_Lady._ To be sure Shakespear was a very tolerable Author for the time, Sir Patrick, he writ in, but--a--he was excessively incorrect. Don't you think he was, Mr. Heartly? _Heart._ Extremely so, my Lady. _Lady._ Well this Comedy is quite Aristotelian, with an infinity of Plot--quite tip top--You will like it immensely; it is quite a high thing. _Heart._ To be sure nobody has a more elegant Taste of Works of Genius than your Ladyship, particularly of the Drama. _Lady._ Why really, Mr. Heartly, I think I have some tolerable Ideas of the finer Arts. Mr. Canker, who is allowed to have more critical Learning than any man since Zoilus, says I have an Exquisite Taste of Dramatick Rules--I have given him several hints in his Plays--and have sometimes writ an Entire Scene for him. _Heart._ To be sure, Madam, your Knowledge is indisputable--but I am afraid Mr. Canker will call your Judgment in question about this New Play, for he rails at it excessively. _Lady._ He did abuse it to an infinite Degree before it came out; but he will soon be convinced when he hears my Judgment of it, and to tell you a Secret, Mr. Heartly, I am a little picqued at him for speaking so ill of it--for I have a great Regard for the Author. Sir Charles Stanza is to bring him to sup tonight, and we are to be immensely intimate, and there is nothing I like so much as an Acquaintance with a new Author. (_Enter_ FOOTMAN) _Foot._ Mr. Advocate the Lawyer is come to wait on your Ladyship. _Lady._ O he has brought the Marriage Articles; Harriet, I hope all your Objections to Mr. Canker are removed, for this Night he is to declare his Passion either for you or your Sister, and if you should be his Choice, I desire as you have any regard for me that you will receive him with Respect and Esteem. He has an immense deal of Wit, and a most refined Understanding; as you are at my disposal, I expect an implicit Acceptance of the Person I shall recommend. _Sir Pat._ Upon my Honour, my Lady, tho' I know nothing at all of the Matter, I think you talk very reasonably. Shall I have the Honour of your Ladyship's Hand? (_Exit Sir Patrick and Lady Critick_) _Har._ Well Sir, Matters are brought to a Crisis. _Heart._ They are so, and I see no Remedy but the old one. _Har._ Pray Sir, what is that? _Heart._ What you resolved on just now--Jacyntha's---- _Har._ What, running away? No, no, Sir, I don't think that quite so necessary to our Plot as it was to theirs; it will be time enough to put that Scheme in Execution when every thing else fails. _Heart._ But dear Harriet, what's to be done? You see that Canker pretends a Passion for you, and your Aunt is fully determined on the Match--I will openly avow my Love----