1 Irish. Bless your sweet face, and all those who take your part. my jewel, Bel. There are twenty coveys within sight Bad luck of my house, and the dogs are in fine order. Capt. B. The gamekeeper is this moment to myself, if I would not, with all the veins of my heart, split the dew before your feet leading them round. I am fir'd at the sight. in a morning. [To Belville. Rust. If I do speak a little cross, it's for your honour's good. [The Reapers cut the Corn, and make it into Sheaves. Rosina follows, and gleans. Rust. [Seeing Rosina] What a dickens does this girl do here? Keep back; wait till the reapers are off the field; do like the other gleaners. Ros. [Timidly] If I have done wrong, sir, I will put what I have glean'd down again. [She lets falls the Ears she had gleaned. Bel. How can you be so unfeeling, Rustic? She is lovely, virtuous, and in want. Let fall some ears, that she may glean the more. Rust. Your honour is too good by half. Bel. No more gather up the corn she has let fall. Do as I command you. Rust. There, take the whole field, since his honour chooses it. AIR. By dawn to the downs we repair, Fire away! Hark! the volley resounds to the skies! And resounds to the skies, I Fire away! Fire away! Fire away! But where is my little rustic charmer? O! there she is: I am transported. [Aside] Pray, brother, is not that the little girl whose dawn[Putting the Corn into her Apron. ing beauty we admired so much last year? Ros. I will not abuse his goodness. Bel. It is, and more lovely than ever. [Retires, gleaning. shall dine in the field with my reapers to-day, 2 Irish. Upon my soul now, his honour's brother: will you share our rural repast, or no churl of the wheat, whate'er he may be have a dinner prepar'd at the manor-house? of the barley 1). Capt. B. By no means: pray let me be of Bel. [Looking after Rosina] What be- your party: your plan is an admirable one, witching softness! There is a blushing, bash- especially if your girls are handsome. ful gentleness, an almost infantine innocence walk round the field, and meet you at dinner in that lovely countenance, which it is im-time. possible to behold without emotion! She turns this way: What bloom on that cheek! 'Tis the blushing down of the peach. Or the blossoms of May. Enter CAPTAIN BELVILLE, in a Riding-dress. Capt. B. Good morrow, brother; you are early abroad. ווין [Exeunt Belville and Rustic. Captain Belville goes up to Rosina, gleans a few Ears, and presents them to her; she refuses them, and runs out; he follows her. Enter WILLIAM, speaking at the side Scene. Will. Lead the dogs back, James; the captain won't shoot to-day. [Seeing Rustic and Phoebe behind] Indeed, so close! I don't half like it. Enter RUSTIC and PHоEbe. Rust. That's a good girl! Do as I bid you, and you shan't want encouragement. [He goes up to the Reapers, and William comes forward. Will. O no, I dare say she won't. So, Mrs. Phœbe! Pho. And so, Mr. William, if you go to that! Will. A new sweetheart, I'll be sworn; and a pretty comely lad he is: but he's rich, and that's enough to win a woman. Bel. My dear Charles, I am happy to see you. True, I find, to the first of September 2). Capt. B. I meant to have been here last night, but one of my wheels broke, and I was Pho. I don't desarve this of you, William: obliged to sleep at a village six miles distant, but I'm rightly sarved, for being such an easy where I left my chaise, and took a boat down fool. You think, mayhap, I'm at my last the river at day-break. But your corn is not prayers; but you may find yourself mistaken. off the ground. Bel. You know our harvest is late in the north; but you will find all the lands clear'd on the other side the mountain. Capt. B. And pray, brother, how are the partridges this season? 1) He gives his bread away willingly enough; but he seems to keep his drink all to himself-Beer being made from malt and hops. a) The captain is a sportsman, and does not forget the 1st of September, the beginning of the shooting-season Will. You do right to cry out first; you think belike that I did not see you take that posy from Harry. Pho. And you, belike, that I did not catch you tying up one, of cornflowers and wild roses, for the miller's maid; but I'll be fool'd no longer; I have done with you, Mr. William. Will. I shan't break my heart, Mrs. Phoebe. The miller's maid loves the ground I walk on. Will. I've kiss'd and I've prattled to fifty fair maids, And chang'd them as oft, d'ye see! the green, The maid of the mill for me, Ros. He'll tell you [Goes into the Cottage. Dor. I thought so. Sure, sure, 'tis no sin to be old. Capt. B. You. must not judge. of me by others, honest, Dorcas. I am sorry for your Pho. There's fifty young men have told me misfortunes, and wish to serve you. fine tales, Dor. And to what, your honour, may I owe this kindness? Capt. B. You have a charming daughterDor. I thought as much. A vile, wicked man! [Aside. thousand resources in London; the moment Capt. B. Beauty like hers might find a she appears there, she will turn every head. Dor. And is your honour sure her own won't turn at the same time? Capt. B. She shall live in affluence, and take care of you too, Dorcas. Dor. I guess your honour's meaning; but you are mistaken, sir. If I must be a trouble to the dear child, I had rather owe my bread to her labour than her shame. [Goes into the Cottage, and shuts the Door. Capt. B. These women astonish me; but I won't give it up so. Ros. Will it be any advantage to you to make me lose my day's work? Capt. B. Yes. Ros. Would it give you pleasure to see me pass all my days in idleness? Capt. B. Yes. Ros. We differ greatly then, sir. I only wish for so much leisure as makes me return to my work with fresh spirit. We labour all the week, 'tis true; but then how sweet is our rest on Sunday! AIR. Whilst with village maids I stray, Capt. B. Mere prejudice, child; you will Enter RUSTIC, crossing the Stage. word with you, Rustic. Rust. I am in a great hurry, your honour; am going to hasten dinner. Capt. B. I shan't keep you a minute. Take these five guineas. Rust. For whom, sir? Capt. B. For yourself. And this purse. Capt. B. For Rosina; they say she is in distress, and wants assistance. Rust. What pleasure it gives me to see you so charitable! You are just like your brother. Capt. B. Prodigiously. Rust. But why give me money, sir? Capt. B. Only to tell Rosina there is a person who is very much interested in her happiness. Rust. How much you will please his honour by this! He takes mightily to Rosina, and prefers her to all the young women in the parish. Capt. B. Prefers her! Ah! you sly rogue! [Laying his Hand on Rustic's Shoulder. Rust. Your honour's a wag; but I'm sure I meant no harm. Capt. B. Give her the money, and tell her know better. I pity you, and will make your she shall never want a friend; but not a word fortune. Ros. Let me call my mother, sir: I am young, and can support myself by my labour; but she is old and helpless, and your charity will be well bestow'd. Please to transfer to her the bounty you intended for me. Capt. B. Why-as to that Ros. I understand you, sir; your compassion does not extend to old women. Capt. B. Really-I believe not. Enter DORCAS. Ros. You are just come in time, mother. I have met with a generous gentleman, whose charity inclines him to succour youth. to my brother. Rust. All's safe, your honour. [Exit Capi. Belville] I don't vastly like this business. At the captain's age, this violent charity is a little duberous 1). I am his honour's servant, and it's my duty to hide nothing from him. I'll go seek his honour; O, here he comes. Enter BELVILLE. Bel. Well, Rustic, have you any intelligence to communicate? Rust. A vast deal, sir. Your brother be gins to make good use of his money; he has given me these five guineas for myself, and this purse for Rosina. 1) Dubious. + Bel. For Rosina! 'Tis plain he loves her. [Aside] Obey him exactly; but as distress renders the mind haughty, and Rosina's situation requires the utmost delicacy, contrive to execute your commission in such a manner that she may not even suspect from whence the money comes. Rust. I understand your honour. Bel. Have you gain'd 'any intelligence in respect to Rosina? Rust. I endeavour'd to get all I could from the old woman's grand daughter; but all she knew was, that she was no kin to Dorcas, and that she had had a good bringing-up; but here are the labourers. Enter DORCAS, ROSINA, and PHOEBE. Bel. But I don't see Rosina. Dorcas, you must come too, and Phoebe. Dor. We can't deny your honour. Enter CAPTAIN BELVILLE, followed by the FINALE. Bel. By this fountain's flow'ry side, Drest in nature's blooming pride, Taste our pleasures ye who may, Life's fantastic forms despise. Cho. Taste our pleasures ye who may, Capt. B. Blushing Bell, with downcast eyes, Will. He is fond, and she is shy; He would kiss her!-fie!-ch, fie! Cho. Busy censors, hence, away; Rust. Dor. Now we'll quaffthe nut-brown ale, All is youthful jollity. Cho. Taste our pleasures ye who may, This is Nature's holiday. ACT II. SCENE I. The same. Enter RUSTIC. Rust. This purse is the plague of my life; I hate money when it is not my own. I'll e'en put in the five guineas he gave me for myself: I don't want it, and they do. They certainly must find it there. But I hear the cottage-door open. [Retires a little. Enter DORCAS and ROSINA from the Cottage. DORCAS with a great Basket on her Arm, filled with Skeins of Thread. Dor. I am just going, Rosina, to carry this thread to the weaver's. Ros. This basket is too heavy for you: pray let me carry it. [Takes the Basket from Dorcas, and [Peevishly. Ros. If you love me, only take half; this evening, or to-morrow morning, I will carry the rest.-[Takes Part of the Skeins out of the Basket and lays them on the Bench, looking affectionately on Dorcas] There, be angry with me if you please. Dor. No, my sweet lamb, I am not angry; but beware of men. Ros. Have you any doubts of my conduct, Dorcas? Dor. Indeed I have not, love; and yet I am uneasy. Enter CAPTAIN BELVILLE, unperceived. Go back to the reapers, whilst I carry this. thread. Ros. I'll go this moment. Dor. But as I walk but slow, and 'tis a good way, you may chance to be at home before me; so take the key. Ros. I will. Capt. B. [Aside, while Dorcas feels in her Pockets for the Key] Rosina to be at home before Dorcas! How lucky! I'll slip into the house, and wait her coming, if 'tis till midnight. [He goes unperceived by them into the Cottage. Dor. Let nobody go into the house. Ros. I'll take care; but first I'll double-lock the door. [While she is locking the Door, Dorcas, going to take up the Basket, sees the Purse. Dor. Good lack! What is here! a purse, as I live! Ros. How! Dor. Come, and see; 'tis a purse indeed. Ros. Heav'ns! 'tis full of gold. Dor. We must put up a bill at the churchgate, and restore it to the owner. The best way is to carry the money to his honour, and get him to keep it till the owner is found. You shall go with it, love. Ros. Pray excuse me, I always blush so. Dor. 'Tis nothing but childishness: but his honour will like your bashfulness better than too much courage. [Exit. Ros. I cannot support his presence-my embarrassment-my confusion-a stronger sensation than that of gratitude agitates my heart. -Yet hope in my situation were madness. If chance some fairing caught her eye, And gold, alas! has banish'd love. Will. [Coming back] Let's part friendly howsomever. Bye1), Phœbe: I shall always Ros. You will oblige me very much if you will carry it to Mr. Belville, and beg him to wish you well. keep it till the owner is found. go: Will. Since you desire it, I'll be the lighter for my carrying. Ros. That I am sure of, William. Enter PHOEbe. it shan't [Exit. Pho. There's William; but I'll pretend not to see him. AIR. Henry cull'd the flow'ret's bloom, Marian lov'd the soft perfume, Had playful kiss'd but prudence near Whisper'd timely in her ear, Simple Marian, ah! beware; Touch them not, for love is there. Throws away her Nosegay. While she is singing, William turns, looks at her, whistles, and plays with his Stick. Will. That's Harry's posy; the slut likes me still. Phoe. That's a copy of his countenance, I'm sartin; he can no more help following me nor he can be hang'd. [Aside. William crosses again, singing. Of all the fair maidens that dance on the green, The maid of the mill for me. Pho. I'm ready to choke wi' madness; but I'll not speak first, an I die for't. [William sings, throwing up his Stick and catching it. Will. Her eyes are as black as the sloe in the hedge, somer. Pho. Bye, William. [Cries, wiping her Eyes with her Apron. Will. My heart begins to melt a little. [Aside] I lov'd you very well once, Phebe but you are grown so cross, and have such vagaries Pha. I'm sure I never had no vagaries with you, William. But go; mayhap Kate may be angry. Will. And who cares for she? I never minded her anger, nor her coaxing neither, till you were cross to me. Pha, [Holding up her Hands] O the fa ther! I cross to you, William? Will. Did not you tell me, this very morn ing, as how you had done wi' me? Pho. One word's as good as a thousand. Do you love me, William? Will. Do I love thee? Do I love dancing on the green better than thrashing in the barn? Do I love a wake; or a harvest-home Pho. Then I'll never speak to Harry again the longest day I have to live. Will. I'll turn my back o'the miller's maid the first time I meet her. Pho. Will you indeed, and indeed? Will. Marry will 1; and more nor that, I'll go speak to the this parson moment-Fr happier-zooks, I'm happier nor a lord or a squire of five hundred a year. DUETT.-PHOEBE and WILLIAM. Pha. In gaudy courts, with aching hearts, The great at fortune rail: The hills may higher honours claim, But peace is in the vale. Will. Her face like the blossoms in May. Pho. I can't bear it no longer-you vile, ungrateful, parfidious-But it's no matterI can't think what I could see in you-Harry loves me, and is a thousand times more hand[Sings, sobbing at every Word. Of all the gay wrestlers that spost on the green, Young Harry's the lad for me. Will. He's yonder a reaping: shall I call him? [Offers to go. Both. Pho. My grandmother leads me the life of a dog; and it's all along of you. Will. Well, then she'll be better temper'd now. Pho. I did not value her scolding of a brass farthing, when I thought as how you were true to me. Will. Wasn't I true to you? Look in my face, and say that. AIR. When bidden to the wake or fair, See high-born dames, in rooms of state, Amid the shades the virgin's sighs [Exeunt, Arm in Arm. Enter BELVILLE. Bel. I tremble at the impression this lovely girl has made on my heart. My cheerfulness has left me, and I am grown insensible even to the delicious pleasure of making those happy who depend on my protection, AIR. Ere bright Rosina met my eyes, How peaceful pass'd the joyous day! 1) Good bye, shortened from good be with y# In rural sports I gain'd the prize, [Lies down on a Bank by the Fountain. Gleaners pass the Stage, with sheaves of Corn on their Heuds; last ROSINA, who! comes forward singing. AIR.-ROSINA. Light as thistle-down moving, which floats on Sweet gratitude's debt to this cottage I bear: Bel. To what motive do I owe this tender attention? Ros. Ah, sir! do not the whole viilage love you? Bel. You tremble; why are you alarm'd? DUETT. BELVILLE and ROSINA. Bel. [Taking her Hand] For you, my sweet maid, nay, be not afraid, [Ros. withdraws her Hand. feel an affection which yet wants a name. Ros. When first-but in vain-I seek to explain, What heart but must love you? I blush, fear, and shame Bel. Why thus timid, Rosina? still safe by my side, Let me be your guardian, protector, and guide, Be you my protector, my guardian, ny guide. Ros. My timid heart pants, etc. Bel. Unveil your mind to me, Rosina. The heart. graces of your form, the native dignity of What do I see? Mr. Belville asleep? I'll your mind which breaks through the lovely steal softly-at this moment I may gaze on simplicity of your deportment, a thousand him without blushing. [Lays down the Corn, circumstances concur to convince me you and walks softly up to him] The sun points were not born a villager. full on this spot; let me fasten these branches Ros. To you, sir, I can have no reserve. together with this riband, and shade him from A pride, i hope an honest one, made me its beams-yes-that will do-But if he should wish to sigh in secret over my misfortunes. wake-[Takes the Riband from her Bosom, Bel. [Eagerly] They are at an end. and ties the Branches together] How my Ros. Dorcas approaches, sir! she can best heart beats! One look more- -Ah! I have relate my melancholy story. wak'd him. [She flies, and endeavours to hide her- Enter DORCAS. Dor. His honour here? Good lack! How sorry I am I happen'd to be from home. Troth, I'm sadly tir'd. [Half raising himself. Ros. He is angry-How unhappy I am!-moment alone, Dorcas? How I tremble! [Aside. Dor. Rosina, take this basket. Bel. Will you let me speak with you a Bel. This riband I have seen before, and on the lovely Rosina's bosom [Exit Rosina, with the Basket. Bel. Rosina has referr'd me to you, Dor[He rises, and goes toward the Cottage. cas, for an account of her birth, which I have Ros. I will hide myself in the house. [Ro-long suspected to be above her present situasina, opening the Door, sees Capt. Belville, tion. and starts back] Heavens! a man in the house! Dor. To be sure, your honour, since the Capt. B. Now, love assist me! dear child gives me leave to speak, she's of as [Comes out and seizes Rosina; she breaks good a family as any in England. Her mofrom him, and runs affrighted across ther, sweet lady, was my bountiful old master's the Stage; Belville follows; Captain daughter, squire Welford, of Lincolnshire. His Belville, who comes out to pursue her, estate was seiz'd for a mortgage of not half sees his Brother, and steals off at the its value, just after young madam was other Scene; Belville leads Rosina back. ried, and she ne'er got a penny of her porBel. Why do you fly thus, Rosina? What tion. can you fear? You are out of breath. Bel. And her father? mar Ros. O, sir!-my strength fails-[Leans Dor. Was a brave gentleman too, a coloon Belville, who supports her in his Arms] nel. His honour went to the Eastern Indies, Where is he?-A gentleman pursued me- to better his fortune, and madam would go [Looking round. with him. The ship was lost, and they, with Bel. Don't be alarm'd, 'twas my brother-all the little means they had, went to the he could not mean to offend you. bottom. Young madam Rosina was their onRos. Your brother! Why then does he ly child; they left her at school; but when not imitate your virtues? Why was he here? this sad news came, the mistress did not care Bel: Forget this: you are safe. But tell me, for keeping her, so the dear child has shar'd Rosina, for the question is to me of import- my poor morsel. Dor. Martin; colonel Martin. ance, have I not seen you wear this riband? Bel. But her father's name? of Bel. I am too happy; he was the friend |