Act I
1. Time
“The company of the Warrington coach has stood in the hall this hour, and nobody to show them to their chambers.” (5)
Play was written in 1707
2. Place
“A room in Boniface’s Inn” (5)
“…Has stood in the hall this hour” (5)
"…Pretty well known upon this road” (6)
“…I have now in my cellar ten tun of the best ale in Staffordshire” (6)
“I have lived in Lichfield” (7)
“…She has cured more people in and about Lichfield within ten years than the doctors have killed in twenty…” (8)
“…I would go to the same market again. – O London! London!” (13)
“…At Nottingham, you know, I am to be master.”
- “And at Lincoln, I again.”
- “then, at Norwich I mount…” (15)
“We’ll embark for Holland…” (15)
“As for fish, truly, sir, we are an inland town…” (16)
“Where were you born?”
- “In St. Martin’s parish.” (21)
3. Society
• Family
“Cherry! Daughter Cherry!” – Boniface’s daughter (5)
“I don’t know how, sir; she would not let the ale take its natural course, sir; she was qualifying it every now and then with a dram, as the saying is; and an honest gentleman that came this way from Ireland, made her a present of a dozen bottles of usquebaugh – but the poor woman was never well after: but, howe’er, I was obliged to the gentleman, you know.” (8)
“Yes, sir; she has a daughter by Sir Charles, the finest woman in all our country, and the greatest fortune. She has a son too, by her first husband, Squire Sullen, who married a fine lady from London t’ other day…” (9)
"I have but one daughter.” (9)
• Friendship & Love
“As punctual, sir, as I am in the age of my children.” (7)
“I don’t know how, sir; she would not let the ale take its natural course, sir; she was qualifying it every now and then with a dram, as the saying is; and an honest gentleman that came this way from Ireland, made her a present of a dozen bottles of usquebaugh – but the poor woman was never well after: but, howe’er, I was obliged to the gentleman, you know.” (8)
“My Lady Bountiful is one of the best of women. Her last husband, Sir Charles Bountiful…” (8)
“Yes, sir; she has a daughter by Sir Charles, the finest woman in all our country, and the greatest fortune. She has a son too, by her first husband, Squire Sullen, who married a fine lady from London t’ other day…” (9)
“And married, you say?”
- “Ay, and to a curious woman, sir.” (9)
"…You can’t counterfeit the passion without feeling it.” (15)
“But hold, I have a small charge of money, and your house is so full of strangers that I believe it may be safer in your custody than mine; for when this fellow of mine gets drunk he tends to nothing.” (16)
“He don’t belong to our gang… and since he don’t belong to our fraternity, we may betray him with a safe conscience.” (18)
“What a rogue is my father! My father! I deny it. My mother was a good, generous, free-hearted woman, and I can’t tell how far her good nature might have extended for the good of her children. This landlord of mine, for I think I can call him no more, would betray his guest, and debauch his daughter into the bargain – by a footman too!” (18)
“why, then, you’re but even with me; for the minute I cam in, I was a-considering in what manner I should make love to you.” => “Love to me, friend!” (19)
“Prithee, instruct me, I would fain make love to you, but I don’t know what to say.” (19)
“Give me a kiss. Kisses her.” (21)
• Occupation
“Chamberlain! Maid! Cherry! Daughter Cherry!” (5)
“Enter Aimwell in a riding-habit, and Archer as footman, carrying a portmantle.” (6)
“You’re my landlord, I suppose?” – referring to Boniface (6)
“Here – tapster broach number 1706” (7)
"My Lady Bountiful said so. She, good lady, did what could be done; she cured her of three tympanis, but the fourth carried her off. But sh’es happy, and I’m contented, as the saying is.” (8)
“…And I believe, she lays out one-half on’t in charitable uses for the good of her neighbours. She cures rheumatisms, ruptures, and broken shins in men; green-sickness, obstructions, and fits of the mother, in women; the king’s evil, chincough, and chilblains, in children: in short, she has cured more people in and about Lichfield within ten years than the doctors have killed in twenty…” (8)
“…He’s my landlord” (9)
“A power of fine ladies; and then we have French officers.” (9)
“Why, Nick Marrabone, a professed pickpocket, and a good bowler; but he makes a handsome figure, and rides in his coach, that he formerly used to ride behind.” (11)
“…And pray order your ostler to keep my horses always saddled.” (17)
“Why, sure, father, the gentleman comes to be chosen parliament-man.” (17)
“Ay, ten to one, father, he’s a highwayman.” (17)
• Social Status
“Enter Aimwell in a riding-habit, and Archer as footman, carrying a portmantle.” (6)
“Set down the things; go to the stable, and see my horses well rubbed.” (6)
“Here – tapster broach number 1706” (7)
“My Lady Bountiful is one of the best of women.” (8)
“Yes, sir; she has a daughter by Sir Charles, the finest woman in all our country, and the greatest fortune.” (9)
“Why, sir, the man’s well enough; says little, thinks less, and does – nothing at all, faith. But he’s a man of a great estate, and values nobody.” (9)
“…He’s a man of pleasure; he plays at whisk and smokes his pipe eight-and-forty hours together sometimes.” (9)
“…He’s my landlord” (9)
“They’re full of money, and pay double for everything they have.” (10)
“Jack Handicraft, a handsome, well-dressed, mannerly sharping rogue, who keeps the best company in town.” (11)
“Why, we have very good fortunes for moderate people; and, let me tell you, that this two hundred pound, with the experience that we are now masters of, is a better estate than the ten we have spent…” (12)
“I have the credit to be entrusted with your master’s fortune here, which sets me a degree above his footman…” (19)
“Never to a person of your figure I can assure you, madam: my addresses have been always confined to people within my own sphere, I never aspired so high before.” (20)
“…But we are knight-errants…” (21)
• Social Standards
“The company of the Warrington coach has stood in the hall this hour, and nobody to show them to their chambers” (5)
“And let ‘em wait farther; there’s neither red-coat in the coach, nor footman behind it.” (5)
“O sir! – What will your honour please to drink, as the saying is?” (6)
“’Ods my life, sir, we’ll drink her health.” (8)
“Her last husband, Sir Charles Bountiful, left her worth a thousand pound, a year; and I believe, she lays out one-half on’t in charitable uses for the good of her neighbours.” (8)
“If you please, sir, we’ll drink his health.” (9)
"I have but one daughter, and I can give her.” (9)
“Don’t mistake me, Aimwell, for ‘tis still my maxim, that there is no scandal like rags, nor any crime so shameful as poverty.”
- “The world confesses it every day in its practice though men won’t own it for their opinion.” (11)
“Jack Handicraft, a handsome, well-dressed, mannerly sharping rogue, who keeps the best company in town.” (11)
“Hold your prating, sirrah! Do you know who you are?” (16)
“But hold, I have a small charge of money, and your house is so full of strangers that I believe it may be safer in your custody than mine; for when this fellow of mine gets drunk he tends to nothing.” (16)
“…It holds somewhat above two hundred pound: if you doubt it I’ll count it to you after supper…” (17)
“Father, would you have me give my secret for his?” (18)
“What a rogue is my father! My father! I deny it. My mother was a good, generous, free-hearted woman, and I can’t tell how far her good nature might have extended for the good of her children. This landlord of mine, for I think I can call him no more, would betray his guest, and debauch his daughter into the bargain – by a footman too!” (18)
“Child! Manners! – If you kept a little more distance, friend, it would become you much better.” (19)
“Prithee, instruct me, I would fain make love to you, but I don’t know what to say.” (19)
“And I wish there had been bees too, to have stung you for your impudence.” (20)
“Offer to follow me one step, if you dare.” (21)
4. Economics
“…’Tis worth ten shillings a quart” – the ale (7)
“Her last husband, Sir Charles Bountiful, left her worth a thousand pound, a year; and I believe, she lays out one-half on’t in charitable uses for the good of her neighbours.” (8)
“Yes, sir; she has a daughter by Sir Charles, the finest woman in all our country, and the greatest fortune.” (9)
“But he’s a man of a great estate, and values nobody.” (9)
“I pay him his rent at quarter-day” (9)
“I have a good running-trade” (9)
“They’re full of money, and pay double for everything they have.” (10)
“They know, sir, that we paid good round taxes for the taking of ‘em, and so they are willing to reimburse us a little.” (10)
“Don’t mistake me, Aimwell, for ‘tis still my maxim, that there is no scandal like rags, nor any crime so shameful as poverty.” (10)
“Why, Nick Marrabone, a professed pickpocket, and a good bowler; but he makes a handsome figure, and rides in his coach, that he formerly used to ride behind.” (11)
“But two hundred pound.” (12)
“Why, we have very good fortunes for moderate people; and, let me tell you, that this two hundred pound, with the experience that we are now masters of, is a better estate than the ten we have spent…” (12)
“…It holds somewhat above two hundred pound: if you doubt it I’ll count it to you after supper…” (17)
5. Politics & Law:
“A power of fine ladies; and then we have French officers.” (9)
“They know, sir, that we paid good round taxes for the taking of ‘em, and so they are willing to reimburse us a little.” (10)
“I don’t think it lawful to harbour any rogues but my own.” (18)
6. Learning & the Arts:
“I have heard your town of Lichfield much famed for ale” (6)
“Don’t mistake me, Aimwell, for ‘tis still my maxim, that there is no scandal like rags, nor any crime so shameful as poverty.” (10)
“And as much avoided for no crime upon earth but the want of money.” (11)
“Men must not be poor; idleness is the root of all evil; the world’s wide enough, let ‘em bustle. Fortune has take the weak under her protection, but men of sense are left to their industry.” (12)
“…I can be charmed with Sappho’s singing without falling in love with her face: I love hunting, but would not, Like Actaeon, be eaten up by my own dogs…” (14)
“…The fool in that passion shall-outdo the knave at any time.” (15)
“…Bid adieu to Venus, and welcome Mars.” (15)
“But you look so bright… Since then, my dear, etc.” – a song (20)
“There’s a swarm of Cupids, my little Venus, that has done the business much better.” (20)
7. Spirituality
“Strong! It must be so, or how should we be strong that drink it?” (7)
“Eight-and-fifty years, upon my credit, sir – but it killed my wife, poor woman, as the saying is.” – the ale (7)
"My Lady Bountiful said so. She, good lady, did what could be done; she cured her of three tympanis, but the fourth carried her off. But she's happy, and I’m contented, as the saying is.” (8)
“Men must not be poor; idleness is the root of all evil; the world’s wide enough, let ‘em bustle. Fortune has take the weak under her protection, but men of sense are left to their industry.” (12)
“…And, some philosophers will tell you, that from such a commerce there arises a sixth sense, that gives infinitely more pleasure than the other five put together.” (14)
“…And disappoint the blessings of Providence.” (14)
“…I can be charmed with Sappho’s singing without falling in love with her face: I love hunting, but would not, Like Actaeon, be eaten up by my own dogs; I love a fine house, but let another keep it; and just so I love a fine woman.” (14)
“I can’t eat beef, landlord.” (15)
“What a rogue is my father! My father! I deny it. My mother was a good, generous, free-hearted woman, and I can’t tell how far her good nature might have extended for the good of her children. This landlord of mine, for I think I can call him no more, would betray his guest, and debauch his daughter into the bargain – by a footman too!” (18)
“The company of the Warrington coach has stood in the hall this hour, and nobody to show them to their chambers.” (5)
Play was written in 1707
2. Place
“A room in Boniface’s Inn” (5)
“…Has stood in the hall this hour” (5)
"…Pretty well known upon this road” (6)
“…I have now in my cellar ten tun of the best ale in Staffordshire” (6)
“I have lived in Lichfield” (7)
“…She has cured more people in and about Lichfield within ten years than the doctors have killed in twenty…” (8)
“…I would go to the same market again. – O London! London!” (13)
“…At Nottingham, you know, I am to be master.”
- “And at Lincoln, I again.”
- “then, at Norwich I mount…” (15)
“We’ll embark for Holland…” (15)
“As for fish, truly, sir, we are an inland town…” (16)
“Where were you born?”
- “In St. Martin’s parish.” (21)
3. Society
• Family
“Cherry! Daughter Cherry!” – Boniface’s daughter (5)
“I don’t know how, sir; she would not let the ale take its natural course, sir; she was qualifying it every now and then with a dram, as the saying is; and an honest gentleman that came this way from Ireland, made her a present of a dozen bottles of usquebaugh – but the poor woman was never well after: but, howe’er, I was obliged to the gentleman, you know.” (8)
“Yes, sir; she has a daughter by Sir Charles, the finest woman in all our country, and the greatest fortune. She has a son too, by her first husband, Squire Sullen, who married a fine lady from London t’ other day…” (9)
"I have but one daughter.” (9)
• Friendship & Love
“As punctual, sir, as I am in the age of my children.” (7)
“I don’t know how, sir; she would not let the ale take its natural course, sir; she was qualifying it every now and then with a dram, as the saying is; and an honest gentleman that came this way from Ireland, made her a present of a dozen bottles of usquebaugh – but the poor woman was never well after: but, howe’er, I was obliged to the gentleman, you know.” (8)
“My Lady Bountiful is one of the best of women. Her last husband, Sir Charles Bountiful…” (8)
“Yes, sir; she has a daughter by Sir Charles, the finest woman in all our country, and the greatest fortune. She has a son too, by her first husband, Squire Sullen, who married a fine lady from London t’ other day…” (9)
“And married, you say?”
- “Ay, and to a curious woman, sir.” (9)
"…You can’t counterfeit the passion without feeling it.” (15)
“But hold, I have a small charge of money, and your house is so full of strangers that I believe it may be safer in your custody than mine; for when this fellow of mine gets drunk he tends to nothing.” (16)
“He don’t belong to our gang… and since he don’t belong to our fraternity, we may betray him with a safe conscience.” (18)
“What a rogue is my father! My father! I deny it. My mother was a good, generous, free-hearted woman, and I can’t tell how far her good nature might have extended for the good of her children. This landlord of mine, for I think I can call him no more, would betray his guest, and debauch his daughter into the bargain – by a footman too!” (18)
“why, then, you’re but even with me; for the minute I cam in, I was a-considering in what manner I should make love to you.” => “Love to me, friend!” (19)
“Prithee, instruct me, I would fain make love to you, but I don’t know what to say.” (19)
“Give me a kiss. Kisses her.” (21)
• Occupation
“Chamberlain! Maid! Cherry! Daughter Cherry!” (5)
“Enter Aimwell in a riding-habit, and Archer as footman, carrying a portmantle.” (6)
“You’re my landlord, I suppose?” – referring to Boniface (6)
“Here – tapster broach number 1706” (7)
"My Lady Bountiful said so. She, good lady, did what could be done; she cured her of three tympanis, but the fourth carried her off. But sh’es happy, and I’m contented, as the saying is.” (8)
“…And I believe, she lays out one-half on’t in charitable uses for the good of her neighbours. She cures rheumatisms, ruptures, and broken shins in men; green-sickness, obstructions, and fits of the mother, in women; the king’s evil, chincough, and chilblains, in children: in short, she has cured more people in and about Lichfield within ten years than the doctors have killed in twenty…” (8)
“…He’s my landlord” (9)
“A power of fine ladies; and then we have French officers.” (9)
“Why, Nick Marrabone, a professed pickpocket, and a good bowler; but he makes a handsome figure, and rides in his coach, that he formerly used to ride behind.” (11)
“…And pray order your ostler to keep my horses always saddled.” (17)
“Why, sure, father, the gentleman comes to be chosen parliament-man.” (17)
“Ay, ten to one, father, he’s a highwayman.” (17)
• Social Status
“Enter Aimwell in a riding-habit, and Archer as footman, carrying a portmantle.” (6)
“Set down the things; go to the stable, and see my horses well rubbed.” (6)
“Here – tapster broach number 1706” (7)
“My Lady Bountiful is one of the best of women.” (8)
“Yes, sir; she has a daughter by Sir Charles, the finest woman in all our country, and the greatest fortune.” (9)
“Why, sir, the man’s well enough; says little, thinks less, and does – nothing at all, faith. But he’s a man of a great estate, and values nobody.” (9)
“…He’s a man of pleasure; he plays at whisk and smokes his pipe eight-and-forty hours together sometimes.” (9)
“…He’s my landlord” (9)
“They’re full of money, and pay double for everything they have.” (10)
“Jack Handicraft, a handsome, well-dressed, mannerly sharping rogue, who keeps the best company in town.” (11)
“Why, we have very good fortunes for moderate people; and, let me tell you, that this two hundred pound, with the experience that we are now masters of, is a better estate than the ten we have spent…” (12)
“I have the credit to be entrusted with your master’s fortune here, which sets me a degree above his footman…” (19)
“Never to a person of your figure I can assure you, madam: my addresses have been always confined to people within my own sphere, I never aspired so high before.” (20)
“…But we are knight-errants…” (21)
• Social Standards
“The company of the Warrington coach has stood in the hall this hour, and nobody to show them to their chambers” (5)
“And let ‘em wait farther; there’s neither red-coat in the coach, nor footman behind it.” (5)
“O sir! – What will your honour please to drink, as the saying is?” (6)
“’Ods my life, sir, we’ll drink her health.” (8)
“Her last husband, Sir Charles Bountiful, left her worth a thousand pound, a year; and I believe, she lays out one-half on’t in charitable uses for the good of her neighbours.” (8)
“If you please, sir, we’ll drink his health.” (9)
"I have but one daughter, and I can give her.” (9)
“Don’t mistake me, Aimwell, for ‘tis still my maxim, that there is no scandal like rags, nor any crime so shameful as poverty.”
- “The world confesses it every day in its practice though men won’t own it for their opinion.” (11)
“Jack Handicraft, a handsome, well-dressed, mannerly sharping rogue, who keeps the best company in town.” (11)
“Hold your prating, sirrah! Do you know who you are?” (16)
“But hold, I have a small charge of money, and your house is so full of strangers that I believe it may be safer in your custody than mine; for when this fellow of mine gets drunk he tends to nothing.” (16)
“…It holds somewhat above two hundred pound: if you doubt it I’ll count it to you after supper…” (17)
“Father, would you have me give my secret for his?” (18)
“What a rogue is my father! My father! I deny it. My mother was a good, generous, free-hearted woman, and I can’t tell how far her good nature might have extended for the good of her children. This landlord of mine, for I think I can call him no more, would betray his guest, and debauch his daughter into the bargain – by a footman too!” (18)
“Child! Manners! – If you kept a little more distance, friend, it would become you much better.” (19)
“Prithee, instruct me, I would fain make love to you, but I don’t know what to say.” (19)
“And I wish there had been bees too, to have stung you for your impudence.” (20)
“Offer to follow me one step, if you dare.” (21)
4. Economics
“…’Tis worth ten shillings a quart” – the ale (7)
“Her last husband, Sir Charles Bountiful, left her worth a thousand pound, a year; and I believe, she lays out one-half on’t in charitable uses for the good of her neighbours.” (8)
“Yes, sir; she has a daughter by Sir Charles, the finest woman in all our country, and the greatest fortune.” (9)
“But he’s a man of a great estate, and values nobody.” (9)
“I pay him his rent at quarter-day” (9)
“I have a good running-trade” (9)
“They’re full of money, and pay double for everything they have.” (10)
“They know, sir, that we paid good round taxes for the taking of ‘em, and so they are willing to reimburse us a little.” (10)
“Don’t mistake me, Aimwell, for ‘tis still my maxim, that there is no scandal like rags, nor any crime so shameful as poverty.” (10)
“Why, Nick Marrabone, a professed pickpocket, and a good bowler; but he makes a handsome figure, and rides in his coach, that he formerly used to ride behind.” (11)
“But two hundred pound.” (12)
“Why, we have very good fortunes for moderate people; and, let me tell you, that this two hundred pound, with the experience that we are now masters of, is a better estate than the ten we have spent…” (12)
“…It holds somewhat above two hundred pound: if you doubt it I’ll count it to you after supper…” (17)
5. Politics & Law:
“A power of fine ladies; and then we have French officers.” (9)
“They know, sir, that we paid good round taxes for the taking of ‘em, and so they are willing to reimburse us a little.” (10)
“I don’t think it lawful to harbour any rogues but my own.” (18)
6. Learning & the Arts:
“I have heard your town of Lichfield much famed for ale” (6)
“Don’t mistake me, Aimwell, for ‘tis still my maxim, that there is no scandal like rags, nor any crime so shameful as poverty.” (10)
“And as much avoided for no crime upon earth but the want of money.” (11)
“Men must not be poor; idleness is the root of all evil; the world’s wide enough, let ‘em bustle. Fortune has take the weak under her protection, but men of sense are left to their industry.” (12)
“…I can be charmed with Sappho’s singing without falling in love with her face: I love hunting, but would not, Like Actaeon, be eaten up by my own dogs…” (14)
“…The fool in that passion shall-outdo the knave at any time.” (15)
“…Bid adieu to Venus, and welcome Mars.” (15)
“But you look so bright… Since then, my dear, etc.” – a song (20)
“There’s a swarm of Cupids, my little Venus, that has done the business much better.” (20)
7. Spirituality
“Strong! It must be so, or how should we be strong that drink it?” (7)
“Eight-and-fifty years, upon my credit, sir – but it killed my wife, poor woman, as the saying is.” – the ale (7)
"My Lady Bountiful said so. She, good lady, did what could be done; she cured her of three tympanis, but the fourth carried her off. But she's happy, and I’m contented, as the saying is.” (8)
“Men must not be poor; idleness is the root of all evil; the world’s wide enough, let ‘em bustle. Fortune has take the weak under her protection, but men of sense are left to their industry.” (12)
“…And, some philosophers will tell you, that from such a commerce there arises a sixth sense, that gives infinitely more pleasure than the other five put together.” (14)
“…And disappoint the blessings of Providence.” (14)
“…I can be charmed with Sappho’s singing without falling in love with her face: I love hunting, but would not, Like Actaeon, be eaten up by my own dogs; I love a fine house, but let another keep it; and just so I love a fine woman.” (14)
“I can’t eat beef, landlord.” (15)
“What a rogue is my father! My father! I deny it. My mother was a good, generous, free-hearted woman, and I can’t tell how far her good nature might have extended for the good of her children. This landlord of mine, for I think I can call him no more, would betray his guest, and debauch his daughter into the bargain – by a footman too!” (18)
Act II
1. Time
are you for church this morning? (22)
Will you be pleased, my dear, to drink tea with us this morning? (25)
“What day o' th' week is this?”
- “Sunday, an't please your worship.” (26)
But come, my lady's tea is ready, and 'tis almost church time. (29)
2. Place
• General Locale
you have a mind to be trying your power that way here in Lichfield; (27)
This gentleman is only travelling towards Chester, and would be glad of your company (35)
• Specific Locale
A Gallery in Lady Bountifuls House. (22)
A Room in Boniface's Inn. (29)
3. Society
• Family
Morrow, my dear sister; (22)
what can you urge against your husband? My brother is, first, the most constant man alive. (22)
Come, Dorinda, don't be angry, he's my husband, and your brother; and, between both, is he not a sad brute? (24)
Stay, stay, brother, you shan't get off so; you were very naught last night, and must make your wife reparation; come, come, brother, won't you ask pardon? (26)
• Love and Friendship
What is the reason, sir, that you use me thus inhumanly? (26)
I think, one way to rouse my lethargic, sottish husband, is to give him a rival (28)
“But how must I behave myself between ye?”
- “You must assist me.”
- “What, against my own brother?”
- “He's but half a brother, and I 'm your entire friend. If I go a step beyond the bounds of honour, leave me; till then, I expect you should go along with me in everything; while I trust my honour in your hands, you may trust your brother's in mine.” (28-9)
The appearance of a stranger in a country church draws as many gazers as a blazing-star; (30)
Farewell, friend! (35)
fell into the hands of sharpers, who stripped me of my money, my friends disowned me, and now my necessity brings me to what you see. (37-8)
• Occupation
The landlord is so blind as to think so (29)
Then I, sir, tips me the verger with half-a-crown; he pockets the simony, and inducts me into the best pew in the church; (30)
bow to the bishop, or the dean, if he be the commanding-officer; (30)
so much a gentleman every manner of way, that he must be a highwayman. (32)
Landlord, landlord, is the coast clear? (32)
And the other is now in his master's chamber; he pretends to be servant to the other; (33)
Some recruiting Serjeant, or whipped-out trooper, I suppose. (35)
he must bribe the chambermaid that betrays him, and court the footman that laughs at him (36)
Two thousand pounds that I have this minute in my own custody; so, throw off your livery this instant, and I 'll go find a parson. (38)
• Social Rank
Dost think, child, that my limbs were made for leaping of ditches, and clambering over stiles? or that my parents, wisely foreseeing my future happiness in country pleasures, had early instructed me in rural accomplishments of drinking fat ale, playing at whisk, and smoking tobacco with my husband? or of spreading of plasters, brewing of diet-drinks, and stilling rosemary-water, with the good old gentlewoman my mother-in-law? (23)
Not yet, faith; the lady gives herself airs; forsooth, nothing under a gentleman! (29)
would you make your mother a whore, and me a cuckold, as the saying is? (32)
I 'm sure the lady that I took it from had a coronet upon her handkerchief. (33)
You must know, then, that I am born a gentleman, my education was liberal; but I went to London a younger brother, fell into the hands of sharpers, who stripped me of my money, my friends disowned me, and now my necessity brings me to what you see. (37-8)
Let me see— two thousand pounds—if the wench would promise to die when the money were spent, egad, one would marry her; but the fortune may go off in a year or two, and the wife may live—Lord knows how long. Then an innkeeper's daughter! ay, that's the devil—there my pride brings me off. (39)
• Social Standards
He allows you a maintenance suitable to your quality. (23)
do you take me, madam, for an hospital child, that I must sit down, and bless my benefactors for meat, drink, and clothes? As I take it, madam, I brought your brother ten thousand pounds, out of which I might expect some pretty things, called pleasures. (23)
A man dare not play the tyrant in London, because there are so many examples to encourage the subject to rebel. (27)
“The French are a people that can't live without their gallantries.”
- “And some English that I know, sister, are not averse to such amusements.” (27)
Women are like pictures, of no value in the hands of a fool, till he hears men of sense bid high for the purchase. (28)
but I could be contented, with a great many other wives, to humour the censorious mob, and give the world an appearance of living well with my husband, could I bring him but to dissemble a little kindness to keep me in countenance. (28)
she reads plays, keeps a monkey, and is troubled with vapours. (29)
The appearance of a stranger in a country church draws as many gazers as a blazing-star; no sooner he comes into the cathedral, but a train of whispers runs buzzing round the congregation in a moment: Who is he? Whence comes he? Do you know him? (30)
your mother was useless at five-and-twenty. (32)
would you make your mother a whore, and me a cuckold, as the saying is? (32)
“What are the objects of that passion?”
- “Youth, beauty, and clean linen.”
- “The reason?”
- “The two first are fashionable in nature, and the third at court.” (36)
4. Economics
He allows you a maintenance suitable to your quality. (23)
As I take it, madam, I brought your brother ten thousand pounds, out of which I might expect some pretty things, called pleasures. (23)
Did you ever see a poet or philosopher worth ten thousand pounds? if you can show me such a man, I 'll lay you fifty pounds you'll find him somewhere within the weekly bills. (24)
Women are like pictures, of no value in the hands of a fool, till he hears men of sense bid high for the purchase. (28)
Then I, sir, tips me the verger with half-a-crown; he pockets the simony, and inducts me into the best pew in the church; (30)
but instead of riveting your eyes to a beauty, try to fix 'em upon a fortune; that's our business at present. (31)
Here, my dear Cherry.—[Gives her a bag.] Two hundred sterling pounds, as good as any that ever hanged or saved a rogue; lay 'em by with the rest; and here-three wedding or mourning rings, 'tis much the same you know-here, two silver-hilted swords; (32)
he must bribe the chambermaid that betrays him, and court the footman that laughs at him (36)
fell into the hands of sharpers, who stripped me of my money, my friends disowned me, and now my necessity brings me to what you see. (37-8)
promise to marry me before you sleep, and I'll make you master of two thousand pounds (38)
5. Politics and Law
you have a mind to be trying your power that way here in Lichfield; (27)
The French are a people that can't live without their gallantries. (27)
I ask but for a wife. (31)
from a poor lady just eloped from her husband. She had made up her cargo, and was bound for Ireland (32)
Captain! a pretty fellow! 'Sdeath, I wonder that the officers of the army don't conspire to beat all scoundrels in red but their own. (35)
Two thousand pounds that I have this minute in my own custody; so, throw off your livery this instant, and I 'll go find a parson. (38)
6. Spirituality
Anywhere to pray; for Heaven alone can help me. (22)
Will you please to dress, and go to church with me? (25)
“And how can you expect a blessing by going to church now?”
- “Blessing! nay, Frank, I ask but for a wife.” (31)
For whatsoe'er the sages charge on pride, The angels' fall, and twenty faults beside, On earth, I'm sure, 'mong us of mortal calling, Pride saves man oft, and woman too, from falling. (39)
7. Learning and the Arts
“What is love?”
- “Love is I know not what, it comes I know not how, and goes I know not when.”
- “Very well, an apt scholar.” (35)
Had ever man so hopeful a pupil as mine! (36)
You have taken a great deal of pains to instruct me, and what d' ye think I have learned by it? (37)
are you for church this morning? (22)
Will you be pleased, my dear, to drink tea with us this morning? (25)
“What day o' th' week is this?”
- “Sunday, an't please your worship.” (26)
But come, my lady's tea is ready, and 'tis almost church time. (29)
2. Place
• General Locale
you have a mind to be trying your power that way here in Lichfield; (27)
This gentleman is only travelling towards Chester, and would be glad of your company (35)
• Specific Locale
A Gallery in Lady Bountifuls House. (22)
A Room in Boniface's Inn. (29)
3. Society
• Family
Morrow, my dear sister; (22)
what can you urge against your husband? My brother is, first, the most constant man alive. (22)
Come, Dorinda, don't be angry, he's my husband, and your brother; and, between both, is he not a sad brute? (24)
Stay, stay, brother, you shan't get off so; you were very naught last night, and must make your wife reparation; come, come, brother, won't you ask pardon? (26)
• Love and Friendship
What is the reason, sir, that you use me thus inhumanly? (26)
I think, one way to rouse my lethargic, sottish husband, is to give him a rival (28)
“But how must I behave myself between ye?”
- “You must assist me.”
- “What, against my own brother?”
- “He's but half a brother, and I 'm your entire friend. If I go a step beyond the bounds of honour, leave me; till then, I expect you should go along with me in everything; while I trust my honour in your hands, you may trust your brother's in mine.” (28-9)
The appearance of a stranger in a country church draws as many gazers as a blazing-star; (30)
Farewell, friend! (35)
fell into the hands of sharpers, who stripped me of my money, my friends disowned me, and now my necessity brings me to what you see. (37-8)
• Occupation
The landlord is so blind as to think so (29)
Then I, sir, tips me the verger with half-a-crown; he pockets the simony, and inducts me into the best pew in the church; (30)
bow to the bishop, or the dean, if he be the commanding-officer; (30)
so much a gentleman every manner of way, that he must be a highwayman. (32)
Landlord, landlord, is the coast clear? (32)
And the other is now in his master's chamber; he pretends to be servant to the other; (33)
Some recruiting Serjeant, or whipped-out trooper, I suppose. (35)
he must bribe the chambermaid that betrays him, and court the footman that laughs at him (36)
Two thousand pounds that I have this minute in my own custody; so, throw off your livery this instant, and I 'll go find a parson. (38)
• Social Rank
Dost think, child, that my limbs were made for leaping of ditches, and clambering over stiles? or that my parents, wisely foreseeing my future happiness in country pleasures, had early instructed me in rural accomplishments of drinking fat ale, playing at whisk, and smoking tobacco with my husband? or of spreading of plasters, brewing of diet-drinks, and stilling rosemary-water, with the good old gentlewoman my mother-in-law? (23)
Not yet, faith; the lady gives herself airs; forsooth, nothing under a gentleman! (29)
would you make your mother a whore, and me a cuckold, as the saying is? (32)
I 'm sure the lady that I took it from had a coronet upon her handkerchief. (33)
You must know, then, that I am born a gentleman, my education was liberal; but I went to London a younger brother, fell into the hands of sharpers, who stripped me of my money, my friends disowned me, and now my necessity brings me to what you see. (37-8)
Let me see— two thousand pounds—if the wench would promise to die when the money were spent, egad, one would marry her; but the fortune may go off in a year or two, and the wife may live—Lord knows how long. Then an innkeeper's daughter! ay, that's the devil—there my pride brings me off. (39)
• Social Standards
He allows you a maintenance suitable to your quality. (23)
do you take me, madam, for an hospital child, that I must sit down, and bless my benefactors for meat, drink, and clothes? As I take it, madam, I brought your brother ten thousand pounds, out of which I might expect some pretty things, called pleasures. (23)
A man dare not play the tyrant in London, because there are so many examples to encourage the subject to rebel. (27)
“The French are a people that can't live without their gallantries.”
- “And some English that I know, sister, are not averse to such amusements.” (27)
Women are like pictures, of no value in the hands of a fool, till he hears men of sense bid high for the purchase. (28)
but I could be contented, with a great many other wives, to humour the censorious mob, and give the world an appearance of living well with my husband, could I bring him but to dissemble a little kindness to keep me in countenance. (28)
she reads plays, keeps a monkey, and is troubled with vapours. (29)
The appearance of a stranger in a country church draws as many gazers as a blazing-star; no sooner he comes into the cathedral, but a train of whispers runs buzzing round the congregation in a moment: Who is he? Whence comes he? Do you know him? (30)
your mother was useless at five-and-twenty. (32)
would you make your mother a whore, and me a cuckold, as the saying is? (32)
“What are the objects of that passion?”
- “Youth, beauty, and clean linen.”
- “The reason?”
- “The two first are fashionable in nature, and the third at court.” (36)
4. Economics
He allows you a maintenance suitable to your quality. (23)
As I take it, madam, I brought your brother ten thousand pounds, out of which I might expect some pretty things, called pleasures. (23)
Did you ever see a poet or philosopher worth ten thousand pounds? if you can show me such a man, I 'll lay you fifty pounds you'll find him somewhere within the weekly bills. (24)
Women are like pictures, of no value in the hands of a fool, till he hears men of sense bid high for the purchase. (28)
Then I, sir, tips me the verger with half-a-crown; he pockets the simony, and inducts me into the best pew in the church; (30)
but instead of riveting your eyes to a beauty, try to fix 'em upon a fortune; that's our business at present. (31)
Here, my dear Cherry.—[Gives her a bag.] Two hundred sterling pounds, as good as any that ever hanged or saved a rogue; lay 'em by with the rest; and here-three wedding or mourning rings, 'tis much the same you know-here, two silver-hilted swords; (32)
he must bribe the chambermaid that betrays him, and court the footman that laughs at him (36)
fell into the hands of sharpers, who stripped me of my money, my friends disowned me, and now my necessity brings me to what you see. (37-8)
promise to marry me before you sleep, and I'll make you master of two thousand pounds (38)
5. Politics and Law
you have a mind to be trying your power that way here in Lichfield; (27)
The French are a people that can't live without their gallantries. (27)
I ask but for a wife. (31)
from a poor lady just eloped from her husband. She had made up her cargo, and was bound for Ireland (32)
Captain! a pretty fellow! 'Sdeath, I wonder that the officers of the army don't conspire to beat all scoundrels in red but their own. (35)
Two thousand pounds that I have this minute in my own custody; so, throw off your livery this instant, and I 'll go find a parson. (38)
6. Spirituality
Anywhere to pray; for Heaven alone can help me. (22)
Will you please to dress, and go to church with me? (25)
“And how can you expect a blessing by going to church now?”
- “Blessing! nay, Frank, I ask but for a wife.” (31)
For whatsoe'er the sages charge on pride, The angels' fall, and twenty faults beside, On earth, I'm sure, 'mong us of mortal calling, Pride saves man oft, and woman too, from falling. (39)
7. Learning and the Arts
“What is love?”
- “Love is I know not what, it comes I know not how, and goes I know not when.”
- “Very well, an apt scholar.” (35)
Had ever man so hopeful a pupil as mine! (36)
You have taken a great deal of pains to instruct me, and what d' ye think I have learned by it? (37)