Dedication.

To the Revd James Austen

Sir,

The following Drama, which I humbly recommend to your Protection and Patronage, tho’ inferior to those celebrated Comedies called “The school for Jealousy” and “The travelled Man,” will I hope afford some amusement to so respectable a Curate as yourself; which was the end in veiw when it was first composed by your Humble Servant the Author.

Dramatis Personae

Sir Arthur Hampton

Lord Fitzgerald

Stanly

Willoughby, Sir Arthur's nephew

Lady Hampton

Miss Fitzgerald

Sophy Hampton

Cloe Willoughby

The scenes are laid in Lord Fitzgerald's House.

Act the First

Scene the first a Parlour—

enter Lord Fitzgerald and Stanly

Stanly. Cousin your Servant.

Fitzgerald. Stanly, good morning to you. I hope you slept well last night.

Stanly. Remarkably well; I thank you.

Fitzgerald. I am afraid you found your Bed too short. It was bought in my Grandmother's time, who was herself a very short woman and made a point of suiting all her Beds to her own length, as she never wished to have any company in the House, on account of an unfortunate impediment in her speech, which she was sensible of being very disagreable to her inmates.

Stanly. Make no more excuses dear Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald. I will not distress you by too much civility—I only beg you will consider yourself as much at home as in your Father's house. Remember, “The more free, the more Wellcome.”

(exit Fitzgerald)

Stanly. Amiable Youth!

Your virtues could he imitate

How happy would be Stanly's fate!

(exit Stanly.)