_Enter_ SAM. _Sam_. Sir, my lord says the writings are now ready, and his lordship and the lawyers are waiting for you and Mr. Egerton. _Sir Per_. Vary weel: we'll attend his lordship. [_Exit_ Sam.] I tell you, Charles, aw this conscientious refinement in politics is downright ignorance, and impracticable romance; and, sir, I desire I may hear no more of it. Come, sir, let us gang down and finish this business. _Eger_. [_Stopping Sir_ Per. _as he is going off,_] Sir, with your permission, I beg you will first hear a word or two upon this subject. _Sir Per_. Weel, sir, what would you say? _Eger_. I have often resolved to let you know my aversion to this match.-- _Sir Per_. How, sir! _Eger_. But my respect, and fear of disobliging you, have hitherto kept me silent-- _Sir Per_. Your aversion! your aversion, sir! how dare you use sic language till me? Your aversion! Look you, sir, I shall cut the matter vary short:--consider, my fortune is nai inheritance; aw mine ain acquisition: I can make ducks and drakes of it; so do not provoke me, but sign the articles directly. _Eger_. I beg your pardon, sir, but I must be free on this occasion, and tell you at once, that I can no longer dissemble the honest passion that fills my heart for another woman. _Sir Per_. How! another woman! and, you villain, how dare you love another woman without my leave? But what other woman--wha is she? Speak, sir, speak. _Eger_. Constantia. _Sir Per_. Constantia! oh, you profligate! what! a creature taken in for charity! _Eger_. Her poverty is not her crime, sir, but her misfortune: her birth is equal to the noblest; and virtue, tho' covered with a village garb, is virtue still; and of more worth to me than all the splendor of ermined pride or redundant wealth. Therefore, sir-- _Sir Per_. Haud your jabbering, you villain, haud your jabbering; none of your romance or refinement till me. I have but one question to ask you--but one question--and then I have done with you for ever, for ever; therefore think before you answer:--Will you marry the lady, or will you break my heart? _Eger_. Sir, my presence shall not offend you any longer: but when reason and reflection take their turn, I am sure you will not be pleased with yourself for this unpaternal passion. [_Going._ _Sir Per_. Tarry, I command you; and, I command you likewise not to stir till you have given me an answer, a definitive answer: Will you marry the lady, or will you not? _Eger_. Since you command me, sir, know then, that I can not, will not marry her. [_Exit._