158
CHARLES THE SECOND
never learn wisdom? Yes; let me but get out of this scrape, and I renounce these rambling humours for ever. (A noise of unlocking the door.) Hark! some one comes.
(Enter Edward and Mary. Several Servants quaintly dressed, and armed, appear at the door.)
Mary. Place yourselves outside and guard the passages.
Chas. They are placing sentinels.
Edw. (apart). The earl has given me my lesson: no flinching.
Mary. I am afraid to go near him. I wish my uncle had not set us this task.—(Mary is armed with an old cutlass, Edward with a long rusty pistol or carbine.)
Edw. Be not afraid, I am here to defend you.
Chas. (advancing). What! my pretty Mary in arms?
Mary. Ah, don't come near me! What a ferocious ruffian it is!
Chas. (gallantly). Was that delicate hand made to grasp so rude a weapon?
Edw. (low to Mary). Don't let him touch your hand, or you are lost.
Mary (drawing back). He does not look so very ferocious, neither. Fie, sir, fie! what, steal the jewels of the crown?
Chas. Is it, then, known already?
Mary. Yes, indeed, all is known. My uncle took the watch to our neighbour, the jeweller, who knew it instantly. It belongs to his royal majesty himself.
Chas. Confusion!
Edw. (low to Mary). You hear he confesses.—(Aloud.) Well, Captain Copp will be here presently with the magistrate. Here will be a fine piece of work. All Wapping is already in an uproar.
Chas. (eagerly). My friends, it is of the highest importance that I should escape before they come.
Mary. I have not a doubt of it. Oh! you culprit!
Chas. (with insinuation). And would Mary, the pretty Mary, see me dragged to prison? I won't believe it. That sweet face bespeaks a gentle heart.
Mary. Poor creature! I can't but pity him.
Chas. (with gallantry). I never saw a pretty woman yet, that would not help a poor fellow in distress—(apart) She yields. But I need other bribes for my gentleman—I have it—my ring. (Aloud.) Assist me to escape, and take this ring as a pledge of what I will do. It is of great value.
Mary. What a beautiful diamond ring! How it sparkles! Don't touch it, Georgini, it's a stolen ring.
Edw. And for that very reason I take it. We can return both together to the right owner.
Mary (apart to Edward). He certainly has something genteel in his air. This unfortunate man may, perhaps, belong to decent people.
Chas. I do indeed; my family is considered very respectable. Ah, bless that sweet face! I knew a hard heart could not belong to it.
Edw. (apart). Egad, I must get him off, or he'll win his pretty jailor, culprit as she thinks him.
Mary (taking Edward apart). How penitent he seems, and his countenance is rather amiable too! What will they do with him?
Edw. (carelessly). Hum—why, they'll hang him, of course.
Mary. Heavens! will they touch his life? oh, horrible! and so good looking a man! I would not have his death upon my mind for the whole world (earnestly).
Chas. (Who has been traversing the apartment uneasily, and eyeing them occasionally.) Will this consultation never end! I dread the arrival of the officers.
Mary (aloud). Let us assist him to escape
Chas. Thanks, my generous girl: there's nothing like a petticoat in time of trouble.
Edw. How shall we get him off? The door is guarded.
Chas. Ay, but the window.
Edw. (eagerly). No, not the window, you may hurt yourself.
Chas. (surprised). You are very considerate, my friend.
Mary. Oh! it is not very high, and opens into a lane that leads to the river.
Chas. (opening the window). Psha! it's nothing; with your assistance, I shall be on the ground in an instant.
Mary. It is, perhaps, very wrong in me to let you escape; but I beg you to listen to a word of advice.
Chas. Oh, yes, I hear you.
Mary. It is on condition that you change your course of life.
Chas. Yes, yes, I'll change it, I warrant you.
