_Clink._ What just occasion for noble description! these players are exceeding dilatory. --In the mean time, Sir, shall I be oblig'd to you and this lady for the rehearsal of a scene that I have been just touching up with some lively strokes. _Town._ I dare assure you, madam, it will be a pleasure to us both. I'll take this occasion to inform you of my present circumstances. [_To Plotwell._ _Clink._ Imagine Deucalion and Pyrrha in their boat. They pass by a promontory, where stands prince Hæmon a former lover of Pyrrah's, ready to be swallowed up by the devouring flood. She presses her husband to take him into the boat. Your part, Sir, is Hæmon; the lady personates Pyrrha; and I represent Deucalion. To you, Sir. [_Gives Plotwell the manuscript._ _Plot._ What ho, there sculler! [_reads._ _Town._ ----Hæmon! _Plot._ ----Yes, 'tis Hæmon! _Town._ Thou seest me now sail'd from my former lodgings, Beneath a husband's ark; yet fain I would reward Thy proffer'd love. But Hæmon, ah, I fear Tomorrow's eve will hide me in the country. _Clink._ Not a syllable in the part! wrong, all wrong! _Plot._ Through all the town, with diligent enquiries, I sought my Pyrrha---- _Clink._ Beyond all patience! the part, Sir, lies before you; you are never to perplex the drama with speeches extempore. _Plot._ Madam, 'tis what the top players often do. _Town._ Though love denies, companion bids me save thee. [_Plotwell kisses her._ _Clink._ Fye, Mr. Plotwell; this is against all the decorum of the stage; I will no more allow the libertinism of lip-embraces than the barbarity of killing on the stage; your best tragedians, like the ladies of quality in a visit, never turn beyond the back-part of the cheek to a salute, as thus Mr. Plotwell. [_Kisses Plotwell._ _Plot._ I don't find in Aristotle any precept against killing. _Clink._ Yet I would not stand upon the brink of an indecorum. _Plot._ True, madam, the finishing stroke of love and revenge should never shock the eyes of an audience. But I look upon a kiss in a comedy to be upon a par with a box on the ear in a tragedy, which is frequently given and taken by your best authors. _Clink._ Mighty just! for a lady can no more put up a kiss than a gentleman a box on the ear. Take my muse, Sir, into your protection [_Gives him her play_] the players I see are here. Your personating the author will infallibly introduce my play on the stage, and spite of their prejudice, make the theatre ring with applause, and teach even that injudicious Canaille to know their own interest. _Exit._ ACT II. PLOTWELL, TOWNLEY, CLINKET, with Sir TREMENDOUS and two Players, discovered seated round a Table. _Plot._ Gentlemen, this lady who smiles on my performances, has permitted me to introduce you and my tragedy to her tea-table. _Clink._ Gentlemen, you do me honour.