Such a pafs, Narciffa, that virtue itself is often of lefs confequence to the peace and happinefs of our lives than the appearance of it. It is not enough to be innocent, unlefs we appear fu.

Narciffa. And in what do I appear so heinously guilty madam? in laughing at the rueful dejection of the poor Colonel? or in giving encouragement to the addreffes of Mr. Melmoth, to whom you have never before made any objection.

Mrs. Mildmay. It is true, my dear, I have hitherto made none, because I would not affume too great an in-fluence over you, in making a choice of fo much importance to the future happiness of your life. But I fhould but ill discharge the duty of a mother, Narciffa, if I did not confefs, and that, without any particular objection to Mr. Melmoth, that I think you would be much happier with my Lord Courtly, who has made the fairest offers, and of whose regard for you, I am now more than ever convinced.

Narciffa. I am obliged to Lord Courtley, madam, for his good opinion of me; and under other circumftances he might poffibly have had lefs reason to complain of my indifference.

Mrs. Mildmay. Well, my dear, I only speak my sentiments. I have no objection to your engaging the af factions, or encouraging the addrefs of a really deferving, lover; but I must insist on your indulging yourself less in raillery, at the expence of your friends.

Narciffu. I fhould think, madam, ones friends would. be the leaft apt to take offence, and that the behaviour:

you

you complain of, might be a good method to put their friendship to the proof.

Mrs. Mildmay. Then you think wrong, Narciffa. I know, by woful experience, the danger of trifling with a heart that loves one. It was this fatal indiscretion in me that gave rife to a groundless jealousy in the breaft of the fondest of hufbands, and deprived you of the tender affections of a father.

upon

this

Narciffa. I am fo happy, madam, in having that lofs fo well fupplied by yours, that I never felt it. But, my dear mamma, why do fo often touch you fubject? you know, it always makes you melancholy. Mrs. Mildmay. I cannot help it, Narciffa: in you, now, all my hopes are centered; let me not be deprived of the only comfort left me, (fince the death of my huf Band) in the prospect of your real happiness.

Narifa. Be affured, madam, that if it depend upon me, you shall not. I will check the vivacity of my temper and be more on the reserve.

Mrs. Mildmay. Do, my dear, and in return, be affured, that I fhall be no further an advocate for Lord Courtly, than his merit will juftify. But you must excufe my ftill indulging a wifh, that you had lefs partiality for young Melmoth.

Narciffa. Indeed, madam, he is poffeffed of fuch goodness of heart, that I should hope it is out of his power to make a bad husband.

Mrs. Mildmay. I fhould hope fo too: but the goodnefs of a man's heart, Narciffa, is not always a fufficient.

guard

guard against the impetuofity of his paffions; witnefs your unhappy father.

Narcia. Pray, mamma, fay no more on this fubject. I hope I fhall give it its due weight.

Mrs. Mildmay. I have done, my dear.

THE LIBERTINE REPULSED AND OVERPOWERED BY VIRTUE.

FROM THE MACARONI.

Lord Promise, a Rake. Come, thou tempting fair one, let me gently force you to comply.

Maria. Stand off my Lord ! do you think it poffible, that all the riches of the east could tempt me a moment to deviate from the paths of virtue? no-deftitute as I am, at this inftant of any friend, fave heaven; confcious of being entirely in your power, without the least human means to escape, yet fuch is my reliance on Providence, that I am regardless of the confequences. You may kill me if you please, but you cannot triumph over my innocence. And I have this confolation, in the midst of my diftrefs, that there is a being will amply revenge my cause, and reward my fufferings.

Lord P. (Afide) Perfuafive force dwells upon her tongue.

Maria. If your breaft be fufceptible, my lord, of pity, or manly fentiment, do not take an ungenerous

advantage of the helpless condition I am reduced ta, nor give me caufe to look upon you as the deftroyer of my peace and happiness.

Lord P. (Afide) Sure, there must be fome magic power in virtue, when it can charm even fuch a fon of vice as I am!

Maria. A mighty conqueft you have gained, indeed, my lord! deceived a poor old man who had nearly reached his journey's end, without this ftroke to help it, by endeavouring to ruin his unfufpecting daughter. Lord P. (Afide) I muft retire or fhe will difcover my weakness.

Maria. You have a fifter, my ford, whom you dearly love; an honoured parent, whofe life, perhaps, depends on her profperity. What must you think of that man who wantonly endeavours to deffroy fo fair a profpect. How much nobler is he who, commanding his paffions, gives proof of his greatness of foul, by acknowledging his errors, and making every attonement in his power?

Lord P. Be compofed, Maria; and be assured that I will make no further attempts on that virtue which you have fo juftly and nobly defended.

BENE

BENEDICK AND BEATRICE.

A SPRIGHTLY DIALOGUE.

FROM MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

Benedick. If Seignor Leonato be her father, the wou'd not have his head on her fhoulders for all Meffina, as like him as he is.

Beatrice.

I wonder, Signor Benedick, that you will

ftill be talking, no body marks you.

Ben. What, my dear lady Disdain! are you yet living?

Beat. Is it poffible Difdain fhould die, while she has fuch meet food to feed it, as Signor Benedick? Courtesy itself must convert to disdain, if you come in her prefence.

Ben. Then is courtesy a turncoat, for it is certain that I am loved of all ladies, only you excepted; and I wou'd I cou'd find in my heart,that I hadn't a hard heart, for truly I love none.

Beat. A dear happiness to women! they wou'd elfe have been troubled with a pernicious fuitor. I thank my stars, and my cold blood, I am of your humour for that. I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow, than a

man fwear he loves me.

Beng