_Sir Per_. In the mean time, keep a strict watch upon Constantia,--and be sure you bring me word of whatever new matter you can pick up about her, my son, or this Hadley husband or sweetheart. _Bet_. Never fear, sir. [_Exit._ _Sir Per_. This love of Sidney's for Constantia is not unlikely.--There is something promising in it.--Yes! I think it is nai impossible to convert it intill a special and immediate advantage. It is but trying. Wha's there?--If it misses, I am but where I was. [_Enter_ Tomlins.] Where is Maister Sidney? _Tom_. In the dining room, Sir Pertinax. _Sir Per_. Tell him I wou'd speak with him. [_Exit_ Tomlins.] 'Tis more than probable.--Spare to speak and spare to speed. Try--try--always try the human heart:--try is as guid a maxim in politics as in war.--Why, suppose this Sidney now shou'd be privy till his friend Charles's love for Constantia.--What then? guid traith, it is natural to think that his ain love will demand the preference,--ay, and obtain it too.--Yes, self--self is an eloquent advocate on these occasions, and seldom loses his cause. I have the general principle of human nature at least to encourage me in the experiment;--for only make it a man's interest to be a rascal, and I think we may safely depend upon his integrity--in serving himself. _Enter_ SIDNEY. _Sid_. Sir Pertinax, your servant.--Mr. Tomlins told me you desired to speak with me. _Sir Per_. Yes, I wanted to speak with you upon a vary singular business. Maister Sidney, give me your hand.--Guin it did nai look like flattery, which I detest, I wou'd tell you, Maister Sidney, that you are an honour till your cloth, your country, and till human nature. _Sid_. Sir, you are very obliging. _Sir Per_. Sit you down, Maister Sidney:--Sit you down here by me. My friend, I am under the greatest obligations till you for the care you have taken of Charles.--The principles--religious, moral, and political-- that you have infused intill him, demand the warmest return of gratitude both fra him and fra me. _Sid_. Your approbation, sir, next to that of my own conscience, is the best test of my endeavours, and the highest applause they can receive. _Sir Per_. Sir, you deserve it,--richly deserve it.--And now, sir, the same care that you have had of Charles,--the same my wife has taken of her favourite Constantia.--And sure, never were accomplishments, knowledge or principles, social and religious, infused intill a better nature. _Sid_. In truth, sir, I think so too. _Sir Per_. She is besides a gentlewoman, and of as guid a family as any in this county. _Sid_. So I understand, sir.