Dorothy

A comedy opera in three acts

Written by B. C. Stephenson

Music by Alfred Cellier

Prince of Wales’ Theatre, 600th Performance, 18 May 1888.

(Sole Lessee and Manager Mr. Horace Sedger

Under the direction of Henry J. Leslie.

CHARACTERS:

Squire Bantam: (bass) Mr. Furneaux Cook

Geoffrey Wilder: (tenor) Ben Davies

Harry Sherwood: (baritone) C. Hayden Coff

John Tuppitt: (1st bass) Edward Griffin

Lurcher: (2nd tenor) Arthur William

Tom Strutt (2nd tenor) : J. Le Hay

Dorothy Bantam: (soprano) Miss Marie Tempest

Lydia Hawthorne: (mezzo) Nellie Gayton

Phyllis Tuppitt: (contralto) Florence Perry

Mrs. Privett : Harriet Covent

Act I. Hop Gardens.

Act II.—Chanticleer Hall.

Act III.—The Round Coppice.

The action takes place in the county of Kent, in October, 1740

ARGUMENT.

ACT I.

In the hop-gardens, which surround the inn belonging to old John Tuppitt, the countryfolk of the neighbourhood of Chanticleer Hall, in the county of Kent, the property of Squire Bantam, are enjoying themselves on the morning of an autumn day, in the middle of the last century. The picking is nearly over, and the pickers are looking forward to the feasting and jollity with which, thanks to their goodhearted old landlord, their labour is to end. Dorothy Bantam, the Squire's daughter, and Lydia Hawthorne, his niece, are not sorry for an opportunity to put off their hoops and furbelows and join in the festivities. They arrive on the scene just in time to find that Phyllis, old Tuppitt's daughter, has rashly promised to marry Tom Strutt, a yokel of the village, and that no warning of theirs will induce her to alter her mind. This is not at all what they like; for Dorothy and Lydia not only preach that woman should remain free from the fetters of matrimony, but they practise what they preach, and have sworn to remain single. It is possible that Dorothy's determination may arise from the fact that her father has already settled her wedded lot. If she marries anyone she must marry Geoffrey Wilder, Squire Bantam's nephew and heir, for the old man has set his heart on the match. But she has never seen her cousin, who has been living a pretty wild life in London. As luck will have it, however, on this very day Wilder, with the bailiffs at his heels, on his way to his uncle's house, compelled by the pressure of debt to cry "peccavi,” [1] and consent to Squire Bantam's terms, arrives from town, and, with his friend Sherwood, pulls up at Tuppitt's inn for refreshment for themselves and rest for the hacks, which have been put to their best speed in getting out of the way of a certain Sheriff's Officer, Lurcher by name, who has been close on the heels of Geoffrey all the way from London. Dorothy, ever ready for fun, takes advantage of the dresses in which Lydia and herself could hardly be recognized, even if her cousin knew her by sight, and passes herself and Lydia off as Dorcas and Abigail, Tuppitt's daughter. Wilder and Sherwood are impressionable, and the charms of Dorothy and Lydia take such an effect that the plan of submission to the uncle is given up, even at the risk of arrest, and Dorcas takes the place of Dorothy in the matrimonial schemes of Mr. Geoffrey Wilder. At this moment Lurcher, the Sheriff's Officer, overtakes his man, having got over the obstacles with which the fugitives have endeavoured to stop him. Wilder, determined not to marry Dorothy, has a scheme by which he thinks he can get the money from his uncle. Lurcher would listen to no schemes if it were not for the fact that he has aroused the indignation of the villagers by serving a writ on an old woman of the neighbourhood. Wilder saves him from a ducking, and, in return, he promises to help in the scheme, and to join the two gentlemen in their visit to the Squire's house that evening. Meantime, the attractions of her cousin have had a considerable effect on Dorothy; and Lydia, since she has seen Sherwood, is by no means so certain about perpetual spinsterhood. But, to test the value of the earnest protestations of their adorers, Dorothy gives her ring to Wilder and Lydia hers to Sherwood, the ladies exacting from the gentlemen the promise that they will never part with them.

ACT II.

A dance is being given by Squire Bantam to his neighbours. The festivities are going on merrily, when a servant announces the arrival of a stranger. This is no other than Lurcher, who, disguised as the Secretary of the Duke of Berkshire, has come to announce the breakdown of his Grace's carriage in the neighbourhood of Chanticleer Hall, and to beg the Squire's hospitality. The Squire wishes for nothing better than to receive a member of the aristocracy into his house, and Wilder is ushered in, accompanied by Sherwood. The two gentlemen do not recognize the ladies in their powder, and Wilder makes an express stipulation with his friend that he is not to be bothered with his cousin Dorothy. As the evening goes on the charms of Lydia have a very serious effect on Wilder, while Sherwood is at Dorothy's feet. And an opportunity soon occurs for Dorothy to show Lydia what “a base and faithless thing is a man, by inducing Sherwood to give her up the ring which Lydia had given him in the morning; while Lydia, with Wilder at her feet, has no difficulty in gaining possession of Dorothy's ring. Meantime the night has come, lights are put out, the guests retire to rest, and in the dark, Wilder, Sherwood, and Lurcher proceed to carry out Wilder's scheme. Cloaked and masked, they rouse the Squire's attention and pinion him. At the same time Sherwood binds Wilder. The house is soon roused by the Squire's cries; but, when the guests reappear, everyone is astonished to find that the robbers, whoever they are, have taken none of their host's money. The “Duke,” however, has not been so fortunate. His money-box is empty. To allow a guest to be plundered in his house, without making good the loss, is what the old Squire cannot permit, and, after some little hesitation, His Grace accepts as a loan the amount which is stated by Lovelier to be missing, and which happens to correspond exactly with the amount claimed of Mr. Geoffrey Wilder by the Sheriff. The early dawn sets the men afoot with the hounds —for the Squire starts his late autumn day, now and then, with a gallop after a cub—and while the ladies retire to their broken slumber, the gentlemen get ready for a morning's exercise.

ACT III.

The Act opens with the wedding of Phyllis to Tom Strutt. The bridesmaids and groomsmen come to fetch her. And now Dorothy and Lydia are going to see what is the real value of the protestations of their unfaithful swains. Wisdom has come with the morning. Wilder and Sherwood have returned to Dorcas and Abigail, and have written to withdraw their pledges of the night before to Dorothy and Lydia. In reply to their letters, they have received a challenge from two young gentlemen, who are prepared to call them to account fur their conduct to Miss Dorothy Bantam and Miss Lydia Hawthorne; and the two ladies are waiting in Round Coppice to find out whether the men they have chosen will prefer a duel to giving them up. Lydia is nervous about the pistols, but Dorothy reassures her. They have brought their own pistols, which will only be loaded with powder. When, however, their adversaries arrive, it seems that they will have to use the pistols which those gentlemen have brought, and which will probably contain bullets. It is with a not entirely unmixed feeling of satisfaction that they hear that the gentlemen decline to marry Dorothy and Lydia, and are prepared to risk their lives for the sake of Dorcas and Abigail, so eventually flight seems to be the only way out of the difficulty. The Squire is on his way to the old oak in Round Coppice, where Tom and Phyllis, who have been married, come for 'his blessing. Lurcher has betrayed the plot. But the Squire is ready to forgive everything if his nephew is ready to marry Dorothy, and eventually the old gentleman has his way. Dorothy marries her cousin; Lydia marries Sherwood; and the awkward circumstances under which Dorothy's ring found its way on to Lydia's finger, and Lydia's ring on to Dorothy's, are overlooked, for each lady knows that her lover was ready to die rather than marry her friend.

ACT I

As the curtain rises Tuppitt and Chorus are discovered, young men and women singing and dancing, old men and women sitting and drinking.

The Hop Gardens.

Chorus and Ballet Of Peasants And Hop Pickers.

CHORUS.

Lads and lasses gaily trip,

Age indulges in a sip;

With an arm about her waist

Every lass shall have a taste,

Then each lad shall toast his lass

To the bottom of the glass. Ha! ha! ha!

See the maids their locks entwine

With the blossom and the bine, [2]

Gaily tripping in and out,

Up and down and round about,

Age and youth with mirth combine

In the merry hopping time.

Dance. Enter Phyllis and Tom

CHORUS.

'Tis Phyllis and her lover

Oh what a fool he looks!

TOM.

Oh! Muster Tuppitt, here I stand,

An honest lad you see,

To ask you for your daughter's hand,

That we may married be.

CHORUS.

Oh I Muster Tuppitt, there they stand,

Two nice young folks you see

Now give to him your daughter's hand,

That they may married be.

TUPPITT.

Never!

CHORUS.

He refuses!

PHYLLIS (to Tippett).

Would you see your Phyllis weep,

Who ever was the gayest of the gay?

Lose her roses? Miss her sleep,

And sob a disappointed life away?

CHORUS.

Forbear defying

The course of true love!

By quick complying

Your better sense prove;

And see her,

She is crying!

TOM.

Happy the home that waits your daughter,

Honest the heart that I have brought her,

Sturdy the arm that shall support her;

You will relent,

You must consent

Give me your daughter!

CHORUS.

You will relent,

You must consent!

Sure never man required such earnest pressing!

TUPPITT.

There, take the child, and with her take my blessing.

CHORUS.

Ha! ha! ha!

TOM.

Henceforward I devote my life

To making her a happy wife.

CHORUS.

Lads and lasses, &c. (Repeat and Exeunt dancing)

TUPPITT.

Now my lad, I can’t have any loitering about here. My lass has got her work to do. You will have more than enough of her by and by, if she takes after her poor mother.

TOM.

All right Muster Tuppitt – I’ll be off to parson to get him to name the day.

TUPPITT.

Day! What day?

TOM.

The wedding day, to be sure! I was thinking that to-morrow would be a likely kind of day.

PHYLLIS.

Oh! To-morrow would be much too soon!

TUPPITT.

Nay lass, what has to be done should be done quickly.

TOM.

Then to-morrow it shall be.

TUPPITT.

Settle it as you please. I shall have no peace till you have your own way. Now Phyllis bustle about and get the tables ready. Dorcas has got her pots on, and there will be a mighty lot of hungry mouths to fill. I’ll just go and taste that last cask of ours. Come along, Tom. (Exit, L).

PHYLLIS.

Father is very fond of that ale, and can’t keep his lips off it.

TOM.

It ain’t easy for a man to keep his lips off anything that he is very fond of. (Kisses her and exits L). (Enter Dorothy and Lydia).

PHYLLIS.

Lor Tom, how could you!

DOROTHY.

Oh, Phyllis!

LYDIA.

Oh, Phyllis!

PHYLLIS.

Miss Dorothy! How you did frighten me!

DOROTHY.

Serve you right –

LYDIA.

Why did you let him do it?

DOROTHY.

Why didn’t you slap his face?

LYDIA.

Why didn’t you scream?

DOROTHY.

If it were only for the sake of appearances –

LYDIA.

Really, I am ashamed of you!

PHYLLIS.

But I am going to be married, Miss –

DOROTHY and LYDIA.

To be married?

DOROTHY.

To whom?

PHYLLIS.

To Tom Strutt.

LYDIA.

Dear me! I am sorry for you.

DOROTHY.

What a pity to spoil such a nice girl!

PHYLLIS.

Lor, Miss! How you frighten me. Why, Tom is as handsome as paint, and as good as gold!

DOROTHY.

Paint, my dear, is often used to cover a hole in the plank.

LYDIA.

And as for virtue in man, it is here to-day and gone to-morrow.

DOROTHY.

You take my advice and draw back, or you will repent when it is too late.

LYDIA.

Don’t you have anything to do with marriage.

PHYLLIS.

But what am I to do?

LYDIA.

Do without it.

DOROTHY.

As we do. Listen to us.

TRIO. DOROTHY, LYDIA, AND PHYLLIS.

DOROTHY.

Be wise in time,

Oh! Phyllis mine.

Have a care,

Maiden fair,

Pray beware!

Men that combine

Such traits divine

Ever dare,

Never spare,

Never care!

Would you your liberty resign

To win a wedding ring

In spinsterhood far better pine,

Than dare so rash a thing.

PHYLLIS.

There comes a time,

Oh! mistress mine I

Mistress fair,

Have a care,

Pray beware!

When maids unkind

Are left behind,

Nor are there

Men to spare

Everywhere!

All men deny,

All men defy,

Warily,

Charily,

Airily.

Renounce the tie,

And single die.

Let all three

Swear to be

Ever free.

Take good advice, and pray behave,

As prudent maidens ought,

Recall the plight you rashly gave,

No man is worth a thought.

DOROTHY.

Well there, Phyllis, you have my opinion, and if you don’t follow it, you will get no pity from me.

LYDIA.

Nor from me. What do you think of our dresses?

PHYLLIS.

They are beautiful!

DOROTHY.

Do you think anyone will notice us?

PHYLLIS.

Oh, dear me, Miss! Nobody would possibly guess that you were ladies.

DOROTY and LYDIA .

(Disappointed)

Oh!

DOROTHY.

But, Lydia, you don’t want anyone to guess who you are.

LYDIA.

I am not so sure of that.

DOROTHY.

Did we not agree that we would throw off our hoops and our furbelows for one day, and join in the village feast as if we had done nothing all our lives but milk cows and clean our cottage floors?

LYDIA.

But they will know us for all our disguise.

DOROTHY.

Without our powder? Don’t flatter yourself, my dear. Who will ever guess that I, Dorothy Bantam, the Squire’s daughter, and Lydia Hawthorne, his niece, are masquerading amongst the yokels of the village? Come, Lydia, pocket your pride, put on your best smile, and I promise you, before the day is an hour older, that some rustic swain shall be at your feet.

LYDIA.

A ploughman, perhaps.

DOROTHY.

What of that? A ploughman is better than no man.

PHYLLIS .

(To Dorothy)

And what am I to say, miss, if any questions are asked?

DOROTHY.

Say what you please – stay! We must agree in our story. Say that we are your sisters.

PHYLLIS.

But what will father say to that?

DOROTHY.

Let him be in the secret. He will find some tale to justify the sudden increase to his family.

PHYLLIS.

I will make him understand, and now I must run away and help Dorcas with her pots. (Exit Phyllis).

DOROTHY.

Poor girl! She will know more about it someday.

LYDIA.

When it is too late. I pity her!

DOROTHY.

This is the fifth marriage that has taken place during the month.

LYDIA.

If we don’t take care we shall be the only spinsters left in the village.

DOROTHY.

But we shall never swerve from our determination to remain single.

LYDIA.

Never!

DOROTHY.

Let us once more swear to –

LYDIA.

Yes, let us swear.

(Wilder and Sherwood without R., shouting “Holloa there! House – landlord! Some of yet –).

DOROTHY.

Why, who are these?

LYDIA.

Men, my dear, human creatures. They are coming this way.

DOROTHY.

Gentlemen – and good looking too!

LYDIA .

(Going)

They will take us for serving maids. We had best be going.

DOROTHY .

(Stopping her)

What! Would you fly at the first sign of the enemy? Oh, lud! Here they come! (Going back).

(Enter Wilder and Sherwood R).

WILDER.

Pretty maidens – Stay one moment. Turn and give your assistance to two honest fellows in distress. Our horses are lame. We have lost our way.

SHERWOOD.

And we would know – (aside) what a sweet girl!

WILDER.

Where we can stay to-night? (Aside) . She is surprisingly handsome.

DOROTHY.

(Going)

Really Gentlemen – if you will inquire in the house they will help you –

WILDER.

(Detaining them)

Nay – why such haste?

SHERWOOD.

What! Do you run away from your customers?

DOROTHY.

(Aside to Lydia)

We must act up to our parts, cousin. Put your manners in your pocket.

QUARTETT. DOROTHY, LYDIA, WILDER, AND SHERWOOD.

WILDER.

We're sorry to delay you.

SHERWOOD.

To pardon us we pray you.

WILDER.

Aching limbs and weary feet,

Palates parched with dust and heat;

With fatigue we're fit to sink,

Bring us anything to drink.

WILDER AND SHERWOOD.

Have you beer, or ale, or porter,

To make our anguish shorter?

Such a thirst,

At the worst,

We could almost quench with water.

DOROTHY.

Be seated, Sirs, we pray you.

LYDIA.

We will not long delay you.

DOROTHY.

We have drink and food for all,

Here you have the house of call,

Where the food is of the best,

Where the drink can stand all test.

DOROTHY and LYDIA.

We have beer, and ale, and porter,

To make your anguish shorter.

Such a thirst,

At the worst.

We can cure without cold water.

(Dorothy and Lydia going).

WILDER.

Don’t go yet. (Arm round Dorothy).

SHERWOOD.

You must not stir. (Arm round Lydia).

DOROTHY.

But if you do not let us go, how shall you quench your thirst?

WILDER.

I had forgotten that I had a thirst.

SHERWOOD.

And I that I had anything but a heart.

WILDER.

They have the perfect mien of fine ladies at St. James’s.

SHERWOOD.

I am surprised – such dialect too! Don’t let her go, Geoffrey! (Up with Lydia).

WILDER.

Not I.

DOROTHY .

(Trying to get away)

Pray, Sir! As you are a gentleman.

WILDER.

You would not leave us all alone in a strange place?

DOROTHY.

Give me my hand, and let me go.

WILDER.

Not till you have told me who and what you are. (Up following Dorothy).

LYDIA .

(Down, followed by Sherwood)

Nay, Sir, I beg of you!

SHERWOOD.

It is impossible to see you and not to talk in raptures.

LYDIA.

And yet you have only just set eyes on me.

SHERWOOD.

A good reason for never having loved you before, and a better one for loving you now.

LYDIA.

Your speech is involved, Sir.

SHERWOOD.

Shall I make my meaning plainer to your lips? (About to kiss her).

LYDIA .

(Escaping him, and running to Dorothy)

Oh, Dorothy! What shall I do?

DOROTHY.

What is the matter, cousin?

LYDIA.

He offered to kiss me!

DOROTHY.

Did he? How nice of him!

WILDER.

Answer our question, and you shall be free to go where you will, provided you promise to return immediately.

DOROTHY.

You will forget all about us, even if I tell you who we are.

WILDER and SHERWOOD.

Never!

DOROTHY.

Well then, I am Dorcas, and this is my cousin Abigail –

WILDER.

Now we know –

DOROTHY .

(Aside to Lydia)

Come along, or you will mix up the relationship so that there will be no disentangling the confusion. And now, gentlemen, having satisfied your curiosity we will bring you that which shall appease your thirst. Come, cousin!

(Exit Dorothy and Lydia)

WILDER.

Stay!

SHERWOOD.

What is it?

WILDER.

The relationships in this fair hamlet seem somewhat mixed.

SHERWOOD.

Simple enough it seems to me.

WILDER.

What! When your charmer declared herself to be her own cousin?

SHERWOOD.

Do you doubt her word, Sir?

WILDER.

Nay; heaven forbid!

SHERWOOD.

I never beheld anything so charming.

WILDER.

What a shape!

SHERWOOD.

What a neck!

WILDER.

What an instep!

SHERWOOD.

What a foot!

WILDER.

You don’t mean my girl, I hope, Sir, –

SHERWOOD.

Nor you mine, I trust, Sir!

WILDER.

Mine is the most beautiful piece of flesh and blood –

SHERWOOD.

Mine the sweetest – most angelic little rogue –

WILDER.

Hang your St. James’s manners and brocades, say I!

SHERWOOD.

I am stark mad for dairymaids and dimity. Ten thousand – thousand –

WILDER.

(Interrupting)

Pray give me leave, Sir –

BALLAD.

WILDER.

With such a dainty maid none can compare,

Ten thousand, thousand Cupids play in her hair

A million little loves within her eyes

Lie wanton waiting for some sweet surprise;

Her smile can bid me feel as light as air,

Her frown can throw me into deep despair,

Her varied charms to me such joy impart

That I would gladly yield to her my heart.

But, if my heart has now ceased to be mine,

However much I may thereto incline,

I could not; if I would, give what I lack,

Nor would I, if I could, receive it back.

Alas! I know not how, or when, or where,

But love, who never yet was known to spare,

Has fled victorious from his battle-field,

And left me weeping with no heart to yield.

WILDER.

What say you, Sir, do you accept my toast?

SHERWOOD.

With all my heart – for my girl.

WILDER.

Of course!

SHERWOOD.

And to think that we should have been wasting our time among the rouged and painted sirens of the ring, while such a pair of beauties were waiting for us.

WILDER.

Harry! I renounce the town and all its ways. From henceforth behold me the slave of my country goddess!

SHERWOOD.

Until your rural peace be disturbed by our friend Lurcher.

WILDER.

Our worthy friend, the sheriff’s office! I had forgotten all about him.

SHERWOOD.

He will not have forgotten all about you after the fall you gave him as we came out of the Wells.

WILDER.

Ha! Ha! And we took the last of the nags and left him to pursue us on foot.

SHERWOOD.

He is sure to track you here.

WILDER.

And, if he does, I shall throw myself on my uncle’s mercy, as was my purpose when first I started. Cry “peccavi,” promise to be a good boy, and try my best to swallow my cousin Dorothy, though the pill will be a bitter one!

SHERWOOD.

I wish you well out of your scrapes with all my heart. What is the account of the debt?

WILDER.

Nay, Harry, why worry our heads about the figures on a writ when we have other figures to think of – and such figures!

SHERWOOD.

There is a touch of gentility beneath those rustic ways.

WILDER.

There is some mystery about them.

SHERWOOD.

We shall soon know, for here comes the father.

(Enter Tuppitt)

TUPPITT.

Gentlemen, your humble servant!

WILDER.

The landlord!

TUPPITT.

At your service, Sir. Your horses have been attended to. Have you far to ride?

WILDER.

As far as Squire Bantam’s.

TUPPITT.

Then you are close to the end of your journey, for he lives but two miles from here.

SHERWOOD .

(Aside)

I would it had been further by some miles –

TUPPITT.

I will see that your nags are fed, and ready for you to proceed at once.

WILDER.

Nay – there is no great hurry so that we find shelter at the Squire’s to-night.

TUPPITT.

You will find a goodly company there, and a hospitable welcome. Do you know his worship?

WILDER.

I should know him, but it is some years since we met. I am his nephew.

TUPPITT.

I am pleased to see you, Sir.

WILDER .

(Aside)

Egad! It is more than my uncle will be.

TUPPITT.

Will you dine, Sir? We have a bean-feast preparing.

SHERWOOD.

The bean-feast by all means. What say you, Wilder?

WILDER.

It depends on the company – you are bidden?

TUPPITT.

All the village.

WILDER.

Men – ?

TUPPITT.

And women.

WILDER.

Then the bean-feast by all means!

SHERWOOD.

And in the meantime we would ask for a taste of your ale.

TUPPITT.

You shall have it, Sir. My daughters have just gone to draw it.

WILDER.

Your daughters – !

TUPPITT.

Yes Sir.

QUINTETT. DOROTHY, LYDIA, WILDER, SHERWOOD, TUPPITT.

TUPPITT.

A father's pride and joy they are—

Renowned for beauty near and far;

I'm told they much resemble me,

The likeness you of course can see.

WILDER AND SHERWOOD.

Of course the likeness we can see,

TEPPITT.

Their hair exactly mine, you know.

WILDER

(Aside.)

It must have been sometime ago.

WILDER AND SHERWOOD

(Aside.)

It is a most outrageous whim,

To think that they resemble him!

TUPPITT.

I think I've got my story pat;

I wonder what they're laughing at.

WILDER AND SHERWOOD.

Upon my word, it's hardly fair

The Beast with Beauty to compare.

(Enter Dorothy and Lydia)

WILDER.

Ah! Here’s the liquor come my lass,

Fill to the brim a foaming glass.

(Dorothy and Lydia fill glasses)

DOROTHY

(Aside.)

What sense is o'er my spirit stealing,

Half joy, half pain to me revealing?

Why was I scorning

Only this morning

Maidens who suffered from any such feeling?

Nay, let me rather steel my heart

Against the point of Cupid's dart;

Pride shall assist me,

None shall resist me,

I'll arm myself in every part.

WILDER (at table).

Come fill up your glass to the brim

With a bumper of foaming October,

And drink to the honour of him

Who never was sulky or sober.

SHERWOOD.

Here's a glass to the lady who bores me,

And one to the girl whom I bore –

WILDER.

A bumper to her who adores me,

Arid another to her I adore.

TUPPITT.

Come, come, lasses – Bustle about! The tables have to be laid. (Exit into house).

WILDER .

(To Dorothy)

One word –

DOROTHY.

Nay, Sir, not one.

WILDER.

Then let it be two or more.

DOROTHY.

I must not listen to you.

WILDER.

If your duty forbids let your inclination yield.

DOROTHY.

And what if my inclination lies in the same direction as my duty?

WILDER.

Then you should have said, I will not listen to you.

DOROTHY.

It is easy to say that now.

WILDER.

Yes; if you have the will. But you have not; I can read it in your face.

DOROTHY.

And who are you, Sir, that read so readily in the pages which you first studied half an hour ago?

WILDER.

I should have presented myself before. I am Geoffrey Wilder.

DOROTHY.

Geoffrey Wilder!

WILDER.

Your most obedient servant and slave, nephew to Squire Bantam of Chanticleer Hall, in this very neighbourhood, who lays himself, which is all he has, at your feet, and implores –

DOROTHY .

(Interrupting)

Stay, Sir, has not the Squire a daughter called Dorothy?

WILDER.

I understand that there is something of that kind about his premises.

DOROTHY.

And you are the Mr. Wilder who is destined for the Squire’s daughter. At least, so my father tells me.

WILDER.

What! I marry Dorothy Bantam? A stuck-up, pert, conceited little minx!

DOROTHY.

(Aside)

Oh!

WILDER.

Who gives herself the airs of a beauty because, forsooth, she once managed to get up to town and squeeze herself into decent company.

DOROTHY .

(Aside)

He shall suffer for this. (Aloud) But you have never seen the lady, Sir – at least, so my father says.

WILDER.

No, thank Heaven! I was absent from town when she arrived. But I have heard of her –

DOROTHY.

Heard what of her?

WILDER.

Nay, child, do not let us discuss her further. It is you and you alone I love! (Kisses her hand).

DOROTHY.

But you are bound to the Squire’s house, and to-night you will see your cousin Dorothy, and you will swear that you love her , and you will kiss her hand.

WILDER .

(Kissing her hand)

Never! I swear it! Not if she begs for it on her knees.

DOROTHY.

She is not likely to do that.

WILDER .

(Turning from her)

One never knows what these little country girls are likely to do.

DOROTHY .

(Aside)

Oh! Wait till we meet this evening! (Exit rapidly into house L). (Enter Sherwood from house).

WILDER.

(Turning back).

And so, my darling – you – (seeing Sherwood)

Hulloa! How did you get there?

SHERWOOD.

Tell me, is there a very red mark on my cheek?

WILDER.

Yes, rather. Where did you get it?

SHERWOOD.

She is as powerful as she is beautiful.

WILDER.

Oh fie! Well, Harry, I have made up my mind to marry Dorcas.

SHERWOOD.

To marry her? But how about your cousin Dorothy, and your plan to propitiate your uncle by accepting her hand, and having your debts paid?

WILDER.

I will have none of my cousin Dorothy and her fine airs! – Give me dimity and sweet simplicity –

SHERWOOD.

And the money –

WILDER.

Money! What is money, compared to true love?

SHERWOOD.

Have you ever tried that sentiment on your creditors?

WILDER.

Not yet.

SHERWOOD.

Then now’s your chance – for, if I mistake not, here is our friend Lurcher close on your heels.

WILDER.

What! The Bailiff? I thought we have given him the slip!

SHERWOOD.

He must have followed us –

WILDER.

What is to be done?

(Enter Lurcher)

SONG. LURCHER, WILDER, AND SHERWOOD.

LURCHER.

I am the Sheriff's faithful man,

The King's own writ I hold,

Sir! I pray you, pay up if you can,

If I may be so bold, Sir.

The debt amounts to twenty pound

The costs to fifty more, Sir—

The sum now owing will he found

To come to eighty-four, Sir!

The bill of costs be pleased to scan;

It surely is not much, Sir,

To levy from a gentleman,

For treating him as such, Sir.

So will you pay the debt you owe

Or else, I am afraid, Sir,

That into prison you must go,

And stop until it's paid, Sir.

[(Interjected)]

WILDER.

Costs – fifty pounds. Fifty and twenty make eighty-four!

SHERWOOD.

Preposterous!

LIIRCHER.

Attornies’ bills do not decrease

In size by contemplation,

And arguing does not release

A debtor's obligation.

You surely would not let me see

A man in your position,

Object to pay a little fee

Or cavil at addition;

A six and eightpence less or more,

You really must not grudge, Sir,

And two and two make more than four

When ordered by a judge, Sir!

TRIO (as before). So will you pay, &c.

LURCHER.

And since the costs in the writ have been incurred, there is a matter of personal damage to settle. Look at my hat, gentlemen! Then there is a charge for delay, discomforture, loss of temper, loss of time –

SHERWOOD.

How loss of time?

LURCHER.

Not a nag to be had at the last stage – my own worn down to knacker’s meat, – I have had to tramp through the mire six weary miles in discharge of my duty to the Court.

WILDER.

I have no doubt the Court will requite thee.

LURCHER.

Will the Court give me a new hat?

WILDER.

Let me but give thee the slip once more, and my eternal gratitude –

LURCHER.

Will eternal gratitude mend my breeches? And now, Sir, are you going to pay?

WILDER.

It is a most preposterous thing to ask a man to pay when he has not got the money.

SHERWOOD.

You will have to give in to your uncle’s wishes and marry your cousin after all.

WILDER.

What! Give up Dorcas and dimity? Never! Stay – I have an idea. What if I can get the money?

LURCHER.

How?

WILDER.

From my uncle.

LURCHER.

Your uncle? There isn’t one in the neighbourhood!

WILDER.

I mean Squire Bantam, who inhabits the great house in the neighbourhood. He shall lend me the money, and not know that he lends it to me – I’ll extort it from him by stratagem.

LURCHER.

But how?

WILDER.

You know the Squire. He is excessively fond of quality, and piquets [3] [and prides] himself upon being the most hospitable man in the country.

LURCHER.

What then, Sir?

WILDER.

Why then, I will be a man of quality – I’ll clap a blue ribbon across my shoulder, and a patch upon my face – and, if you will both assist me, we will wait upon the Squire to-night, and be received with as much joy and ceremony as if we were really what we appeared.

SHERWOOD.

And his Grace will play the Squire at piquet after supper and bite him –

WILDER.

No, no – the Squire never plays – I have a more honourable design than that, I assure you.

SHERWOOD.

What is it? Out with it, Geoffrey.

WILDER.

Why, when the family are fast asleep, we will clap on our masks –

SHERWOOD.

And rob the house!

LURCHER.

Rob the house! What? Do you think I will be hanged for your projects?

WILDER.

There shall be no robbery. We will bind him first, and ourselves afterwards, and yet not rob the house of a shilling.

LURCHER.

Nay, Sir – I will not be fooled like this. I have business in the neighbourhood which will take me some five minutes and when I return to town it must be with your money or yourself. (Going).

WILDER.

But my good friend –

SHERWOOD.

My worthy Lurcher!

LURCHER.

It is impossible, Gentlemen – (Exits).

SHERWOOD.

What is to be done now?

WILDER.

I must carry out my design without him.

SHERWOOD.

And what is it, Dick?

WILDER.

Don’t enquire further. Trust me with the conduct of this affair, and if I can but convince that surly bailiff, I’ll venture my life I shall succeed –

SHERWOOD.

I’ll ask no more questions. I am ready to follow where you lead. Here come our charmers once more.

(Exit Wilder & Sherwood).

(Enter Dorothy and Lydia with table-cloths, etc).

DOROTHY.

(To Lydia)

Now, cousin, if you will follow my lead, I will show you what a base and faithless thing is a man.

LYDIA.

But how?

DOROTHY.

Have you the ring I gave you?

LYDIA.

What with the green stone? I never part with it. (Showing it).

DOROTHY.

Nor I with that you gave me with the red stone, but we shall have to part with them to-day.

LYDIA.

What! Give them away?

DOROTHY.

Nay! Only loan them for a time. We shall recover them to-night.

LYDIA.

What do you mean?

DOROTHY.

Follow my lead, I say. Do as I do, and you shall see. (Beginning to lay table cloth R. L).

WILDER.

(To Dorothy)

Will you not let me help you? (Busy with table cloth).

SHERWOOD.

(To Lydia)

Let me show you the way.

DOROTHY.

(To Wilder)

Nay, no more love I entreat you.

LYDIA.

(To Sherwood)

I know by your looks what you mean.

SHERWOOD.

Have you no pity?

(Lydia and Sherwood go up)

WILDER.

Nay, child, it is you and you alone that I love. In you I see the most perfect charm!

DOROTHY.

But can you love me for your life? A poor country girl without a position –

WILDER.

I would marry thee though I worked with my own hands.

SHERWOOD.

(Coming down with Lydia)

I will not – cannot live without you!

LYDIA.

(Aside)

Oh, man! – for flattery and deceit renowned.

WILDER.

(To Dorothy)

Let me speak to your father.

DOROTHY.

Not to-day. But meet me here to-morrow at the same hour. Take this ring (gives ring) and shew it to me to-morrow as a token of your promises.

LYDIA.

(To Sherwood)

Meet me here to-morrow at the same hour, and when you shew me this ring you shall have my answer.

WILDER.

I swear that it shall never leave my fingers. (He puts on ring).

SHERWOOD.

I will never part with it. (Putting on ring).

QUARTETT. DOROTHY, LYDIA, WILDER, AND SHERWOOD.

DOROTHY and LYDIA.

Now swear to be good and true -

To the maid whom you say you adore,

And promise to love her as few

Have ever loved woman before.

WILDER AND SHERWOOD.

I swear to be good and true

To the maid whom I fondly adore—

We promise to love you as few

Have ever loved woman before.

I never was in love before,

'Tis only you that I adore.

We will devote our lives to you

And swear to be for ever true.

DOROTHY and LYDIA

(Aside.).

We don't believe a word they say,

They swear the same thing every day.

Oh! never—never—never‑

Were such gay deceivers!

We will defy

The men who try

To make us weak believers.

And yet 'tis sweet

When, at your feet,

A lover kneels a-sighing,

And says it's true

He loves but you,

Or swears that he is dying.

(Exit Dorothy and Lydia. Enter Lurcher with his hat smashed – his clothes torn, followed by an indignant crowd who menace him. He gets behind Wilder).

CHORUS.

Under the pump! Under the pump!

And into the brook with a kick and a jump.

He's frightened old Margery out of her wits,

A-sneaking about, and a-serving out writs!

WILDER.

They've battered my hat, and they've ruined my clothes,

They've pulled out my hair, they have pummelled my nose

Each bone in my body has suffered a wrench,

And look at the writs of the Court of King's Bench.

Look at the writs

Torn into bits. (Shows writs torn.)

CHORUS.

Under the pump, &c.

We'll teach him his betters to grind and oppress

By serving upon them a writ of distress.

He's frightened and bullied a helpless old wench,

And we don't care a rap for the Court of King's Bench.

LURCHER.

(To Wilder)

Save me, Sir, for mercy’s sake!

WILDER.

One good turn deserves another. If I do will you follow me to-night?

LURCHER.

Indeed I will, Sir – anything you please!

WILDER.

My lads – this gentleman is a particular friend of mine, and anyone who touches him will have to deal with me.

(Crowd murmurs).

Nay, here comes the dinner.

This is no time for quarrelling.

(Enter Dorothy, Lydia, & Phyllis with dishes etc., which the women arrange).

DOROTHY and LYDIA.

Now take your seats at tables spread

With best of British beef and bread,

Potatoes – cabbages all hot,

And bacon steaming from the pot.

SHERWOOD.

Who can refuse?

WILDER.

Not I for one,

The rest already have begun.

DOROTHY.

Be pleased, kind Sir, to take a seat,

LYDIA.

And tell us what you wish to eat,

SHERWOOD.

The sight of you is more than quite

Enough to stay my appetite.

WILDER.

(Seizing Dorothy’s hand)

There is no lady in the land

With such a dainty little hand.

DOROTHY.

Release my hand, for that at least

Is not included in the feast.

(He tries to kiss her hand, she slaps his face).

CHORUS.

Ha! Ha! Ha! That’s right my lass,

And now, my lads, another glass.

FINALE.

WILDER (aside to Sherwood).

How perfect every feature,

SHERWOOD.

(the same).

A most delicious creature.

WILDER (the same).

My heart I must resign

To such a queen divine.

TUPPITT (to Tom).

To-morrow let it be,

TOM (to villagers).

And all we hope to see

CHORUS.

That's right! That's right!

And we will dance all night.

DOROTHY (to Phyllis).

And are you not afraid,

You most imprudent maid,

To trust a life's long span

To any living man?

You'll find when it's too late

You've brought about a fate

You don't anticipate,

Be wise then while you can.

MEN.

With indignation great,

We must repudiate

The notion that such fate

Awaits her with a man.

CHORUS.

Ah! why should you upbraid,

And why should any maid

Of wedlock be afraid

With such a charming man?

With such a pretty mate,

We all congratulate

The bridegroom on his fate,

He is a happy man.

TOM.

My love for her is great,

And she at any rate

Shall guide my future fate;

I am a happy man.

PHYLLIS and TOM.

Ah! why should you upbraid?

And why should any maid

Of wedlock be afraid

With such a charming man?

My love for him is great,

And he at any rate

Shall guide my future fate,

Not any other man.

WILDER.

To-morrow, Sherwood, then we meet

To make our joy complete.

DOROTHY.

Such infamous deceit

LYDIA.

Due punishment shall meet.

ALL.

Farewell!

ACT II.

Chanticleer Hall.

Scene: – Represents the interior of Squire Bantam’s house; the hall with staircase leading R. and L. to a gallery on which the bedrooms are supposed to be situated. In the centre at back is a large door leading into the outer hall. Large old-fashioned mullioned windows. Fireplace – tables in corners of hall. Some of the guests are seated at tables – Some dancing – The Act opens with a Country Dance, which is danced by the Squire with one of his guests. At end of Dance.

BANTAM.

(To his guest)

Madam – I am your most obedient – will you take any refreshment after your exertions? (Lady declines with a bow). You will not perhaps object to my putting my lips to the parson’s brew – surely – to test it – ha! ha! (They go up – a servant enters, speaks to Bantam). What say you? A gentleman to speak with me? Bid him join us – (Exit servant, and re-enters with Lurcher, who is dressed in the fashion). Sir – I am proud to know you –

LURCHER.

My name, Sir, is Blazes – Secretary to His Grace the Duke of Berkshire.

BANTAM.

Sir, I am prouder to know you –

LURCHER.

His Grace is on his way to the South Coast for the benefit of his health, but on the road his carriage has broken down.

BANTAM.

In this neighbourhood?

LURCHER.

At your very gates –

BANTAM.

Lord – Lord! That any ruts of mine should so behave to his Grace!

LURCHER.

And now he craves for us your hospitality for a night, until his carriage be repaired.

BANTAM.

Craves it! Why he should command it – And where is he?

LURCHER.

He is without –

BANTAM.

Without! And here am I standing in my own hall, with a Duke knocking at my front door. Nobody of any degree or quality passes by my house. Nobody entertains like me – there is a kind of grace, an art, a manner in these things which naturally slips from me. But I forget myself, and must hasten to greet my noble guest – (Goes up to meet Wilder who appears disguised, with Sherwood – they come down together). Ah! Here he comes! Sir, I am your Grace’s most obedient – humble servant.

WILDER.

Mr. Bantam – I am your most faithful and obedient servant, I am glad of the accident which makes me your guest. I could by no means have excused myself if I had passed by and not paid my respects. (Presenting Sherwood) . My personal friend. (Presenting Lurcher) . My Secretary – a faithful soul.

BANTAM.

(Bowing)

Gentlemen! I am proud to welcome you to my house, though ‘tis but a doghole, may it please your Grace, a mere doghole. I have a clean bed or so – a bottle or two of good wine

(bowing).

But your Grace’s goodness –

LURCHER.

His Grace’s goodness Ha! ha! ha!

BANTAM.

What!

SHERWOOD.

(Aside to Lurcher)

Silence, fool!

WILDER.

(Explaining to Bantam)

My Secretary is of a somewhat hilarious turn of mind. I love to be surrounded by mirth (aside) and beauty. (Looking round – aside). Where can they be?

SHERWOOD.

(Aside to Wilder)

Do you spy your cousin, Geoffrey?

WILDER.

Not I! But patience, she will be here in good time. Remember, I am not to be plagued with her. She is yours.

SHERWOOD.

I accept the gift.

BANTAM.

(Whom Lurcher has lured toward the punch-bowl, and taken a bottle)

Nay, Sir, it is the raw material.

LURCHER.

So much the better. It warms the inside. (To old lady) . Your health, Ma’am – (about to drink).

WILDER.

No, Mr. Lurcher!

LURCHER.

Sir – I mean your Grace –

WILDER.

Put it down!

LURCHER.

That is what I was about to do.

WILDER.

Put the bottle down, I say.

(Lurcher puts bottle back)

(To Bantam)

A good soul, but rough in his ways.

BANTAM.

But serves you well, I doubt not, your Grace.

WILDER.

Serves me excellently well (aside) with writs. You have a charming house, Squire?

BANTAM.

Your Grace is pleased to admire my humble abode.

WILDER.

(Looking round, sees strong chest)

And a cozy little strong box for the guineas. Eh! Squire?

BANTAM.

A paltry few, but, such as they are, entirely at your Grace’s commands.

WILDER.

(Aside)

Egad! My dear uncle I have a good mind to take you at your word.

BANTAM.

Your Grace’s condescension in observing these trifles quite overwhelms me.

WILDER.

(About to sing)

Though –

BANTAM.

I am positively overpowered –

WILDER.

My good Sir, you do not observe that I am about to make a remark.

BANTAM.

I humbly crave your Grace’s pardon.

SONG.

WILDER.

Though born a man of high degree,

And greatly your superior,

I trust I know that courtesy

Is due to an inferior.

So, conscious that a ducal bow

Will liquidate the debt I owe,

I bend my back and bow my head,

And thus accept your board and bed.

CHORUS.

He bends his back and bows his head,

And thus accepts your board and bed.

Exalted rank should condescend,

WILDER. On festival occasion,

And even dukes must learn to bend

Before a host's persuasion;

So, being graciously inclined

To take whatever I can find,

I bend my back, and bow my head,

And thus accept your board and bed.

CHORUS.

He bends his back, &c.

BANTAM.

If I may be permitted to say so – the grace, the ease, the facility, the excellence, the

(Lurcher falls against him)

Good Lud!

(Falls into Wilder’s arms.)

I humbly crave your Grace’s pardon!

WILDER.

‘Tis granted. (Aside to Lurcher). Be careful, knave, or I will have you turned out of the house.

LURCHER.

I budget not without your worship.

WILDER.

(Aside to Sherwood)

Look to him, Harry, or his follies will mar our plot.

BANTAM.

Will your Grace be pleased to sup –

WILDER.

We have already supped on the road.

BANTAM.

A glass of old hock, with a little dash of palm [sic].

WILDER.

By no means.

BANTAM.

Or a Seville orange squeezed into a glass of old Canary?

WILDER.

Not one drop.

BANTAM.

Well, well, what news? What news in London? I have a nephew there – I have not seen the profligate there these ten years.

(Servant comes up with a glass of punch on a waiter)

Your Grace must taste one glass of our own especial brew – come, come –

(Wilder accepts).

This nephew of mine has been a very wild lad.

WILDER.

I am sorry for this.

BANTAM.

He disobeys me, and yet he is my kin.

WILDER.

And spends your money: eh! Mr. Bantam?

BANTAM.

Nay, none of that, your Grace – He shall not have a groat of mine while I live, but when I die he must.

WILDER.

(Aside)

I must have a small matter while you live, dear uncle.

BANTAM.

What’s your Grace’s pleasure? My ears did not rightly lay hold of your last words.

WILDER.

I say you should allow him a small matter while you live.

BANTAM.

No, no – not while he squanders it as he does, and refuses to settle down and marry his cousin Dorothy.

WILDER.

Ah! he has a cousin?

BANTAM.

My daughter – your Grace!

WILDER.

Like her father no doubt, and surpassingly beautiful.

BANTAM.

(Bowing)

Your Grace is pleased to flatter.

WILDER.

(To Sherwood)

Now Harry, I will have none of my cousin Dorothy – I resign her to you.

SHERWOOD.

Egad! I am content.

(Enter Dorothy and Lydia)

BANTAM.

Here comes my daughter and her cousin.

WILDER.

(Aside to Sherwood)

Ye powers! What beauty! What enchanting grace.

SHERWOOD.

(Aside to Wilder)

In such a spot as this quite out of place:

LYDIA.

(To Wilder)

Your Grace is welcome –

WILDER.

(To Lydia)

Ma’am I kiss your hand.

SHERWOOD.

(To Dorothy)

I am your most obedient to command.

DOROTHY.

(Aside to Lydia)

That hand, that figure, I have seen before.

LYDIA.

(Aside to Dorothy)

It cannot be!

DOROTHY.

(Aside to Lydia)

I have, and I am sure I recognize the ways.

LYDIA.

(Aside to Dorothy)

It must be so.

DOROTHY.

(Aside to Lydia)

They were our faithful swains not long ago,

LYDIA.

(Aside to Dorothy)

How could they think so shallow a disguise,

Could serve to hide them from a woman’s eyes.

WILDER.

(To Bantam)

My dear Sir John, I trust my presence here,

Will never be allowed to interfere

With any entertainment.

BANTAM.

Please your Grace –

WILDER.

(To Sherwood, ignoring Bantam)

What teeth!

SHERWOOD.

(The same to Wilder)

What lips!

WILDER.

(To Sherwood)

What eyes!

SHERWOOD.

(To Wilder)

A perfect face!

WILDER.

(To Bantam, who has been waiting)

Your pardon. What were you about to say?

BANTAM.

That if your Grace would join us in the dance,

WILDER.

My limbs have long since lost their power to prance But I could hobble through some stately measure

(To Lydia).

If this fair lady lends her hand.

LYDIA.

With pleasure!

(Bantam gives orders to the musicians – introduces Lurcher to partner. The guests pair off as partners. Sherwood offers Dorothy his hand. Wilder dances with Lydia, and Bantam selects a partner).

DOROTHY.

What gracious affability! What condescension!

Of noble birth how great a proof,

When scions of nobility with kind intentions

Honour with their presence a provincial roof.

With faltering felicity we tread the measure,

Each maiden blushing with surprise,

Deploring her rusticity, accepts with pleasure

Compliments that fall on her from ducal skies.

Oh! how sweet

Eyes to meet

Beaming admiration!

Eyes that fire

Or admire,

Wrapped in contemplation,

With faltering felicity we tread the measure,

Each maiden blushing with surprise

At the simplicity,

The affability,

The true nobility

That meets her eyes.

LURCHER (dancing with much action).

Up and down, and round and round,

With dainty feet that scorn the ground,

Weaving figures in and out

See us whirling round about.

CHORUS (advancing).

Gaily tread the dainty measure,

Dancing in the path of pleasure,

Hand in hand,

A merry band,

Tripping feet, despising leisure!

WILDER.

No more dimity for me, say I –

SHERWOOD.

Hang your beauty unadorned –

WILDER.

Now like you my cousin Dorothy?

SHERWOOD.

Exquisite! Enchanting!

WILDER.

I am glad of it. I give her up to you, Harry – Be happy. As for me I am all for Lydia –

BANTAM.

(Offering glass)

Your Grace must try the parson’s brew – Nay, I will not be denied.

WILDER.

Well then, just a sip. (Takes glass).

SHERWOOD.

Do you leave the toast to your guests, Sir John?

BANTAM.

Nay, Sir, by your leave I will give you one.

ALL.

Yes, yes – The Squire’s toast.

(Solo. Bantam. With a glass in his hand. Guests drinking – on one side Dorothy and Sherwood seated. On the other, Lydia and Wilder – flirtation).

SONG.

BANTAM.

Contentment I give you, and all that it brings

To the man who is fully decided

To take what he has, and be thankful that things

Are such as his lot has provided.

Some strive for high rank, for preferment, for place,

Ever ready to sell or to barter

Traditions of family, fealty, or race,

For a ribbon, a star, or a garter.

BANTAM AND CHORUS.

But here's to the man who is pleased with his lot,

Who never sits sighing for what he has not,

Contented and thankful for what he has got,

With a welcome for all

To Chanticleer Hall,

BANTAM.

The old would be young, and the young would be old,

The lean only long to grow fatter;

The wealthy want health, the healthy want gold,

A change to the worse for the latter.

The single would wed, but the husband contrives

To consider his fetters a curse,

And half the world sighs for the other half's wives,

With the risk of a change for the worse.

BANTAM AND CHORUS.

But here's to the man who is pleased with his lot,

Who never sits sighing for what he has not,

Contented and thankful for what he has got,

With a welcome for all

To Chanticleer Hall.

QUARTETTE OF HORNS.

BANTAM.

Now let's to bed.

WILDER.

To bed so soon?

DOROTHY.

Good-night.

WILDER (to Lydia).

We leave our hearts behind us.

LYDIA.

Most polite

DOROTHY and LYDIA

(to each other).

Alas! how soon can man forget!

To-day he swore that he'd be true

To me—yes, me alone,—and yet

To-night he sighs and dies for you!

WILDER (to Lydia).

If you and I once more could meet-‑

SHERWOOD (to Dorothy).

Our happiness would be complete!

BANTAM.

Good-night, your Grace, and pleasant dreams

ALL.

Good night, your Grace, and pleasant dreams.

WILDER.

Good-night, mine host, and pleasant dreams!

BANTAM (showing the way).

This way

WILDER

(aside to Lurcher).

Is all prepared?

LURCHER

()Aside to Wilder.)

All right!

DOROTHY (curtseys).

Your Grace, good-night!

WILDER

(to Sherwood).

We meet again to-night

CHORUS AND PRINCIPALS.

Pleasant dreams attend your slumber:

Happy fancies without number,

Guide you in the land of sleeping,

While the fairies, vigil keeping,

Visions bright your sleep adorning,

Send you, till the light of morning,

Through the latticed window breaking,

Tells you that the day is waking

And through the pane,

Creeps day again!

Good-night! good-night!

QUARTETT. DOROTHY, LYDIA, SHERWOOD, AND WILDER.

WILDER (to Lydia).

One moment, pray!

SHERWOOD (to Dorothy).

Nay—do not run away.

DOROTHY (to Sherwood).

Meet me to-morrow.

LYDIA (to Wilder).

Meet me to-morrow.

WILDER AND SHERWOOD.

To-morrow is to-day.

WILDER.

Oh! fly not yet. 'Tis not too late

To bid me hope or mourn my fate,

For lovers learn from early morn

The cruel hand of time to scorn.

What matters what the hour may be?

Time was not made for you and me;

Then hear my whisper ere we part,

The promptings of a beating heart!

LYDIA.

And do you think the test, Sir,

Of love so light a thing,

That maids will leave their nest, Sir,

Like fledglings in the spring,

Because they've wings to fly with,

And want to soar above?

The man I live and die with

Must prove to me his love.

WILDER

(to Lydia).

Accept, I pray, this token

Of vows ne'er to be broken;

Let me on your finger place this ring.

DOROTHY

(to Sherwood).

This ring I take as token

Of vows made to be broken;

Till to-morrow I will keep this ring.

WILDER.

There go the rings.

SHERWOOD.

How shall we answer to dimity to-morrow, for the loss of their love-tokens?

WILDER.

To-morrow, Harry, is to-morrow, and will have to answer for itself. But now to business. You understand my plan?

SHERWOOD.

Perfectly!

WILDER.

Has Lurcher the cloaks and vizards?

SHERWOOD.

He brought them with him.

WILDER.

Where is the lazy scoundrel. Asleep, I’ll wager!

SHERWOOD.

I bid him wait in the hall until we called. (Looks out of door at back.) Ah; there he is! Wake up man!

LURCHER.

(Half asleep, as if arresting Sherwood)

Very sorry Sir. Dooty is sooty, and I must – (hand on shoulder).

WILDER.

He has not quite recovered from the parson’s brew. Where are our disguises?

LURCHER.

Oh, Sir! For Heaven’s sake – think better of it! We might be all hung for this job!

WILDER.

But, I tell you man, there is to be no robbery.

LURCHER.

But assault and battery – and misdemeanour and forgery by strangulation – I know the law, Sir.

WILDER.

Come, come, a little courage and you shall have your share, robbery or no robbery. Hand over the cloaks and masks.

LURCHER.

Here they are (producing cloaks and masks from bag – and a pistol) .

WILDER.

A pistol! Is it loaded?

LURCHER.

Heaven forbid, Sir! It hasn’t been loaded these ten years.

WILDER.

So much the better! It will be the very thing for our affair. Now let me see whether I can drum your instructions into your muddled pate. First, we shall attract the notice of my worthy uncle.

SHERWOOD.

His worthy uncle! Do you understand?

LURCHER.

(Sleepy)

Worthy uncle.

WILDER.

He is sure to think that his house is being robbed, and will be in terror for the safety of his guineas in yonder strong-box.

SHERWOOD.

Strong-box! Do you understand?

LURCHER.

(Sleepy)

Strong-box.

WILDER.

Then you shall come in terror from my room, and declare that I have been robbed and bound.

LURCHER.

And then? What then?

WILDER.

Then we shall see what we shall see. Go into my room, and be ready to obey my further instructions to the letter, or to perish in the attempt.

LURCHER.

Oh, Lud! To think that a respectable sheriff’s officer should have to submit to commit a breach of the peace! (Exit).

WILDER.

Now, Harry – are you ready?

SHERWOOD.

(Cloaked and masked)

Ready to do or die!

TRIO. WILDER, SHERWOOD, AND BANTAM.

WILDER.

Silence pray—be careful how you tread!

SHERWOOD.

Are you sure that they are all in bed?

Let me bind you – (business of tying).

WILDER.

Take care; not too tight!

SHERWOOD.

Now's the time to wake our friend, the Knight!

WILDER.

Ha! ha!

SHERWOOD.

Ho! ho!

BANTAM (appearing on stairs above).

Who's there?

WILDER.

Hush, here he comes!

BANTAM (half way).

Speak! who is there?

SHERWOOD.

We've got him now!

BANTAM (falling at last step). Confound the stair!

(Sherwood seizes him and binds him.)

For mercy, Sir, I humbly crave –

Pray take my cash and all I have,

But spare my life!

WILDER AND SHERWOOD.

We want your cash and all you have,

But not your life.

CHORUS.

What noise was that—waking us from our slumbers

What to goodness, caused such a clatter?

Hand joined to hand—safety there is in numbers—

Let us find out--what is the matter.

BANTAM.

Help! help! I'm almost dead.

CHORUS.

Help! help! raise up his head.

WILDER.

Help! help! I'm almost dead.

CHORUS.

Lift up the Squire's head.

[(Enter Dorothy and Lydia.)]

DOROTHY.

Oh, father! What a dreadful sight,

To see you in so sad a plight.

CHORUS.

Oh, what a sight!

DOROTHY.

And see, most shocking to relate

LYDIA.

His Grace has met the self-same fate.

BANTAM AND CHORUS.

Too shocking quite!

Oh, what a sight!

CHORUS.

Daring a duke to plunder

What’s coming next, we wonder?

BANTAM.

My money’s safe!

CHORUS.

How very strange!

BANTAM.

There’s not a penny missing.

WILDER.

Ah!

BANTAM.

Not one!

(Enter Lurcher from Wilder’s room, with cash-box broken open and empty.)

WILDER.

Speak! What is it?

LURCHER.

Your Grace, I fear –

CHORUS.

Ah!

LURCHER.

Has been robbed!

CHORUS.

Oh!

SHERWOOD.

They’ve got the swag.

LURCHER.

Yes! Taken every mag.[4]

SHERWOOD.

See; not one shilling left

WILDER.

Of everything bereft!

BANTAM.

The sum must be repaid at any cost.

CHORUS AND BANTAM.

Pray mention what amount your Grace has lost?

LURCHER.

The sum amounts to eighty pounds

Perhaps a little more, Sir;

And as a host, I think you're bound,

The money to restore, Sir.

CHORUS.

Pray take the guineas. He feels bound

The money to restore, Sir.

WILDER (after hesitation).

Well, then, I take the money as a loan. (Hands bag to Lurcher).

LURCHER AND SHERWOOD.

I'm much afraid

It won't be paid.

WILDER, LURCHER, AND SHERWOOD.

Of course your loan will be repaid.

CHORUS.

His Grace, we own,

Accepts the loan

With such a tone

That one would feel inclined to think the gold was all his own.

SHERWOOD.

And when his Grace returns this way

The money he is sure to pay.

CHORUS

(First chime).

Hark! I hear the quarter chime.

(Second chime.)

Off to bed, it is now time;

What on earth can be the time?

(Third chime)

There it is, the half-hour sure!

Midnight not long past be sure.

(Fourth chime)

Yes – why, the clock is striking four!

BANTAM.

Once more to slumber.

CHORUS.

We must all to bed again

Till the sun shines through the pane,

And the bright

Morning light,

Brings us back the day again.

(The lady guests retire to the chambers – grouping up the staircase, L).

BANTAM

(Offering candle).

Will your Grace resume your broken rest? Or will you be pleased to start the early morning with a fresh brew?

WILDER.

No more of the brew, Squire. The day is breaking.

(Horn heard without).

And as I live, your men are on foot with the hounds!

(Door at back opens, and huntsmen appear, horn repeated).

BANTAM.

‘Tis but to blood our cups with an early cub. But if your Grace will join us.

WILDER.

The very thing.

BANTAM.

I have a nag or two very much at your disposal.

WILDER.

And a gallop across the fields shall serve to wipe out the memories of the night, eh, Squire?

FINALE.

ALL.

Hark forward! Hark forward! Away!

A-hunting we'll go to-day,

And the early dawn of the autumn morn

Is ready to show the way.

Hark forward! Hark forward! Away!

'Tis a beautiful hunting day,

And horse and hound

Shall skim the ground

To the sound of the horn so gay.

The fox may bide

By the cover side,

But to-day we are certain to find;

And well we know

How the best will go,

And the timid ones scatter behind.

Hark forward! &c.

ACT III

Scene. A forest glade in the neighbourhood of Squire Bantam’s house. Through a break in the trees the village church is seen in the distance. Far to the right stands Chanticleer Hall, an old Elizabethan house. On the right of the stage is an ancient oak with withered and broken branches, and on a bench, which surrounds the tree, old women from the village are seated chatting to one another and knitting. Enter groomsmen and bridesmaids. Ballet. When the ballet is over the dancers retire up the stage and the old women rise and come forward.

OLD WOMEN’S CHORUS.

Dancing is not what it used to be

In the merry days when our tread was light,

When our feet were nimble, and our hearts were free,

We danced from dusk till the sun shone bright.

Eh! eh! eh! Tho’ feeble we be,

Better than that we can dance you'll see.

(Old Women dance. Enter Phyllis who is greeted by the old women and the dancers. Congratulations pass, and signs that they have come to fetch her to church.)

BALLAD

PHYLLIS.

The time has come when I must yield.

The liberty I loved so well

To one to whom my heart revealed,

Sighed forth the love I dared not tell.

My love, my life, I freely give,

Myself and all that in me is,

Henceforth in happiness to live

For him alone as only his.

Ah liberty to me so dear

I now resign without a fear.

CHORUS OF OLD WOMEN.

Eh! eh! eh! Poor little dear!

Wait till she comes to the end of the year.

PHYLLIS.

They say, when wooing days are o'er,

And there is nothing left to gain,

That turtles coo their love no more,

And honeymoons get on the wane;

But I will bind him to my heart,

With love that shall not fly too soon,

And life shall be till death us part,

One everlasting honeymoon.

And liberty to me so dear

I now resign without a fear.

CHORUS OF OLD WOMEN.

Eh! eh! eh! Poor little dear!

Wait till you come to the end of the year!

(Exeunt Phyllis, old women, and ballet down in the glade leading to the church, to the last movement of the ballet. Enter Dorothy and Lydia R., disguised as men, as the ballet and Phyllis go off C.).

DOROTHY.

There goes Phyllis to be married. Heigh ho! I wonder when our turn will come. Now Lydia – a little more confidence, a dash of bravado.

LYDIA.

I feel so strange in this dress. I fear that someone will see us.

DOROTHY.

What if they do, cousin? They will but take us for two gallants from town. Have you the pistols?

LYDIA.

(Who has the case under her arm)

Here they are!

DOROTHY.

Set them down.

LYDIA.

Do you think that they will come?

DOROTHY.

I haven’t a doubt of it. I know they received our letter this morning –

LYDIA.

And what shall we do then?

DOROTHY.

Why then, my dear, we shall give them the choice of a duel or a marriage with the ladies whom they met last night.

LYDIA.

And if they consent to marry?

DOROTHY.

If they consent to marry, we will never speak to them again.

LYDIA.

But, Dorothy, what if they prefer to fight?

DOROTHY.

Then we shall know that they love us, for ourselves, and then, Lydia, then –

LYDIA.

But the pistols?

DOROTHY.

We shall take good care to load them ourselves only with powder. They will go off with a little puff. You will scream. I shall not. All will end happily, and who knows Mr. Wilder may have to marry his cousin Dorothy after all.

LYDIA.

Why, Dorothy?

DOROTHY.

Why Lydia! And I’ll be bound to say that you will be content to pair off with his friend – Here is his letter – I must read it once more.

DUETT. DOROTHY and LYDIA.

LYDIA.

(Producing letter, reads).

“Madam” – so his note begins.

DOROTHY

(Producing letter).

And mine begins the same

LYDIA.

The letters are as like as twins.

DOROTHY.

Except the writer’s name –

LYDIA.

(reads)

“I cannot keep the pledge I gave,

What better reason should you have?

I love another. But ‘tis true,

Last night, I really loved but you.”

DOROTHY.

(reads)

“I cannot keep the pledge I gave,

What better reason should you have?

I love another. But ‘tis true,

Last night, I really loved but you.”

DOROTHY and LYDIA. Last night, I really loved but you.

If he but keep his faith with me

His conduct thus shall pardoned be.

I’ll marry him –

But, if I do, I’ll plague his life

And make him feel he’s got a wife

To harry him.

DOROTHY.

(looking off L)

Oh, lord, here they come! Let us watch them from behind this tree and see what effect our letters have had on them.

(Drags Lydia behind the oak tree – they stand on the bench, and watch the following scene. Enter Wilder and Sherwood L. Sherwood has a case of pistols under his arm).

WILDER.

This must be the spot, Harry.

SHERWOOD.

And here is the tree, under which these bloodthirsty provincials would call us to account. (Producing letter from pocket.)

WILDER.

One might almost treat the affair as a joke if it were not for our honour which must needs stand up to be shot at for an opinion in favour of one woman against another. Let me see. (Producing letter from pocket – reads) “Sir, your letter has been handed to me –”

SHERWOOD .

(reading letter)

“Your letter has been handed to me.”

WILDER .

(reading)

“By Miss Lydia Hawthorne.”

SHERWOOD .

(reading)

“By Miss Dorothy Bantam, and as that young lady’s best friend, I insist upon an explanation or immediate satisfaction.”

WILDER .

(reading)

“You will find me ready for either at the Hermits’ Oak in Mile Coppice at eleven of the clock this morning – your obedient humble servant to command Percy Dasher.”

SHERWOOD .

(reading)

“Tilbury Slocomb” – The letters are identical in all respects except the name.

WILDER.

There’s no doubt about it. They are in earnest. (Looking at watch). ‘Tis close on eleven. Have you the pistols?

SHERWOOD.

Here they are (producing pistols).

DOROTHY .

(aside)

Good gracious! There’ll be bullets in there.

WILDER.

And now, Harry, if anything should happen to me.

SHERWOOD.

Pshaw! Man, what are you thinking of?

WILDER.

These rustic blades are dangerous fellows.

LYDIA .

(aside)

Do you hear that, Dorothy?

WILDER.

They shoot straight. You will not fail to tell my dear Abigail that I remained faithful to her to the last – that I preferred death to giving her up.

DOROTHY .

(aside to Lydia)

What do you say to that?

SHERWOOD.

And how about the ring which she gave you, and which you so rashly handed over to Miss Lydia, last night.

WILDER.

Say that you buried it with me.

LYDIA .

(aside to Dorothy)

Oh! Why I have it on my finger now.

SHERWOOD.

You can depend upon me. And you will do the same by me with my sweet Dorcas.

WILDER.

I will, Harry –

SHERWOOD.

You will say that never for a moment was her sweet image absent from my heart.

WILDER.

And the ring you gave to my little cousin, Dorothy?

SHERWOOD.

Say, that it was so tightly and lovingly clasped in my death grasp that no effort could tear it away from the finger which it had never left.

DOROTHY .

(aside to Lydia)

Why I have the ring on my finger now!

(Dorothy and Lydia come down)

WILDER.

You can depend upon me. If you lie in your grave I will lie for you, Harry. If I lie in my grave you will lie for me.

(Perceiving Dorothy and Lydia. They bow. Dorothy to Sherwood. Lydia to Wilder. The bow is returned by Wilder and Sherwood – Then Dorothy bows to Wilder and Lydia to Sherwood).

SHERWOOD .

(aside to Wilder)

Why surely these cannot be our opponents!

WILDER .

(aside to Sherwood)

Straight from the nursery!

LYDIA .

(to Wilder)

Mr. Wilder, I believe.

WILDER.

At your service, young gentleman.

LYDIA.

I am Mr. Percy Dasher.

WILDER .

(laughing)

Dasher! Dash me: a fine dasher!

LYDIA.

Sir! (Up).

DOROTHY .

(to Sherwood)

Captain Sherwood, I presume.

SHERWOOD.

You presume rightly, my young friend.

DOROTHY.

Gentlemen, we are here to resent an insult put upon Miss Dorothy Bantam.

LYDIA.

And Miss Lydia Hawthorne.

DOROTHY.

We have come to ask whether you are prepared to atone for your conduct by offering the only reparation possible, or whether you are ready to meet the consequences.

SHERWOOD.

By reparation, I presume you mean marriage.

DOROTHY.

I do.

WILDER.

And the consequences imply a duel.

LYDIA.

They do.

SHERWOOD.

In point of fact you mean matrimony or murder.

DOROTHY and LYDIA.

Precisely.

WILDER.

They we prefer murder.

SHERWOOD.

Our words are pledged to two other ladies.

WILDER.

And we mean to keep them.

DOROTHY .

(aside to Lydia)

Do you hear that cousin? But we must keep it up until we are able to change our clothes. (Aloud) . Then gentlemen, you have only to choose your weapons.

(Lydia goes to box)

WILDER.

Weapons! Young gentlemen, I should say that a birch rod, or a good bundle of nettles would best befit your age and dignity.

DOROTHY.

I would have you to know, Sir, that this is a serious matter and that your jokes are as misplaced as they are usually ill-chosen.

SNUFF SONG.

DOROTHY.

It surely is not quite

Either right or polite

To treat as light

A summons to fight.

A woman’s heart

Is no laughing matter

‘Tis ill to start

With jest and chatter.

By such a sign

One might divine

A wish to decline

A Taste of lead or steel.

But as for me

As you can see

Which e’er it be

About the same I feel.

WILDER.

Well, gentlemen, since you will have it the consequences on your own foolish little hates [sic].

DOROTHY.

I am ready to take the consequences. (Aside to Lydia) . Where are the pistols. Recollect when you load them – powder first, and no ball. (Aloud) . Here are the pistols.

WILDER.

Pardon me. We are the challenged. We have brought our own pistols.

DOROTHY.

And must we use them?

SHERWOOD.

Certainly.

DOROTHY .

(aside)

Good heaven!

LYDIA .

(aside)

What’s to be done?

SHERWOOD.

In order that things should be perfectly fair, you will load one. (Hands pistol to Dorothy).

WILDER .

(beginning to load the other pistol)

Have you the bullets, Harry?

SHERWOOD.

Here they are. (Hands one to Wilder).

LYDIA and DOROTHY .

(Aside)

Bullets!

(Sherwood hands a bullet to Dorothy)

DOROTHY.

But how are we to know which of the pistols has no bullet?

WILDER.

(Finishes loading and primes)

They will both have bullets inside them, and so may one of us presently.

DOROTHY.

Ah! Don’t you point it at me! (Avoiding pistol.)

WILDER.

I did but anticipate a pleasure by a few moments.

LYDIA.

Allow me, Sir. You seem unaccustomed in the ways of these little barkers.

LYDIA .

(avoiding pistols)

Ah! Don’t!

SHERWOOD.

It’s not loaded.

LYDIA.

But it might go off.

(Aside)

What are we to do?

WILDER.

Now, gentlemen, as this is to be a duel to the death –

LYDIA and DOROTHY.

To the death!

WILDER.

I said to the death. It will be necessary for us to carry out the latest fashion of the duello. We can’t all shoot at once. We must begin two and two –

DOROTHY.

Then perhaps if you two gentlemen would begin first.

SHERWOOD.

We have no cause of quarrel.

DOROTHY.

Of course, I forgot. (Aside to Lydia) . Cousin, we must get out of this as quick as we can.

LYDIA .

(aside to Dorothy)

One of these pistols is sure to go off in a minute.

WILDER .

(to Dorothy)

You and I, Sir, had best lead off.

DOROTHY.

Lead off: where?

WILDER.

One of us – possibly both of us to the grave. (Flourish pistol).

DOROTHY.

The grave! Don’t point it at me – (putting pistol aside).

WILDER.

Each will have his second. Your friend will serve you. We will place ourselves back to back – each will walk five paces –

DOROTHY.

Only five paces!

WILDER.

Well six, if you like it better. We shall then both turn on our heels (presenting pistol).

DOROTHY and LYDIA .

(afraid)

Ah!

WILDER.

And fire. One of us will fall – possibly both, and then the others will have a turn –

LYDIA and DOROTHY.

(aside)

A turn!

WILDER .

(to Dorothy)

Now sir – to place yourself!

SHERWOOD .

(to Dorothy giving pistols)

Here is your pistol.

DOROTHY .

(aside to Lydia)

Oh! If I only knew how to escape form this!

(Wilder and Dorothy place themselves back to back C. Dorothy facing R., up. Lydia at her side. Wilder facing L. down. Sherwood at his side)

SHERWOOD.

Now, gentlemen, are you ready?

WILDER.

Yes.

SHERWOOD.

Then – go!

(Dorothy marches three steps).

DOROTHY and LYDIA.

Ah!

(They run off R.U.E).

(Wilder having marched three steps – Enter Bantam and Lurcher R. Wilder wheels round and presents his pistol at Bantam’s head).

BANTAM.

Stop! Murder! Thieves!

WILDER.

Why, what’s this?

SHERWOOD.

Our adversaries have fled –

WILDER.

A pretty couple of cowards.

BANTAM.

Pretty couple of murderers, Sir!

WILDER.

My dear uncle, I can congratulate you on a very narrow escape.

BANTAM.

What! My rascal of a nephew – So, sir! It is you who assume the clothes and manners of your betters and impose upon your too confiding relatives!

WILDER.

Necessity, my dear uncle –

BANTAM.

Necessity, sir, is the mother of thieves.

SHERWOOD.

(to Wilder).

That rascal Lurcher has peached –

LURCHER.

The promptings of my conscience, gentlemen –

WILDER.

And your pocket, I’ll be bound.

BANTAM .

(angry)

“Tho’ born a man of high degree” Eh! You villain –

WILDER.

My dear uncle, I did but assume the part for a while.

BANTAM.

“And greatly my superior” – is that it?

WILDER.

But Squire –

BANTAM.

“I trust I know that courtesy is due to” “an inferior”. Who’s an inferior? Your uncle, you dog? – Give me my money back –

WILDER .

(pointing to Lurcher)

I must refer you to this gentleman –

LURCHER.

Nay, sir, I must refer you to the Court –

BANTAM.

Who may possibly restore the money to my grandchildren after I have spent twice the amount in asking for it.

(Enter Tuppitt.)

TUPPITT.

I humbly crave pardon –

BANTAM.

What is it now?

TUPPITT.

The young couple are coming to meet your worship at the old oak!

BANTAM.

What young couple?

TUPPITT.

Tom and my daughter Phyllis, who have just been married.

BANTAM.

What do they want with me?

TUPPITT.

Your worship’s blessing –

BANTAM.

Blessing! Do I look like blessing?

WILDER .

(aside to Sherwood)

I’ faith, Harry, he does not –

BANTAM .

(aside)

I must be calm –

(aloud)

I’ll deal with you, sir anon.

(Enter Tom, Phyllis, Chorus, and Ballet to movement of Ballet).

PHYLLIS .

(to Bantam)

Your worship, the old custom bids us ask your blessing –

(Tom and Phyllis head to Bantam)

BANTAM.

There – children – if the blessing of an old man who feels more like swearing be any good to you, you have it.

SEPTETT AND CHORUS. PHYLLIS, TOM, TUPPITT, WILDER, SHERWOOD,

AND BANTAM.

TOM AND PHYLLIS.

What joy untold to feel at last

That all delay and doubts are past,

My future lot with you is cast,

My own.

TUPPITT.

A parent's feelings who can tell?

His satisfaction who can quell?

I wished to see her married well,

I own.

WILDER, SHERWOOD, BANTAM, PHYLLIS, AND CHORUS.

They are indeed a happy pair,

What lot on earth can now compare

With theirs? I only wish it were

My own.

PRINCIPALS AND CHORUS.

They're happily married by parson and ring,

So merrily let the bells chime;

For marriage to start with is not a sad thing,

It only gets gloomy with time.

A husband was ready—the maiden said "aye,"

She makes a most beautiful bride;

The knot was remarkably easy to tie,

It won't be so lightly untied.

BANTAM .

(to Wilder)

Now sir, you may thank your stars that the sight of these young folks’ happiness has put me in a better temper.

WILDER .

(bowing)

I am delighted to think that I have obtained, even if I have not merited, your forgiveness.

BANTAM.

None of your London manners with me, Sir. I am ready to forgive you, and even to take you back to my heart, where there has long been an empty corner waiting for you, if you will marry your cousin Dorothy!

(Enter Dorothy and Lydia dressed in their peasant clothes of the first Act)

WILDER.

That is impossible.

BANTAM.

How, impossible? Are you married already?

WILDER.

Nay, Sir, but I hope soon to be –

BANTAM.

To whom?

WILDER .

(bringing Dorothy down)

To this Lady, if she will so far honour me –

BANTAM.

To her? Why that is your cousin Dorothy.

WILDER.

My cousin Dorothy!

DOROTHY .

(with a curtsey)

The same.

SHERWOOD.

(to Lydia)

Then you –

LYDIA .

(with a curtsey)

I am Lydia Hawthorne, her cousin –

WILDER.

Then last night we –

(aside to Sherwood)

oh! Harry, here’s a pretty kettle of fish –

DOROTHY .

(to Bantam)

Yes, father – I was anxious to find out whether a man could love a woman for herself and not for her money. The ring, which I gave him, and which he now wears on his finger is a proof of his constancy. (To Wilder) . Shew it cousin.

WILDER .

(hesitating)

I – (Aside) . What in the world is to be done?

LYDIA.

And I too entrusted this gentleman with the ring which he now wears on his finger.

(To Sherwood)

Where is it?

SHERWOOD .

(aside)

What shall I say –

WILDER

(recovering his self-possession).

Ahem! I confess that recognizing my cousin Dorothy last night I returned to her, as a keepsake, and, and (hestitating)

SHERWOOD.

That is exactly what I wished to say myself –

DOROTHY .

(to Wilder)

Did the stone change its colour in your pocket, cousin? (Shewing ring).

LYDIA .

(to Sherwood)

Had my ring a green or a red stone? (Shewing ring).

WILDER.

I have nothing to say –

DOROTHY.

Well then if that is all the explanation you have to make – (Giving Wilder her hand) . I accept it.

SHERWOOD .

(to Lydia)

And you?

LYDIA .

(giving her hand to Sherwood)

I suppose I must follow Dorothy’s example.

BANTAM.

That’s right, children –

DOROTHY .

(to Wilder)

After all you were ready to die rather than marry Lydia –

LYDIA .

(to Sherwood)

I cannot forget that you preferred death to Dorothy.

FINALE.

DOROTHY

(chaffing Wilder).

Who swore to be good and true

To the maid whom he dared to adore?

LYDIA (chaffing Sherwood).

Who promised to love her as few

Have ever loved woman before?

WILDER AND SHEROOD.

We gladly yield our lives to you

And swear to be forever true.

DOROTHY.

Oh, fie! Oh, fie!

We spurned the tie

Did not we

Swear to be

Ever free?

To single die,

And Hymen fly,

Warily,

Charily,

Airily?

But Cupid, after all, is blind;

It would indeed be strange

To meet a woman with a mind

That wasn't made to change.

PHYLLIS.

Very strange.

LYDIA.

Very, very strange.

DOROTHY.

Very, very, very, very strange

DOROTHY, LYDIA, and PHYLLIS.

Yes; very, very, very strange.

DOROTHY (to Wilder), LYDIA (to Sherwood), and PHYLLIS (to Tom).

But

Be wise in time,

Oh! husband mine

Have a care:

Pray beware!

Hear me swear.

One word unkind,

Change my mind;

Nor are there

Maids to spare

Everywhere.

BANTAM

(advancing and joining hands of Dorothy and Wilder, and Lydia and Sherwood).

There, take him. Be happy.

For what you have got

Be thankful, or never allow that you're not.

And on this occasion I ask the whole lot.

There's a welcome to all

At Chanticleer Hall.

PRINCIPALS AND CHORUS.

And lucky the man who is pleased with his lot.

Who never sits sighing for what he has not,

Contented and thankful for what he has got.

There's a welcome to all

At Chanticleer Hall.

Notes

- 1: Trans. I have sinned.

- 2: Climbing stem of the hop.

- 3: Spelled “piques” in original. Two speeches later, Wilder refers to “piquet.” Probably both should be “piquet,” (or piquette) a two-handed card game.

- 4: Obsolete slang, a copper half-penny.

Table of Contents

Act I. Hop Gardens.

Act II.—Chanticleer Hall.

Act III.—The Round Coppice.