_Mr. W._ Sir, we are not in the habit of puffing our goods. Ours is an old-established house with a large family connection, and every assurance held out in the advertisement is fully realized. (_Hurt._) _Ali._ (_aside_). Oh, Alexis, don’t offend him! He’ll change us into something dreadful--I know he will! _Alex._ I am anxious from purely philanthropical motives to distribute this philtre, secretly, among the inhabitants of this village. I shall of course require a quantity. How do you sell it? _Mr. W._ In buying a quantity, sir, we should strongly advise your taking it in the wood, and drawing it off as you happen to want it. We have it in four and a half and nine gallon casks--also in pipes and hogsheads for laying down, and we deduct 10 per cent. for prompt cash. _Ali._ Oh, Alexis, surely you don’t want to lay any down! _Alex._ Aline, the villagers will assemble to carouse in a few minutes. Go and fetch the teapot. _Ali._ But, Alexis---- _Alex._ My dear, you must obey me, if you please. Go and fetch the teapot. _Ali._ (_going_). I’m sure Dr. Daly would disapprove it. [_Exit ALINE into tent._ _Alex._ And how soon does it take effect? _Mr. W._ In half an hour. Whoever drinks of it falls in love, as a matter of course, with the first lady he meets who has also tasted it, and his affection is at once returned. One trial will prove the fact. _Enter ALINE from tent with large teapot._ _Alex._ Good: then, Mr. Wells, I shall feel obliged if you will at once pour as much philtre into this teapot as will suffice to affect the whole village. _Ali._ But bless me, Alexis, many of the villagers are married people. _Mr. W._ Madam, this philtre is compounded on the strictest principles. On married people it has no effect whatever. But are you quite sure that you have nerve enough to carry you through the fearful ordeal? _Alex._ In the good cause I fear nothing. _Mr. W._ Very good; then we will proceed at once to the Incantation. (_The stage grows dark._) INCANTATION. _Mr. W._ Sprites of earth and air-- Fiends of flame and fire-- Demon souls, Come here in shoals, This dreadful deed inspire! Appear, appear, appear! _Male Voices._ Good master, we are here! _Mr. W._ Noisome hags of night-- Imps of deadly shade-- Pallid ghosts, Arise in hosts, And lend me all your aid! Appear, appear, appear! _Female Voices._ Good master, we are here! _Alex._ (_aside_). Hark, they assemble, These fiends of the night! _Ali._ (_aside_). Oh, Alexis, I tremble. Seek safety in flight! ARIA.--ALINE.