Wild Oats; or, The Strolling Gentlemen — John Shaqi
Wild Oats; or, The Strolling GentlemenO'Keeffe, John
General
Wild Oats; or, The Strolling Gentlemen
O'Keeffe, John
Comedy plays; English drama
_Harry._ Eh! your opinion of our intended exploit has made me ashamed
of myself--Ha! ha! ha! Harkey, Jack, to frighten and punish my adviser,
do you still keep on your character of young 'Squire Thunder--you can
easily do that, as he, no more than myself, has ever seen the young
gentleman.
_Rover._ But by Heavens I'll--"Quoit him down, Bardolph."
_Harry._ Yes; but, Jack, if you can marry her, her fortune is a snug
thing: besides, if you love each other--I tell you--
_Rover._ Hang, her fortune! "My love, more noble than the world, prizes
not quantity of dirty lands." Oh, Dick, she's the most lovely--she is
female beauty in its genuine decoration! [_Exit._
_Harry._ Ha! ha! ha! this is the drollest--Rover little suspects that
I am the identical Squire Thunder that he personates--I'll lend him
my character a little longer. Yes, this offers a most excellent
opportunity of making my poor friend's fortune, without injuring any
body; if possible, he shall have her. I can't regret the loss of
charms I never knew; and, as for an estate, my father's is competent
to all my wishes. Lady Amaranth, by marrying Jack Rover, will gain a
man of honour, which she might miss in an earl--it may tease my father
a little at first, but he's a good old fellow in the main; and, I
think, when he comes to know my motive--Eh! this must be she--an
elegant woman, faith! Now for a spanking lie, to continue her in the
belief that Jack is the man she thinks him.
_Enter_ LADY AMARANTH.
_Lady Am._ Who art thou, friend?
_Harry._ Madam, I've scarce time to warn you against the danger you
are in, of being imposed upon by your uncle, Sir George.
_Lady Am._ How?
_Harry._ He has heard of your ladyship's partiality for his son; but
is so incensed at the irregularity of his conduct, he intends, if
possible, to disinherit him; and, to prevent your honouring him with
your hand, had engaged, and brought me hither, to pass me on you for
him, designing to treat the poor young gentleman himself as an impostor,
in hopes you'll banish him your heart and house.
_Lady Am._ Is Sir George such a parent? I thank thee for thy
caution.--What is thy name?
_Harry._ Richard Buskin, ma'am; the stage is my profession. In the
young 'squire's late excursion, we contracted an intimacy, and I
saw so many good qualities in him, that I could not think of being
the instrument of his ruin, nor deprive your ladyship of so good a
husband, as I am certain he'll make you.
_Lady Am._ Then Sir George intends to disown him?
_Harry._ Yes, ma'am; I've this moment told the young gentleman of it;
and he's determined, for a jest, to return the compliment, by seeming
to treat Sir George himself as an impostor.
_Lady Am._ Ha, ha, ha! 'twill be a just retaliation, and, indeed, what
my uncle deserveth for his cruel intentions both to his son and me.
_Sir Geo._ [_Without._] What, has he run away again?
_Lady Am._ That's mine uncle.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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