hereafter-besides, you, doubtless, know his cha

racter?

Sir Chr. Oh, as well as I do my own. But let's understand one another. You may trust me, now you've gone so far. You are acquainted with his character, no doubt, to a hair?

Inkle. I am-I see we shall understand each other. You know him too, I see, as well as I.-A very touchy, testy, hot old fellow.

Sir Chr. Here's a scoundrel! I hot and touchy! Zounds! I can hardly contain my passion!-But I won't discover myself. I'll see the bottom of this [To him.] Well now, as we seem to have come to a tolerable explanation-let's proceed to businessbring me the woman.

Inkle. No there you must excuse me. I ra ther would avoid seeing her more; and wish it to be settled without my seeming interference. My presence might distress her-You conceive me?

Sir Chr. Zounds! what an unfeeling rascal! The poor girl's in love with him, I suppose. No, no, fair and open. My dealing is with you and you only: I see her now, or I declare off.

Inkle. Well then, you must be satisfied: yonder's my servant-ha-a thought has struck me. here, sir.

Enter TRUDGE.

Come

I'll write my purpose, and send it her by him-It's lucky that I taught her to decypher characters; my labour now is paid. [Takes out his pocket-book, and writes.]-This is somewhat less abrupt; 'twill soften matters. [To himself.] Give this to Yarico; then bring her hither with you.

Trudge. I shall, sir.

[Going, Inkle. Stay; come back. This soft fool, if unin

structed, may add to her distress. When she has read this paper, seem to make light of it; tell her it is a thing of course, done purely for her good. I here inform her that I must part with her. D'ye understand your lesson?

Trudge. Pa-part with Ma-madam Ya-ri-co!

Inkle. Why does the blockhead stammer!—I have my reasons. No muttering-And let me tell you, sir, if your rare bargain were gone too, 'twould be the better she may babble our story of the forest, and spoil my fortune.

Trudge. I'm sorry for it, sir; I have lived with you a long while; I've half a year's wages too due the 25th ult. for dressing your hair, and scribbling your parchments; but take my scribbling; take my frizzing; take my wages; and I, and Wows, will take ourselves off together-she saved my life, and rot me, if any thing but death shall part us.

Inkle. Impertinent! Go, and deliver your message. Trudge. I'm gone, sir. Lord, Lord! I never carried a letter with such ill-will in all my born days.

Sir Chr. Well-shall I see the girl?

[Exit

Inkle. She'll be here presently. One thing I had forgot when she is yours, I need not caution you, after the hints I've given, to keep her from the Castle. If Sir Christopher should see her, 'twould lead, you know, to a discovery of what I wish concealed.

Sir Chr. Depend upon me-Sir Christopher will know no more of our meeting, than he does at this

moment.

Inkle. Your secercy shall not be unrewarded; In recommend you particularly to his good graces.

Sir Chr. Thank ye, thank ye; but I'm pretty much in his good graces, as it is; I don't know any body he has a greater respect for.

Re-enter TRUdge.

Inkle. Now, sir, have you performed your message?
Trudge. Yes, I gave her the letter.

Inkle. And where is Yarico? did she say she'd come? didn't you do as you were ordered? didn't you speak to her?

Trudge. I cou'dn't, sir, I cou'dn't-I intended to say what you bid me-but I felt such a pain in my throat, I cou'dn't speak a word, for the soul of me; and so, sir, I fell a-crying.

Inkle. Blockhead!

Sir Chr. 'Sblood, but he's a very honest blockhead. Tell me, good fellow-what said the wench?

Trudge. Nothing at all, sir. She sat down with her two hands clasped on her knees, and looked so pitifully in my face, I could not stand it. Oh, here she comes. I'll go and find Wows: if I must be melancholy, she shall keep me company.

[Exit. Sir Chr. Ods my life, as comely a wench as ever I saw !

Enter YARICO, who looks for some time in INKLE'S face, bursts into tears, and falls on his neck.

Inkle. In tears! nay, Yarico! why this?
Yar. Oh do not-do not leave me!

Inkle. Why, simple girl! I'm labouring for your good. My interest, here, is nothing: I can do nothing from myself. You are ignorant of our country's customs. I must give way to men more powerful, who will not have me with you. But see, my Yarico, ever anxious for your welfare, I've found a kind, good person who will protect you.

Yar. Ah! why not you protect me?
Inkle. I have no means-how can I?

Yar. Just as I sheltered you. Take me to yonder mountain, where I see no smoke from tall, high houses, filled with your cruel countrymen. None of your princes, there, will come to take me from you. And should they stray that way, we'll find a lurking place, just like my own poor cave, where many a day I sat beside you, and blessed the chance that brought you to it-that I might save your life.

Sir Chr. His life! Zounds! my blood boils at the scoundrel's ingratitude!

Yar. Come, come, let's go. I always feared these cities. Let's fly and seek the woods; and there we'll wander hand in hand together. No cares shall vex us then-We'll let the day glide by in idleness; and you shall sit in the shade, and watch the sunbeam playing on the brook, while I sing the song that pleases you. No cares, love, but for food-and we'll live cheerily, I warrant-In the fresh, early morning you shall hunt down our game, and I will pick you' berries-and then, at night, I'll trim our bed of leaves, and lie me down in peace-Oh! we shall be so happy!

-to

Inkle. Hear me, Yarico My countrymen and yours differ as much in minds as in complexions. We were not born to live in woods and cavesseek subsistence by pursuing beasts-We Christians, girl, hunt money a thing unknown to you— But, here, 'tis money which brings us ease, plenty, command, power, every thing and, of course, happiness. You are the bar to my attaining this; therefore 'tis necessary for my good- -and which, I

think.

you value

Yar. You know I do; so much, that it would break my heart to leave you.

Inkle. But we must part: if you are seen with me, I shall lose all.

Yar. I gave up all for you--my friends-my coun

try; all that was dear to me; and still grown dearer since you sheltered there.-All, all was left for you -and were it now to do again-again I'd cross the seas, and follow you, all the world over.

Inkle. We idle time; sir, she is yours. See you obey this gentleman; 'twill be the better for you. [Going.

Yar. O barbarous ! [Holding him.] Do not, do not abandon me!

Inkle. No more.

Yar. Stay but a little. I sha'n't live long to be a burden to you: your cruelty has cut me to the heart. Protect me but a little-or I'll obey this man, and undergo all hardships for your good; stay but to witness 'em.-I soon shall sink with grief; tarry till then, and hear me bless your name when I am dying; and beg you now and then, when I am gone, to heave a sigh for your poor Yarico.

Inkle. I dare not listen. You, sir, I hope, will take good care of her.

[Going. Sir Chr. Care of her!-that I will-I'll cherish her like my own daughter; and pour balm into the heart of a poor, innocent girl, that has been wounded by the artifices of a scoundrel.

Inkle. Hah! 'Sdeath, sir, how dare you!

Sir Chr. 'Sdeath, sir, how dare you look an honest man in the face?

Inkle. Sir, you shall feel

Sir Chr. Feel!-It's more than ever you did, I believe. Mean, sordid wretch! dead to all sense of honour, gratitude, or humanity-I never heard of such barbarity! I have a son-in-law, who has been left in the same situation; but, if I thought him capable of such cruelty, dam'me if I would not turn him to sea, with a peck-loaf, in a cockle-shell-Come, come, cheer up, my girl! You sha'n't want a friend to pro

F