The Busie Body | Page 8

what he sav'd, to no purpose.
_Mirand._ (_Peeping._) Now, in the Name of Wonder, what Bargain
can he be driving about me for fifty Guineas?
_Patch._ I wish it ben't for the first Night's Lodging, Madam.
Sir _Geo._ Well, Sir Francis, since you are so conscientious for my
Father's sake, then permit me the Favour, Gratis.
_Miran._ (_Peeping._) The Favour! Oh my Life! I believe 'tis as you
said, Patch.
Sir _Fran._ No verily, if thou dost not buy thy Experience, thou wou'd
never be wise; therefore give me a Hundred and try Fortune.
Sir _Geo._ The Scruples arose, I find, from the scanty Sum--Let me
see--a Hundred Guineas-- (_Takes 'em out of a Purse and chinks 'em._)
Ha! they have a very pretty Sound, and a very pleasing Look--But then,
_Miranda_--But if she should be cruel--

_Miran._ (_Peeping._) As Ten to One I shall--
Sir _Fran._ Ay, do consider on't, He, he, he, he.
Sir _Geo._ No, I'll do't.
_Patch._ Do't, what, whether you will or no, Madam?
Sir _Geo._ Come to the Point, here's the Gold, sum up the Conditions--
Sir _Fran._ (Pulling out a Paper.)
_Miran._ (Peeping.) Ay for Heaven's sake do, for my Expectation is on
the Rack.
Sir _Fran._ Well at your own Peril be it.
Sir _Geo._ Aye, aye, go on.
Sir _Fran._ Imprimis, you are to be admitted into my House in order to
move your Suit to Miranda, for the space of Ten Minutes, without Lett
or Molestation, provided I remain in the same Room.
Sir _Geo._ But out of Ear shot--
Sir _Fran._ Well, well, I don't desire to hear what you say, Ha, ha, ha,
in consideration I am to have that Purse and a hundred Guineas.
Sir _Geo._ Take it-- (Gives him the Purse.
_Miran._ (Peeping.) So, 'tis well it's no worse, I'll fit you both--
Sir _Geo._ And this Agreement is to be perform'd to Day.
Sir _Fran._ Aye, aye, the sooner the better, poor Fool, how Miranda
and I shall laugh at him--Well, Sir George, Ha, ha, ha, take the last
sound of your Guineas, Ha, ha, ha. (_Chinks 'em_.) (Exit.
_Miran._ (Peeping.) Sure he does not know I am Miranda.

Sir _Geo._ A very extraordinary Bargain I have made truly, if she
should be really in Love with this old Cuff now--Psha, that's morally
impossible--but then what hopes have I to succeed, I never spoke to
her--
_Miran._ (Peeping.) Say you so? Then I am safe.
Sir _Geo._ What tho' my Tongue never spoke, my Eyes said a thousand
Things, and my Hopes flatter'd me hers answer'd 'em. If I'm lucky--if
not, 'tis but a hundred Guineas thrown away. (_Miranda and Patch
come forwards._
_Miran._ Upon what Sir _George?_
Sir _Geo._ Ha! my _Incognito_--upon a Woman, Madam.
_Miran._ They are the worst Things you can deal in, and damage the
soonest; your very Breath destroys 'em, and I fear you'll never see your
Return, Sir George, Ha, ha!
Sir _Geo._ Were they more brittle than China, and drop'd to pieces
with a Touch, every Atom of her I have ventur'd at, if she is but
Mistress of thy Wit, ballances Ten times the Sum--Prithee let me see
thy Face.
_Miran._ By no means, that may spoil your Opinion of my Sense--
Sir _Geo._ Rather confirm it, Madam.
_Patch._ So rob the Lady of your Gallantry, Sir.
Sir _Geo._ No Child, a Dish of Chocolate in the Morning never spoils
my Dinner; the other Lady, I design a set Meal; so there's no danger--
_Miran._ Matrimony! Ha, ha, ha; what Crimes have you committed
against the God of Love, that he should revenge 'em so severely to
stamp Husband upon your Forehead--
Sir _Geo._ For my Folly in having so often met you here, without

pursuing the Laws of Nature, and exercising her command--But I
resolve e'er we part now, to know who you are, where you live, and
what kind of Flesh and Blood your Face is; therefore unmask and don't
put me to the trouble of doing it for you.
_Miran._ My Face is the same Flesh and Blood with my Hand, Sir
George, which if you'll be so rude to provoke.
Sir _Geo._ You'll apply it to my Cheek--The Ladies Favours are always
Welcome; but I must have that Cloud withdrawn. (Taking hold of her.)
Remember you are in the Park, Child, and what a terrible thing would
it be to lose this pretty white Hand.
_Miran._ And how will it sound in a _Chocolate-House_, that Sir
George Airy rudely pull'd off a Ladies Mask, when he had given her his
Honour, that he never would, directly or indirectly endeavour to know
her till she gave him Leave.
_Patch._ I wish we were safe out. (_Aside._
Sir _Geo._ But if that Lady thinks fit to pursue and