not have her. Gold. Indeed, Old Judas ; well, what are your condi- tions ? Sil. I find the late alderman died worth a hundred and fifty thousand pounds ! Gold. Ay! Sil. Every farthing, Mr. Goldfinch ! and my conscience tells me that, risk, and character, and all things consider- ed, I must come in for my thirds. Gold. Y^our conscience tells you that ! Sil. Yes, it does, Mr. Goldfinch ; — fifty thousand is a fair price. Gold. For the soul of a miser. Sil. If you'll join me, say so. Gold. Fifty thousand ! *S//. Not a farthing less ! What, will there not be a hundred thousand remxainingl Gold. Why, that's true ! — It will cut a fine dash ! Sil. To be sure it will ! Come with me ; I'll draw up a sketch of an agreement. After which, we must fight cunning. The widow is a vain, weak woman. — You must get her written promise. Gold. Written? Sil. Under her own hand ; with a good round penalty in case of forfeiture. Gold. Well said, old one. Sil. Not less than twenty thousand pounds ! A jury would grant half Gold. Damme, you're a good one ! D 38 THE ROAD TO KUIN. [Act II: Sil. That would secure something, and we would snack. GoIJ. Damme ! you're a deep one ! Sil. Ah, ha, ha, ha ! Do you think I am, Mr. Goldfinch ] —'Signed on a stamp ! Gold. You know a thing or two ! Sil. Ah, ha, lia, ha ! Do you think T do, Mr. Goldfinch ? Gold. You can teach 'em to bite the bubble ! Sil. Ah, ha, ha, ha ! You joke, Mr. Goldfinch, you joke ! Gold. But the devil will have you at last ! Sil. Lord forbid, Mr. Goldfinch! Don't terrify me! I hate the devil, Mr. Goldfinch; indeed 1 do I 1 hate tlie name of him ! Heaven keep me out of his fiery clutches ! Gold. No : he has you safe enough. Bait his trap but with a o-uinea, and he is sure to find you nibbling. Sil. Don't talk about the devil, Mr. Goldfinch ! Pray don't! But think about the Widow: secure her. Gold. I must have the coal, though, this evening. Sil. Don't lose a moment, Mr. Goldfinch. Gold. Must not lose the Eclipse colts ! Sil. Pshaw, Mr. Goldfinch, think less of the colts, and more of the widow ! Get her pi'omise in black and white. [Goldjinch going, n. Gold. [Turns hack.] Tellee, I must have 'em. SiL All will then be safe. Gold. Must have 'em. [Exeunt^ l. END OP ACT II. i^C T III. Scene I. — The House of the Widozv Warren. Enter Jenny and Sophia, r. Jen. (c.) Oh, Miss! I have got something for you. Soph. (r. c.) Something for me ! What is it I What is it] Jen. [Holding her hand, behind her.] What will yo j give mel Sojjh. Oh. I'll give you — [Feeling in her jjochef.] La, Sce:;e I.j THE ROA.D TO RUIN. 39 I've got no money ! But I'll give you a kiss and owe you sixpence. Jen. No. A shilling without the kiss. Soph. Well, well, a shilling. Jen. There, then, \Giving her a small parcel. Soph. La! what is it ? [Reads.] To Miss ISophia Free- love. And such a beautiful seal ! It is a pity to break it. [Ope/ling the paper.] La! Nothing but a plum-cake ! Jen. Is that all '? Soph. [Consideri7ig.] Ecod ! — Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ! I do think — As sure as sixpence, it is ! — It is ! — Jen. Is what 1 Soph. Oh, la, it is ! Jen. What's the matter with the girl? Soph. Ecod, Jenny, it is the most curious plum-cake you ever saw ! Jen. I see nothing curious about it! Soph, (r.) [Kneelvig.] Oh, but you shall see 1 Give me a knife ! — Oh, no, that will spoil all ! — Look you, Jenny, look ! — Do but look ! [Breaks open the cake andjinds a Va- lentine enclosed.] Ha, ha, ha, ha ! I told you so ! The sweet, dear — ! [Kisses it.] Did you ever see such a plum- cake in your whole life, Jenny % — And look here ! \^Open- i?ig the Vale?ttine.] Oh, how beautiful ! — The shape of a honey-suckle ! — What should that mean 1 — And two doves cooing ! But here ! — Here's the writing : " The woodbine sweet, and turtle dove. Are types of chaste and faithful love. Ah ! were such peace and truth but mine, I'd gladly be your Valentine !" [Repeating.] Were such peace and truth but mine ! La, now, Mr. Dornton, you know they are yours ! Jen. So, so ! Mr. Dornton sends you valentines, Miss! So2?h. Oh, yes, .lenny ! He is the kindest, sweetest, handsomest gentleman ! Jen. You must give me that valentine. Miss. Soph. Give it you ! Jen. Yes, that I may show it your mamma. Soph. Indeed ! but don't you think it ! I would not give you this tiny bit of paper, — no, not for a diamond as big — as big as the whole world ! — And if you were to take it from ne, I'd never love vou, nor forgive you, as long as 1 live ! 40 THK ROAD TO IlUIN. [Aci III Jen. Oh ! but indeed, Miss, I'm not obliged to keep se- crets for nothing ! Soph. Nay, Jenny, you know I am very good to you. And here ! — Here ! Don't tell ma', and I'll give you this silver thimble. \^Exit Jenny, l. — Sophia retires to the background. Enter Widow Warren and Mr. Sulky, l. Widow. ^R.) You are a very shocking person, Mr. Sul- ky ! — The wild man of the woods broke loose ! Do re- turn to your keeper, good orang-outang; and don't go about to terrify children ! Sul. I tell you, madam, Mr. Milford is arrested. Soph. My brother? SuL Locked up at a bailiff's in the next street. Soph. Oh, dear ! Widow, (c.) And pray, now, what is that to me 1 Sul. Madam! Widow. I am not arrested. Sul. Would you were ! Widow. Oh, the savage ! Sul. The pitiless only should feel pain. The stony- hearted alone should be enclosed by walls of stone. Soph. [Comes forward on i..\ Don't be cross with ma', sir : I'm sure she'll release my brother. Widow. You are sure, minikin 1 Soph. (l. c.) Yes, ma' ; for I am sure, no soul on earth would suffer a fellow-creature to lie and pine to death, in a frightful, dark dungeon, and fed with bread and wa- ter ! Sul. (r. c.) Your late husband recommended the pay- ment of his son's debts. Widow. Recommended ? SuL Yes. Widow, But leaving it to my own prudence. Sul. M ore's the pity. Widow. Which prudence I shall follow. Sul. It will be the first time in your life — You never yet followed prudence, you always ran before it. Soph. Nay, come, dear ma' ; I am sure you have a pi- tiful heart ; I am sure you could not rest in your bed if my poor brothei- was in prison. Scf.N,:!.] THE ROAD TO RUIN. 41 AV'uloiv. Hold your prattle, child. Soph. Ah, T. am sure you'll make him happy, and pay his debts. Widoiv. Why, Jenny \ [Galling, Sid. You won't 1 Enter Jenny, r. Soph. La, dear sir, have patience — SuL \ To Soph. \ You are an angel! [To Widow.] And yott are — [Exit, l. Soph. Nay, pray, sir, do stay ! [Exit, following. Widow. I am glad the monster is gone ; he is a very intolerable person. — Pray, Jenny, hov/ did it happen that Mr. Dornton went away without seeing me 1 E?Ucr Servant and Silky, l. Ser. Mr. Silky, madam. Widow. Leave us, Jenny. [Jenny exits, r.] So, Mr. Sil- ky, — What is this very urgent business of yours ? S'd. (l.) [Looking cautiously round. \ Are we safe, ma- dam ] Will nobody interrupt us ; nobody overhear us 1 Widow, (c.) No, no. — But what is the meaning of all this caution ] Sil. [ Carefully drawing the will from his pocket.] Do you know this hand- writing, madam \ [Both sit.' Widow. Ah ! — It is my poor old dear man's, 1 see. Sil. You have heard of a will he left in France 1 Widow. Pshaw ! Will, indeed ! He left no will. Si/. Yes, he did, madam. Widow. I won't believe it ! He loved me too well to rob me of a single guinea ! Poor simple soul ! I was his darling ! Sd. His darling, madam 1 — With your permission, I will just read a single clause, in which his darling is men- tioned ! Look, madam, it is the alderman's hand ! [Reads.] *' But as I have sometimes painfully suspected the exces- sive affection which my said wife, Winifred Warren, pro- fessed for me during my decline, and that the solemn pro- testations she made never to marry again, should she sur- vive me, were both done with sinister views, it is my will that, should she marry, or give a legal promise of mar- rian^e, v/ritten or verbal, that she shall be cut off with an 42 THE ROAD TO RUIX. ["Act III. annuity of six hunflred a year : and the residue of my ef- fects in that ease to be equally divided between iny natu- ral son, John Milford, and my wife's daughter, Sophia Freelove.' Widow. Six hundred a year ! An old dotard ! brute ! monster ! I hate him now as heartily as when he was alive ! Bat pray, sir, how came you by this will 1 Sil. Why, it was odd enough ! and yet easy enough ! My name is Silky, madam — Widow. Well] Sil, And you know the executor's name is Sulky — Widow. Wein Sil. The gentleman that delivered it only made a mis- take of a letter, and gave it to Mr. Silky instead of Mr. Sulky. Widoiv, And where is that gentleman 1 Sil. Ah, poor man — He is dead ! Widoiv. Dead? Sil. And gone. — Widow. And does Mr. Sulky know of this will being delivered 1 Sil. Not a syllable ; it's all close and smooth. Widoiv. So much the better. Come, give it me, and— Sil. Excuse me there, madam ; I can't do that. • Wido?v. Why so 1 Sil. My conscience won't let me; I must provide for my family. Wido2v. And pray, what provision is this will to make for your family, Mr. Silky 'i Sil. Why, madam, I have a proposal. — You Know the power of your own charms 1 Widoiv. Which, I believe, is more than you do, Mr. Sil- Ky— Sil. Hah ! Don't say so, madam ; — Don t say so ! Would I were a handsome, rich, and well-born youth : — But you know Mr. Goldfinch 1 — Ah, ha, ha, ha ! I could tell you a secret ! Widow. What, that he is dying for me, I suppose ] Sil. Ah ! — So smitten ! — Talks of nothing else ! Wido2v. And is that any secret, think you 1 Sil. The alderman, I find, died worth more than a plum an.l a half — SCFWE I.] THE ROAD TO RUIN. 43 Widow. Weill Sil. i have talked the matter over with my friend, Mr. Goldfinch, and he thinks it but reasonable, that for a secret of so much importance, which would almost sweep the whole away, I should receive one-third. Widow. Fifty thousand pounds, Mr. Silky ? SiL 1 can't take less. Widow. Why, you are a greater rogue than even I thought you ! Sil. Lord, madam, it's no roguery ; it's only a know- ledge of the world ; a young husband, with a hundred thousand pounds, or poor six hundred a-year, without any husband ! Widow. You are a very shocking old miser, Mr. Silky ; a very repulsive sort of a person ; what heart you had is turned to stone ; you are insensible of the power of a pair of fine eyes ! But I have made a conquest that places me beyond your reach — I mean to marry Mr. Dornton. Sil. [Rising surprised.] What ! old Mr. Dornton, ma- dam 1 Widoio. [Rising.] Old Mr. Dornton, man ! I never saw the figure in my life — no ! The gay and gallant young Mr. Dornton ! the pride of the city, and the lawful monarch of my bleeding heart ! Sil. Ha, ha, ha ! young Mr. Dornton ! Widow. So you may take your will and light your fires with it ; you will not make a penny of it in any other way. Mr. Sulky, the executor, is Mr. Dornton's partner, and when I marry Mr. Dornton, he will never inflict .the ab- surd penalty. Sil. Ha, ha, ha ! No, madam ! when you marry Mr. Dornton, that he certainly never will ! but if any accident should happen to prevent the match, you will then let me hear from you % Widow. Lord, good man ! don't mention the horrid idea ! do leave me to my delightful meditations ! I would indulge in soft sensibility and dreams of bliss ; and not be disturbed by dead men's wills, or the sordid extortions of an avaricious old rogue ! Sil. Very well, madam ! the secret for the present re- mains between ourselves. You'll be silent for your own 44 THC llOAD TO RUIN. [Act I LI sake ! only remember, ha, ha, ha ! if you should want me, I live at number forty. My name is on the door. Ha, ha, ha! Mr. Dojnton ! Good morning, madam ! [Going, L.] Mr. Dornton ! ha, ha, ha I you'll send if you should want me 1 [Exit laughing, l. Widow. Jenny! [Calling, Enter Jenny, r. Jen. Ma'am ! Widow. As I was saying, Jenny, pray, how did it hap- pen that Mr. Dornton went away without seeing me ? Jen. Indeed, ma'am, I don't know. Widow. Cruel youth ! Jen. I'm sure, ma'am, I wonder how you can like him better than Mr, Goldfinch. Widow. Mr. Goldfinch is very well, Jenny; but Mr. Dornton ; oh, incomparable ! Jen. I'm sure, ma'am, if I was a rich lady, and a hand- some lady, and a fine lady, like you, I should say Mr. Gold- linch for my money. Widow. Should you, Jenny 1 Well, I don't know. [Languishing. Goldfinch. [Without, L.] Tellee I must see her ! Widow. As I live, here he comes ; — he is such a bois- terous person ! How do I look, Jenny % Jen. [Jifter examining.\ You had better go up to your toilette for a minute. Widow. That smooth-tongued old extortioner has put me into such a fluster. — Don't let him go, Jenny. Jen. Never fear, ma'am. Widow. I'll not stay too long. [Exit^ r. Enter Goldfinch, l., his clothes dirtied by a fall. Gold, (l.) Here 1 am — all alive. Jen. (c.) Dear; what's the matter ? Gold. (l. c.) Safe and sound ; fine kick up ! Jen. Have you been thrown 1 Gold. Pitched five-and-twenty fret into a ditch — souse Jen. Dear me ! Gold. Pretty commence ; no matter — limbs whole — heart sound — thnt's your sort! Jen. Whore di 1 it happen "? iJCENE I.j THK UOAl) TO RUIN. 45 Gold. Bye-road — back of Islington — had them tight in hand, too — came to short turn and a narrow lane — up flew a damned dancing-master's umbrella — bounce — off they went — road repairing — wheelbarrow in the way — crash — out flew I — whiz — fire flashed — lay stunned — got up — looked foolish — shafts broke — Snarler and Blackguard both down — Black-and-all-black paying away — pannels smashed — traces cut — Snarler lamed ! Jen. Terrible ! Gold. Damned mad ! — cursed a few, cut up Black-and- all-black, horsewhipped Tom, took coach, and drove hero like a devil in a whirlwind. Jen. 'Tis very well your neck's not broke. Gold. Little stiff" — no matter — damn all dancing-mas- ters and their umbrellas ! Jen. You had better have been here, Mr. Goldfinch. You stand so long, shilly shally, that you'll be cut out at last. If you had but a licence now in your pocket, I'd undertake to have you married in half an hour. Gold. Do you think so 1 Jen. Think ! I'm sure on't. Gold. Damme, I'll post away and get one — must not lose her ; the game's up, if I do ! — must have her I — be true to me, and I'll secure you the hundred. I'll be back from the Commons in a smack. \Kxit Jenny ^ l. Enter Widow Warren, r. Ah, Widow ! here am I ! \^uns to her, lusscs her eagerly^ and. dirties her clothes. Widow, (r.) I protest, Mr. Goldfinch I — was ever the like ! [Looking at herself. Gold, (c) Never mind, brush off" — I'm the lad ! — been to Hatchet's — bespoke the wedding-coach. Widow. But — Sir — Gold. Pannels stripe painted — hammer-cloth fringed — green and white — curtains festooned — patent wheels — sil- ver furniture — all flash — light as a bandbox — trundle and spin after ray grays like a tandem down hill — pass — show 'em the road — whurr — whizz-gig — that's your sort ! Widoic. It vvi]] be superb! Gold. Superb! [With amtempt] Tellee it will be tie thing ! — the go — the st;ire — the gape — the gaze ! — the rich 46 THE KOAD TO RUIN. [Act III. widow and the tight one ! — there they go — that's your sort — I'm the boy that shall drive you ! Widow. Pardon me, Mr. Goldfinch ; if a certain event were, by the wise disposition of Providence, to take place, I should think proper to drive. GoJd. You drive ! If you do, damme ! Widow. Sir ! Gold. Pm christened and called Charles — Charles Gold- finch — the knowing lad that's not to be had — winter and summer — fair weather and foul — low ruts or no ruts — never take a false quarter. No, no, widow — I drive — hayit — ah ! ah ! — get on — St — St — touch Whitefoot on the flank — tickle Snarler in the ear — cut up the Yelper — take out a fly's eye — smack, crack — that's your sort ! Widow. I assure you, Mr. Goldfinch, you entertain very improper suppositions concerning — Gold. Go for the licence. [Going, Widow. Nay, but surely, Mr. — Gold. Go for the licence — resolved — taken it here. [Pointing to his forehead. Widow. If retrospect and — and affection threw no other obstacles in the way — yet the — the world — prudence — Gold,. The world ! — prudence ! — damn the world — damn prudence ! Widow. Oh, but, sir — Gold. The world nor nobody else has nothing to do with neither your prudence nor mine — we'll be married imme- diately — Widow. Immediately, Mr. Goldfinch % I — G(dd.. What, you won't % Widow. Nay, Mr. Goldfinch — I — do not — absolutely renunciate — but I — wish— Gold. It was over — know you do — go for the licence — Widow. Pray, dear Mr. Goldfinch — Gold. Go for the licence, I tellee — Widow. Only a word — Gold. To the wise — I'm he — go for the licence — that's your sort ! [Exit, i.. Widow. Mr. Goldfinch — I declare — I Exit, following, l. o^v.fEll.] THE KOAD TO KL'iN. 47 Scene II. — Dornion's House. Enter Mr. Dornton and Mr. Smith, r Dor. (r.) Still the same hurry, the same crowd, Mr Smith 1 Mr. S. (r.) Much the same, sir : the house never expe- rienced a day like this ; Mr. Sulky thinks we shall never get through. Dor. Is Milford taken] Mr. S. Yes, sir. Dor. Unprincipled prodigal ! my son owes his niin to him alone. But he shall suffer. Mr. S. My young master's tradesmen are waiting. Dor. Bid them come in. [Ex/'t Smith, l.| All my own fault, my own fond folly : denied him nothing, encouraged him to spend ; and now — Re-enter Mr. Smitu^ /olio wed hy upwards of twenty Trades- men, L., who stand across background, Mr, S, (c.) This way, gentlemen. Dor. (c.) Zounds, what an army ! — a vile, thoughtless profligate ! Enter Clerk, l. Clerk. \ To Dornton.] You are wanted in the counting- house, sir. Dor. Very well. I'll be with you in a moment, gentle- men — abandoned spendthrift ! \ Exit, followed, hi/ .Mr. Smith, l. First T. I don't like this ! what does this mean 1 Second T. Danger ! Third T. He has been a good customer — none of your punctual paymasters, that look over their accounts. First T. Oh, a different thing ! nothing to be got by tlism — always take care to affront them. Second T. Perhaps it is a trjck of the old "-entieman to mspect into our charges. Third T. I don't like that : rather hear of any tax than of taxii),(T 5T)y bill. First T. Humph ! tradesmen be,2;in to uiulei-stand these ihintrs, aud allow a reasonable profit. 48 THE HOAl) TO IIUIN. (_AcT III. Second T. Can't have less than fifty per. cent for retail credit trade ! Third T. To be sure not ; if a man would Hve in style, and have a fortune, as he ought. First T. Hush ! mind — all devilish hard run. Omnes. Certainly. First T. Not a guinea in the house ; to-morrow's Sa- turday — Hem ! Re-enter Mr. Dornton, l. Dor. Your servant, gentlemen, your servant. — Pray, how happens it that you bring your accounts in here ] First T. We received notice, sir. Dor. You have none of you any demands on me ! First T. Happy to serve you, sir. Second T. We shall be glad of your custom, sir. Omnes. All ! all ! Dor. And do you come expecting to be paid ? First T. Money, sir, is always agreeable ! St'co?id T. Tradesmen find it a scarce commodity ! Third T. Bills come round quick ! Fourth T. Workmen must eat ! Second T. For my part, 1 always give a gentleman, who is a gentleman, his own time. Dor. I understand you ! And what are you, sir, who seem to stand apart from the rest 1 Hosier. [Advancins^, r.] A hosier, sir. I am unworthy the company of these honest gentlemen, who live in style. I never affrojjt a punctual paymaster, not I ; and, what they will think stiange, I get more by those wlio do look over their bills than those who do not ! First T. Humph ! ) Second T. Blab ! \ [Aside.] TkirdT. Shab! \ Dor. And what may be the amount r)f your bill, sir? Hosier. A trifle, for which I have no right to ask. Dor. No right ! what do you mean 1 Hosier. Your son, sir, made me what 1 am; redeemed me and my family from ruin ; and it v/ould be an ill re- quital of his goodness to come here, like a dun, at such a time as this ; when T would rather, if that could help him, give him every shilling I have in the woj'ld. ScEJ^E II. j THE ROAD TO KUIN. 49 Dor. Would you ? would you 1 \Greatly affected. \ You look like an lionest man ! But what do you here, then ] Hosier. Mr. Dornton, sir, knew I should be unM'illing to come, and sent me word he would never speak to me more if I did not ; and, rather than offend him, 1 would even come here on business like this. Dor. \ Shaking him hy the hand.\ You are an honest fellov\' ! an unaccountable ! — and so, Harry has been your friend 1 Hosier. Yes, sir : a liberal-minded friend ; for he lent me money, though I v/as sincere enough to tell him of his faults. Dor. Zounds, sir! how came you to be a weaver of stockings ! Hosier. I don't know, sir, how I came to be at all; I only know that here I am. Dor. A philosopher ! Hosier. 1 am not fond of titles, sir ; I'm a man. Dor. Why, is it not a shame, now, that the soul of So- crates should have crept and hid itself in the body of a stocking-weaver 1 Give me your bill. Hosier. Excuse me, sir. Dor. Give me your bill, I tell you ! I'll pay this bill myself. Hosier. I cannot, must not, sir. Dor. Sir, I insist on — [All press forward. Enter Harry Dornton, l. So, sir ! [Turning angrily round.] Why have you assem- bled these people, into whose debt you have dishonestly run, wanting the power to pay : and who have as disho- nestly trusted you, hoping to profit exorbitantly by your extravagance ? Har. (l.) Oh, sir, you don't know them ! They are a very complaisant, indulgent kind of people ? Are not you, gentlemen 1 First T. Certainly, sir, Omnes. Certainly. Har. (c.) Be kind enough to wait a few minutes with- out, my very good friends. [Eoceunt Trndesmcn, \..\ Mr. Williams — \Takes his JkduI. Dor. (r.) How dare you introduce this svv^arm of locusts tier« 1 How dare you ? 50 THE ROAD TO RUIN. [Act III. Har. (l. c.) [ With continued good liumour.\ Despair, sir, is a dauntless hero. Dor. Have you the effrontery to suppose that I can or shall pay them ] What is it you mean % Har. To let you see I have creditors. Dor. Cheats ! bloodsuckers ! Har. Some of them : but that is my fault. They must be paid. Dor. Paid! Har. The innocent must not suffer for the guilty. Dor. You will die in an almshouse ! Har. May be so ; but the orphan's and the widow's curse shall not meet me there. Dor. Harry ! Zounds ! Paid ! Whom do you mean to rob ? Har. My name is Dornton, sir. Dor. Are you not — \Overpowered with his feelings. Har. Yes, sir. Dor. Quit the room ! Begone ! Har. You are the best of men, sir, and I — But I hate whining. Repeutance is a pitiful scoundrel, that never brought back a single yesterday. Amendment is a fellow of more mettle. But it is too late. Suffer I ought, and suffer I must. My debts of honour discharged, do not let my tradesmen go unpaid. Dor. You have ruined me ! Har. The whole is but five thousand pounds. Dor. But 1 — The counter is loaded with the destruction you have brought upon us all. Har. No, no — I have been a sad fellow, but not even my extravagance can shake this house. Enter Mr. Smith, l., in consternation. Mr. S. Bills are pouring in so fast upon us, we shall never get through ! Har. [ With astonishment.] What ? What ? Mr. S. We have paid our light gold so often over, that the people are very surly ! Dor. Pay it no more ! Sell it instantly for what it is worth, disburse the last guinea, and shut up the doors ! Har. \To Mr. Smith.] Are you serious? Blr. S. Sir ! Scene II.] THE ROAD TO IIUIN. 51 Har. [Impatiently.] Are you serious, I say? Is it not some trick to impose upon me 1 iVTr. S. Look into the shop, sir, and convince yourself! If we have not a supply in half an hour, we must stop ! [Exit, L. Har. [WiJdly.] My father! Sir! [Turning away.] Is it possible 1 Disgraced 1 Ruined ? In reality ruined 1 By me 1 Are these tilings so ] Dor. Harry, how you look ! You frighten me ! Har. [Starfn^g.] It shall be done ! Dor. What do you mean ] — Calm yourself, Harry. Har, Ay ! by heaven ! Dor. Hear me, Harry I Har. This instant! [Goings b.. Dor. [Calling.] Harry! Har. Don't droop! [Returning.] Don't despair! I'll find relief! [Aside.] First to my friend — He cannot fail? But if he should ! — Why, ay, then, to Megaera ! I will marry her, in such a cause, were she fifty widows and fifty furies ! Dor. Calm yourself, Harry ! Har. I am calm ! Very calm ! It shall be done. — Don't be dejected — You are my father — You were the first of men in the first of cities — Revered by the good, and respected by the great — You flourished prosperously ! — But you had a son ! — I remember it. Dor. Why do you roll your eyes, Harry? Har. (l.) I won't be long away. Dor. (l.) Stay where you are, Harry ! [Seizing his hand.] All will be well ! I am very happy ! Do not leave me ! I am very happy! Indeed 1 am, Harry-— Very happy ! Har. Heaven bless you, sir I You are a worthy gen- tleman ! I'll not be long ! Dor. Hear me, Harry ! I am very happy ! Enter Mr. Smith, l. Mr. S. Sir, shall we send to the Bank for a thousand pounds' worth of silver ? Har. [Furiously.] No, scoundrel ! [B reals atoay and exit, l. Dor. Harry ! Harry ! I am very happy ! Harry 52 THE KOAD TO RUIN. [Act lIL Dornton — I am very happy ! Very happy ! [Exit, Mi\ B^nitli following^ i. Scene lll.—T/ie House of Mr. Silky. Enter Silky and Jacob, r. Sil. Mr. Goldfinch not called yet, Jacob? Jac. No, sir. Sil. Nor any message from the widow 1 Jac. N"6, sir. [Knocking, R. Sil. See who knocks, Jacob. [Exit Jacob, r.] I dare say it is one or t'other ! They must come to me at last ! Enter Harry Dornton, in wild haste, following Jacob, r. liar. \ Entering.] Are you sure he is at home ] Jac. He is here, sir. [Exit, r. Har. Mr. Silky— [Panting. Sil. Ah ! my dear Mr. Dornton, how do you do ! [Both sit.] I hope you are very well 1 I am exceedingly glad to see you ! This call is so kind, so condescending. It gives me infinite pleasure. Har. Mr. Silky, you must instantly grant me a favour! Sil. A favour ! What is it 1 How can I serve you ? I would run to the world's end ! Har. You must exert your whole friendship ! Sil. Friendship, sir 1 Say duty ! 'Twas you that made a man of me ! 1 should have been ruined, in the Bench, I know not where or what, had you not come forward and supported me at the critical moment ! And now I can defy the world. Har. [hnpatientli/.] Hear me ! I know you can. Sil. Oh, yes ! The sum you lent me, a lucky specula- tion, five years of continual good fortune, and other little lifts have made me — I won't say what. But your father, and perhaps another or two excepted, — 1 say, perhaps I'll show my head with the proudest of 'em. Har. Why, then, 1 am a fortunate man ! Sil. To be sure you are. How can I serve you 1 — What can I do 1 Make me happy. Har. You can rescue me from phrensy. Sil. Can 1 1 — I am proud ! Infinitely happy ! — What % How 1 I am a lucky fellow ! Tell me which way 1 Where cgn I run '^ What can 1 do 1 ScENKlIL] THE ROAD TO RUIN. 53 Har. [Hesitaling.] The request is serious — trying. Sll. So much the better ! So much the better ! Whom could I serve, if not you 1 — You ! The son of the first man in the city ! Har. [ Wildly.] You mistake ! Sit. I don't ! You are, you are ! Dornton and Co. may challenge the world, the house of Hope perhaps ex- cepted ! Har. Woful mistake. Sll. Pooh! Har. Our house is in danger of stopping payment ! Sil. Sir ! [Rises.] Stop payment ! Har. My follies are the cause ! Sll. [Turning away.] Stop payment ! Har. I have not been used to ask favours — ^but — Sil. Stop payment ! Har, [Rises.] What means this alteration in your coun- tenance ] Sil. Oh, dear, no ! Ha, ha, ha ! Not in the least ! Ha, ha, ha! I assure you, 1, I, I — Har. I have told you our situation. Yourself and two other friends must jointly support my father by your cre- dit, to the amount of fifty thousand pounds. Mark me ! — Must ! Sil. Fifty thousand pounds, Mr. Dornton ! Fifty thou- sand pounds ! Are jrou dreaming 1 Me 1 Fifty thou- sand pounds ! Me ? Or half the sum ? Or a fifth of the sum ] Me ] Har. Prevaricating scound — Hear me, sir I Sil. [In fear.] Yes, sir ! Har. I must be calm. [Bursting out.'] Are you not a — ! I say — sir — You have yourself informed me of your ability, and I must insist ! Observe, sir ! I insist on your immediate performance of this act of duty ! Sil. Duty, and fifty thousand pounds ! Are you mad, Mr. Dornton 1 Are you mad 1 Or do you think me madt Har. 1 think you the basest of wretches ! Sll. Nay, Mr. Dornton, I would do anything to serve you — Any thing, I protest to heaven ! Would go any where, run — Har. Of my errands, wipe my shoes ! Any dirty me 54 THE ROAD TO RUIN. [Act HI nial office that cost you nothing. And this you call show ing your gratitude 1 Sil. Is it not, Mr. Dornton 1 liar. [His anger increasing.] And will you give no help to the house ] Sil. Nay, Mr. Dornton — Har. After the favours you have been for years receiv- ing, the professions you have been daily making, and the wealth you have by these means been hourly acquiring — will you npt, sir *? Sil. [Retreating.] Nay, Mr. Pornton — Har. [Advancing.] Will you not, sir 1 Sil. Don't hurt a poor old man ! I can't ! Har. [Throwing him, from him.] Scoundrel ! [ExUt R. Sil. Bless my heart ! Stopped payment ! — The house of Dornton ! — Fifty thousand pounds ! — I declare, I am all of a tremble ! Jacob ! Enter Jacob, r. Have we any bills on the house of Dornton ] Jac. I have just been examining the books, sir. — -We have bills to the amount of — Sil. How much 1 How much ] A thousand pounds 1 Jac. Three, sir. Sil. Three ! — Three thousand 1 Bless my heart 1 Jac. We heard the news the very moment after young Dornton came in ! Sil. Run, pay the bills away ! Jac. Where, sir 1 Sil. Any where ! Anybody will take 'em ! Run with them to my dear friend, Mr. Small ware ! it is too far for him to have heard of the crash. Begone ! Don't leave him ! Give my very best respects to him ! He will oblige me infinitely ! Fly ! And, Jacob — Make haste, go to the clearing-house, and get it whispered among the clerks. Then, if there are any of Dornton's bills to be bought at fifty per cent, discount, let me know. I will buy up all I can. [Exit Jacohy l.] It's a safe speculation — I know the house — there must be a good round dividend. \Exif^ \.. END OF ACT III. Scene I.] . THE ROAD TO RUIN. 55 ACT IV. Scene I. — The House of the Widow Warren Enter Jenny, i.., followed by Harry Dornton, who, with an oppressed hearty hut half drunk with ivineand passion, assumes the appearance of wild and excessive gaiety, Har. Away, Handmaid of Hecate ! Fly ! Je7i. Lord, sir, you don't mean as you say 1 Har. Will you begone, Cerberea ! Invite my Goddess- to descend in a golden shower, and suddenly relieve these racking doubts. Jen. Goddess ! I knew whom you meant — Miss Sophy ! Enter Widow, r., and exit Jenny, dissatisfied, r. Widow. \Smiling\ Mr. Dornton ! Har. Widow ! Here am I ! Phaeton the second, hurl ed from flaming car ! I come burning with fierce desires, devoutly bent on committing the deadly sin of matrimony ! May these things be ? Speak, my saving angel ! Widow. Nay, but — Dear Mr. Dornton — Har. Do not imagine, amiable Widow, that I am mad I No, no, no ! Only a little flighty — Left my father furious- ly, drank three bottles of Burgundy frantically, flew in amorous phrensy to the attack, and will carry the place or die on the spot ! Powder and poison await my choice ; and let me tell you, sweet Widow, I am a man of my word i So you'll have me, won't you % Widow. Oh, Mr. Dornton ! Har. Why, you would not see my father perish ? Would you % and me expire 1 would you ? Widow. Am I so very cruel % Jlar. Then say yes ! — yes, or — Pistols — Daggers — Can n on -balls ! Widow. Yes, sir ! yes, yes ! Har. Hold, fair Widow! Kind Widow, hold ! Be not rash ! I am the veriest villain ! — Avoid me ! — A ruined — But that were indeed a trifle — My father! Him! him have I ruined ! Heard you that % Bring forth your hoards ! Let him once more be himself, and bid me kiss the dust ! 56 THE ROAD TO RUIN. JAcx IV Widow. \ Aside.] Elegant youth ! Har. And wilt thou, Widow, be his support '? [Eas^erl;/.] Wilt thou ? Widow. Cruel question ! How can I deny ? Har. Immortal blessings be upon thee ! My father — Wido)i\ Will be all rapture to hear — Har. [Skahes his head.\ Ah, ha, ha, ha! [ young gentleman. Mil. [Reads, aside.] I understand you are at liberty. How! at liberty ! [OJicer hows — Reads.] I shall walk up to Hyde Park : you, will find me at the ring at six. Ex- actly at six. At liberty ! Ofjl. Your debts are all discharged. ScE^^i: III. THE KOAD TO RUIN. 63 MIL Impossible! Which way? By wLjm 1 OJi. Why, sir — that is — Mil. No hesitation, but tell me by whom ! ■ Ofi. Sir — I thought I perceived some angei between you and the young gentleman 1 Mil. Ask no questions, sir ; make no delays. Tell me who has paid my debts ? Tell me the truth. Conse- quences you do not suspect depend upon your answer. O^. I perceive, sir, there has been some warmth be- tween you; and though the young gentleman made me promise silence and secrecy — Mil. [ With astonish?7ient.] What, then, it was Mr. Dornton 1 [Officer, r., bows.] Madman ! what have I done ! [Exeunt, R. Scene III. — T/ie House of Dornton. Ente?- Harry Dornton, followed hy Mr. Smith, l. Har. (l.) And the danger not yet passed ? Mr. S. (l.) Far from it. Mr. Sulky has twice brought us supplies, an-d is gone a third time. Har. (c.) Brave spirit ! He would coin his heart ! My father supports it nobly ! Mr. S. (r. c.) He is anxious only for you. Har. Well, well. Ha, ha, ha ! Tol lol— I'll bring him relief. Comfort him, assure him of it. Ay, hear me, hea- ven, and — To-night is too late, but to-morrow all shall be well — excellent well ! 3Ir. S. [Significantly.] You will marry the Widow? Har. Have you heard ] Ay, boy, ay — We'll marry. I will go and prepare her ; we'll marry early in the morn- ing, that all may be safe. I have told her the truth. She knows all — Why, ay, [Looking at histcatch,] the proc- torls, the lawyer's, the Widow's, and — [Starts,] at six !— the ring! — at six ! — Fiends! Who can say what may — What, leave my father to perish % I'll not go ! though all hell should brand me for a coward, I'll not go ! Mr. Smith, take care of my father. Mark me, I recommend my father to you ! [Exit, l. Enter Mr. Dornton, r. Dor. (r.) Where is Harry % (c) Did not I hear his voice ] 64 THE IIOAD TO RUIN. [AcT IV Mr. S. He is this moment gone, sir. J)o?\ Gone! — Where 1 Mr. S. Do you not suspect where, sir 1 Dor. [u'Uarmecl.] Suspect! What? Speak! ]SL\ S. To the Widow Warren's. Dor. For what purpose 1 Mr. S. To marry her. Dor. Marry ! The Widow Warren ! Mr. S. And save the house by her fortune. Dor. Generous Harry ! Noble, affectionate boy ! I'd perish first ! [ Walks about. Mr. S. He seems very resolute. He has already had six thousand pounds of her. Dor. Marry her ! I shall go mad I Where is Mr. Sul- ky ] [Extreinely agitated. Mr. S. He is just returned. I hear him in the count- ing-house. Dor. Tell him I wish to speak to him. [Exit Mr. Smithy L.] Harry Dornton and the Widow Warren ! I shall die in Bedlam ! Enter Mr. Sulky, l,, a pen in his hand. Are we safe, Mr. Sulky ? Sul. (c.) For to-day, perhaps. Dor. (c.) What bank have we to begin to-morrow 1 Sul. I can't tell ; 1 fear not thirty thousand. Dor. Mr. Sulky, you — you — you — have this day shown yourself an active partner and a sincere friend. Sul. Humph ! Dor. I have long esteemed you ! 1 esteem you more and more. Sul. Humph I Dor. My son, Harry — [Hesitating.] You are a very good man, Mr. Sulky; a compassionate man, though you don't look so. Sul. Humph! Dor. 'Tis pity to see so noble a youth — I am sure you would not wish him any harm, Mr. Sulky ! 1 am sure you would not ! Sul. Whom'f Dor. Harry Dornton. Would you "? Would you ? Would you, Mr. Sulky ? Scene III.J TFIK ROAH TO IIUIN. G5 Sal. A kind question. Dor. Nay, T did not mean to be unkind, Mr. Sulky ; you know 1 did not. Shall we not venture one step more to save him 1 Sul. Save ! Impossible ! Ruin only can reform him ! Total ruin ! Dor. You mistake, Mr. Sulky. His own misfortunes little affected him, but mine — He is struck to the heart ! I know him ! Sal. So do I. Dor. Struck to the heart ! I'm sure on't ! He'll be a {^ood man ! A great man ! S(i/. Humph ! Dor. You know the Widow Warren, Mr. Sulky 1 Sul. Don't you 1 Dor. I never saw her in my life. I hear she is full forty, her manners absurd, her character cruel, and her morals — Sul. Bad enough. Dor. Six thousand pounds at this moment is a great sum ! I own it ! But do you think I ought not to ven- ture ] Sul. Venture what ] Dor. To — to take it from our bank. Sul. For what ? Dor. For — for the — the relief of Harry Dornton. Sul. What you please ! Take all ! What is it to me 1 Dor. Nay, but, Mr. Sulky, you surely don't see the thing in the right light 1 Sul. I can starve, like the rest ! Dor. Very well, Mr. Sulky ! — Very well ! I perceive you can be interested, and — and — Sid. And what 1 Dor, Very well, Mr. Sulky ! Very well ! Sul. I can stare bankruptcy in the face as steadfastly as you can. Do?-. Ay, ay, no doubt ! The world is all alike ! I am an old fool, and so shall live and die ! Sul. Why do you ask my advice] Take the money! Empty the coffers ! Pour it all into his hat! Give him guineas to play at chuck-farthing, and bank bills to curl his l-.air ! 66 THE ROAD TO RUIN. [Act V. Dor. Very well, Mr. Sulky ! Friendship, generosity, a sense of justice ! Oh, it's all a farce ! f Walks about. Sul. Humph ! Dor. [Rings.] Very well, sir ! Very well ! Enter Servant, l. Is the carriage ready ? Ser. It's at the door, sir. Dor. [Going, L., turns back.] So, Mr, Sulky, you would see him married to this widow, to whom you have so of- ten, as well as now, given the worst of characters, rathei than incur a little more risk for your friend 1 Sul. Marry ! Dor. Yes, marry ! Sul. Whom? Dor. The Widow Warren, I tell you. Sul. Harry Dornton ! Dor. Yes, Harry Dornton ! Sul. When 1 Where ? Dor. Immediately ! With unexampled affection, to Bave me, who am old and worthless, he would devote his youth, his great qualities, and his noble heart, to all the torments which such a marriage and such a woman can inflict ! Sul. Take the money ! Dor. Are you serious, Mr. Sulky 1 Sul. Take the money ! Away ! Begone ! I would indeed starve, inchmeal, rather than he should marry her ! Dor, Mr. Sulky, you are a worthy man, a true friend ! Sul. Curse compliments, make haste ! [Exeunt, l. END OP ACT IV. AC T V. Scene I. — The House of the Widow Warren, Enter Sophia, l., Jenny, r. Jen. (r. c.) So, Miss ! Here's your mamma just com* ing down Scene I.J THE ROAD TO RUIN. 67 Soph. (l. c.) [Much agitated ?\ Is she dressed 1 Jen. Oh, yes ! — I have decorated her out like any king's coach-horse ! Soj)h. It's very well. Jen. With her ribands and ringlets stuck about and dangle-ating down her back ; and all her — Soph. It's veiy well. It's all very well. But it will be no wedding. Je7i. [j^s/de.] I hope not. Sop/i. He told her to her face that he loved me, and of- fered to give her the money back. He'll never have her. And if he does, I don't care. I know I shall die broken- hearted, but I don't care. I'll tell all to my dear grand ma', for I'll not stay in this wicked city. No ! he sha'n't see me pine away. I know my ghost will haunt him ; but I can't help it. I never wished him any harm, and had he but been true-hearted, and have waited for me, I would — But it's no matter. He shan't see a tear that 1 shed, nor hear the least sigh that I heave. Enter the Widow Warren, r. Jen. [Admiring her.] Well, ma'am — I declare you're a pictur — Wido7i\ (c.) Do you think I look tolerably, Jenny 1 \ JValking and surveying herself. \ Shall I do execution X What is the matter, child % Soph. j\Iark my words, he'll never have you. Widow. Poor thing ! Soph. He never will. [Knocking at the street-door ^ l. Widow. Run, Jenny, see who it is. [Exit Jenny y\..] Go up to your chamber, child. Soph. [Much agitated.] No, I will stay here. Widoio. Begone to your chamber, I say, miss. Soph. Beat me, if you please ; kill me, but 1 will not. Re-enter Jenny, l. Jen. Here's an elderly gentleman, ma'am, asks to speak to you. Widow. Will you begone, miss 1 Sojyh. Since it is not he, I don't want to stay. I only want to loiDk him in the face once more. [Exit, r. Widow How is he dressed 1 68 THR KOAD TO RUIN. [Act V Jen. In gray, ma'am. Widoiv. in gray t Jen. Yes, ma'am. WidouK In dark gray 1 Jen. Yes, ma'am. Widow. [Eagerly.] Does he look like a parson, Jenny 1 Jen. Why, ma'am, he's a soberly, snug, jobation-look- ing man enough. Widow. Let him be shown in. [Exit Jenny, l.j I dare aay it is the divine. Enter Jenny, l., introducing Mr. Dornton. Dor. (l.) Your humble servant, madam ! WidouJ. Sir, your very most humble servant! [ With great respect, Dor. (l. c.) I presume you are unacquainted with me? Widow, (r. c.) [ With a siinj^ering ai\\ I believe I can penetrate, sir — Dor. Can you, madam ? Widoiv. [Holding her fan before her face.] You — you come on the — part of — young Mr. Dornton 1 Dor. \ Surprised.] I do. Widow. [Aside.] It is the parson? — [Aloud.] Would you be so indulgent as to be seated, sir? Dor. Excuse me, madam ! Widow. Would you be pleased to take any refreshment, sir? Dor. Madam ! Widow. A morsel of seed-cake, a French biscuit, a bit of orange-loaf, a glass of Constantia, or a jelly ? 1 know these little cordial comforts are agreeable consolations to gentlemen of your cloth. Dor. [Surveying himself] Cloth ! Widow. No offence, I hope ! I participate in them myself. Dor. Hem ! No doubt ! Widou\ You are acquainted with Mr. Dornton 1 Dor, Why — Yes — I am, I believe, one of his oldest acquaintance. Widow. Then I dare say you have a great regard for him ] Dor. H(3m ! — Ygs — I — liad a — sort of a friendship for Scene I.] THE llOAD TO RUIN. 69 Widoiv. Sir! — Oh — you are intimate with the family ! Do7\ Yes — yes, madam ! Widoio. And know his father 1 Dor. Hem — \Shrugs.\ Why — though I have kept him company from the day of his birth to this very hour, they tell me I don't know him yet ! Widow. Ay, indeed ! is he so odd ] Dor. Sometimes — To my great regret, I have some- times found him a very absurd old gentleman ! Widow. I am sorry for it I — Because, as I am soon to become — hymeneally — his intimate — relation — T — T — [ JVith affected coyness. Dor. You would wish for a sensible, indulgent papa. — \ Smiling. Widow. It's natui-al, sir. [Simpering. Dor. Ha ! 1 dare not say too much in his favour. Widoiv. Nay, though I have avast — hum — ha — regard for young Mr. Dornton — I own I have no great predilec- tion of opinion for the father ! Dor. [Acrifnonioi/.s7i/.] Nor he for you, madam ! Wido?i\ Do you think so ] Dor. 1 am sure so ! Widow. I warrant, sir, he is, as you say, a very precise, acrimonious old gentleman ! Dor. I said no such thing, madam ! Widoiv. Ah ! a little caution, sir, to be sure, becomes gentlemen of your cloth. Dor. Cloth again ! — I don't know what you mean by my cloth ! but Mr. Dornton, madam, is little older than yourself; nor does he think himself half so repugnant. Wfdow. Sir! Dor. [Recollecting himself.^ Madam 1 — I beg pardon ! — I — * [Bowing. — A knocking, l. Widoiv. Oh ! here, I dare say, comes the bridegroom ! [Enraptured, crosses, l. Dor. [Aside^^ My cursed vivacity ! I can never toll her, after this, who I am. [Bet ires up the Stage. Enter Harry Dornton, in haste, l. Widow. [Eagerhf meeting him.] Oh, you rover ! [Crosses, r. Har. Well, my kind WidoM ! [71//-. Dornton gradi/aihj 70 THE KOAD TO RUIN. [Act V approaclics.] My loving, compassionate Widow ! (c.) T am come post haste to cast myself once more on your bounty. Widow, (c.) Hush! Har. To entreat instant commiseration and aid ! Widow. Hem ! Hem ! [Aloud, Har. 1 have not a minute to spare ! Widon\ [Whisjjers.] He's here ! He's come ! A wasp- ish, techy ! — Hem ! — [Aloud ] Your friend has been here some time, Mr. Dornton ! Har. My friend ! What friend 1 Widoiv. Your friend, the clergyman. [Pointing to Mr. Dornton. Har. Clei"gyman ! [Tunis and sees his Father close at hit €lhow.\ My father ! Widow. His father ! [A pause. Dor. (l. c.) Well, Harry, why do you look so blank 1 I am glad you are here. Your coming, and the mutual sincerity with which this lady and I have just spoken our sentiments, will save all circumlocution. — At present, we understand each other. Widojc. Sir — I — Dor. Oh, madam, never retract. Let us continue the like plain honest dealing — Widoio. But — sir — Mr. Dornton's affection — Dor. Ha, ha, ha ! Affection, madam ! Har. Sir — Dor. Harry, I know your motives — will never forget them. But the cause of them has ceased. Har. Sir, beware ! No false ccjmpassion ! Remember not the vile reprobate that was your son ! 1 spurn at the existence that is coupled with your misery. Dor. Harry, our danger is over. Har. Are you — are you serious ? Dor. Mr. Sulky is a worthy man ! His rich uncle is dead, and has left him sole heir. Our books, too, have been examined, and exceed our best hopes. Har. My— Dor. Here is your money, madam. [Offering ii. Har. My father saved ! Tol de rol ! Widow. Nay, but — Mr. Dornton !--sir— [ Weeping. Dor. I must beg you will take it — Har. \\vjo\co, Vf'idow! Rejoice! Sing I Shouf f 'i'ol-de-ro] ! SCKNE 1,1 THE ROAD TO RUIN. 71 lllJoiv. I do not want the money, sir. Filthy money. And as to what T said, though you have arrested Mr. Mil- ford— Hfir. Ha! [Pausing and looking ai his watch. Widow. I am sorry — T beg your pardon — And if Mr. Dornton — Dor. Why don't you speak, Harry 1 Where are you going 1 [Harry crosses hastily, Ij.] Come back, Harry! — Stay, [ say ! Hur. I cannot stay ! I must fly ! My honour is at stake. [Exit, l. Dor. [Alarmed.'] His honour ! His honour at stake ! — Here, here, madam ! [Offering money. Widoiv. Nay, sir — Dor. 'Sdeath, madam, take your ijioney. [Exit, l. Widow. Cruel usage ! Faithless men. — Blind ! Stu- pid ! I'll forsake and forswear the whole sex ! [ Weeps. Knter Jenny, l., with great glee, and stands uwperceived, l. Jen. (l.) Ma'am ! ma'am ! Mr. Goldfinch, ma'am ! Widoio. Hey ! Mr. Goldfinch ! Was that what you said, Jenny 1 [Brightens ?//>.] Where ? Jen. Below, ma'am. I persuaded him to come up, but he is quite surly. Widow. Oh ! He is coming. Well, I think I will see him — Yes — I think I will. Jen. I always told you, ma'am, Mr. Goldfinch for me. Widow. Did you % Jen. But he says he will have your written promise this very night, or never speak to you more. T hear him. [Ad- justing the Widow's dress?\ Law, ma'am, you had better give a few touches — Hereabout — Your eyes will have doubfe the spirit and fire. Widow. Will they % [Exity R. Enter Goldfinch, l. Gold, (r.) Where's the dowager ^ Jen. (l. c.) Hush ! Mind what I said to you. — It is too late now for a licence, so be sure get the promise. — Don't flinch ! Gold. Me flinch ] Game t ) the back bone % Jen. Hush ! [Exit, r. 72 THE ROAD TO RUIN. [Act V. Rccnte?' tlie Widow Warren, r. Gold, (r.) Here I am once more, Widow. Widow, (r.) Ah, rambler ! Gold. Are you cured of the tantrums ? Widow, (c.) Nay, Mr. Goldfinch— Gold, (c.) Mnst 1 keep my distance? Widow. Unjdnd ! Gold. (l. c.) Am 1 a gentleman now ] Widoiv. Killing ! Gold. Look you, Widow, I know your tricks. Skittish ! Won't answer to the whip ! Run out of the course ! Take the rest. — So give me your promise. Widow. My promise ! Gold. Signed and sealed. Widoiv. Naughty man ! You shan't ; I won't let you tyrannize over my palpitating heart. Gold. Palpi — What does she say 1 Widow. Go, intruder ! Gold, Oh ! what, you won't? Widow. I'll never forgive you. Gold. I'm oftM [Going y l. Widow. Cruel man ! Gold, (l.) I'm off! Widow. Ml-. Goldfinch ! ' [Calling, Gold. I'm off— Widow. You shall have the promise ! Gold. Oh, ho ! Why, then, I pull up — [Returning. Widow. Barbarous youth ! Could you leave me % — But I must send to Mr. Silky. Gold. (l. c.) No, no ! Let me have the promise direct- ly ! I'll go myself to Silky. Widow. Will you, Mr. Goldfinch? Gold, (c.) Will I not ? Take a hack, mount the box — Hayit! — Scud away for the old scoundrel! I'm a deep one — Know the course every inch ! I'm the lad for the widow ! That's your sort ! Widow. Saucy man ! I'll be very angry with vou. Gold. (l. c.) Soon be back. Widow. Adieu ! Fly swiftly, ye minutes ! Gold. But I must have the promise first ! Widow. I will go and write it. Come, dissembler, Gome ! \Exif, languishing, r. S-cEztElI.] THE RCAD TO RUIN. 73 Gold. She's an old courser ! but I knew I sliould take her at the double. Enter Milford, l. Mil. (l.) So, Charles! where's the Widow? Gold. The Widow's mine ! Mil. (L. c.) Yours % Gold. I'm the lad ! All's concluded — Going post for old Silky. [Attempting to go^ hut is stopped by Milford. Mil. Silky, did you say ? Gold. Am to pay the miserly rascal fifty thousand pounds down. But mum ! That's a secret. Mil. You are raving ! Gold. (l. c.) Tellee he has her on the hip ; she can't inarry without his consent. Mil. (c.) But why ? ' Gold. Don't know. The close old rogue won't tell — Has got some deed, he says — some writing. Mil. Indeed! Gold. Yes — but it's a secret ! I shall be a higher fel- low than ever, Jack ! Go to the second spring Meeting — Take you with me — Come down a few to the sweaters and trainers — The knowing ones — The lads — Get into the secret — Lay it on thick — Seven hundred to five — Favour- ite against the field ! — Done 1 — I'll do it again ! — Done ! — Five times oyer — ditto repeated ! — Done, done ! — Off they go ! — Winner lays by — Pretends to want foot — Odds rise high ! Take 'em — Winner whispered lame — Lags after — Odds higher — and higher. Take 'em — Creeps up — Breathes 'em over the flat — Works 'em up hill — Passes the distance-post — Still only second — Betting chair in an uproar ! — Neck to neck ! — Lets him out — Shows him the whip — Shoots by like an arrow — Oh, damme, a hollow thing ! (l.) That's your sort. [Exit, l. Mil. (c.) Fifty thousand to Silky for his consent, because sf some instrument, some writing 1 — If it should be the — It mast — By heaven, it must ! [Exit, hastily, L. Scene II. — The Ring in Hyde Park. Enter Harry Dornton, r. u. e., looking at his Watch. Har. How long must I wait 1 I see nothing of Mil Tord — I'll cut off that bailiff's ears if he has betrayed me. 74 THE ROAD TO RUIN. f Ac* V. Enter Mr. Dornton, r., out of breath. Dor. (r.) So, Harry ! Har. (c.) My father again ! Dor. What do you do here, Harry ? Har. Sir^ — I — I want air. Dor. So do I. — A pretty dance you have led me.-— What brought you hither] — Where's the money you had of the Widow 1 — Where's the money, Harry % Har. \Reluctantly.\ Gone, sir. Dor. Gone ! Har. Most of it. Dor. (c.) And your creditors not paid ? [Pause.] And your creditors not paid % Har, No, sir. Dor. [Raises his hands.] 1 suspected — I foreboded this ! [Harry walks ahout in the hackgroimd.] He has been at some gaming-house, lost all, quarrelled, and come here to put a miserable end to a miserable existence ! Oh, who would Ije a father ! [ With extreme emotion. Enter Waiter, r. Waiter, (l.) [Surveying Mr. Dornton.] Pray — sir — Is your name Dornton 1 Dor. It is. Waiter. Then I am right — Mr. Milford, sir, has sent me with this note. [Exit, r. Har. [Advancing.] It is for me, sir ! Dor. How do you know, Harry 1 Har. (r. c.) Sir, I am certain ! — I must beg — Dor. This is no time for ceremony ! — [Reads.] Dear Harry y forgive the provocation I have given you ; forgive the wrongs I have done your father — Me ! — I ivill submit to any disgrace rather than lift my hand against your life — / would have come and apologised even on my knees, but am frevented. J. Mllford. ' [Stands a moment contemplating the letter.] Why, Harry ! —What !— What is this ?— Tell me— Tell me ! Is it in paying Milford's debts you have expended the money ? Har. It is, sir. Dor. [ Endeavour i7ig to repress his feelings.] But liow hud he wronged me ? — Wliy diil you come here to fight him I Scene III.] THE ROAD TO RUIN. 75 Har. Sir — he — he spoke disrespectfully of you. [A pause. Dor. [Looking tv'dh powerful emotion on his son, then sud- denly taking his ha?id.'\ Harry! Har. [Taking his Jlither's hand^ hut turning to conceal his agitation.] My father ! \ A pause. Dor. Harry ! Harry ! Har. Dear sir, let us fly to console poor Milford ! Dor, What you will, Harry ! Do with me what you will — Oh, who would not be a father! [Exeunt, r. Scene HI. — The House of the Widow Warren. Enter Milford and Mr. Sulky, l. Mil. (l. c.) That fool, Goldfinch, himself informed me, sir, that Silky is to receive fifty thousand pounds for his consent ! Sul. (c.) Fifty thousand ! Zounds ! Why, then, the old scoundrel must have got possession of the will. Mil. Which is indubitably meant to be destroyed. Goldfinch is just returned with Silky. They are now with the widow, all in high glee, and are coming up here immediately, no doubt to settle the business in private. Sul. What can be done 1 Mil. We must hide ourselves somewhere, and spring upon them. Sul. I hate hiding ! It's deceit, and deceit is the re- source of a rascal. Mil. But there is no avoiding it ! We cannot get le- gal assistance in time ! Here are two closets — Do you go into one, and I'll shut myself up in the other. We shall hear what they are about, and can burst upon them at the proper moment. Sul. Well, if it must be so— But it's a vile, paltry refuge ! Mil. I hear them coming ! Make haste ! [Exeunt into closets. Ent&^ Silky, Widow, and Goldfinch, l. Sil. [First.] Ha, ha, ha ! I told you, madam, I should hear frotn you when you wanted me I I knew it must como to that. But you are a lucky man, Mi\ Goklfiiich ! 76 THE KOAD TC RUIN. [^ctV. and I'm a lucky man ! Ay, and you are a lucky woman, too, madam ! We are all in luck. Gold, (c.) [Ar}n-in-ann with, Widoiv.] Ay, damme, old one, you have been concerned in many a good thing in your time. Sil. (r.) Ah, ha, ha, ha, ha ! To be sure I have ! I must provide for my family, Mr. Goldfinch t Widow, (l.) It is indeed a fortunate event ! Do you not participate my raptures, Mr. -Goldfinch 1 Gold. To be sure — It's a deep scheme ; it's knowing a thing or two ! Ha, old one 1 Pigeoning the greenhorns Sil. (r. c.) All so safe, too ; so snug ! I am so pleased, and so happy ! It's all our own ! Not a soul will know of it but our three selves. Gold. Oh, yes — One more, old one. Sil. [Alarmed.] Ay! Who] Whol Gold. Your father — Beelzebub. Sil. Lord ! Mr. Goldfinch, don't terrify me ! Widow, (l. c.) To be sure, it must be owned you are a shocking old rogue, Mr. Silky ! But there is no doing without you. So make haste with your deeds and your extortions ! for really we should be very glad to be rid of your company — Sil. Well, well, I'm ready — I'll not long interrupt your amorous haste. I'm a man of business. I expected how it would be, and have a legal instrument here, ready drawn up by my own hand ; which, when it is signed and sealed, will make all safe. Widow. But where is the will 1 Sil. [All three sit at a table, c] Oh, I have it. — First, however, let us be secure. [Locks both the chamber doors ; is going to read, but looks round, sees the closet doors, and, with great anxiety and cunning, locks thetn too. Gold. You're an old trader in sin ! There's no being too deep for you ! Sil. Ah, ha, ha, ha ! Do you think so, Mr. Goldfinch 1 Gold. But I should like to see you on your death-bed ! \^A bloiv from one of the closets. Sil. Bless my soul ! — What's that 1 Gold. Zounds! Odd enough ! I believe he's coming for you before your time ! SCEKE III.] THE ROAD TO RI-IN. 77 Widow. It was very strange ! Sfl. I declare I am all of a tiemble ! Widow. Come, come, let us get the shocking business over ! — Where is the will 1 Gold. Don't shake so, man ! Sil. Well, well ! First sign the bond. [ Widow and Goldfinch going to sign, another knock heard.] Lord have mercy upon me ! Gold. I smell sulphur. Widow. Save me, Mr. Goldfinch ! Sil. The candles burn blue ! [A pause. Gold. Pshaw ! Zounds, it's only some cat in the closet ! Sil. I heard it in both the closets. Gold. Why, then, there are two cats ! Come, I'll sign. [ Widow and Gold/inch sign the bond. SU. Where's the promise 1 Gold. Here it is. [Laying it on the tahh. Sil. And here is the will, which, that all may be safe, we will immediately commit to the flames. [Is going to burn it in the candle. Four successive loud knocks are heard, two from each of the doors. Silky starts, drops one candle, and overturns the other. Stage dark.] Lord have mercy upon us ! Gold. My hair stands on end ! Wido7v. [ Violent knocking at both closets and at the doors.] Save me, Mr. Goldfinch ! Protect me ! Ah ! [Shrieks. [Sulky and Milford burst open the closets, and seize on the bond and promise ; then open chamber doors ; at L., enter Jenny loith lights, and at the other, Sophia, Harry Dornton, and Mr. Dornton. Soph, (l.) Dear ma*, what's the matter ? Sul. Where is the will % [Silky recovers himself and inatches it up.] Give it me, you old scoundrel ! Give it me this instant, or I'll throttle you ! [ Wrests it from him. Mil. (c.) So, gentlemen ! you are a pretty pair of knavos. Sul, (c.) And you are a very worthy lady. Widow, (l. c.) Don't talk to me, man ! — Don't talk to me ! — I shall never recover my senses again ! [Retires up Stage. Har. What has happened, gentlemen "? How came you thus air locked up together ? -Dor. Are you here, Mr. vSilky ? 78 THE ROAD TO RUIN. [Act V Sul. Yes ; there's the honest, gratefu], friendly Mr. Sil- ky ! who would betray his friends, plunder the living, and defraud the dead, for the ease of his conscience, and to provide for his family. Go/d. Old one! You're done up ! Sul. And here is the girlish old coquette, who wouhl rob her daughter and leave her husband's son to rot in a dungeon, that she might marry the first fool she could find. Gold. Widow ! you are dished ! [Sulky exaynines the zvill.] Lost your last chance ! Dor. (l.) a broken gamester, nurtured in idleness, ig- norance, and dissipation, whose ridings, racings, and driv- ings are over, and whose whole train of horses, dogs, cur- ricles, phaetons, and fooleries must come to the hammer, immediately, is no great loss. Soph. Oh, la ! Dor. I knew your father, sir : 'tis happy for him that he is dead. If you will forsake these courses and apply to trade — Gold, (c.) Damn trade ! Who's for the spring meet- ing 1 Cross 'em and wind 'em ! Seven to five, you don't name the winner ! (l.) I'm for life and a curricle ! A cut at the caster, and the long odds ! Damn trade ! The four aces, a back hand, and a lucky nick ! I'm a deep one ! That's your sort ! [Exit, l. Sul. (r.) And now, madam — Widow. [Comes forward.] Keep off, monster! You smell of malice, cruelty, and persecution. Sul. No, madam : I smell of honesty ! A drug you nauseate, but with which you must forcibly be dosed ! — I have glanced over the will, and find I have the power. Widow. Let me go, goblin I — You are a hideous person, and I hate the sight of you ! Your breast is flint ! flint ! unfeeling gorgon, and I abominate you ! . [Exit, r. Soph, (c.) Nay, you are a kind, good, cross old soul ! and I am sure you will forgive my poor ma' ! We ought all to forget and forgive ! Ought not we, Mr. Dornton ? Har. [ To Mr. Dornton.] Do you hear her, sir 1 Dor. (r. c.) Harry has told me of your innocent, pure, and unsuspecting heart — I love you for having called me an ugly monster. Soph. [To liar.] La, Mr. Dornton, how could you — SckneIII.] the road TO RUIN. 79 Sul. (r. c.) Harry — Give me your hand — You have a generous and noble nature ! But your generosity \vould have proved more pernicious than even your dissipation. No misfortunes — no, not the beggary and ruin of,a father, could justify so uiiprincipled a marriage ! Dor. [To Sulky.] And now, my friend ! Mil. My father! Bar. (c.) My — Sul. Whoo ! If you wish to get another word from mo to-night, have done! [Turning to Silky.] I hate fawning Si/, (r.) Ah, Mr. Sulky, you will have your humour. Sul. {r.) The indiscriminating generosity of this young man supported you in your day of distress ; for which, serpent-like, you turned to sting your preserver. Si/. Ah, you will have your humour. Sul. Yes ; and it is my humour to see that your villainy shall be exposed in its true colours. Hypocrisy, falsehood, and fraud, are your familiars. To screen your avarice, you made it believed that this gentleman had been the cause of lodging the detainers, and had done the dirty work of which even you were ashamed. But the credi- tors shall receive their full demand. Dor. (r. c.) The proposal is just. Listen to that wor- thy man ; and, if you can, be honest with a good grace. Everything will then be readily adjusted, and, 1 hope, to the satisfaction of all parties. DISPOSITION OF THE CHARACTERS AT THE FALL OF THE CURTAIN. Silky, Sulkt. Dornton. Sophia. Harrt. Milford. R.l [L. THE END. :^r'L>< 014 153 309 5