Richard Steele: Edited, with an Introduction and Notes by G. A. Aitken — John Shaqi
Richard Steele: Edited, with an Introduction and Notes by G. A. AitkenSteele, Richard, Sir
General
Richard Steele: Edited, with an Introduction and Notes by G. A. Aitken
Steele, Richard, Sir
English drama (Comedy); Steele, Richard, Sir, 1672-1729
_Wid._ Go to him.--Bless me, how careless and open have I been to
this subtle creature in the case of Cabinet; she's certainly in his
interests----We people of condition are never guarded enough against
those about us. They watch when our minds boil over with joy or grief,
to come in upon us. How miserable it is to have one one hates always
about one, and when one can't endure one's own reflection upon some
actions, who can bear the thoughts of another upon 'em? But she has
me by deep, deep secrets.--The Italians, they say, can readily remove
the too much intrusted----Oh! their pretty scented gloves! This wench
I know has played me false and horned me in my gallants. O Italy, I
could resign all my female English liberty to thee, for thy much dearer
female pleasure, revenge!
_Enter_ TATTLEAID.
Well, what's the matter, dear Tatty?
_Tat._ The matter, madam? why, madam, Counsellor Puzzle is come to wait
on your ladyship about the will, and the conveyance of the estate.
There must, it seems, be no time lost for fear of things. Fie, fie,
madam, you a widow these three hours and not looked on a parchment
yet----Oh, impious, to neglect the will of the dead!
_Wid._ As you say, indeed, there is no will of an husband's so
willingly obeyed as his last. But I must go in and receive him in my
formalities, leaning on a couch, as necessary a posture as his going
behind his desk when he speaks to a client----But do you bring him in
hither till I am ready. [_Exit._
_Tat._ Mr. Counsellor, Mr. Counsellor----[_Calling._
_Enter_ PUZZLE _and_ CLERK.
_Puz._ 'Servant, good madam Tattleaid; my ancient friend is gone, but
business must be minded----
_Tat._ I told my lady twice or thrice, as she lies in dumb grief on the
couch within, that you were here, but she regarded me not; however,
since you say 'tis of such moment, I'll venture to introduce you.
Please but to repose here a little while I step in; for methinks I
would a little prepare her.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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