_Rover._ Our first play is Lear. I was devilish imperfect in Edgar, t'other night at Lymington. I must look it over. [_Takes out a book._] "Away, the foul fiend follows me!" Hollo! stop a moment, we shall have the whole county after us. [_Going._ _Harry._ What now? _Rover._ That rosy faced chambermaid put me in such a passion, that, by Heaven, I walked out of the house, and forgot to pay our bill. [_Going._ _Harry._ Never mind, Rover, it's paid. _Rover._ Paid! why, neither you nor Midge had money enough. No, really! _Harry._ Ha, ha, ha! I tell you 'tis. _Rover._ You paid? Oh, very well. Every honest fellow should be a stock purse. Come then, let's push on now. Ten miles to Winchester; we shall be there by eleven. _Harry._ Our trunks are booked at the inn for the Winchester coach. _Rover._ "Ay, to foreign climates my old trunk I bear." But I prefer walking to the car of Thespis. _Harry._ Which is the way? _Rover._ Here. _Harry._ Then, I go there. [_Pointing opposite._] _Rover._ Eh! _Harry._ My dear boy, on this spot, and at this moment, we must part. _Rover._ Part! _Harry._ Rover, you wish me well. _Rover._ Well, and suppose so. Part, eh! What mystery and grand? What are you at? Do you forget,--you, Midge, and I, are engaged to Truncheon, the manager, and that the bills are already up with our names to-night to play at Winchester? _Harry._ Jack, you and I have often met on a stage in assumed characters; if it's your wish we should ever meet again in our real ones, of sincere friends, without asking whither I go, or my motives for leaving you, when I walk up this road, do you turn down that. _Rover._ Joke! _Harry._ I'm serious. Good b'ye! _Rover._ If you repent your engagement with Truncheon, I'll break off too, and go with you wherever--[_Takes him under the arm._] _Harry._ Attempt to follow me, and even our acquaintance ends. _Rover._ Eh! _Harry._ Don't think of my reasons, only that it must be. _Rover._ Have I done any thing to Dick Buskin? leave me! [_Turns and puts his handkerchief to his eyes._] _Harry._ I am as much concerned as you to--Good b'ye! _Rover._ I can't even bid him--I won't neither--If any cause could have given--Farewell. _Harry._ Bless my poor fellow! Adieu. [_Silently weeps._] [_Exeunt several ways._ ACT THE SECOND. SCENE I. _A Village, a Farm House, and near it, a Cottage._ _Enter_ FARMER GAMMON _and_ EPHRAIM. _F. Gam._ Well, Master Ephraim, I may depend on thee, as you quakers never break your words. _Eph._ I have spoken to Mary, and she, at my request, consenteth to take thy daughter, Jane, as her handmaid. _F. Gam._ Very good of you. _Eph._ Goodness I do like, and also--comely Jane. [_Aside._] The maiden I will prefer, for the sake of--myself. [_Aside._] _F. Gam._ I intended to make a present to the person that does me such a piece of service; but I shan't affront you with it. _Eph._ I am meek and humble, and must take affronts. _F. Gam._ Then here's a guinea, master Ephraim.