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
Madam, votre servante, servante----
_L. Ha._ Well, mademoiselle, did you deliver my letter?
_Mad._ Oui.
_L. Ha._ Well, and how--is that it in your hand?
_Mad._ Oui.
_L. Ha._ Well then, why don't you give it me?
_Mad._ O fie! lady, dat be so right Englise, de Englise mind only de
words of de lovers, but de words of de lovers are often lie, but de
action no lie.
_L. Ha._ What does the thing mean? Give me my letter.
_Mad._ Me did not deliver your letter.
_L. Ha._ No?
_Mad._ No, me tell you, me did drop it, to see Mr. Campley how cavalier
to take it up. As dese me drop it so monsieur run take it up. [_They
both run to take it up,_ MAD. _takes it._
_L. Ha._ Will you give me my letter or not?
_Mad._ Oui. But dus he do. Dere de letter--very well, very well. O
l'amour! You act de manner Mr. Campley--take it up better den I, do'
you no see it. [_They both run,_ HARRIOT _gets it._
_L. Ha._ [_Reads._]
"MADAM,
"I am glad you mentioned what indeed I did not at that time think of,
nor if I had, should I have known how to have spoken of. But bless me
more than fortune can, by turning those fair eyes upon, madam,
"Your most faithful,
"Most obedient humble servant,
"THO. CAMPLEY."
What does he mean? "But bless me more--by turning"--Oh, 'tis he himself
[_Looking about observes_ CAM. _smile_]. Oh, the hoyden, the romp, I
did not think anything could add to your native confidence, but you
look so very bold in that dress, and your arms will fall off, and your
petticoats how they hang!
_Cam._ Mademoiselle, voulez vous de Salville l'eau d'Hongrie, chez
Monsieur Marchand de Montpelier--Dis for your teet [_Showing his
trinkets_], de essence, a little book French for teach de elder broders
make compliments. Will you, I say, have anything that I have, will you
have all I have, madam?
_L. Ha._ Yes, and for humour's sake, will never part with this box,
while I live, ha! ha! ha!
_Cam._ But, Lady Harriot, we must not stand laughing; as you observe
in your letter, delays are dangerous in this wicked woman's custody
of you; therefore I must, madam, beseech you, and pray stay not on
niceties, but be advised.
_L. Ha._ Mr. Campley, I have no will but yours.
_Cam._ Thou dear creature, but [_Kisses her hand_] harkee then, you
must change dresses with mademoiselle, and go with me instantly.
_L. Ha._ What you please.
_Cam._ Madam d'Epingle, I must desire you to comply with a humour of
gallantry of ours--you may be sure I'll have an eye over the treatment
you have upon my account--only to change habits with Lady Harriot, and
let her go while you stay.
_Mad._ Wit all my heart.[28] [_Offers to undress herself._
_L. Ha._ What, before Mr. Campley?
_Mad._ Oh, oh--very Anglaise! dat is so Englise, all women of
quality in France are dress and undress by a valet de chambre; de
man chamber-maid help complexion better den de woman. [_Apart to_ L.
HARRIOT.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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