Miss RICHLAND. After what is past it would be but affectation to pretend to indifference. Yes, I will own an attachment, which I find was more than friendship. And if my entreaties cannot alter his resolution to quit the country, I will even try if my hand has not power to detain him. (Giving her hand.) HONEYWOOD. Heavens! how can I have deserved all this? How express my happiness, my gratitude? A moment like this overpays an age of apprehension. CROAKER. Well, now I see content in every face; but Heaven send we be all better this day three months! Sir WILLIAM. Henceforth, nephew, learn to respect yourself. He who seeks only for applause from without, has all his happiness in another's keeping. HONEYWOOD. Yes, Sir, I now too plainly perceive my errors; my vanity, in attempting to please all by fearing to offend any; my meanness, in approving folly lest fools should disapprove. Henceforth, therefore, it shall be my study to reserve my pity for real distress; my friendship for true merit; and my love for her, who first taught me what it is to be happy. EPILOGUE.* SPOKEN BY MRS BULKLEY. As puffing quacks some caitiff wretch procure *The author, in expectation of an Epilogue from a friend at Oxford, deferred writing one himself till the very last hour. What is here offered, owes all its success to the graceful manner of the actress who spoke it. As some unhappy wight at some new play, While oft, with many a smile, and many a shrug, He nods, they nod; he cringes, they grimace; |