But if I don't shew them in lieu of it, To be sure yon sly cajoler Thought the work as good as done, But if I don't shew him in lieu of it, 611 620 SCENE XII. Changes to a room in the mill; two chairs, with a table and a tankard of beer. FAIRFIELD, GILES. Fai. In short, farmer, I don't know what to say to thee. I have spoken to her all I can; but I think children were born to pull the grey hairs of their parents to the grave with sorrow. Giles. Nay, master Fairfield, don't take on about it: belike Miss Pat has another love: and if so, in Heaven's name be't: what's one man's meat, as the saying is, is another man's poison; and, tho'f some might find me well enough to their fancy, set in case I don't suit her's, why there's no harm done. 639 Fai. Well but, neighbour, I have put that to her ; and the story is, she has no inclination to marry any one; all she desires, is, to stay at home and take care of me. Giles, Master Fairfield-here's towards your good health. Fai. Thank thee, friend Giles-and here's towards thine. I promise thee, had things gone as we proposed, thou should'st have had one half of what I was worth, to the uttermost farthing. 640 Giles. Why to be sure, Master Fairfield, I am not the less obligated to your good-will; but, as to that matter, had I married, it should not have been for the lucre of gain; but if I do like a girl, do you see, I do like her; ay, and I'd take her, saving respect, if she had not a second petticoat. Fai. Well said—where love is, with a little industry, what have a young couple to be afraid of? And, by the Lord Harry, for all that's past, I cannot help thinking we shall bring our matters to bear yetYoung women you know, friend Giles 651 Giles. Why, that's what I have been thinking with myself, Master Fairfield. Fai. Come, then, mend thy draught.-Duce take me if I let it drop so-But, in any case, don't you go to make yourself uneasy. Giles. Uneasy, Master Fairfield; what good would that do?-For sartin, seeing how things were, I should have been very glad they had gone according G ly: but if they change, 'tis no fault of mine you know. AIR. Zooks! why should I sit down and grieve? Here's what masters all disasters: Thus my drooping thoughts I cheer: From another I may find Return more kind; What a murrain then should ail me! All girls are not of a mind. He's a child that whimpers for a toy ; 671 680 SCENE XIII. FAIRFIELD, Lord AIMWORTH. Fai. O the goodness, his lordship's honour-you are come into a litter'd place, my noble sir-the armchair will it please your honour to repose you on this, till a better L. Aim. Thank you, miller, there's no occasion for either. and have company waiting for me without. Fai. Without poor hovel so far 690 -won't their honours favour my L. Aim. No, miller, let them stay where they are. -I find you are about marrying your daughter-I know the great regard my mother had for her; and am satisfied, that nothing but her sudden death could have prevented her leaving her a handsome provision. Fai. Dear, my lord, your noble mother, you, and all your family, have heaped favours on favours on my poor child. 700 L. Aim. Whatever has been done for her she has fully merited Fai. Why, to be sure, my lord, she is a very good girl. L. Aim. Poor old man-but those are tears of satisfaction. Here, Master Fairfield, to bring matters to a short conclusion, here is a bill of a thousand pounds.- -Portion your daughter with what you think convenient of it. 709 Fai. A thousand pound, my lord! Pray excuse me ; excuse me, worthy sir; too much has been done already, and we have no pretensions L. Aim. I insist upon your taking it. and say no more. -Put it up, Fai. Well, my lord, if it must be so: but indeed, indeed L. Aim. In this I only fulfil what I am satisfied would please my mother. As to myself, I shall take upon me all the expences of Patty's wedding, and have already given orders about it, 720 Fai. Alas, sir, you are too good, too generous; but I fear we shall not be able to profit of your kind intentions, unless you will condescend to speak a little to Patty. L. Aim. How speak! Fai. Why, my lord, I thought we had pretty well ordered all things concerning this marriage; but all on a sudden the girl has taken it into her head not to have the farmer, and declares she will never marry at all. But I know, my lord, she'll pay great respect to any thing you say: and if you'll but lay your commands on her to marry him, I'm sure she'll do it. L. Aim. Who, I lay my commands on her? 733 Fai. Yes, pray, my lord, do; I'll send her in to you. L. Aim. “Master Fairfield! [Fairfield goes out and “ returns.]—What can be the meaning of this?—Re“ fuse to marry the farmer !-How, why ?--My heart "is thrown in an agitation; while every step I take, "serves but to lead me into new perplexities. Fai. "She's coming, my lord; I said you were "here ;" and I humbly beg you will tell her, you insist upon the match going forward; tell her, you insist upon it, my lord, and speak a little angrily to her. |