in London, finds that he loses more by the extravagance of his wife than he can gain by the prostitution of his vote. Vanbrugh's other plays are mere comedies of intrigue, written without moral or immoral purpose for the sake of amusement, of which they are abundantly prolific for readers not repelled by a disregard of virtue so open and unblushing that, being too gay for cynicism, it almost seems innocence. The scene between Flippanta and her pupil in _The Confederacy_ is an excellent specimen of Vanbrugh's spirited comedy. It might be headed, _Malitia supplet aetatem_. '_Flip._ Nay, if you can bear it so, you are not to be pitied so much as I thought. _Cor._ Not pitied! Why, is it not a miserable thing for such a young creature as I am should be kept in perpetual solitude, with no other company but a parcel of old fumbling masters, to teach me geography, arithmetic, philosophy, and a thousand useless things? Fine entertainment, indeed, for a young maid at sixteen! Methinks one's time might be better employed. _Flip._ Those things will improve your wit. _Cor._ Fiddle, faddle! han't I wit enough already? My mother-in-law has learned none of this trumpery, and is not she as happy as the day is long? _Flip._ Then you envy her I find? _Cor._ And well I may. Does she not do what she has a mind to, in spite of her husband's teeth? _Flip._ [_Aside._] Look you there now! If she has not already conceived that as the supreme blessing of life! _Cor._ I'll tell you what, Flippanta; if my mother-in-law would but stand by me a little, and encourage me, and let me keep her company, I'd rebel against my father to-morrow, and throw all my books in the fire. Why, he can't touch a groat of my portion; do you know that, Flippanta! _Flip._ [_Aside._] So--I shall spoil her! Pray Heaven the girl don't debauch me! _Cor._ Look you: in short, he may think what he pleases, he may think himself wise; but thoughts are free, and I may think in my turn. I'm but a girl, 'tis true, and a fool too, if you'll believe him; but let him know, a foolish girl may make a wise man's heart ache; so he had as good be quiet.--Now it's out. _Flip._ Very well, I love to see a young woman have spirit, it's a sign she'll come to something. _Cor._ Ah, Flippanta! if you would but encourage me, you'd find me quite another thing. I'm a devilish girl in the bottom; I wish you'd but let me make one amongst you. _Flip._ That never can be till you are married. Come, examine your strength a little. Do you think you durst venture upon a husband? _Cor._ A husband! Why, a--if you would but encourage me. Come, Flippanta, be a true friend now. I'll give you advice when I have got a little more experience. Do you in your conscience and soul think I am old enough to be married?