Var. I declare it absolutely speaks.-Won't you introduce me, sir? Old F. Miss Variella, the gentleman in the broadbrim, and the drab suit, who stands twirling his thumbs, is my son. [Tristram turns round and assumes the air of a buck, by having drawn his coat up, turning back the skirts, covering part of his chin with his neckcloth, and converting his broad-brimmed hat into an opera hat, and wearing it under his arm. Tri. [Comes down.] Madam, the-the joy-the pleasure, madam, the confusion, this meeting affords me is-unutterable.-Yes, madam, I assure you it is unutterable. [Traversing the stage, and bowing— turns to his father.] How d'ye do! How d'ye do! Old F. So, so! the Quaker is dropped already. Var. How many fine things of this sort have you said to-day, sir? Tri. To-day, madam? I forget. Var. Forget so soon! Tri. I forget every thing that ever passed in my life. Old F. I wish I could, too. Tri. For, while I gaze on those charms, every former impression fades before them. Var. (c.) Then I must refresh your memory, sir. [Sings a strain of her last air, Tri. (L. c.) Amazement!-What do I hear? Var. Mimicking him.] "These are no mortal sounds -no, thou art a divinity, and I must kneel in token of my adoration." Tri. Madam! [Confused.] How you became acquainted with so ridiculous a circumstance it is impossible for me to divine; but you must recollect that Var. That you neither liked her squinting, her squalling, nor her snub nose. Tri. She is a fairy! What can I say? Var. You must say, "Wear in thy bosom, I beseech thee, this emblem of thyself; and, when it begins to droop and wither, let it remind thee that even so I sicken till I behold thee again."—" Before a leaf fades, I will be in thy presence,-farewell." And here I am, to return thee thy present, that thou mayst give it to the maiden of thy choice,-Hum! [Returns him the rose. Tri. You then have assumed these different characters to laugh at my folly; but you surely would not have taken so much pains to correct one totally indifferent to you. And since, in my very wanderings, I have shown my constancy to one attachment, may I not hope for a favourable interpretation, if I present you this flower? Old F. Admirably spoken! My boy's come to his senses again. Var. Rather say he is just about to lose them, for I feel a strange inclination to accept his present. Yes, I believe I must. [She places the flower in her bosom. Tri. My future endeavour shall be to deserve such happiness. Old F. I am overjoyed!-What say you, Mr. Briefwit? Is my boy mad now? Bri. No; but perhaps he soon may be. [He joins their hands.] Good. DISPOSITION OF THE CHARACTERS AT THE FALL OF THE CURTAIN. THE SOMNAMBULIST; OR, THE PHANTOM OF THE VILLAGE: A DRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENT, En Two Acts, BY WT. MONCRIEFF, Esq. Author of "Monsieur Tonson," "The Spectre Bridegroom," "Giovanni in London," &c. PRINTED FROM THE ACTING COPY, WITH REMARKS, To which are added,, A DESCRIPTION OF THE COSTUME, CAST OF THE CHARACTERS, ENTRANCES AND EXITS,-RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, AND THE WHOLE OF THE STAGE BUSINESS. As now performed at the THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT GARDEN. EMBELLISHED WITH A FINE WOOD-ENGRAVING, LONDON: JOHN CUMBERLAND, 19, LUDGATE HILL. |