who listens to all we say he will hear no good of himself though, that is one comfort. Do let us sit down, I feel quite faint what shall we do? [They sit down, and CLARABELLA begins to cry. Ara. Pray, cheer up-there's a dear Clarabella, you have cried so much that your handkerchief is quite wet (touching it); so you must not cry any more, or you will have nothing to wipe your tears upon except your dress, and salt water, you know, will take the colour out. Cla. Oh, dear Araminta, how can you jest when we are so miserable? Ara. Certainly we are in a very uncomfortable plight, but I am too indignant to cry; and what is more, I am very hungry; I hope they do not mean to starve us. Cla. Hark! I hear some one-that dreadful Captain has come home; I am sure if he looks ferocious I shall die with terror-cannot we hide somewhere? [Key turns in the lock-they both start up. Ara. Angels and ministers of grace defend us! [ROBBER enters with loaf of bread and pitcher of water. Rob. Well, my pretty birds, you need not flutter so, I have only brought you something to eat; we don't mean to starve you. (Sets it down.) Ara. Has your Captain come? how far are we from home? Do tell us. Rob. Ask no questions, and you'll be told no stories. Cla. (In a stately manner.) Are you aware, sir, who we are? do you know who it is that you hold in such “durance vile?" Rob. (Bowing with much respect.) I believe I have the extreme honour, intense gratification, and superabundant felicity, of speaking to the Lady Clarabella Cherrylips and the Lady Araminta Diamondeyes. I believe they reside, when at home, at the Castle near the Silver Lake, by the borders of the Golden Stream. You see I am quite familiar with your style and title, ladies. Ara. (Proudly.) Rather too familiar, sir. Do you think this violence will pass unpunished? do you not fear the vengeance of our powerful friends? Rob. Ha, ha! Oh yes; I do feel very much afraid, and I have no doubt the Captain will quite tremble. [Exit. Cla. What a rude man! He has never been accustomed to polite society, that is very plain; positively has brought us no glass to drink out of, and no knife to cut the bread with. Oh, I feel so faint; this place is so close. Ara. (In alarm.) Oh pray, dear Clarabella, do not faint; remember I have no salvolatile here, no aromatic vinegar, not even a smelling bottle. Drink a little water, it will revive you. (Holds her the pitcher. Clarabella drinks; her cousin does the same). Now eat a bit of bread, it will do you good. [Breaks some off the loaf, and offers a piece to Clarabella. Cla. That dry stuff! I could not touch a morsel. What would I not give for the strawberry ice and almond cake that I refused from Sir Augustus, just before we took that fatal walk in the grove. Ara. Let us walk up and down here, it will be better than sitting still. (They walk up and down.) Do keep up your spirits, there's a dear; you know our jailer robber said we |