Wild Oats; or, The Strolling GentlemenO'Keeffe, John
General
Wild Oats; or, The Strolling Gentlemen
O'Keeffe, John
Comedy plays; English drama
[_Takes out a small leather purse, and offers it to_ BANKS.
_Banks._ I thank you, my good natured boy; but keep your money.
_Sim._ Last summer, you saved me from being drowned in black pool, if
you'll not take this, ecod, in there I'll directly fling it, and let
old nick save it from being drowned, an'he can. [_Going._
_Banks._ My kind lad, then I'll not hurt your feeling, by opposing
your liberality. [_Takes it._
_Sim._ He, he, he! you've now given my heart such a pleasure as I
never felt, nor I'm sure feyther afore me.
_Banks._ But, Sim, whatever may be his opinion of worldly prudence,
still remember he's your parent.
_Sim._ I will--"One elbow chair, one claw table." [_Exit, writing, and_
BANKS.
_Enter_ AMELIA.
_Amelia._ The confusion into which Lady Amaranth's family is thrown by
the sudden departure, and apprehended danger of her young cousin, must
have prevented her ladyship from giving that attention to our affairs,
that I'm sure was her inclination. If I can but prevail on my brother
too, to accept her protection--I can't enjoy the delights of her
ladyship's hospitable mansion, and leave him here still subject to the
insults of his churlish neighbour--Heavens! who's this? [_Retires._
_Enter_ ROVER _hastily, his hair and dress much disordered_.
_Rover._ What a race [_Panting._] I've at last got from the blood
hounds! Ah, if old Abrawang had but followed and backed me, we'd have
tickled their catastrophes; but when they got me alone, three upon
me were odds, so, safe's the word--who's house is this I've dash'd
into?--Eh! the friendly cottage of my old gentleman! Are you at home?
[_Calls._] Gadso! I had a hard struggle for it; yes, murder was their
intent, so it was well for me that I was born without brains, I'm
quite weak, faint! [_Leans against the wall._]
_Amelia._ [_Advancing._] Sir, an't you well? [_With concern._]
_Rover._ Madam, I ask pardon,--hem, yes, ma'am, very well, I thank
you--now exceeding well--got into a fray there, in a kind of a hobble
with some worthy gentlemen; only simple, honest farmers. I fancy
mistook me for a sheaf of barley, for they down with me, and then
thresh'd so heartily, gad, their flails flew merrily about my ears,
but I up, and when I could no longer fight like a mastiff, why, I--run
like a greyhound--But, dear ma'am, pray excuse me. Egad, this is very
rude, faith.
_Amelia._ You seem disturbed, [_With emotion._] will you take any
refreshment?
_Rover._ Madam, you're very good.--Only a little of your currant wine,
if you please; if I don't forget, it stands--just--[_Points_--AMELIA
_brings some from a beaufet._] Madam, I've the honour of drinking your
health. [_Drinks._]
_Amelia._ I hope you're not hurt, sir.
_Rover._ "A little better, but very weak still"--I had a sample of
this before, and liked it so much, that, madam--"Won't you take
another?"
_Amelia._ Sir!
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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