Cob J ^ 
 
] 
 
 014 528 267 6 
 
/ 
 
 IN TWO ACTS. J 
 
 AS PERFORMED AT 
 
 THE THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT GARDEN, 
 
 On Jbebruary 2, 183 K 
 
 PR 5189 
 
 .P58 
 
 nz 
 
 1831 
 
 
 Copy 
 
 2 
 
 By T.POWER, Esq. 
 
 AUTHOR OF "THE LOST HEIR," &C, 
 
 BALTIMORE : 
 
 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY J. ROBINSON, 
 
 Circulating Library and Drainatie Repoaitorjr. 
 
 1831. 
 
.^<yU./t^^ ' ' x^t^juk 
 
 ^tiitn.^ 
 
 ^^•vSr 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSON.E. 
 
 Due d* Orleans, 
 
 Marquis de Meneville, 
 
 Sir John j^seot. 
 
 Colonel O' Dillon, 
 
 Pierre, 
 
 Frajicts, . • 
 
 Mr. Abbot. 
 Mr. Bartley. 
 Mr. Ward. 
 M. Power. 
 Mr. Irwin. 
 Mr. Mars. 
 
 Servants^ Courtiers, ^c. 
 
 Duchess d^ Orleans, 
 Madame de Meneville, 
 Lady Ascot. 
 Annette, 
 
 Miss Ford. 
 Miss Taylor. 
 Mrs. Chatterly. 
 Miss Philips. 
 
 Ladies of Ballet, tjfc. 
 
 Time of Action — One Day and JVight. 
 Place of Action — Paris. 
 Costume — Loiiis Quinze. 
 

 
 MARRIED LOVERS. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I. — Madame de Menkville's Bourdoir, 
 
 Madame discovered arranging her hair in her toi- 
 lette-glass. — Lady Ascot sitting ofifiosite. 
 
 Mad, Well, ma belle Anglaise^ and what now is 
 this mighty secret? 
 
 Lady. Dear Madame de Meneville, how shall I 
 find words to break the force of the blow my princi- 
 ples compel me to inflict upon my friend ! 
 
 Mad, A very terrible denouneement; but you per- 
 ceive I 2011 Steeled for the discovery ; so now do 
 come at once to the coup, de theatre. 
 
 Lady, After the hospitality I have received be- 
 neath your roof, judge how painful must be the ef- 
 fort, when I tell you, that this day I leave it. 
 
 ^* Mad, Leave this house; heavens, child, how 
 have I 
 
 *^Lady. You have been all goodness, alas! 'tis I — 
 I." That I have unconsciously been the cause of 
 offence to you, of a nature nothing but my absence 
 can atone. 
 
 Mad, My sweet cousin, what crime can you have 
 been guilty of? Perhaps through envy, bribed Mari- 
 etta to spoil my new robe-de-bal for to night ; or in 
 a fit of spleen, given my parrot liberty, strangled 
 my monkey, or poisoned my lap-dog; — what other 
 horror ? 
 
 Lady, My dear Madame, if I must be explicit, it 
 is your husband, the Marquis that 
 
 Mad, Oh, 'tis him you have poisoned ! Is that all ? 
 
4 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power. 
 
 Lady» But, pardon me ; you will not listen to 
 what, nothing but the horror of a fatal quarrel has 
 prevented my disclosing both to my husband and 
 to you, some time back. In short the Marquis— 
 
 Mad, Has had the good taste to become despe- 
 rately enamoured with his pretty guest; and, what's 
 more, has had the courage to declare his passion- 
 bless you, my love, that is no secret to me ! 
 
 Ijudy, Madame, you surprise me, how could you 
 have a suspicion of 
 
 Mad, Oh, suspicion has long been out of the 
 question; every one in the house knows it, except 
 you and your good Lord and Master. 
 
 Lady. Every one knows it! I shall die with 
 shame. 
 
 Mad, You need not — nobody minds it. 
 
 Lady, Oh ! Madame de Meneville, keep it close 
 hidden from Sir John, for he is so jealously fond of 
 me, and so passioaate, that were he but to suspect 
 the Marquis's libertine designs, the consequences 
 would be 
 
 Mad, Too trifling to be entertaining, or one might 
 be tempted to divulge. 
 
 Lady, You will pardon me, Madame, when I say 
 your indifference surprises me ; is it possible you 
 have so long suspected all this, and yet refrained to 
 assert your honour's claims. 
 
 Mad. Wherefore be so selfish, as to rob my dear 
 Marquis of a little harmless amusement ; I had too 
 much reliance on your honour and good taste to sus- 
 pect you of any thing serious with a man of a" cer- 
 tain age ; and even had I found you proceed to ex- 
 tremities, I had my revenge offered by a friend of 
 yours. 
 
 Lady. Revenge I — by who ? 
 
 Mad. By your very loving jealous husband. Sir 
 John, who 
 
 ** Lady, Either Imisunderstand, or you jest !'* 
 
 ** Mad, I assure thee, my little simplicity, there 
 
Act I.] MARRIED LOVERS. 5 
 
 " is no jesting intended on your poor husband's part, 
 ** for he*' has made me the warmest protestation* 
 for these three weeks past ! 
 
 Lady. The wretch ! — is it possible ! after all his 
 pretended love and jealousy? — Oh, how I shall hate 
 him ! an ugly^ ill-tempered, horrid old monster! 
 
 MacL Come, come, my dear, you must allow he 
 has a fair excuse for his falsehood; and forgive him, 
 in compliment to his good taste — ha, ha, ha! 
 
 Lady. I'll seek out — I'll upbraid him with his 
 falsehood. I'll write to England, and expose him to 
 our friends — 111 be separated — I'll quit his protec* 
 tion — I'll leave this house-— I'll break |^my heart 
 C throws herself into a chair and weefis) — Oh, I shall 
 die with grief and vexation ! 
 
 Mad. At what ought to afford you amusement, 
 and provoke you to laughter. Oh I silly, silly, lady. 
 
 Lady* Ah! dear Madame, you do not know half 
 the sacrifices I've made for this old rogue, or half 
 the pains he took to persuade me that he doated on 
 me ; and am I so duped at last ! Why, his hypocri- 
 sy had half persuaded me to be fond of the wretch, 
 Hav'n't 1 told him of every approach to gallantry 
 that has been made me, and by whom ?— -hav'n't I 
 been denied to the Due d'Orleans in his absence, 
 because he chose to be jealous of his Grace's fre- 
 quent calls here? but I'll be revenged — I'll go to 
 England. 
 
 Mad, You need not go so far, you can be very 
 readily revenged where you are. 
 
 Lady. How mean you? 
 
 Mad. Why see the gay Duke when next he calls ; 
 and, perhaps, between us, some mode may be sug« 
 gested 
 
 Lady. Pardon me, Madame, I know too well what 
 is due to my own honour, to fly to such an evil reta- 
 liation. 
 
 Mad. And what evil retaliation have I proposed, 
 ma belle ^ — o' fi done I to suspect me ; but you En^- 
 
« MARRIED LOVERS. [Power. 
 
 lish are ever en-garde ; your virtue is always sur- 
 rounded by a cheval-de frise^ and there's no ap- 
 proaching you without first giving the countersign. 
 
 Lady- Excuse me if I have misunderstood you, 
 but 1 fancied you proposed to 
 
 Mad, To ai^ticipate mon mart in his disloyalty ! 
 No, no, I have no present liason that tempts to such 
 a dangerous extremity ; besides, I owe the Marquis 
 too much gratitude for that ; did he not bestow up- 
 on me a splendid fortune, perfect freedom, his own 
 good-humours, aye, and an agreeable person too, al- 
 though, perhaps, a little fiasse ? and shall I throw 
 away all these, and an excellent heart into the bar- 
 gain, merely because the good man has found room 
 enough there to squeeze your pretty image into? 
 Oh, no! we'll have better revenge — but, hush ! they 
 come — dry your pretty eyes, compose your ruffled 
 looks, meet the rogue's smiles with smiles as false, 
 see the Duke the next time alone, leave the rest to 
 me ; and I promise you revenge, as innocent as an 
 English wife, and as ample as a Frenchwoman can 
 desire. They come, the gay deluders, only look on 
 them, ha! ha! ha! 
 
 Enter Sir John, following the Marquis. 
 
 (Both middle-aged men^ their apfiearance con- 
 trasted, ) 
 
 Mar. Madame la Marquise^ /^owyowr, beautiful as 
 an angel this morning. (Kisses his wife's hand gal- 
 lantly, and fiasses to Lady Ascot-) Oh! my Lady 
 Ascot has had gentle dreams last night — she smiles 
 so benignly upon her poor Cavalier, {aside). 
 
 Sir John, {eyeing his wife askance.) What looks of 
 coldness — she is unworthy my tenderness. But, had 
 my happy lot fallen here, divine Madame de Mene- 
 ville, {aside ) — I am too happy to see you well and 
 in spirits this morning, {ogling her aide,) Ah ! — 
 
 Mad, Ah, yes! in our gaity lies the only chance 
 
/Vet I.] MARRIED LOVERS. 7 
 
 we poor brunettes have for conquest, when opposed 
 to the blonde beauty of your fair countrywomen, 
 Sir John. 
 
 Sir John. 'Tis true, My dear Madan^, that gaity 
 and wit form a portion of your armoury ; but 
 
 Marq, But even they are little more than a for- 
 lorn hope against such charms — with manner less 
 gay certainly {aside to Lady Ascot,) but far more in- 
 teresting. 
 
 Mad, Ah, you men, you men ! ever flattering to 
 deceive. But, my Lady, you wished to show me 
 your dress for to-night ; so we'll leave these gal- 
 lant lords of ours to the delight of expatiating on 
 their wives' innumerable amiabilities, wit, and 
 beauty in our absence. Adieu ! 
 
 Sir John, Allow me. Madam, to attend you. 
 
 [Takes her handy and leads her to the door, 
 ogling'] 
 
 Marq, Permit me, my Lady, to — - 
 
 [Takes Lady Ascot's hand^ and follows^ 
 looking languishing ly. At the door, kisses 
 her hand ; not seeing that Sir John is do- 
 in^ exactly the same to Madame de Mene- 
 ville. 
 
 Sir John, {as the ladies exit.) Fascinating Madame 
 deMenville! [Aside, 
 
 Marq, Divine Lady Ascot ! [Aside. 
 
 Sir John, My dear Marquis, you are a happy man 
 to possess a wife, who combines in her person all 
 that is lovely — in her wit all that is brilliant * 
 
 Marq, You are right. Sir John. I consider my- 
 self a happy man in having secured such a treasure ; 
 but you have equal claims on the congratulations of 
 your friends, for my Lady Ascot is exquisitely inte- 
 resting. In short, I think, we are two very lucky 
 7nfrfc?/f-aged gentlemen. 
 
 Sir John. Hem ! my dear Marquis— my wife's in- 
 teresting manner is what I complain of, it wants 
 Ufe, it wants \.\i2Xjouis8anc€^ which wit and goodhu- 
 
 ^v 
 
t MARRIED LOVERS. iPoiver. 
 
 mour Impart — besides, 'tis not natural to her — 
 When single she was gay, and light as summer 
 breeze — but since the knot was tied — Ugh! 
 
 Marq. I don't wonder, with such a melancholy 
 mate, poor thing, I pity her. [jiside. 
 
 Sir John, What do you say. Marquis ? 
 
 Marq. I say I pity you. Sir John. 
 
 Sir John. This cursed embassy, why was I tempt- 
 ed to join it, and bring a young wife to this Paris, 
 this, the very hot-bed of intrigue, the grave of hus- 
 bands' honour. 
 
 Marq, Well, my good friend, if your honour be 
 buried hercy you will at least have the satisfaction of 
 knov/ing it lies interred in the very best company ; 
 but come, come, your wife has lost her spirits, and 
 you grieve to see her dull. 
 
 Sir John. I do, right ! for, my dear friend, let me 
 whisper in your ear, that I suspect her dullness to 
 be assumed — 'tis all allurement, or what's still 
 worse, a growing sign of passion for another. 
 
 Marq, Ah! I rejoice — that is, I regret to hear this 
 "-^{aside) should he be right ! Have you any sus- 
 picion of the lucky — that is the libertine, who } 
 
 Sir John, More than suspicion — conjirmation ! 
 
 Marq. (aside) The devil. 
 
 Sir John. Ah ! my dear friend, you have cause if 
 you -knew all. 
 
 Marq, You are agitated, confide m my friendship, 
 what is it ruffles you thus ? 
 
 Sir John. I shall astound you by naming him. 
 
 Marq. The gipsy must have told him. [ dside. 
 
 Sir John, You. are already surprised; what will 
 you say, when I assure you, I have the man this mo- 
 ment in my eye ? 
 
 Marq. Surely, Sir John, you donH insinuate } 
 
 Sir John, I don't — \ don't insinuate — I affirm, that 
 XhtD\iked*0rlean8\s the lover — the avow'd lover 
 of my -wife, 
 
 Marq. Oh ! I breathe again, f cfiiWr .J— You do, in 
 
Act. I] MARRIED LOVERS. 9 
 
 deed, surprise me ; what has led you to tl^is conclu- 
 
 sion 
 
 ? 
 
 Sir John, Why, partly my wife's own hints, con- 
 firmed by this letter, which I managed to intercept. 
 Read, my dear friend, read. [Gives letter, 
 
 Marq. {reads,) — *' Lovely Lady Ascot, to what am 
 I to attribute your reserve? — to a dislike of my 
 manners and person, or to the constant presence of 
 the De Menevilles ? It cannot arise from devotion 
 to your husband, for what natural sympathy can 
 there be between Venus and Vulcan ?" Venus and 
 Vulcan ! — why, who does he mean by — 
 
 Sir John, O, can't you guess? — hem? — don't 
 laugh yety but read on. 
 
 Marq. (reads.) "Yours must have been a mar- 
 riage of convenience, and as such should be fairly 
 treated." 
 
 Sir John* Charming doctrine for a young wife! go 
 on. 
 
 Marq, (reads.) " I leave it to your own ingenuity, 
 if you wish to oblige me, to find some excuse for 
 quitting the house of the coxcombical old beau, De 
 Meneville." 
 
 Sir John, Hem I you know whom he means by 
 that? 
 
 Marq* Ha, ha ! bravo, my Lord Duke I {reads. ^ 
 " and repairing to some hotel of your own, where, 
 without restraint, I may declare, at the feet of the 
 loveliest of her sex, how much she is the adored of 
 
 Orleans." 
 
 Sir John, Now my good Marquis, you will allow I 
 have some cause for suspicion ! 
 
 Marq, Of the Duke, assuredly ! but I see nothing 
 against your lady. 
 
 Sir John, Do you not see her assumed demureness 
 of aspect, her interesting langour of deportment; 
 above all, she has this very morning been importun- 
 ing me to leave this house. 
 
 Marq- Indeed ! but did she give you no reason ? 
 2 
 
10 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power* 
 
 Sir John, No ; what reason could she give, only- 
 hints that her apartments were less her own than 
 she chose they should be. So that I saw in a mo- 
 ment, though I had intercepted this letter, her lover 
 Ilq4 found some other means to let her know his 
 wishes. 
 
 Marq. Did you give her any hint of your suspi- 
 cions ? 
 
 SirJohn^ Nothing more than a general caution. I 
 thought it best, first of all, to confide my troubles to 
 your friendship, and take your advice upon the sub- 
 ject. 
 
 Marq. I assure you, the recital has interested me 
 nearly ! 
 
 Sir John* Ah, my dear Marquis, I was assured 
 you would feel anxious to preserve your old friend's 
 honour from the Duke. 
 
 Marq. From the Duke ! most certainly. My ad- 
 vice is simple : — by no means leave my hotel : your 
 apartments are as much your own here as they 
 could be any where, and you may forbid the Duke's 
 coming into them, though I cannot deny him my 
 house, situated as I am at Court, and on the terms 
 he is with my wife. 
 
 Sir John, My dear Marquis, pardon me ; but how 
 can you talk, without jealousy, of such a libertine as 
 the Duke being on intimate terms with your wife ? 
 
 Marq. Jealousy, my good friend? — what is he 
 like ? I never knew the gentleman ; and depend on 
 it, if ever he takes up his residence in Paris, he'll 
 be cut by every well-bred man, as belonging to the 
 canaille, and inadmissable into good society. 
 
 " Sir John, A happy man to have such perfect 
 •* confidence in the honour of your wife. 
 
 " Marq, You are right," I have the most perfect 
 confidence in Madame de Meneville's honour. I do 
 not think her capable of wronging me. At all 
 events I know she possesses too much wit and dis- 
 cretion to l^t it be suspected for a moment. 
 
Act I.] MARRIED LOVERS. 11 
 
 Sir John. Insensible fop ! he is unworthy such a 
 treasure, (aside, ) 
 
 Marq, Horrid savage ! 'twould be a sin to spare 
 him, (aside. J 
 
 Sir John, But come, accompany me to the Ambas* 
 sador. Meantime I will give orders, which in the 
 event of the Duke's calling, will exclude him from 
 my apartment. — I'll match them yet, with all their 
 plotting against my honour. 
 
 Marq, Ah, dear friend, I fear your caution will 
 avail you little. I am a determined predestinarian 
 in these cases, and conclude, that when once a wife 
 has decided upon her husband's fate, 'tis not in hu- 
 man ingenuity to reverse the decree. 
 
 " Sir John, But at least one ought to defer the 
 *' mischief as long as possible ; and come what may, I 
 " shall have the satisfaction of knowing that I did 
 '*not act unadvisedly, but confided my sorrows in the 
 ** bosom of friendship, 
 
 " Marq. On the wisdom of that step there can be 
 but one opinion." 
 
 \^Exeunt Marquis and Sir John. 
 
 SCENE 11.—^ Hall— On one side a practicable 
 window. 
 
 Enter Duchess in domino^ and mask in her hand^ Lady 
 Ascot, and MaSame de Meneville. 
 
 Mad, Ha, ha, dear Madame, are not these scru- 
 pies of my pretty cousin amusing ^ — surely with the 
 permission of her Grace, there can be no great harm 
 in your holding an innocent iete-a-tete with the Duke 
 — you're not afraid, eh, coz •* 
 
 Lady, Of appearances only, which are as fatal to 
 the honour of a married woman, as actual shame^ 
 and, therefore, almost as criminal. 
 
 Duch, Why in England, that argument might 
 hold good, but you are here, in a land where happi- 
 
12 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power. 
 
 ly a greater latitude is allowed the sex ; where every 
 pretty butterfly is suffered to flutter as near the lamp 
 as possible, unblamed, as long as its wings are ac- 
 tually kept unsinged. 
 
 Lady, I fear, to those who risk an approach, that 
 must prove a difficult task. 
 
 Mad. Aye, to you sober English, who must always 
 be so much in earnest with every thing ; you've no 
 idea of Vamour fiour badiner — no notion of joking 
 with a man; but come, come, now you must allow 
 the Duke to see you tete-d-tete^ and, should he press 
 for a private interview, just contrive to give him en- 
 couragement enough to lead him into the trap I have 
 prepared for all these amorous sparks of ours. 
 
 Lady. If you will insist ; but 1 fear I shall act my 
 part very badly. 
 
 Duch, I'll warrant you ! only let the man be once 
 fairly on his knees, before the very simplest of us, 
 and I'll trust the rest to old madame Nature. Adieu! 
 I will don my mask, and retire as I came, by the 
 garden, where my chair waits. Adieu ! as the plot 
 thickens, let me hear from you, and rely on my aid, 
 to prove that simple woman's wit would make fools 
 of the wisest of them all. 
 
 Song. — Duchess, 
 
 To woman's wit, to woman's wit. 
 
 What is there to compare ? 
 Task land or sea, to yield to thee 
 This secret of the fair; 
 'Tis all in vain, you ne'er can hit 
 The magic charm of woman's wit. 
 
 To man denied, with all his pride, 
 
 Is woman's wit for ever, 
 Task earth or air, that essence rare, 
 Thy power can purchase, never. 
 Ah ! no, no, no, man ne'er can hit 
 The magic charm of woman's wit, 
 
 [^Rxit Duchess, 
 
 ._f _. J- 
 
Act I.] MARRIED LOVERS. 13 
 
 End of Song, enter Pierre, 
 Pierre. His Highness the Due D'Orleans and 
 Colonel O'Dillon. 
 
 Mad. Shew the Due into my boudoir; say no- 
 thing of the Duchess having been here. (Exit 
 Pierre.) Now, ma chere, courage, and all goes 
 bravely. \_Exeunt^ 
 
 \jAt Ladies* exit, Pierre re-enters, shewing i?i the 
 Duke of Orleans and Colonel O'Dillon. 
 
 Duke. Shew me to Lady Ascot's apartments. 
 
 Servant. I have Sir John's orders to deny all ad- 
 mittance during his absence, your Grace. 
 
 O'DilL Mighty civil that, of Sir John. 
 
 Duke. Swrely, friend, you must have mistaken. 
 Say to Lady Ascot that the Due d'Orleans wishes to 
 pay his devoirs to her, and Madame de Meneville. 
 
 Pierre. Lady Ascot is in Madame's boudoir; if 
 your Grace will allow me, I'll shew you there. 
 
 Orl. Ah ! this is more fortunate than my best 
 genius dared to promise me. Kind creature, to 
 make amends for her husband's cruelty, in shutting 
 me out of her own chamber, she graciously meets 
 me in her friend^ s where there can be little fear 
 from interruption. {Going. 
 
 O^Dill. But what's to become of me, meantime? 
 I wish your Grace would find somebody on the 
 establishment for me to fall in love with, or I'll be 
 in the way ; and a party of three is an odd number, 
 and against all rule in love affairs. 
 
 Orl, My dear Colonel, I've a little duty for you 
 here, that will employ your leisure, and serve your 
 friend. 
 
 O^DilL Your Grace honours me — you know I'm 
 yours, heart and soul. 
 
 Orl. I told you there was an inquisitive husband in 
 the way here ; now though the lady gives me the 
 meeting in her friend's apartments, should he come 
 
 2* 
 
14 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power, 
 
 in I would not swear but he'd be impertinent enough 
 to break in upon our sanctuary in search of his cai-a 
 s/iosa, an intrusion your kindness may prevent by 
 waiting here ; and should he appear, diverting his 
 approaeh until I receive timely notice. 
 
 O^DiiL There is only one trifling objection to my 
 mounting this guard to stop the husband. 
 
 Ori. And that is 
 
 O'DilL That I don't know him from his wife. 
 
 OrL I'll simplify your duty, by requesting you 
 will not suffer any stranger to approach, until by 
 talking loud, or by some stir and bustle here, you 
 attract my hearing. You understand ?— 
 
 O'DilL Ha, ha ! ABC, a vidette's duty. Fire a 
 shot on the enemy's approach, and retreat full drive 
 on the picquectc I'll be alert, never fear, your Grace. 
 
 OrL I trust to your vigilance, and now for my lit- 
 tle English divinity. \^Exit Duke. 
 
 O^DilL Um ! mighty pleasant, on my conscience 
 —I'd like a divinity of my own, English, Irish, or 
 French, or even Dutch — tiie devil a pin to choose—- 
 what will I do to entertain myself? — fall asleep? No, 
 I won't see who passes if I do that, I'm clapt here 
 as a corps of observation, and, by St. Patrick, I've 
 no liking to the post, for in a love affair an Irishman's 
 never happy unless he's in the thick of the action. 
 Who the devil is this Sir John Ascot? I never knew 
 one of the family. I hear he's attach'd to the Am- 
 bassador — the Duke's attach'd to his lady, and I am 
 attach'd to the Duke ; and there's all I know or care. 
 (goes to window J Eh ! there's the maid, I fancy, be- 
 low. Now if I could see any one I knew, I'd get re- 
 lieved from this post, and make a little love on my 
 own account — What a figure ! and such eyes! Oh, 
 you creature ! Egad here's de Meneville, he's a good 
 natured fellow, and too old a soldier to spoil sport. 
 I'll get him to do sentinel for me, while I whisper 
 three words of Irish to that little grasshopper ; be- 
 sides he knows this husband, and is fitter for the du- 
 ty than I am. 
 
\ct I.] MARRIED LOVERS. 15 
 
 Enter de Meneville. 
 
 Marq' I've lodged my jealous friend at the Am* 
 bassador's, and now for his shy lady. Ah! Col. Dil- 
 lon, your very servant. 
 
 (yDilL Marquis, your slave. Will I get you to 
 do me a favour of five minutes ? 
 
 Marq* Command me. Colonel, for as many hours, 
 
 0' Dill. Well then, wait here, and if Sir John As- 
 cot comes in, and wants to go that way, do you con- 
 trive to amuse him till 1 come back-~that's all. 
 
 [ Going » 
 
 Marq, Amuse him ? — for what purpose } 
 
 O'BilL Why, listen ; the duke is now tete-a-tete 
 in your lady's boudoir with his pretty wife. 
 
 Marq, Aye ! excuse me. Colonel O'Dillon, I have 
 business of the last importance, requiring my instant 
 presence ; any other time I shall 
 
 O* Dill. Zounds, man, but now*s the time ! you'll 
 not stay? — well, mum^ don't interrupt his Grace, 
 that's all. 
 
 Marq, Not for worlds — but my wife shall. ThiiS 
 is fortunate, (aside) Colonel, your servant. 
 
 [Exit Marquis after Duke. 
 
 0\Dill, Here's a curmudgeon, proposes to be mine 
 for five hours, and then hops off with a shrug and a 
 grin, like a superannuated dancing-master, what will 
 if do ? — She'll be gone — no, there she is. Oh! you 
 darling. 
 
 Kisses his hand from the window. Sir John Ascot 
 enters, not seeing him. 
 
 Sir John. My wife, I fancy, is in her own apart- 
 ment — the Marquis is absent — if I could but encoun- 
 ter Madame de Meneville alone. 
 
 [Going off after Marquis, O'Dillon stofis him, 
 
 0*Dill, Eh I what ? no — can it be sure ? — Selby, 
 my Cockney Counsellor, how are you ? 
 
 Sir John, fasidej Selby ! oh, he is ignorant of my 
 change of name and condition. 
 
16 MARRIED LOVERS, [Power. 
 
 0*Dill My daar fellow, though I've not seen you j 
 these seven years, I've a recollection of your good i 
 nature; will you do me a favour, Selby ? J 
 
 Sir John, If without much inconvenience I 
 
 O^DUL No inconvenience in life ; — truth is, there's 
 an old curmudgeon attached so the English embassy. 
 Sir John Ascot, who has the sweetest rogue of a lit- 
 tle devil of a wife — but, may be, you know them ? 
 
 Sir John, His person I know ; his characternot so 
 well, except by report. 
 
 O^Dill, On my honour there'll be a louder report 
 by and-by, when the Duke goes off with his wife — 
 which he will do, or it won't be his fault — but, mum, 
 between you and I. his Grace is at this moment ma- 
 king hard love to her ladyship, tooth and nail, and 
 Tm put here to keep the husband from interrupting 
 them, you see — he! he! 
 
 Sir John, Ha! ha! ha! Excellent expedient! 
 
 O^ Dill, I know you'd be amused ; now all I ask is, 
 that you'd take my place for ten minutes, while I 
 run down stairs to whisper a word of Christian com- 
 fort to a little stranger below; who, by her looks, 
 seems in need of consolation, May I trust you now, 
 Selby ? 
 
 Sir JohU' Implicitly. Go! go! 
 
 O'Dll, I'm gone. AH you've to do is to keep the 
 fellow in chat till I come back. Mind, now, I'd do 
 as great a kindness for you, any time. By the way, 
 did I hear of your being left a great fortune and a ti- 
 tle? 
 
 Sir John, No, no — I boast no title, Go, go, and 
 haste back, for I'm in a hurry. 
 
 O^Dill, Well, if it was not you, it was somebody 
 else. I'll not keep you. Have an eye on Sir John, 
 and hum him, my boy, \Exit 0^ Dillon, 
 
 Sir John, Zounds, I shall go mad! what's to be 
 done } O'Dillon not being aware of my change of 
 name, has put me in possession of a secret, which, 
 if permitted to proceed /?ro forma ^ would have end- 
 
 ' >---««i«MMHMMMik:««a 
 
Act I.] MARRIED LOVERS. 17 
 
 ed in bestowing on me an additional title. Oh! I'll 
 be revenged. How did he gain my apartments ?— 
 no matter, Til stop their love-makiug. 
 
 lExit in the direction ofifiosite to that taken by the 
 Marquis and Due d' Orleans. 
 
 SCENE III. — Boudoir — Duke discovered kneeling 
 to lady Ascot. 
 
 Lady. Nay, rise, my Lord—pray, rise; if you but 
 saw how ill this lowliness becomes your Grace 
 
 Duke, I ever thought man's chiefest grace was 
 lowliness ; but if you really mislike me thus, be kind 
 and raise me; for one smile of yours will lend me 
 Love's own wings, and send me bounding to 
 
 Lady, To home ! my Lord. 
 
 Duke, {rises) Aye, truly, home ! my long sought 
 place of rest — that fair bosom. 
 
 Lady, No higher ? 
 
 Duke, Um ! — May be a foot or so, to make a se- 
 cond home upon those lips — those ruby lips. 
 
 Lady* You'd make it seamen's home, I fear, my 
 Lord ; lands wildly sought, and then as lightly left. 
 
 Duke, And if 'twere so, I'd merit seaman's for- 
 tune, and ought to suffer shipwreck for my folly. 
 What! leave such a haven to. tempt again the sea, 
 the uncertain sea, whose richest island holds no gem 
 so lovely ! faith. Lady, you do me wrong to doubt 
 my truth ; my constancy shall prove 
 
 ^•^ Lady. Nay, nay, hold, my Lord Duke — I'll have 
 your character for constancy, on better warranty 
 than your own words. 
 
 *''' Duke- On better warranty, impossible! for who 
 can read my my heart's truth like myself, — I feel it 
 throb alone, alone for you. 
 
 ^"^ Lady, For all this I doubt whether your Lady 
 Duchess werefnot better authority for your constan- 
 cy, than even that throbbing heart of yours, 
 
 *' Duke, Oh, do not mention her. 1 need not tell 
 
18 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power 
 
 you, Lady, that all marriages are not made in hea- 
 ven ; or if they be, the gods deal but scurvily with 
 us great ones. But come, come, you know the hand 
 may be given where the heart can never follow ; be 
 kind then, and compassionate me as a fellow suffer- 
 er ; let's mend our hard fortunes, by sympathising 
 with one another." 
 
 Lady, If but half what you protest, be true, I 
 should be cruel indeed to withhold all hope — I'll 
 think on what you've said, till we meet again — 
 adieu. {^Going, 
 
 Duke* Angel, a thousand thanks for the kind 
 word, that we shall meet again ; but when, — and 
 where, and how ^ — 
 
 Lady, Nay, I must think upon that, aye, and up- 
 on the danger I incur, which ought to bid me hold 
 here; but this much 1 will promise, during the day, 
 to send my page to you, and if your better genius 
 whisper me kind thoughts — Arnold shall be their 
 bearer. Are you then content with this ^ 
 
 Duke, Just so far content as the wretch dying with 
 fever is, when promised a remedy by fasting and 
 his physician. But even for this, upon my knee I 
 thank you. Lady, and touching with my lip this 
 snowy shrine, here vow 
 
 \_He kneeh\ and is about to kiss her hand, when 
 Madame de Meneville enters, followed 
 by Marquis. 
 Mad, My Lord Duke, your Grace's servant. 
 Duke, That traitor, Dillon, {aside) — Ah Madame 
 de Meneville, excuse me, while I — de Meneville, 
 you can do it — this plaguy knee point, here, pray 
 tie it for me. 
 
 {^Duke rises^ having drawn loose the ribbon of his 
 
 trunk hose — Marquis ties it, 
 *' Duke, Calling upon de Meneville on an affair 
 of state, I thought Madame la Marquise here, and 
 so made in, to pay my accustomed devoir, when 
 your fair friend detained me. — 
 
Act I.] MARRIED LOVERS. 19 
 
 •* Marq, Ha, ha ! detained by her, my Lord, — I 
 fancy you ought to reserve the position, and say you 
 detained her." 
 
 Mad. {aside) Go that way down, your husband's 
 on the stairs. [Exit Lady Ascot quickly^ at back, 
 
 Marq. Your grace has frightened away our fair 
 guest. You see she fled like a lapwing, {aside) 
 
 Duke, No wonder, when she saw the hawk so 
 near. Oh, you ancient sinner ! Ca^ide) " But how is 
 ma chere et belle ? {to Madame J 
 
 *^ Mad, Disconsolate at your perfidy, my Lord. 
 After all the vows you swore — after almost tempting 
 me to believe in them. Oh, cruel Duke ! 
 
 " Duke, For mercy, spare me your raillery. You 
 know too well I never durst aspire even to hope ; 
 and besides, if I had, the recollection of my friend- 
 shid for the Marquis would have plunged me into 
 utter despair.'* 
 
 Enter Sir John, abrufitly. 
 
 Sir John, She is not in her room, so — (stofis and 
 looks round) Madame de Meneville ! — the Duke! — 
 Your pardon for this intrusion, but I thought — I — I — 
 
 Mad. You thought Lady Ascot was with me. 
 She did favour us for a moment, but left this some 
 time back. 
 
 Sir John, O'Dillon lied then ; or did he know me, 
 and mean this as a jest ? {aside J Your Grace's ser- 
 vant. 
 
 Duke, Apropos, Sir John. Of what crime have 
 I been guilty, that you should so cruelly have me de- 
 nied admittance to-day? Was you fearful the golden 
 fruit might be stolen during the dragon's absence. 
 Sir John ? 
 
 Sir John, Lady Ascot was unwell, and the order 
 was general ; but was never meant to extend to your 
 Grace. 
 
 Duke, I thought as miich. Oh, I shall better un- 
 derstand your next general orc/^r, and proceed on 
 
20 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power. 
 
 my privilege of exception. I thought, Sir John, you 
 were too much a man of the world, to wear your 
 frosty, English rigidity unthawed beneath the sun- 
 ny and clear skies of France. These lying, cold de- 
 nials are well enough in your own island, where a 
 husband never opens the door without the risk of a 
 lover's rolling in, shrouded in his native fog ; in 
 which he lies, hidden from prying eyes, as securely 
 as Jupiter in his clond.'-Mais adieu^ Madame I I 
 kiss your hand. We shall see you, with your fair 
 friend, at the ball to-nighf — Remember you sup at 
 the Palais Royale^ Sir John. Nay, look not so 
 gloomy, man ; a Frenchman knows how to pay ho- 
 mage to the beauty of the wife, without having any 
 design against the honour of the husband. 
 
 Sir John, I doubt it not, your Grace, for we En- 
 glish carry a sharp argument here, and never fail to 
 use it in our honour's defence against any man what- 
 ever, (bows to Duke J 
 
 Duke. Faith, Sir John, you possess a sharper wea- 
 pon in your Court of Law at Westminster, where 
 you not only find a cure for your hurt honour, but 
 fairly get rid of your damaged goods, and are set 
 forth a free man again, with antlers so handsomely 
 gilded, that they are borne ever after as an ornament, 
 not a disgrace. In my mind, the safer, aye, and the 
 wiser mode of proceeding ! [Exit, 
 
 Marq^ {aside) I prevented the intended tete-a-tite^ 
 Sir John, and shall have an eye upon his Grace. 
 
 Sir John, {aside) My best friend, I i^est upon jour 
 care. [Exit de Meneville, ajter Duke. 
 Lovely Madame de Meneville, let me haste to im- 
 prove the present opportunity, to press my oft re- 
 peated suit, and again to swear at your feet that 
 there is no sacrifice 
 
 Mad, Ah! Sir John, hold ; I have heard and seen 
 enough just now to convince me, your love for me is 
 all dissembled — your wife alone fills your every 
 thoughts, and jealousy of her prompts your every 
 action. 
 
Act L] MARRIED LOVERS. 21 
 
 Sir John, No, Madam, you mistake, lam jealous 
 only of my honour ; **her, I no longer love — I hate 
 her; she has grown colder than ice to me, her brow 
 is constantly darken'd by frowns; her lips never 
 opened but to give vent to reproaches." Can I, dear 
 Madame, can I love her^ with such a contrast be- 
 fore me, ever exposed to those sunny glances? — can 
 you wonder that I melt beneath their influence ? 
 
 Mad. Very gallantly turn'd, and indeed it must be 
 a sunny glance to produce a thaw in December. 
 
 Sir John, Hem ! in Autumn, Madame de Mene- 
 ville ; but not December, in jiutiunn ; and what pe- 
 riod yields more generous produce ? come, now, to 
 be kind, and say I shall be blest ! 
 
 ** JMad, But consider my husband, your friend, the 
 Marquis ! 
 
 ^\ Sir John. He? do not think of him — he is un- 
 worthy of you, he knows not how to estimate the 
 treasure love has bestowed upon hi m ; why he con- 
 fessed to me this very day, that he never knew what 
 jealousy was! 
 
 ''Mad, Vou know, Sir John, that jealousy is not 
 always a proof of love. 
 
 *' Sir John, Hem! — no, no, not always! — that is, 
 there may exist jealousy without love, but, depend 
 on it, without jealousy there can be no love." 
 
 Mad, Well, really, you are so importunate and so 
 persuasive, that I confess, I feel a — a — a — gratitude 
 for your attentions; and if — if you are in earnest, 
 follow me from the Duke's assembly this night, at 
 twelve o'clock, and I may listen farther to your ar- 
 guments, where there will be less to fear from inter- 
 ruption. — Go nov7, and be gratefuL 
 
 Sir John^ Grateful ! divine creature ! — I — I am 
 transported !— let me, before I quit you, seal my 
 happiness upon those pouting lips. 
 
 Mad, O lud— no, no ; we'll reserve that final ce- 
 remony until the treaty be concluded; for these pre- 
 liminaries a simple mem. will suffice=there — there's 
 ray hand. 3 
 
22 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power. 
 
 Sir John, Upon my knees I receive the dear,. dar- 
 ling, delicious pledge, and swear 
 
 Enter 0*Dillon at tofiy hastily, 
 
 O^DilL Your Grace, the servants tell me the ould 
 lad has been home this half-hour. 
 
 \^Sees Sir John. — Madame screams and runs ojf,^^ 
 Sir John rises confused. 
 Whew ! Soho ! — Master Selby, Soho ! — why the de- 
 vil didn't you tell me you'd an affair of your own in 
 the house; and I'd never have asked you to do vi- 
 dette for me ; but, zounds, man, you deserted your 
 post, and let the enemy into the camp, without even 
 firing a shot by way of alarm ; but, on my conscience, 
 I'll be even with you. I'll [goin^. 
 
 Sir John. Stay, Stay ; what do you mean ? 
 
 O'DilL What do I mean is it! — then, by my soul, 
 I mean to go and tell de Meneville howl caught you 
 making hard love to his wife ; it's a turn I owe you 
 for letting ould Sir John surprise his Grace. 
 
 Sir John, You mistake, O 'Dillon ; it was the Mar- 
 quis broke in on the Duke, before Sir John came 
 home at all. 
 
 O^DilL O ! then I'll be even with the spoil-sport, 
 —Make love to his wife as long as you like, and wel- 
 come; and when you're bothered, apply to me, and 
 I'll help you. 
 
 Sir John, I thank you : but be silent, for the lady's 
 honour: not that there is any thing serious ,' 
 
 O'DilL Oh no ! nothing serious of course ! — what 
 the devil would have brought you on your knees to 
 the man's wife, if you meant any thing serious — 
 but, however, on one condition I'm secret as a tomb- 
 stone. 
 
 Sir John, On any condition, my dear Colonel, I'm 
 yours. 
 
 O^DilL It's a mere trifle. You know that ould 
 fumbler Sir John's person. Now all I want you to 
 do, is to promise me your assistance, to enable his 
 Grace to make a quiet bit of love to the lady. 
 
Act I.] MARRIED LOVERS. 23 
 
 Sir John. Hem, why really I — her — he is a friend 
 of mine, and a countryman ; and I — I 
 
 0*jDilL Oh ! ril not stand humming- and hawing 
 about such a trifle. I'm off" to de Meneville. 
 
 Sir John, Stay, O'Dillon — confound it, I'm had, 
 (aside J stay, I consent to your conditions, there's 
 my hand. 
 
 O^DilL Well, that's fair; you owe me service for 
 deserting your post, and all I ask is your help to de- 
 corate the brow of ould Sir John ? 
 
 Sir John. Ha, ha! a mere trifle; but, may I ask 
 what makes you so anxious to do old Sir John the 
 honour. 
 
 O^DilL ril tell you. I've three sufficient reasons: 
 the first is, that, next to being engaged in a love af- 
 fair on my own account, I like to be serving a friend: 
 secondly, there is a little English waiting woman be- 
 low, I've been trying to convince of the innocence 
 of my intentions ; and tho' she's a little punctilious 
 jnst now, I hope she'll hear reason, if her mistress 
 can be brought to set her a good example : thirdly, 
 and lastly, I owe Sir John a grudge, for that same 
 waiting maid tells me he leads his pretty wife the 
 devil's own time of it- Now are you satisfied ? 
 
 Sir John, Quite, I should be unreasonable if I 
 were not. 
 
 O'DilL I'll tell you more as we walk together by 
 the way. Do you sup at the Palais to-day ? I can 
 give you an invite to the ball. I'm the Colonel on 
 guard, and have a privilege. 
 
 Sir John, Thanks, I am secured for both dinner 
 and ball. 
 
 O^DilL Sir John will be present of course. You'll 
 introduce me, and, by my faith, between us we'll 
 make an example of him. 
 
 Sir John. Ha, ha ! excellent. 
 
 O^DilL By the way I've made an assignation with 
 the waiting woman below, for twelve o'clock exact 
 — a delicate little morsel, Lady Ascot's woman. 
 
24 MARRIED L0VER6. IPower. 
 
 Then his Grace's affair with her mistress, and yours 
 with Madame de Meneville — you sly rogue ! Egad 
 it's quite a family party, and by just lendins: a civil 
 helping hand one to another, we'll all soon be on a 
 mighty good footing with this house — he, he, ht ! 
 
 Sir John, The devil doubt you, {aside.) He, he, 
 he! 
 
 O^DilL But what can rakes expect when they 
 marry. 
 
 Sir John, Ha, ha ! very true. 
 
 O^DilL x^nd marry such tender, tempting young 
 devils too, eh? — he, he! 
 
 Sir John, Very true, very true — he, he I 
 
 \^Exeunty Sir John trying to join m the laughi 
 
 END CF ACT THE FIRST. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE l.^Palais Royale. 
 
 Enter Orleans and Col, O'Dillon. 
 
 " Duke, If I were not the most gall-less prince in 
 Europe, then O'Dillon wouldst thou be brought to a 
 formal court of love» and rendered henceforward in- 
 capable of serving the little monarch, for so vilely 
 letting thy post be forced, and thy prince surprised.'* 
 
 O'Dill' I was guarded entirely against all enemies, 
 your Grace, but who the devil could have suspected 
 treason in an ally ? I had no suspicion of de Mene- 
 ville's being in Sir John's interest. 
 
 Duke, Nor is he in Sir John's interest; oh no, good 
 man, he labours for himself; for know, to thy utter 
 discomfiture, most trusty sentinel of mine, that de 
 Meneville is my rival, and absolutely hopes to sup- 
 plant me, in the favour of la belle Anglaise ? 
 
 Q^DilL The ould mouser, no wonder he was in 
 such a hurry to leave me, and I to trust him, with 
 
At. II.] MARRIED LOVERS. 25 
 
 the whole affair. Oh! then it's well ; lam not in 
 the habit of making blunders, or this would be cer- 
 tainly set down for ope. 
 
 Enter Francois. ' 
 
 Fran* A youn,^ gentleman desires to see your 
 Grace — he calls himself the Page Arnold. 
 
 Duke. I cannot be disturbed — yet stay — the Page 
 Arnold ? — ah ! should it be. Admit him instantly. 
 {^Exit Francois) She promised, if my good genius 
 whispered her kind thoughts, her Page should bear 
 them to me ; — by my faith, a pretty boy. 
 
 Enter Madame de Meneville, as Page, 
 
 O^DilL Fine as a peacock, and I'll warrant as pert 
 as a parrot. 
 
 Page, Which is the Duke? — his Grace of Or- 
 leans ? 
 
 O'DilU I thought so. 
 
 Duke, I am the Duke of Orleans, and if your er- 
 rand be as I suspect, from a most lovely lady, that 
 good, shall serve for your excuse, young jester. 
 
 Page, Nay, as excuses be all I'm likely to get, 
 I'd best keep my errand to myself, or bear it to 
 ^ome freer bidder. 
 
 0''DilL O, mischievous as a monkey ! — 
 
 Page, Who is that other ? He stands looking on 
 so wisely there. 
 
 O'DilL S'death malapert, don't you see I'm a 
 man, and a soldier? 
 
 Page. Then to the right about, Mr. Soldier. 
 
 O'Dill, Why you little butterfly — — 
 
 Page. No words, march off, without beat of drum, 
 or I shall i^touches his sword) 
 
 Duke, {interfiosing) Leave us, Dillon — \ have my 
 reasons, and must humour this wayward little gen- 
 tleman, {aside) 
 
 O^DiU, To dare clap hand to hilt, at me ! — oh, if 
 I catch him out of this presence, I'll lay that way- 
 
 3* 
 
36 MARRIED LOVEHS' [Powef. 
 
 ward little gentleman's little toasting spit across his 
 little jacket, till there will be mighty little dust left 
 in^hat, I'll engage. lExU, 
 
 Duke, Now, my gay Poursuivant d* dmour^ what 
 are your tidings ? 
 
 Page, I was just thinking how to make the most 
 of ifiy intelligence ; which pays best for news, you, 
 or my Lady Duchess? 
 
 Duke, Sirrah ! you presume on our encourage- 
 ment — if thou art silent much longer, I must have 
 thee well whipp'd, boy ! 
 
 Page, Nay, an ye try whipping to encourage me, 
 I may perhaps talk louder, and be more communica- 
 tive than would chance please your Grace. Oh, I'm 
 not to be frighten'd out of my dues ; don't imagine 
 you've a raw boy to deal with. 
 
 Duke, Ha, ha ! by my faith, thy unparalelled im- 
 pudence amuses me. But art thou not now a most 
 unconscionable herald to cry ** a l^argess," ere thou 
 hast proclaimed thy errand ? — come, come, unfold, 
 and trust my generosity to pay. 
 
 Page, Um ! You don't look like a miser, and are 
 too gay to be needy ; so, for once, I'll break rule, 
 and trusty though there ought to be no credit in love 
 matters. 
 
 Duke, That were like to hurt the trade I fear me, 
 but why no trusting ? 
 
 Page. Because the chiefest pleasure in love, be- 
 ing in anticipation, the secret once known, is likely 
 to be but cheaply held in the recollection'; however, 
 for onde^ I say, I'll break rGle, aud trust you ! 
 
 Duke^ Thy news must needs be excellent, or thou 
 never durst have trifled so long. 
 
 Page, .Excellent as ever page bore, or lover heard, 
 if success be desirable. My sweet Lady, then, 
 charges me to acquaint your Grace, that she will 
 find some means to hold off from this ball to-night ; 
 if therefore, you can contrive to fix a sure arrest up- 
 ■ on the knight, her husband, and will be yourself 
 
Act il.J MARRIED LOVERS. 27 
 
 before the Hotel de Meneville, at twelve exactly, 
 I'll be in waiting to lead you to her presence. 
 
 Duke, Most joyous hearing ; thou art the best of 
 Mercurys — here, keep this purse for me; and this 
 ring bear to my most lovely lady. Tell her, the 
 world shall stop if I fail meeting her at twelve ex- 
 actly. 
 
 Page, {weighing fiurse)lCome, my Lord, I see 
 you're to be trusted as far as a trifle goes. Stay — 
 this ring '^Fm to give to your most lovely lady," 
 which behest shall be most religiously fulfilled, my 
 Lord. 
 
 Duke, Do that, my Mercury, and all is well. 
 
 Page. Um! Not it you knew all. (aside) By the 
 way, my Lord, I must give you another touch of 
 Mercury's office, and transport your urace into an 
 old woman, for the Visit. 
 
 Duke, Into an old woman ! Rather a mal-transfor- 
 mation fof a lover about to visit his mistress. 
 
 Page, Nay, 'tis the outside only I extend my of- 
 fice to. You may resume your manhood when you 
 doff cap and petticoat. 
 
 Duke, Is disguise necessary ? 
 
 Page, Essentially. Your person being known to 
 the household, would ruin all. Now, there is aa 
 aged nurse of Madame de Meneville's, who visits 
 her and my Lady often. I have provided a change 
 of her garments for your Grace. You must don 
 them ; and, as the bell of JYotre Dame tolls twelve 
 exactly, give a single tap on the back portal, where 
 myself will be in readiness to admit you. 
 
 Duke, But where is the dress ? 
 
 Page, Now held by a porter at your gate. Send 
 some trusty messenger with the word Arnold, and 
 he'll deliver it. 
 
 Dude, Thou Prince of Pages, count upon my last- 
 ing gratitude 1 
 
 Page, When your Grace is aware of the full ex- 
 tent of your obligation to me, I'll remind you of your 
 promise. 
 
28 MARRIED LOVERS. [Foiver. 
 
 Duke. Bring me but surely to my Lady-love, and 
 I swear to tyrant thee thy first request. — But where 
 is 0*Dillon? — Colonel! — I must get him to smuggle 
 in the dress you speak of. — Ho, Colonel! you may 
 advance. 
 
 Enter Colonel O 'Dillon. 
 
 Page, Yes, Colonel, my anger has subsided, you 
 may advance. 
 
 (y DHL What, you here yet, little essence-bot- 
 tle ? Little trimmer of patches, and spreader of 
 lip salve ? 
 
 Duke, I must get you to follow our little ally here, 
 and 
 
 Page, Aye, soldier, follow me — I've an errand for 
 thee. Nay, never lower, man — I don't employ with- 
 out pay. There, there's more than a campaign's 
 wag^s for thee, {throws down a fiurse,) 
 
 O^ Dill, Why, you infernal little popinjay! 
 
 Page, Oh, anger avails little here, where you are 
 sure his Grace will interfere to prevent my pinking 
 you ; but you know I'm to b^ found, I owe you some 
 small blood-letting, for daring to address my little 
 Annette this morning. I saw you, sirrah ; and I ne- 
 ver suffer any poaching on my premises to go un- 
 punished. For the present, do your master's bid- 
 ding ; at any other time, I'm your man; so adieu, 
 most doughty soldier. — Au revoir^ your Grace ; re- 
 member twelve exactly, and rely on your Page 
 Troubadour, {Sings) 
 
 Who so ready, in bower or in field, 
 Alike harp or lance still to wield ? 
 Who, in love or in war, so secure. 
 As the Lady's gay Page Troubadour ? 
 
 [^Exit Madame de Menevilte^ 
 Duke, Farewell, thou fitting messenger of love,, 
 capricious, gay, provoking, yet most delicious of pa- 
 ges — ha, ha, ha! Listen! the fair Lady Ascot has 
 
Act II.] MARRIED LOVERS. 29 
 
 sent that boy to bid me to her at twelve this night, 
 when all who might interrupt our course of wooing, 
 will be safe housed beneath this roof. 
 
 O'DilL 1 thought it was some lady's pet, the pup- 
 py was so pugnacious. 
 
 Duke. Two things, O'Dillon, you must do for me: 
 first, take your man to the palace gate, there you'll 
 observe a porter stand; whisper Arnold the Page^ 
 and he'll deliver up his freight, let your man bear it 
 to your apartment, for there I'll equip me for the 
 soft encounter. 
 
 O'DilL And what may this disguise be after all ^ 
 
 Duke, The dress of some old crone — a nurse of 
 Madame de Meneville's, who has the entree to the 
 house, and passes at all hours without question. 
 
 O^DilL Convenient old lady. Well, now for the 
 other part of my duty. 
 
 Duke. About twelve o'clock, fasten on Sir John, 
 to whom Meneville will introduce you, and fix him 
 here at play, or how you will ; but look to him well, 
 as you value my friendship, and would prevent mur- 
 der ; for if he chance untimely to intrude on me, I 
 shall most assuredly cut his throat, [Exit, 
 
 O^DilL C^y^^ ^^^ fiursej Plague on that musk 
 rat's impertinence — no body sees. I'll lift his gage, 
 and when next we meet, I swear I'll make him eat 
 this purse, and wash it down with the money, to my 
 health, in gratitude for my forbearing to wring his 
 dainty little neck — ^Hum ! first I'm employed as a 
 sentry, and now appointed guard to a baggage escort 
 over an old -v^oman's yellow ruff and black fardin- 
 gale. Well, never mind, I'm not the first soldier 
 that has been indebted to an ould petticoat for his 
 promotion. • [Exit. 
 
 SCENE II. — Duchess vnd Madame, still as Page^ 
 discovered seated — as the Scene draws, they rise. 
 
 Duch. Ha, ha, ha! I cannot but applaud your 
 
30 MARRIED LOVERS. IPower, 
 
 scheme, and approve its ingenuity ; but to hope it 
 will effect the cure of these vile lords of ours, were 
 too flattering. 
 
 Page, At all events, your grace will allow they 
 are likely to be made a little ashamed, by being 
 heartily laughed at, which is the least revenge they 
 owe, and better than taking one more serious. 
 
 Duc/i. There I agree with you entirely, and will 
 follow your directions implicitly, 
 
 O 'Dill ON enters at back — tHey observe him — Page 
 kneels, 
 
 O'DUL What, eh ! 'tis, 'tis himself. 
 
 Page, Yes, on my knees I swear it. — {aside) we're 
 seen. 
 
 O^DilU Here's more swearing, (aside) 
 
 Page. And you may believe me, my sweet Lady. 
 
 O^DilL His sweet Lady. sweet's the word aJl 
 over, f aside J 
 
 Page, Therefore, I pray you to accept this hum- 
 ble token — 'tis all I have to offer, save this poor per- 
 son, Lady. 
 
 0*DilL And mighty little of that same !— (^aszflfej 
 
 Duce, Dear flatterer, I can refuse thee nothing — 
 there's my hand. 
 
 Page, And thus I make it mine, {aside to Duch^ 
 ess) The Duke desired " I'dd give this to his most 
 lovely Lady." 
 
 \^Puts on the ring, and kisses her hand, 
 
 ODilL He's slipping a ring on her finger — oh, 
 murder ! 
 
 Page, At twelve exactly! then you will come to 
 me. 
 
 Duch, Rely upon it. Nothing shall detain me.— 
 But be secret, and discreet. 
 
 Page, Oh, never doubt ! my love for you shall 
 make me all you wish. 
 
Act II.] MARRIED LOVERS. 31 
 
 SONG— Page. 
 
 Yes, Lady, on this lip I swear, [ICiss, 
 By all that's true, by all that's fair. 
 That will love thee ever ; 
 That ni deceive thee never ! 
 
 No rival e'er this heart shall gain ; 
 
 No jealous wife this hand obtain. 
 
 Then, Lady, banish every care ; 
 
 For on this lip divine I swear, [Kiss 
 
 That I'll deceive thee never. 
 
 IF.xit Page and Duchess, 
 O^DilL Then, upon my honour, this is the true 
 soil for intriguing : they are at it in all corners ; all 
 down upon their marrow-bones, and trying who can 
 swear hardest and lie fastest. — The Duchess has a 
 taste of her own, to be sure. Hum — here / have 
 been paraded before her eyes morning, noon, and 
 night, for two years, whilst she has been wasting 
 her time on this miniature specimen of masculine 
 gender. — If I acquaint the Duke, there will be mur- 
 der done; or may be the Lady would swear me out, 
 and I'd be hung for defaming a Duchess. — If I watch 
 her Ladyship at , twelve, I miss Sir John; and he 
 finds his way home, stumbles on his GrBce, and gets 
 his throat cut, to teach him manners. — What will I 
 do ? — Ah, I have it ! Selby comes here to supper 
 along with the Ambassador's suite ; he's sworn to 
 assist me ; I'll put him upon taking care of Sir John, 
 while I'll be at liberty to watch her Ladyship — pre- 
 serve the Duke's honour — give her a Grace a whole- 
 some warning, — and have the spitting of this young 
 spawn of Old Nick, who dares be seducing men's 
 wives before he has hair enough on his chin to make 
 a shoe-brush for a butterfly. \Exit* 
 
 SCENE III. — d Hall in the Palais, Servants ush- 
 ers in Guests, who cross just as the English Am- 
 bassador is announced. 
 
^2 MARRIED LOVERS. {Power. 
 
 O 'Dill ON enters o/i/iosite. 
 
 Francis — the English Ambassador and suite. — They 
 cross — O^Dillon taps Sir John on the shoulder, 
 
 O^Dill. Selbify my dear boy, a word — you promis- 
 ed to serve me, you know. 
 
 Sir John, What do you request of me ncJw? 
 
 O^Dill. In two words — the Duke has an appoint- 
 ment with Sir John's Lady at twelve to night at de 
 Meneville's hotel, and he has begged me to look af- 
 ter the old unicorn — now business of the last moment 
 will call me away exactly at that hour, will you do 
 this civility for me ? 
 
 Sir John, Undoubtedly! (rzsz<ie') Here's a discove- 
 ry ! — but does not Lady Ascot accompany Madame 
 de Meneville here ? 
 
 O'Bill. Ha, ha! so the ould boy thinks, but she 
 intends feigning sickness, and stopping at home for 
 better reasons. 
 
 Sir John, But can the Duke venture there, know- 
 ing the servants will inform their master ? 
 
 O^JDilL Oh, she has managed that cleverly, 
 hark'ye — he goes disguised as the ould nurse, who 
 trots in and out the hours at all hours, like a tame 
 fox— the dress was sent by the lady on purpose. — 
 Now farewell, and if you fail me, I'll spoil your sport 
 with Madame de Meneville. \_Going, 
 
 Sir John. But don't you sup with us ? 
 
 O^BilL No, I'm for duty — mind now, don't lose 
 sight of Sir John for a moment. 
 
 Sir John, I will not, for a second — rely upon me. 
 
 O^BilL 'Twould be a pity, you know, to disap- 
 point the lady, she's such an ingenious little creature; 
 now I am asy<=— I've prevented the chance of mischief 
 or mistake. \^Exit. 
 
 Sir John. Damn her ingenuity, shall return afid— 
 no, that would be useless — besides, I should miss 
 my appointment with the divine Madame de Mene- 
 
Act II.] MARRIED LOVERS. S3 
 
 ville. Oh, my she devil — I have it — here comes that 
 easy fool, the Marquis — I'll .ejet him to take charge 
 of the Duke and her ingenious Ladyship, and so be 
 at liberty to keep time with his wife ; and to-mor- 
 row I'll pack my plague off for England, which, if 
 she again quits, may conscious cuckoldom be my 
 portion. 
 
 Enter De Meneville. 
 
 *' Marq, Oh, Sir John, not yet at table, we are 
 late, allons — 
 
 ** Sir John. One moment I ami going to put your 
 friendship to the test. 
 
 ** Marq. There can be nothing I will not do to 
 prove my claim to the trifle. 
 
 " Sir John, I believe you." Oh, Marquis,! am the 
 most unfortunate of husbands. 
 
 Marq, [aside) Not yet I hope. My dear Sir 
 John, what is the matter ? 
 
 Sir John, You know how tenderly I loved Lady 
 Ascot. 
 
 Marq, I have considered your affection with ad- 
 miration. 
 
 " Sir John, You know how indulgent, how con- 
 stant a husband I have been to her ! 
 
 " Marq, I have observed it with delight.'* 
 
 Sir John, Judge then how I must feel, when I 
 know that she has made an assignation for this night 
 with the Duke d'Orleans. 
 
 Marq, (aside) The devil she has ! How does my 
 dear friend^ know this? 
 
 Sir John, Through a blunder of O 'Dillon's, who 
 only knowing me as Seldy, the name 1 bore before 
 my uncle's death, has let me into the plot, in order 
 to engage me to watch Sir John — so here I am, 
 bribed to look after my own movements, and bound 
 over to prevent my wife and her gallant from being 
 rudely broken in upon. 
 
 Marq, Zounds, you must prevent this. 
 4 
 
34 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power. 
 
 Sir John. No, my dean Marquis, *tis you must 
 prevent it ; I feel that here a hundred eyes are em- 
 ployed watching my every motion, so that to leave 
 the assembly unobserved would be impossible ; and 
 by my going home now. my fate would be postponed 
 only, not prevented — but you may save your old 
 friend's honour, and yet prove enougU to put Lady 
 Ascot in my power, and make her glad to accord to 
 my wish, and leave this cursed Paris forever. Will 
 you — will you do this ? 
 
 Marq, My friendship can deny you nothing, how 
 do you desire me to act ? 
 
 Sir John, Place yourself next me at supper: I'll 
 tell you all, with the very disguise the Duke intends 
 to wear; •*%ou. Marquis, can enter into^a husband's 
 feelings, and will act for me as I would for you. 
 
 Marq, Rely upon my doing every thing for you I 
 would do for myself. 
 
 *' Sir John, There is my hand, I am yours eter- 
 nally." Now let's in, and you shall see me face this 
 Duke with ^ smooth brow. \_Exit, 
 
 Marq. Hum, that's a quality your brow shall not 
 long boast, if love favours me to-night — this is, in- 
 deed,, a most happy adventure. O jealousy, jealou- 
 sy, never yet didst thou satisfy man's mind, or keep 
 woman's virtue. ' [Exit. 
 
 SCENE IV. — An assemblage of courtly fiersons dis' 
 covered^ groufied as if for dance, some in masks^ 
 others not. Music and Bance by Ballet, as charac' 
 ters. 
 
 After dance, O'Dillon comes forward, en domino^, 
 
 O'Bill. So there's Selby, I see; I don't know Sir 
 John, but I fancy he has the old beau in his eye. 
 Here comes her Grace — 'tis near the hour; faith, 
 I'll not lose sight of her, I'll engage. 
 
 [Music, — Raises his mask and retires^ as Ma- 
 
Act II.] MARRIED LOVERS. 35 
 
 dame and Duchess come down^ having on do' 
 mmoS' Their 7nasks worn in hand* 
 
 Lady. Remember, ^drive to. the back gate^ as I 
 shall use that entrance to prevent my old beau hav- 
 ing any idea of the place he is taken to. 
 
 Duch, I'll follow you close — I don't see the Duke. 
 
 Mad. Oh no, he is by this time busied at his toi- 
 let, and, as the costume is new, I fancy he's not au 
 fait to the arrangements. Oh, we'll shame these 
 rogues — here comes my Knight — I'll give him the 
 signal ; presto^ begone — make way for my amoroso, 
 {Duchess raises mask and retires. Sir John ad- 
 vances. 
 
 Sir John, I cannot be mistaken in that shape and 
 air — lovely Madame de Meneville !— 
 
 J[Iad. Ah ! Sir John, my heart almost fails me ! 
 
 Sir John. Do not trust it, remember it trembles 
 ■with pleasure as often as from fear. 
 
 Mad, Allons^ then, follow me closely to my chair, 
 and attend that to where I am set down. Let me 
 first enter the house, then do you knock once^ and 
 you will find a ready admittance. 
 
 Sir John. May I not know where you go, then I 
 can follow in some vehicle, for the ways here are so 
 confoundedly bad, and my shoes so thinly fashioned, 
 that 
 
 Mod That you dread cold and rheumatism, and 
 lumbago; and that your heart fails you , eh? — Are 
 you not now a warm lover, Sir John, to dread a pud- 
 dle, like a petted cat, that shakes its pretty foot, 
 and draws up terrified at the touch of cold water ? — 
 ha, ha, ha ? — but come or stay ; love is blind, you 
 know; and if not content to be led, must lose his 
 way: so adieu. Sir John, ha, ha, ha! [^Exit, 
 
 Sir John. Tormenting little witch, I'll follow you, 
 were it on a barefoot pilgrimage in December. 
 **'Tis light love that's chill'd by a blast; so here 
 goes, curse the puddles and a fig for rheumatics. 
 But Avhat's my own wife doing all this time, con- 
 
36 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power 
 
 found her; but my friend the Marquis is looking 
 after her gambols ; oh, what comfort is in a friend ! 
 — oh, what asses are your relying easy husbands 
 made, and they deserve their fate." [Exic. 
 
 \^Music — Dance goes on, O^ Dillon is seen watching- 
 the Duchess, who passes out masked-— bustle kept 
 ufi till scene closes, 
 
 SCENE V. — Back of the Hotel de Meneville—'Lamti 
 over large door, shewing (t grim-looking knocker 
 ' — almost dark stage* 
 
 The Marq^uis and the Dukk enter from ofifiosite 
 sides, similarly disguised as JYurses* 
 
 Marq. I am here before him. 
 Duke, The clock has not yet struck. 
 
 [They encounter^ ^oWy then curtsey, and cross each 
 
 other* 
 Duke, The real beldame, devil take her. \_Jside, 
 Marq, The Duke, by all that's punctual, what's 
 to be done ? I'll keep the field. 
 
 [Bell tolls twelve 6*clock — both counting. 
 
 Both, Twelve o'clock — exact! 
 
 Duke, O ! I'll bribe the old lady — she'll compre- 
 hend. (Comes ufi to Marquis.) Hem! Hem! 
 C Slifis fiurse into his hand^ and makes signs to door 
 — Marquis afijiears to understand, and runs to door, J 
 
 Duke, No, no ! what does the hag mean ? Holloa, 
 mother, come ro-morrow; I must go first. 
 'if Marq, {affecting deafness,) Aye, aye, I'll knock. 
 
 [Knocks single tap.* 
 
 Duke. Confound her, she's deaf; would she were 
 blind too. I must give her the precedence. {Door 
 opens — Marquis curtsies to Duke, and goes in-) O, 
 curse your politeness; but the lady will know how 
 to dispose of madame nurse. So, all's clear; I'll 
 
Act II.] MARRIED LOVERS. S7 
 
 delay no longer. {Knocks — doo7*s ojiens.) TJ Amour 
 me garde- [E?i(ers. 
 
 \_C hair carried on — men knock — lady s firings out^ 
 pauses on, the ste/2, then enters, — jis the chair- 
 men exit enter Sir John, quite blown^ his let^s 
 cased in mud, his wig awry, his hat gone^ and his 
 whole person quite hors de regie. 
 
 Sir John* Wliew ! a confounded dance! my hat is 
 gone on a voyage of discovery down the Seine : to 
 keep my cloak, I was forced to drop my cane; and 
 wading from the cursed fiave, has cased me in a pair 
 of mud boots — here's a pickle for a knight to appear 
 before his mistress — Ugh ! — what an infernal cut- 
 throat looking-place ! I've heard of such doings in 
 Paris — gentlemen suddenly disappearing — no expla- 
 nation given — I, I almost wish I had staid at home; 
 
 'tis too late, so here I eh ! what a grim-looking 
 
 knocker {knocks.) There's a tap for a lover — my 
 heart fails me, and this cursed brazen head seems to 
 grin a ghastly welcome (door opens>) The cavern 
 yawns, ugh ! here goes. \_Exit in house, 
 
 ID u chess brought on in a chair — men knock at 
 door-— she enters — 0*Dillon watching — chair 
 borne off as before, 
 
 O' DHL I've mark'd down the game — now shall I 
 rouse the watch? — no, that will expose all — stay, I 
 should know the door; ha! ha! the very ugly mug 
 of my old acquaintance. That rascally Page, to 
 bring' the Duchess to the Hotel de Meneville, and 
 the Duke making love under the same roof. How 
 lucky is my appointment with the little waiting maid 
 — I'll climb in at the window she pointed out to me 
 — get her to shew me to this Master Page — make 
 him hold his noise till I quietly strangle him with 
 my sword knot. ** Then away home with the Duch- 
 ess, and all will be well — it's round here the window 
 is — I'll know it again, for upon the wall underneath. 
 
38 MARRIED LOVERS. IPower, 
 
 with the point of my sword, I scratched C, for 
 Cupid." 
 
 IClimbs up,, and exit along the top, of the walL 
 
 SCENE LAST. — An old Stone Hall — having win- 
 dows on each side — at the back^ steps leading up to 
 a folding door in centre — quite dark. 
 
 (Marquis discovered.) 
 
 Marq. What can they mean by poking me into 
 this old hall — I know it by the scent of its musty 
 atmosphere — faugh ! it has not been opened since my 
 christening. If I thought I was put in here to be out 
 of the way, I'd raise the neighbourhood. If I re- 
 member, this window on the garden wall, (opens the 
 hasp of the window, and looks out,) I'm right; but 
 stay, may not the lady have chosen this place as one 
 secure from intrusion? — hark! — hush— 
 
 Door opens, Duke enters — Annette appearing 
 behind. 
 
 Annette, Stay quiet here, and do not breathe, as 
 you look to be happy. [She shuts the door, 
 
 Marq. (aside,) Who has come in now ^ — the 
 Lady.J^ 
 
 Duke, Happy — hum! {^descending steps,) This is 
 an odd road to happiness, and tho' I have known 
 many who choose to seek happiness in the cellar, I 
 for my part, prefer a snug boudoir. I fancy that hag 
 of a nurse is in the way — I wish I had strangled her 
 at once, 
 
 Marq, Thank your Grace ; I'll keep out of reach. 
 — I fancy the two nurses have proved one too many ; 
 and the maid is gone for fresh instruction. 
 
 Duke. Surely the lady never intends giving me 
 the meeting here. I could as soon make love in an 
 ice-house. Venus herself could not thaw me in this 
 temperature. I am exactly one hundred below zero! 
 —Ugh!— hush!— eh! 
 
Act II.] MARRIED LOVERS. 39 
 
 [The door ofiens^ and after a little bustle Sir John 
 is thrust in, and the door closes. He sli/is down 
 the stefis^ and falls over the Marquis^ who does 
 710 1 stir. 
 
 Sir John, Here's a murderous hole. — Ah, what's 
 thisi* a dead body. Oh! some poor murdered 
 victim ; by whom I shall soon be quietly stretched. 
 — Oh, is it come to this ? — I shall be advertised by 
 the embassy, with a request that any good Christian, 
 finding the body, will convey it to the nearest bone- 
 house, for recognition and decent interment.— Oh ! 
 Pm well served for my falsehood to the Marquis, 
 
 Duke, (aside.) Who's voice is that ? — I know it ! 
 
 Sir John, To get him to guard my honour whilst 
 I attend an assignation to betray his, 
 
 Marq. Oh ! oh ! 
 
 Sir John, (crawling off',) Poor corpse ! not quite 
 dead. It would be a mercy to stick him and put him 
 out of his misery. [Marquis^ alarmed^ gets away, 
 
 Duke, Zounds, 'tis that rogue. Sir John. O'Dillon 
 has let him slip again : — this accounts for my being 
 crammed in here. 
 
 Sir John, If I bawl out, they'll only cut my throat 
 the sooner. — If I could find some window 
 
 \^At a side-entrance Lady Ascot and the Duchess 
 a/i/iear, conducted by Madame de Meneville. 
 The window at the back also ofiens^ and O'Dil- 
 lon /zw^s in one leg ; then fiau^esy and listens. 
 
 Lady, Hist, hist!— my love, hist ! 
 Duke . Oh, that voice! — my angel, hist! 
 Lady, Here, here! 
 
 Madame gives him the Duchess — he kneels raft-- 
 turously ; while Madame and Lady Ascot fiass 
 over to the Marquis, Sir John listens. 
 
 Sir- John. I heard one of them, I'd swear! 
 Lady, Hist! — Marquis! 
 Marq, It is my love. 
 
'40 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power. 
 
 Mad, Yes, yes, here. IJoins Marquis. 
 
 O^DilL {advancing.) I hear whispers. 
 SirJohn^ Another of them ! O Lord! 
 
 [Retreats from window. 
 jMdy* Where's Sir John ? Come, come. 
 
 Sir John. If I do, Pll be d d. There's sixty of 
 
 the gang. 
 
 \^0^ Dillon has advanced by degrees^ till just be^ 
 tween Sir John and his JLady, Jirsi feeling their 
 clothes^ he exclaims 
 
 O^Dill. I've got my spark. (Seizes him-) Now 
 
 my little seducer of duchesses 
 
 Sir John. Murder! {falls on his knees.) Murder ! 
 CDilL Silence ! or I'll cut your throat ! 
 Duke. That voice ! 
 
 [Music, — Madame de Meneville clafis her hands — 
 the folping doors open^ discovering Annktte 
 and several ladies with tapers. 
 
 Scene becomes brilliantly lighted, 
 
 TABLEAU. 
 
 Mad. Welcome, Ladies, most welcome ; we were 
 much in need of lights — tho' I don't perceive any 
 mistakes have been made — ha! ha! ha! Servant, 
 Messieurs — what, are you caught ? 
 
 (fDilL Well, sure there's no great harm in catch- 
 ing men with their own wives ; and if there were, 
 sure the novelty of the offence ought to excuse it — 
 What, Selby! I beg pardon — I took you for a little 
 rascal of a hem ! 
 
 Duke, O'Dillon, what the plague brought you 
 here? 
 
 O^DilL Why I came here, to — that is, on a sort of 
 a— oh ! I shall ruin her Grace if I don't lie ! 
 
 Duch. And pray, my I ask what brought your 
 Grace here? 
 
 O'Dill, That's a puzzler. 
 
Act II.] MARRIED LOVERS, 41 
 
 " Sir John, And so, Sir Marquis, this is the way 
 you keep your promise ? 
 
 *''' Mad. At all events, you have kept yours, it 
 seems — ha, ha, haT' 
 
 Buke. So, Monsieur le Colonel, I find I'm obliged 
 to you for this pleasant adventure ? 
 
 O^BilL Your Grace is more obliged to me to-night 
 than you are aware of. Sure, I left Selby to watch 
 Sir John, and good care he has taken of him too, it 
 seems. 
 
 Buke, Who the mischief is Selby, and why did 
 you lose sight of him yourself? 
 
 Buck. Why, my Lord, truth to tell, he resigned 
 that post to preserve your honour. 
 
 Buke, I do not comprehend. My honour ? 
 
 Buck, Yes; he overheard me make assignation 
 with a certain Page, you may remember. 
 
 Buke. How's this ? 
 
 O'BilL Whew!— All's over; she's mad! 
 
 Mad, Yes; tit for tat, you know, is fair play. Do 
 you imagine we poor wives are to bear all your false- 
 hoods without retaliation ? Oh no, your Grace. 
 
 {Sings,) 
 
 Who, in love or in war, so secure, 
 As the Lady's gay Page Troubadour ? 
 
 Buke, Pla! that voice, that eye — Can it be ? 
 
 O^BilL The \\\.\\q, fioursuivant d^amour^ by all 
 that's brazen! — Beg pardon — by all that's beautiful! 
 
 Buke, Fairly tricked, and caught, by Jove I — and 
 I am satisfied. 
 
 Sir John, But I am not ; and, Marquis, I insist — - 
 
 O^BilL Why, now, Selby, can't you be aisy ? You 
 don't expect the man will give up his wife ? 
 
 Buke. What, is that the Selby you have been 
 l^making a confidant of ? Know, blunderer, that is Sir 
 John Ascot himself — ha, ha, ha! 
 
 O'Bill, The devil it is, but how should I know 
 lie'd changed his naiifl«. Sure he never said he had 
 
42 MARRIED LOVERS. [Power. 
 
 got married; but he ought in honour to have un- 
 deceived me, and shall answer here ? 
 
 jy^ad. Come, come, gentlemen, you have no right 
 to complain of each other, still less of your wives : 
 thank your stars you have such guardian angels, and 
 upon bended knees pray our forgiveness. 
 
 Duke. As first in rank, I claim precedeiice there, 
 and swear if pardoned now, to be very careful how I 
 offend again. IKneels. 
 
 Marq. My adorable Marchioness knows I can 
 never forget those charms. ^^[Knee/s. 
 
 Sir John.- 1 suppose I must, but I protest Lady 
 Ascot, *tis your fault, for had 
 
 ilfarf. Had she not preferred laughing at your vice 
 to imitating it, reflect what might have been your 
 fate, and down for pardon. 
 
 O'Dill' Well, thank heaven I've no sins, I'm in- 
 nocent of any evil intended, or imagined — or— 
 
 Marq. What, you forget this young lady, and your 
 scene in the garden this morning. 
 
 0*Dill. Say no more ; I'm down. (Kneels to An- 
 nette.) And there, my little waiting maid, put the 
 gold in your pocket, whilst I put this purse in my 
 bonnet, where I will wear it through peace and war, 
 till 'tis challenged by the saucy little Page Trouba- 
 dour. 
 
 Mad. Well, ladies; I read our truants' pardon in 
 your eyes. Some here may think their punishment 
 too light ; but I still recommend, that all such offend- 
 ers be met with ridicule, instead of reproach ; and 
 beg to assure my fair friends, wedded and single, that 
 woman's best and surest weapon is her smile J 
 
 FINIS. 
 
~*^ 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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