_Sir Abel._ So much the worse; for had I been poor, she would not have married me. But I, say, Bob, if you gain the prize, I'll have a patent for my plough. _Lady H._ [_Without._] Sir Abel! I say-- _Handy, jun._ Father, could not you get a patent for stopping that sort of noise? _Sir Abel._ If I could, what a sale it would have!--No, Bob, a patent has been obtained for the only thing that will silence her-- _Handy, jun._ Aye--What's that? _Sir Abel._ [_In a whisper._] A coffin! hush!--I'm coming, my dear. _Handy, jun._ Ha, ha, ha! [_Exeunt._ SCENE III. _A Parlour in_ ASHFIELD'S _House._ _Enter_ ASHFIELD _and Wife._ _Ash._ I tell ye, I zee'd un gi' Susan a letter, an I dan't like it a bit. _Dame._ Nor I: if shame should come to the poor child--I say, Tummas, what would Mrs. Grundy say then? _Ash._ Dom Mrs. Grundy; what would my poor wold heart zay? but I be bound it be all innocence. _Enter_ HENRY. _Dame._ Ah, Henry! we have not seen thee at home all day. _Ash._ And I do zomehow fanzie things dan't go zo clever when thee'rt away from farm. _Henry._ My mind has been greatly agitated. _Ash._ Well, won't thee go and zee the ploughing match? _Henry._ Tell me, will not those who obtain prizes be introduced to the Castle? _Ash._ Ees, and feasted in the great hall. _Henry._ My good friend, I wish to become a candidate. _Dame._ You, Henry! _Henry._ It is time I exerted the faculties Heaven has bestowed on me; and though my heavy fate crushes the proud hopes this heart conceives, still let me prove myself worthy of the place Providence has assigned me.--[_Aside._] Should I succeed, it will bring me to the presence of that man, who (I know not why) seems the dictator of my fate.--[_To them._] Will you furnish me with the means? _Ash._ Will I!--Thou shalt ha' the best plough in the parish--I wish it were all gould for thy zake--and better cattle there can't be noowhere. _Henry._ Thanks, my good friend--my benefactor--I have little time for preparation--So receive my gratitude, and farewell. [_Exit._ _Dame._ A blessing go with thee! _Ash._ I zay, Henry, take Jolly, and Smiler, and Captain, but dan't ye take thic lazy beast Genius--I'll be shot if having vive load an acre on my wheat land could please me more. _Dame._ Tummas, here comes Susan reading the letter. _Ash._ How pale she do look! dan't she? _Dame._ Ah! poor thing!--If---- _Ash._ Hauld thy tongue, woolye? [_They retire._ _Enter_ SUSAN, _reading the letter._