_Lamp._ No matter. His barn will hold a good thirty pounds, and if I can but engage this young fellow, this Rover, he'll cram it every night he plays. He's certainly a devilish good actor. Now, Trap, you must enquire out a carpenter, and be brisk about the building. I think we shall have smart business, as we stand so well for pretty women, too. Oh, here he is! _Trap._ Snap him at any terms. _Enter_ ROVER. _Rover._ Gentlemen, your most obedient--The waiter told me-- _Lamp._ Sir, to our better acquaintance. [_Fills._] _Rover._ I don't recollect I have the honour of knowing-- _Lamp._ Mr. Rover, though I am a stranger to you, your merit is none to me. _Rover._ Sir. [_Bows._] _Lamp._ Yes, sir, my name is Lamp: I am manager of the company of comedians that's come down here, and Mr. Trap is my treasurer, engages performers, sticks bills, finds properties, keeps box-books, prompts play, and takes the town. _Trap._ The most reputable company, and charming money getting circuit. [_Apart to Rover._] _Rover._ Hav'n't a doubt, sir. _Lamp._ Only suffer me to put up your name to play with us six nights, and twelve guineas are yours. _Rover._ Sir, I thank you, and must confess your offer is liberal; but my friends have flattered me into a sort of opinion that encourages me to take a touch at the capital. _Lamp._ Ah, my dear Mr. Rover, a London theatre is dangerous ground. _Rover._ Why, I may fail, and gods may groan, and ladies drawl, "La, what an awkward creature!" But should I top my part, then shall gods applaud, and ladies sigh, "The charming fellow!" and treasurers smile upon me, as they count the shining guineas! _Lamp._ But, suppose-- _Rover._ Ay, suppose the contrary, I have a certain friend here, in my coat pocket [_Puts his hand in his pocket._] Eh! zounds! where is--oh, the devil! I gave it to discharge my kind host--going for London, and not master of five shillings! [_Aside._] "Sir, to return to the twenty pounds." _Lamp._ Twenty pounds. Well, let it be so. _Rover._ Sir, I engage with you, call a rehearsal when and where you please, I'll attend. _Lamp._ Sir, I'll step for the cast book, and you shall chuse your characters. _Trap._ And, sir, I'll write out the play-bills directly. [_Exeunt_ LAMP _and_ TRAP. _Rover._ Since I must remain here some time, and I've not the most distant hope of ever speaking to this goddess again, I wish I had inquired her name, that I might know how to keep out of her way. _Enter_ JOHN DORY _and_ LANDLORD. _Landl._ There's the gentleman. _John._ Very well. [_Exit_ LANDLORD.] What cheer, ho, master squire? _Rover._ Cheer, ho! my hearty! _John._ The very face of his father! And an't you asham'd of yourself? _Rover._ Why, yes, I am sometimes. _John._ Do you know, if I had you at the gangways, I'd give you a neater dozen than ever you got from your schoolmaster's cat-a-nine tails. _Rover._ You woudn't sure? _John._ I would sure.