This page has been validated.

RAYNER.



ACT I.

SCENE I. A noise of voices and unruly merriment is heard, whilst the curtain draws up, and discovers Count Zaterloo, Bernard, Sebastian, and others of their band, seated round a table with wine, &c.


COUNT ZATERLOO.

Ha! ha! ha! ha! with all this noisy mirth,

Should some grave stranger, on his way misled,
Now push the door a-jar, and look upon us
Thus set, what class of men mould we be deem'd?
A set of light hearts, snug in fortune's lap,
Who will not go to bed because we may?
Or club of sharpers, flush'd with full success,
New from the spoiling of some simple fool?
Or troop of strolling players, at our ease,
After the labours of our kingly sorrows,
With throats new cool'd at as great charge of wine
As our tough lungs have cost of lady's tears?

BERNARD.

No, no, thou hast not hit upon it yet:

He'd take thee for the heir of some old miser,