here, Parly, call him back, I shall lose half my diversion else. Now for a trial of skill.
Sir, I hope you'll pardon my curiosity. When do you take your journey?
Colonel S. To-morrow morning, early, madam.
Lady L. So suddenly! which way are you designed to travel?
Colonel S. That I can't yet resolve on.
Lady L. Pray, sir, tell me; pray, sir; I entreat you; why are you so obstinate?
Colonel S. Why are you so curious, madam?
Lady L. Because —
Colonel S. What?
Lady L. Because, I, I —
Colonel S. Because, what, madam? – Pray tell me.
Lady L. Because I design to follow you. [Crying.
Colonel S. Follow me! By all that's great, I ne'er was proud before. Follow me! By Heavens thou shalt not. What! expose thee to the hazards of a camp! – Rather I'll stay, and here bear the contempt of fools, and worst of fortune.
Lady L. You need not, shall not; my estate for both is sufficient.
Colonel S. Thy estate! No, I'll turn a knave, and purchase one myself; I'll cringe to the proud man I undermine; I'll tip my tongue with flattery, and smooth my face with smiles; I'll turn informer, office-broker, nay, coward, to be great; and sacrifice it all to thee, my generous fair.
Lady L. And I'll dissemble, lie, swear, jilt, any thing, but I'll reward thy love, and recompense thy noble passion.
Colonel S. Sir Harry, ha! ha! ha! poor Sir Harry, ha! ha! ha! Rather kiss her hand than the Pope's toe; ha! ha! ha!
Lady L. What Sir Harry, Colonel? What Sir Harry?
Colonel S. Sir Harry Wildair, madam.
Lady L. What! is he come over?
Colonel S. Ay, and he told me – but I don't believe a syllable on't —
Lady L. What did he tell you?
Colonel S. Only called you his mistress; and pretending to be extravagant in your commendation, would vainly insinuate the praise of his own judgment and good fortune in a choice.
Lady L. How easily is the vanity of fops tickled by our sex!
Colonel S. Why, your sex is the vanity of fops.
Lady L. On my conscience, I believe so. This gentleman, because he danced well, I pitched on for a partner at a ball in Paris, and ever since he has so persecuted me with letters, songs, dances, serenading, flattery, foppery, and noise, that I was forced to fly the kingdom. – And I warrant you he made you jealous?
Colonel S. 'Faith, madam, I was a little uneasy.
Lady L. You shall have a plentiful revenge; I'll send him back all his foolish letters, songs, and verses, and you yourself shall carry them: 'twill afford you opportunity of triumphing, and free me from his further impertinence; for of all men he's my aversion. I'll run and fetch them instantly. [Exit.
Colonel S. Dear madam, a rare project! Now shall I bait him, like Actæon, with his own dogs. – Well, Mrs. Parly, it is ordered by act of parliament, that you receive no more pieces, Mrs. Parly.
Parly. 'Tis provided by the same act, that you send no more messages by me, good Colonel; you must not presume to send any more letters, unless you can pay the postage.
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