Joung R. Yumping up] 'Sdeath and fire! Is this a time for speeches! Is not your daughter waiting?-Is not?-Oh, Jessy! Vortex. True, another opportunity! But, oh! 'tis a pretty speech.-Well, now give me back the paper. Young R. The paper! Vortex. Yes, now you have thoroughly digested the contents of the paper, give it me again. Young R. Oh! the-the-the paper! [Sees it torn on the ground. Vortex. Yes; that precious scrap, that secures us a hundred thousand pounds, you dog!-Come, give it me. Young R. My dear fellow! you gave me no paper. Vortex. But I did, though. Young R. Yes, you certainly did; but then -you-you-did not Frank. You, sur! Frank. You be's a desperate villain! [Rapid Vortex. But I'll take my oath I did!-Come, going to strike] Come, dan't you do thatgive it me directly!-You-[Sres the frag-it wont do-Poor sister! If you had drawn ments on the ground] Eh!-what!-No;- an harrow across her heart, you could not Yes.-I'm undone, I'm ruined.-Oh, my head! have hurt her so. I'm going, I'm going! - Young R. Upon my soul I'm very sorry, but Vortex. But what? Young R. That infernal speech! Vortex. Oh! [Looking at the scraps of paper-Eh, but hold!-When he marries my daughter he'll keep the secret for his own sake. Oh, dear! I must lose no time. Young R. I'm very sorry! I'm sure if hearing your speech will be any compensation[Sils down. Vortex. No, no, not now-come with me, all the lawyers are waiting.-Ob, pray come. Young R. I'm coming, but you're always in such a hurry. Young R. Damn't-I know nothing of your sister! Who the devil is your sister? youFrank. Why, Jessy Oatland! Young R. What! your sister-the brother of Jessy my servant?-Damnation! why did not you tell me so? To raise my hand against the brother of Jessy! I shall go mad! - Frank, will you forgive me? I love Jessy-by my soul I do!-And may heaven desert me, if[Kneels. Enter VORTEX. Vortex. Hey-day! Young R. [Jumping up] What's the matter? Vortex. [To Frank] Leave the room! [Exit Frank] Insult upon insult!—What sahim-Itisfaction Vortex. I'll send my daughter to must push him. Pray come directly. [Exit, in a hurry. Young R. Upon my soul you'll break your neck, if you hurry so. Am I always to have this infernal pain? [Goes up to the glass] Behold a highfinished rascal at full length. Curse me, if I can look myself in the face. Enter JESSY. Jessy. [Apart] There he stands! - Now, heart, be firm-Virtuous indignation, support me! Sir, my mistress waits for you. Young R. Don't plague me about your mistress. I'll come by and by.-[Turns round] Heaven and hell! Jessy Oatland! Jessy. My mistress, sir, waits for you. Young R. Your mistress!-A servant! Jessy Oatland a servant!-A servant to- And 1Jessy! my life!-my soul!-will you forgive Jessy. Wretch! ? Young R. I am.-I despise myself.-On my knees only listen to me. Enter Miss VORTEX. Miss V. Mr. Rapid! Young R. I know what you want. Come along; I'll fight you directly. Vortex. Fight! Nonsense! Young R. Then I'll ask your pardon. Vortex. But what the devil's the meaning of all this? Young R. Why, don't you see I'm mad? Enter YOUNG STANLEY. [want? Young R. [Jumping round] What do you Vortex. Oh, Lord! how fierce Stanley looks at me. Pray come, Mr. Rapid.-[To Stanley] Sir, your most obedient! [Exit, running. Young R. That little fellow will break his neck, to a certainty. Stan. I have just seen a lovely girl that you have wrong'd. Young R. I know I have, and I'll fight you again, if you like it. Stan. Could the result benefit Jessy Oatland, I would accept your invitation. Young R. The fact is, I'm the most unhappy-the-What do you charge for shoot Young R. [Jumping up] What is the ing a man? I'll give you a thousand to blow matter? my brains out. I'm the most miserable dog. Miss V. How can you debase yourself-to--Pray, sir, will you tell me one thing!-Are Jessy. How dare he debase me, madam, by you a man of fashion? offering to an honest heart the affections of a villain? Miss V. Sir! Stan. I trust I'm a gentleman. Young R. That's pretty much the same thing -an't it, sir? Young R. Pray, sir, how did you become a gentleman? Stan. Simply, by never committing an ac tion that would not bear reflection. Young R. Can I be a gentleman, and an honest man? Stan. Can you be a gentleman, and not an honest man? Young R. Pray, sir, have you always an infernal pain at your heart? Stan. No, sir. may Miss F. I vow I feel uncommon discomposed- Oatland? your arm, child! [Leans on Jessy. Enier YOUNG RAPID. Young R. Heavens, how interesting! the languor of those lovely eyes Miss V. Flattering creature! Young R. My senses are restor'd. Oh, will you pardon-will you again receive a heart full of love and adoration? your Miss V. What shall I do?-I must pardon [Miss Vortex is preparing to speak. say? Young R. No! Huzza! Thank you!-By hea-him. ven -Now don't hurry yourself.-If I don't, Jessy. Edward! what shall I [Walks about love has been too long my joy, my pride,Stan. Ah! Mr. Rapid, how different are to be torn from my heart without many a our situations! You, possessing the love of a bitter wound;-[Miss Vortex with surprise most charming and fascinating girl, dash the and chagrin withdraws her arm from Jessy;]-but your late conduct has beenof happiness away. Young R. Detestable! - But I'm pardon'd; Thanks, my angel! Young R. May be not, my dear fellowyour eyes tell me push on. Stan. I, possessing the heart of my dear [Running to her and kneeling] I'm so opEllen, am miserable; because, on account of press'd with joy.-Ma'am will you have the the narrowness of her fortune, she compels goodness to help me up? me to abandon her. cup Young R. What! the narrowness of her fortune compels Stan. Yes, I say So. Miss V. Help you up! Frank. He he he! Gi' me a buss, Jessy! be! he! thee be's a domn'd honest fellow! [Shaking Rapid's hand] I'll run and tell Don't poor Feyther.-Now I shall have a farm of [Nodding. my own! [Capering and snapping his fingers]-Dong it, how I will work. He! he! Young R. No! Don't say it again. despair, that's all. Stan. She has given a fatal paper. such a scene. Vortex. No, not I. Miss V. Coward! [Exit. Miss V. To be used so twice in one day! Young R. No, you are not!-I'll shew you-it is not to be borne, Nabob, won't you -Nay, don't ask me any ques- fight him? tions-follow me, that's all.-Wait at the door; and when I cry, hem! come in. But don't be in such a hurry. By heavens, the pain in my side is better already! Huzza!-Come along! [Going, returns, and runs to the glass, and nods] How do you do? How do you do? What! you rascal! you can grin again, quite faint with laughing. can you? Come along; but don't hurry; because, my dear fellow, 'tis impossible to do Vortex. You'd better be quiet, or I'll convince you I'm none, however. Miss V. He! he! I declare it is so uncommonly ridiculous!-so comic!-He! he !-I'm Jessy. Shall I assist you? Miss V. No! [Resentfully] I must retire, Exit, crying. any thing well in a hurry. Come along! but, or I shall expire with laughing!-he! he! zounds! never hurry. Enter JESSY and FRANK. Frank. How bee'st thee now, Jessy? Jessy. Better. Quite recover'd. What pass'd between you and Edward? Frank. Why, at first he were in a desperate passion; but when I told him I were thy brother, he were so humble, and did ax I so to forgive un, that I could say no more to un. Dom it, I could not hit him when he were down; and I've a notion his conscience was pegging him about pretty tightish. He swear'd he did love thee! Jessy. Did he, Frank? Did he say he lov'd me? Vortex. You forget 'tis my house. Young R. Mum, now for Young Stanley's cue. [To Ellen] 'Pon my honour, ma'am, any man might be proud to-Hem - He does'nt hear me-Such beauty! Such a shape!—such hot-a-Hem Enter Mr. and Miss VORTEX. Jessy. How my poor frame trembles. Enter CHARLES STANLEY. Vortex. Zounds! he's here again [Getting behind Young Rapid] What does he want? 78 Young R. Shall I ask him? Young R. I say he's justly punished for the Vortex. Do.-I'll be very much obliged to length of the story he told. no more! Young R. [To Charles Stanley] What may be your business here, Sir? Charles. Mr. Rapid, in expressing my obligations, allow me to be Young R. Not more than a minute, I intreat. Old R. I won't.-Let me come at him. Enter OLD RAPID and Sir Hubert. Jessy. [Young Rapid and Jessy kneel] Your blessing, sir! Old R. What? Oh! [Falls down on his Knees, and embraces them both.] Charles. I came to take leaveSir Hub. After talking a part to his Son] Young R. Hush! [Apart]-To enquire re- Mr. Rapid, by asserting your character as a specting that Lady's fortune. We'll soon ans-man of honour, in rewarding the affections of wer all that, won't we?- [Nodding to Vortex. this amiable woman, you command my praise; Charles. I say, Sirfor bestowing happiness on my dear Charles, Young R. [Stopping him] We grant it,-receive an old man's blessing." we grant Mr. Vortex has recovered property Young R. Approbation from Sir Hubert to a considerable amount, but what signifies Stanley is praise indeed. that! She assigned it for five thousand pounds! Old R. Dam'me, there's the son of a taylor -You see how I'm going on. [To Nabob. for you! Vortex. Oh, thank you, my dear friend! Young R. I've seen the paper, haven't I? Vortex. What, a taylor? Old R. Yes! and let me tell you, that one [To Vortex. guinea honestly gotten by blood drawn from Charles. And I should be satisfied- the finger, is sweeter than a million obtained Young R. You would be satisfied if you by blood drawn from the heart!-So, take saw it. Certainly-Very proper-Nothing in that. nature can be more reasonable; so, Nabob, Young R. Well, Nabob, how do you feel? shew him the paper, and settle the business Vortex. Egad, 'tis very odd;—but I declare at once [Walks about, Vortex following I feel light and comfortable since Ellen has him] Shew him the paper!-Don't keep the got her estate, and I somehow breathe more gentleman waiting all day- Shew him the tree, I've a notion the last line of my speech paper. My dear fellow! what's the use of is true. walking after me! Shew him the paper. -- Vortex. [Taking advantage of the Pauses in the foregoing Speech] I say my dear friend-Hush!-Be quiet!-I want to speak to you-You forget you destroyed it! Young R. I destroyed it! Vortex. Hush! Young R. Come, I'll hear the last line. Vortex. Why, "that the first step towards securing the esteem of others, is to secure your own." Young R. Stick to the last line. Ellen. And, dear uncle, take Sir Hubert Stanley for your physician. Follow his prescription of justice and benevolence, and, my Vortex. I did not-I'll take my oath I did life on it, you will soon thank me for my re Yonng R. He says I destroyed it! not. Young R. And it is true. Young R. True, upon my honour! he has no more hold on your estates, madam, than I have. commendation. Vortex. Well, to shew the sincerity of my intentions, allow me, Ellen, to present you these parchments, the title-deeds of this estate. [Presents Parchments, Old R. I say, Ned, what nice measures they would make. Charles. [Kneeling to Ellen] Will you now allow the humble Stanley to destroy the Ellen. And Sir, allow me to shew you the hopes of the wealthy Ellen? Will you permit true value of riches-[Giving the Parchments me to repay your love with penury and sorto Stanley]-Convert them into happiness. row? Old R. Well, I've only one, observation to make. Ellen. Ob, chide on! [Raising him] Dear Stanley, my happiness is now complete. Young R. This is your house, ma'am.-I give you joy!-Sir, I give you joy! Nabob, I give you joy. Vortex. Oh, my head; you villain! Young R. Don't talk about villany,-it will make you worse. Sit down, my dear fellow! Charles. He's justly punished for the falsehood of the story he told. Young R. I hope it is a short one. 'Tis you, my generous Patrons, are the cause, My heart's impatient for your kind applause. A SCHOOL FOR GROWN CHILDREN. This comedy appeared at Covent-Garden in the beginning of the, present year, 1827, and was hailed with the marks of the greatest satisfaction by the delighted Londoners. Oid Revel's manner of bringing his son to a right knowledge of his faults, descends rather to the farcical; but there are some excellent hits at character throughout the whole piece, and from Bobby Buttercup to Sir Arthur Stanmore, we have some good sketches of nature. May Sir Arthurs never more be obliged to apply such severe remedies with Lady Stanmores, and no Miss Raven's gentle counsel tempt a wife to abuse her privileges. The scenes between Sir Arthur and Lady Stanmore, are well deserving of a first place in real comedy, and have the sterling stamp of real life upon them. The author of the best comedy in the English language (School for scandal) seems to have lent his pen; and, but that we know he is "gathered to his fathers," we should bave been inclined to have thought them the production of his genius. Good old Dame Ryeland, honest Frank and Fanny Bloomly, by their native simplicity, interest us highly in their favour. Poor Frank's heart-breaking situation at having lost his money, is rendered tender to a degree, by the reception the good old Dame gives him at his return to the cottage; that was indeed a school for him; and little Fanny's vanity is well humbled by reflecting, that she was the cause of Frank's desperation, the loss of his money, and consequently the author of his as well as her own misfortune. Young Revel's reformation, and determinations are very well drawn: he'll "rise at ten," form plans of economy, and a thousand other things in fact the lessons given to every one in this comedy, may well entitle it to be called "A School for grown children" The word "School" seems to have become quite in vogue lately, for titles to good co medies we have the "School for Scandal," "Ecole des Vieillards," "A School for grown children." ACT I. SCENE I.-The interior of a farm-house. Dame Ryeland in widow's weeds working a patch quilt, a spinning-wheel near her.Frank Ryeland writing, with accountbooks before him.-A large open window, displaying a sea view. Dame. Well, Frank, have you almost finished? Prank. Only two or three more items, mother, and then Dame. [Rising] Aye, and then I hope to meet your father's creditors with a cheerful look, a good conscience, and twenty shillings in the pound: it will be the proudest day of my life; and all owing to thy labour and care, my dear boy! Frank. Don't talk of that, mother, it puts me out; nine and seven, sixteen SERVANT TO YOUNG REVEL. SAILOR. PEASANT. LADY STAN MORE. | Domestics, Sailors etc. | HANNAH. -no, no-all my pride, all my joy; for thou wouldst do credit to the best lady of the land. Frank. Be quiet, mother, or you will make me as conceited as my poor father was. Had not we better see what stock we have left? [Returns to the table. [Fanny sings without.] Was not that my Fanny's voice? [Runs to the window, nods, and kisses his hand. Dame. Here's the schedule. [Sits] First, my | favourite blind mare. [Reading the schedule. Frank. How handsome she is! Dame. No! nothing to brag about. What had we best do with her,-eh, Frank? Frank. To part with her would be my death. Dame. [Rising] Your death! what's the boy talking about? [Looking over his shoulder] Oh! that's it. Sit down, you silly child ! [Fanny Bloomly appears at the window. Fanny. Good morning, Dame. The like to you, Frank. Do you want me this morning, Dame? Dame. Your poor dead father was ruined by vanity: he must dress himself like a jackanapes, and keep company with your gentry and boxing-men, and such like; would have Frank. Oh yes, Fanny, my mother wants made me a polite fine lady, if he could; but you very much indeed. Is she not beautiful? I defied him. [Wrapping up her work. Frank. Be happy, mother; all's right, [brings down the account-book]-father's debts, seven bundred and ninety pounds. Dame. Shame, shame! Frank. Value of corn and stock wipes out the debt, and leaves a small balance we can honestly call our own. Dane. And this done in twelve months ! Frank. To be sure we have left the farm cruel bare. Dame. Never mind, Frank, if only a blade of straw is left, I shall be the happiest woman in the Hundred, for no one can say, that by Martha Ryeland's family they have been wronged of a penny; and that is worth the rent of the whole parish. Frank. So it is, mother. Dame. [Placing her hand on his shoulder] Ab! here is placed all my cares, all my fears [To Dame R. Dame. Why if she prove as good as she's well-looking, she'll make an excellent wife; but I wish she would away with those flaunting ribbons and flowers; they don't become her humble station. Frank. But they become her complexion. Dame. Vanity, vanity! Has she not me for a model to dress by? Fanny. Frank, see, see-your landlord, Mr. Revel, is coming. Oh such grand coaches and stylish liveries! Gemini, how genteel! Dame. Genteel! I hate that word. Fanny. Come, or you'll lose the sight. [ Leaves the window. Frank. I can't come, Fanny, I am very busy. Plague on't, I've split up my pen, and there is not another in the house. Dame. Go thy ways-go thy ways. There's no more good to be done now I'm sure. Frank. Good bye, mother, good bye. Fanny. Thank you, Sir. Gemini, how [Smiling, curtseys to Revel, and exit into the Inn. [Shakes her Hand, snatches his Hat genteel! from the Peg, and runs out, Dame. Heaven bless them, and spare my life to see a few little brats toddle about me, Dex. I'm astonished that a gentleman, who mislay my crutch, and break my spectacles! possesses so amiable and beautiful a lady, But now to tell the creditors to come and should even talk to such gawky, ignorantreceive all their money. Hannah! my bonnet Y. Rev. I see your policy, you sly poacher! and cloak. Happy, blessed day! What says But is all prepared for my reception at the the church clock? Why, there's Frank has Hall? I glory in a magnificent stone mansion. got hold of a pedlar, and I'll lay my life is Dex. Yours is brick. buying that girl a brooch, or ear-bobs, or something genteel. Oh vanity, vanity! But I'll be after them. [Exit. Y. Rev. Brick is warmer. Placed on an eminence Dex. Yours is in a valley. Y. Rev. All the better-snug, eh, Dexter? SCENE II.-The exterior of a country Inn.-And are the horses trained? the hounds A marine View in the distance, with a staunch? pleasure Yacht moored.-Jonathan and Dexter meeting. Jonathan. Mr. Dexter! Mr. Dexter! Where's our master? Dexter. Our master! Don't be vulgar, Jonathan. Ask where Mr. Revel is, and I'll give you a satisfactory answer. Jon. Well! Where is Mr. Revel? Dex. I don't know. Jon. Because Sir Arthur Stanmore is waiting our master's-Mr. Revel's--arrival; so, when my master Dex. There are no hounds. Y. Rev. There'll be less damage done to the fences, my dear fellow! Dex. [Aside] Nothing can cross him. Y. Rev. Go along and pay every thing, and every body. Dex. 'Tis easy to say-pay every bodybut without money Y. Rev. Don't spare money. Y.Reo. Wherever you like—I have no choice. Dex. I'm sure I've used my honest endeaDex. Master again! begone, thou dishonour vours to raise it. I've bragged of the splendid to worsted-lace 1)! [Exil Jonathan] Master presents of your father, the nabob; that he indeed! A pretty time servants would have of serves out gold moors by the gallon, and it if our employers were our masters! [Enter brilliants by the bushel; when the truth is, be Fanny Bloomly with a Basket under her won't post another rupee. Arm; she curtseys to Dexter] Ah, my divine Y. Rev. Then there'll be more when the old Fanny! whither in such haste? boy retires, you know. Fanny. An errand to the inn to oblige Dex. I have urged your great expectations Dame Ryeland. when your grandfather dies, who has been Dex. To oblige Frank Ryeland you mean. dead these ten years; and swore you were But there'll be no wedding, Miss Fanny; no, heir to five existing aunts, who never existed no-I'll be a match for him. They can't pay at all. their rent, and will be turned out of the farm to-morrow. Here comes Mr. Revel; he shall not see my pretty Bloomly if I can help it. Enter YOUNG REVEL, and two Sailors. Y. Rev. [Pointing to the Inn] In there, and refit; and iet all be snug and trim for the regatta to-morrow. Do you think she'll carry the prize? Sai. No fear, your honour! [Exeunt Sailors. Y. Rev. Dexter! What's the fellow about? [Dexter attempting to conceal Fanny] Move this way if you please, for you appear to shut out the sweetest prospect. What a lovely creature! Your name is Fanny. Fanny Bloomly. Y. Reo. And you liveDex. Yes, Sir, she does; she is very busy just now. The expenses of your journey [Presenting Paper. Y. Rev. ll quite right. Dex. You have got it the wrong end uppermost. Y. Rev. 'Tis the same thing; take it to my wife; she arranges these matters; I only arrange these matters - [To Fanny] you are an angel. 1) The footmen wear shoulder knots of worsted lace, Y. Rev. Go, Sir, I'll not be trifled with. Dex. The very words your creditors use. Y. Rev. Dexter! have I not charged you never to let me hear of the existence of such people? Dex. Make him unhappy who can! [Aside] Here is Sir Arthur Stanmore. [Bows to Sir Arthur, and exit. Enter SIR ARTHUR STANMORE, with Peasants. Sir Arth. My friends, I will devote to-morrow to your service. Mr. Revel, I rejoice to see you. [Taking Hands. Y. Rev. Et vous, mon Chevalier! Sir Arth. Excuse me a moment. My good Dame, here is an order for the admission of your husband into the infirmary: my worthy fellow, this is the amount of your deposits in the saving-bank: and, my veteran, here is a certificate for the receipt of your pension; the rest will come to-morrow at the usual hourand remember to be punctual. Peasants. Bless your kind honour! [Exeunt Peasants. Y. Rev. He does not show much bloodone of the useful sort, may be. Sir Arth. Mr. Revel, pardon me: but with the children of labour time may be considered as their only property, and it were unpardoaable in me to dissipate it. You left town, no doubt, prepared— |