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THE

FARMER.

IN TWO ACTS.

PERFORMED AT THE

THEATRE-ROYAL, COVENT GARDEN.

BY

JOHN O'KEEFFE, Esq.

DRAWN FROM:

A COLLECTION OF
FARCES
AND OTHER AFTER-PIECES

SELECTED BY

MRS INCHBALD

VOLUME II

London, 1815

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.

Valentine,	Mr Incledon.
Fairly,	Mr Waddy.
Total,	Mr Davenport.
Farmer Blackberry,	Mr Taylor.
Jemmy Jumps,	Mr Munden.
Counsellor Flummery,	Mr Wilde.
Rundy,	Mr Simmons.
Farmer Stubble,	Mr Atkins.

Louisa,	Miss Bolton.
Betty Blackberry,	Mrs Liston.
Molly Maybush,	Miss Meadows.
Landlady,	Mrs Whitmore.

Waiters, Tradesmen, Peasants, &c.

Scene—Kent and London.

THE FARMER.

ACT I.

SCENE I.—A Rural Prospect.—Valentine's House
at a Distance.

Enter Fairly and Total.

Fair. Your master's a rascal!—unknown to me marrying my daughter, then leaving her behind him at Canada, and here stepping into all the vices of London. A single gentleman forsooth! Deny his marriage!—but I'll strip him of his new-got wealth.

Total. Hush! that's likely to happen without your help. You know that old humourist his uncle, Colonel Dormont, wishing to avoid the bustle and etiquette of rank, gave my master here the enjoyment of his fortune; but of which hearing he makes so ill a use, he has absolutely advertised in the newspapers, to find if he has not some other relations living to transfer it to.

Fair. Then he has another relation hereabouts too, and to find him is what brought me now into Kent.

Total. Me you may! I'm Captain Valentine's steward to be sure; but I was placed here by his uncle merely as a guard over him; and harkee, Mr Fairly, you know the Colonel, from being so long abroad, hasn't seen him since the height of a pen-case; I told him though of his deserting your daughter, and all his profligate exploits! He's so much incensed that—here's a letter in his own hand, commanding my master to resign every shilling's worth belonging to him, without beat of drum this very evening to march out of his house yonder, and for the first time appear before him on the parade, St James's Park, to-morrow morning.

Fair. [With joy.] Then he's ruin'd! ha, ha, ha! good Captain Valentine! Isn't that he [Looking out.] cajoling some simple country girl? And his wife—my poor child, Louisa! Oh! how I should like to break his bones! but no sword or pistol work for me; no, I'll find the honest farmer that's to supersede him: I'll teach a captain to wrong a lawyer! [Exeunt.

Enter Valentine and Betty Blackberry.

AIR.

Valentine.

Charming village maid!
If thou wilt be mine,
In gold and pearls array'd,
All my wealth is thine.
If not shared with thee,
E'en nature's beauties fade,
Sweetest, do but love me,
Charming village maid!

Had I yon shepherd's care,
Yon lambs to feed and fold,
The Dog-star heat I'd bear,
And winter's piercing cold:
Well pleased I'd toil for thee,
At harrow, flail, or spade;
Sweetest, do but love me,
Charming village maid!

This morn at early dawn
I had a hedge rose wild,
(Its sweets perfumed the lawn,
'Twas sportive nature's child,)
My lovely fair for thee,
Transplanted from the glade;
Sweetest, do but love me,
Charming village maid!

Enter Farmer Blackberry with a Milking Pail.

Betty. I vow, your honour, all these fine things should make me vastly conceited.

Farmer B. I've heard say fairies are good at it, but now I'll see an angel milk my cow.

Farmer B. Yes, and I'll keep my heifer from a gentleman. [Gives her the Pail, and puts her off.]

Val. Stop, farmer! Yes, I'll propose—he dare not refuse his landlord. [Aside.] Blackberry, I shall deal with you fair and open: your daughter Betty pleases me; name any settlement, or I'll sign a carte blanche. You know the world, and I dare say understand me.

Val. I'm inclined to be your friend—I've company waiting at home, so your answer will oblige.

Farmer B. Only a twig of oak like this, laid on with an old tough arm, pretty strong from labour, and a heart stung by honest resentment.

Farmer B. Sir, you may yet be a parent; then you'll be capable of a father's feelings, at the cruel offer to make him a party in the prostitution of his child.

AIR.

Farmer Blackberry.

Ere around the huge oak that o'ershadows yon mill,
The fond ivy had dared to entwine,
Ere the church was a ruin that nods on the hill,
Or a rook built her nest in the pine.

Could I trace back the time, a much earlier date,
Since my forefathers toil'd in this field;
And the farm I now hold on your honour's estate
Is the same that my grandfather till'd.

He dying bequeath'd to his son a good name,
Which unsullied descended to me;
For my child I've preserved it, unblemish'd with shame,
And it still from a spot shall go free.

Val. Cudgel! A reptile sting! A weed dare to raise its insolent head, and wag defiance in my face!

Total. [Advancing.] My good sir, hear your poor steward: instead of ill-will to the farmer, as a gentleman you should cherish his spirit of a yeoman.

Total. Clown!—he's a man, and a father. For the affront you offered, your honour wouldn't at all suffer by making him an apology.

Total. That I will, sir, and, as an atonement, I suppose present him from you an acquittance for his rent, as this is quarter day.

Val. A pretty proposal! but ha, ha, ha! fit my busy steward. [Aside.] Come, I'll write a few lines of apology, you draw out a receipt, I'll inclose it, and you shall take it to him immediately—but his daughter, my bonny Bet!—Total, can you blame me?

AIR.

Valentine.

No more I'd court the town-bred fair,
Who shine in artificial beauty;
Her native charms, without compare,
Claim all my love, respect, and duty.

O my bonny, bonny Bet, sweet blossom!
Were I a king, so proud to wear thee,
From off the verdant couch I'd bear thee,
To grace thy faithful lover's bosom.

Yet ask me where those beauties lie,
I cannot say in smile or dimple,
In blooming cheek or radiant eye,
'Tis happy nature, wild and simple,
O my bonny, bonny Bet, &c.

Let dainty beaux for ladies pine,
And sigh in numbers trite and common;
Ye gods! one darling wish be mine,
And all I ask is, lovely woman!
O my bonny, bonny Bet, &c.

Come, dearest girl, the rosy bowl,
Like thy bright eye, with pleasure dancing:
My heaven art thou, so take my soul,
With rapture every sense entrancing.
O my bonny, bonny Bet, &c.

SCENE II.—Farmer Blackberry's House.

Enter Farmer Blackberry and Betty.

Farmer B. There—stay within doors, since you can't walk out without having gentlemen after you.

Betty. If a gentleman's going to speak, wouldn't it be very rude in me to stop his mouth?

Betty. So I did, and he turn'd and walk'd from me; but both walking on all round the field till we came to the opposite side, there we met face to face you know, and then—ha, ha, ha! oh precious!

AIR.

Betty.

To hear a sweet goldfinch's sonnet,
This morning I put on my bonnet,
But scarce in the meadow, pies on it!
When the captain appear'd in my view.
I felt an odd sort of sensation,
My heart beat a strange palpitation,
I blush'd like a pink or carnation,
When, says he, "My dear, how do you do?"
The dickens thinks I here has popp'd him,
I thought to slip by, but I stopp'd him,

So my very best curtsey I dropt him;
With an air then he took off his hat:
He seem'd with my person enchanted,
He squeez'd my hand—how my heart panted,
He ask'd for a kiss, and I granted,
And pray now what harm was in that?

Says I, sir, for what do you take me,
He swore a fine lady he'd make me,
"No, dem him, he'd never forsake me,"
And then on his knee he flopp'd down.
His handkerchief, la! smelt so sweetly,
His white teeth he shew'd so completely,
He managed the matter so neatly,
I ne'er can be kiss'd by a clown.

Enter Farmer Stubble.

Stubble. Wasn't it for that, merely to please you, that I sent him there? [Jemmy sings without.]

Farmer B. Here he comes, gay as a lark, fine as a butterfly, and merry as a cricket.

Enter Jemmy Jumps, dressed in the extravagance
of Fashion.

Jemmy. Gemmen, I'm yours! Mem, I'm your most—Dad, [Apart to Stubble,] hope you didn't tell them you had me 'prentice to a stay-maker in London?

Jemmy. Ask my ponies. Oats! think I'm from Bear quay? I'm a gentleman of—ha, ha, ha!—Canaille!

Betty. Indeed, father, you ask such uncouth questions.—Pray, Jemmy, what makes you a gentleman?

Jemmy. My share in a Pharaoh bank, my boots to fling over the benches in the play-houses; a glass to squint at a face not six inches from mine; my nag to kick up a dust in Rotten-row; short waistcoat, long breeches, two watches, twenty-inch cane, umbrella-hat, chin beau-dash, and shoe-string.

AIR.

Jemmy Jumps.

Look, dear Ma'am, I'm quite the thing,
Natibus hey, tipity ho,
In my shoe I wear a string,
Tied in a black bow, so;
Cards and dice I've monstrous luck,
I'm no drake, yet keep a duck,
Though not married I'm a buck,
Lantherum swash qui vi.

Sometimes I mount a smart cockade,
Puppydum hey, struttledom ho,
From Hyde Park to the Parade,
Cockymacary key;
As I pass a sentry-box,
Soldiers rest their bright firelocks,
Each about his musket knocks,
Rattledum slap to me.

Rotten Row, my Sunday ride,
Trottledum hey, tumble off O!
Poney, eighteen pence a-side,
Windgall, glanderum ho!
Cricket I famed Lumpey nick,
Daddles smouch Mendoza lick,
Up to all I'm just the kick,
Allemande caperum toe.

Stubble. Then, Jemmy, I warrant on your going to London you soon got up stairs into gentlemen's company?

Farmer B. Ay, and I warrant you he soon got down stairs out of gentlemen's company, ha, ha, ha!

Jemmy. Ma'am, it's a club, a thing we establish'd—fitted up a house in style—select—to be by ourselves for the purpose of play.

Jemmy. Gang! What, do you call——? Party—Men of fashion—deep play—Egad the rouleaus flew about like shuttle-cocks.

Jemmy. I and Sir Bruin Vickery, Marquis Delpini, Colonel Pimlico, and my Lord Piccadilly.

Jemmy. [Apart to Stubble.] Must bounce a little; Betty's so uppish—likely wouldn't have me else.

Farmer B. Right, neighbour; we'll have Betty and Jemmy married this very night—then she'll be out of the way of this wicked devil of a landlord. [Aside.]
[Pipe and Tabor without.]—True, we have won our cricket-match to-day, the lads and lasses are all in such high glee, so your wedding shall add to the joy of the day, ha, ha, ha!

Enter Molly Maybush.

Molly. Jemmy, you sha'n't marry Betty Blackberry—you know afore you went up to London, you was book-sworn to me.

Molly. I'm sure all the difference I see is, that going you had brown hair, a round face, and an honest heart; and you've come home with a white head, lank cheeks, and an ill-natured soul.

Jemmy. As to the hair and face—and head—I'm just the—tippy; and as to soul—that is with us gents, like our honour, a thing we know nothing about, only to swear by: as "'pon my soul, sir!"—"'pon my honour, mem!"—just as you country folks say, "oddsbodikins!"—"gadzookers!" and "by the living jingo!"

Molly. For sartin my father can't leave me quite so well as Betty; we ha'n't so much corn in our granary, but I've ten times as much love in my heart, Jemmy.

Molly. Did I think you ever could forget the day you left our village? Don't you remember as you were stepping on the coach-roof, as I stood crying, you with one foot on the little wheel, and t'other just on the boot; your right hand you stretched to the coachman, and your left as I held in mine, washing it with my tears, the postman at that moment sounding his horn: Gee! up! says the coachman, and I soon lost sight of my Jemmy!

Molly. You must remember your promise to marry me—you can't forget the horn!

Jemmy. Horn? A damn'd odd marriage memorandum you've hit upon, Molly. [Exit.

AIR.

Molly Maybush.

My daddy, O, was very good,
To make me fine he spared no pelf,
And scrape up money all he could,
He'd give it to my bonny self.

My handsome cap from Dover came,
Some thought from France, so gay to see,
Though sigh'd for by each maid and dame,
'Twas not my cap was dear to me.

So softly, O, to yonder grove,
The moon so kind the while did blink,
I stole to meet my own true love,
Yet on false love I fell to think.

The rustling leaves increase my fears,
A footstep falls! who can it be?
Oh joy, my Jemmy now appears,
And he alone was dear to me.

SCENE III.—A Green before Farmer Blackberry's
House.—Music without.

Enter Farmer Blackberry and Jemmy Jumps.

Jemmy. Me sport a toe among such clodhoppers! Ah! ha! dance away my Vestris and Vetcheli's!

Farmer B. Well, my boy, you shall have Betty;—then no fear of our Squire. [Aside.]—Hey! what can his steward want? [Looking out.]

Total. My master is now sorry, Farmer, for the affront he offered you, and requests you'll accept here enclosed a receipt and full acquittance for your quarter's rent.

Rundy. Why, Lord! Farmer, the 'Squire's men are got driving your cattle away, and they say it's for your rent.

Total. Oh! some mistake of that scoundrel the bailiff!—Farmer, open that—or here, you young fellow, [To Jemmy.] read aloud that paper, if your scholarship reaches so far.

"For golden grain I bring you chaff,
"So, neighbours, at the bearer laugh!"

"If this for quarter's rent won't pass,
"Why then the reader is—

Rundy. [Who had been looking over him, reads.] "An Ass"—ha, ha, ha! [Looking at Jemmy.]

Total. And me the tool—be assured, Farmer, his uncle will do you justice; the captain won't be long a landlord. [Walks up.]

Enter Betty Blackberry.

Farmer B. Jemmy, I must borrow this rent from the portion I thought to pay down with Betty.

Farmer B. I say, Jemmy, I must borrow this rent from the portion I thought to pay you down with Betty.

Jemmy. Borrow! eh! 'odso!—it happens so unlucky, but I now remember I promised to marry Molly Maybush, and dinner's ready. [Exit singing.

Farmer B. And a good riddance of such a sordid rascal: but there's your London gentleman!

Fair. Ay, this should be the house, and you the master; let's see my instructions. [Peruses a Paper.]—Blackberry—mother's name—yes—I hope here my search is at an end.—Your name is Blackberry, your mother was niece to Edward Timbertop, Esq.

Fair. I have authority to inform you, that by this descent, you're likely soon to be master of those very lands from whence your cattle were drove by your worthless landlord.

Total. Eh! what! Mr Fairly, is this true? Farmer, are you really related to Colonel Dormont?

Farmer B. Why, I did hear of some relation that made a huge fortune in America by army contracts, or so, but I know nought about'n.

Fair. To prove your affinity to the Colonel, and hear what he intends, you must go to London; ay, and appear in splendour as his adopted heir; I'll have such a triumphant revenge on that puppy your master for his usage to my poor Louisa. [To Total.]

Fair. What d'ye talk? I'm a person of property, and if he disapproves of what I've done, let my pocket answer.

Total. Well, since you're resolved, I'll instantly deliver to my master the Colonel's letter of dismission—take charge of every thing yonder, and if you'll undertake to get the farmer and his family to town, I transfer to them my duty of steward, and shall be there in time to have lodgings prepared for their reception.

Farmer B. Distress I never knew before to-day; so I never thought of brushing up a grand relationship for sake of a dinner or so, while here I could enjoy my homely meal with the sweet sauce of independence; but come in and take a bit of mutton over a glass of my home-brewed—we'll hear this story, and before I turn a gentleman, you shall see what a jolly fellow is an English farmer. [Exeunt.

Betty. To London!—yes—instead of Betty Blackberry, I shall be Miss Eliza Timbertop.

Enter Jemmy Jumps.

Jemmy. [Aside.] Old Blackberry fall'n into this house! and great fortune! Oh, I must tack about.

Betty. Precious! I shall be so tasty this summer; round my neck I'll have a charming thick barcelona handkerchief, with a beautiful double gauze one over it; a marsella quilted petticoat, stout and white as a counterpane; over that a rich paduasoy gown that shall stand an end; and over that again, my choice long sattin cardinal, furr'd with cat's skin.

Betty. In my calimanco shoes, I'll have such a thumping pair of silver buckles, and in my pink hat, a bunch of cherry-colour'd ribbon!

Jemmy. [Whistles.] Beg!—small change! take me for a beggarman! Yes, I must tack about again—Molly Maybush—she's a hundred pounder—that, and a little credit at Manchester, open a smart shop—yes, get to town and buckle to business—Eh, here's Molly: how rejoiced she'll be at my coming back to her!

Scene changes.—Enter Molly Maybush and Rundy.

Molly. Yes, I now see Jemmy courted me all along only for the lucre of gain: Yonder he is, let's laugh at him—I'll pretend not to see him.

Jemmy. Your most devoted, lovely Molly! [Bows.] Rundy, what brings you here? [Fiercely.]

Molly. Oh, yes, for his soul is only a thing to swear by, as, "'pon my soul, sir!"—"'pon my honour, mem!"—just as us country folks might say "oddsbodikins!"—and "by the living jingo!" Ha, ha, ha!

Jemmy. [Disconcerted.] Ha, ha, ha! again, if that's what you're both for; indeed, Molly, as second thoughts are best, I'll return to my first design, and have you.

Molly. Jemmy, my father has engaged me to Rundy here, so, "I am not come-at-able."

Jemmy. Have I figured in London for this? the tulip of Kensington Gardens to be ousted by a cabbage stalk! Oh, ye gods and goddesses, tags, laces, whalebone, busks, and boddices!

TRIO.

Jemmy, Molly, Rundy.

Jemmy.

Dear madam, how you clack away
King George's English hack away:
Go press your cheese,
And feed your geese,
Tuck up your duds and pack away.

Molly.

Go hop, my pretty pet, along;

Rundy.

And down the dance lead Bet along;

Molly.

But Rundy's stick,

Rundy.

Your back shall lick,

Molly.

You saucy monkey, get along!

Jemmy.

Ma chere ami tout autre chose,
Though gentleman, of bully knows.
Lord, nothing yet,
Before my Bet,
I'd kick a shin or pull a nose.
Dans votre lit, sweet Moll, adieu,

Rundy.

And if so be, what's that to you?

Jemmy.

If e'er we meet
In London street,
I'll honour you with, how d'ye do.

Rundy.

A fig for you and your how d'ye do.

Molly.

That for you and your how dy'e do.

ACT II.

SCENE I.—Louisa's Lodgings in London.

Enter Total and Landlady.

Land. Well, sir, the lady here moves to-day to her own house in Kent;—will you please to see the other rooms, sir?

AIR.

Louisa.

Winds, softly tell my love
You have brought home his dove,
Say poor Louisa flies to her mate;
Smooth was the ocean,
And swift was our motion,
He was my haven, and absence my fate.

Yet the lambs straying,
Through the meads playing,
Cropping wild flowers on the precipice' brink;
Joys surrounding,
Sporting, bounding,
Nor on fond Phillis the wanton will think.
Winds, softly tell, &c.

Total. [Without.] They'll do exceedingly well, ma'am; but—[Enters.] I must apologise to this lady for my intrusion before she had given up her apartments. [Bows.]

Louisa. Sir, since you know me——Dear sir, I dare not see my father until acknowledged by my husband.

Total. You're just from Canada, madam? And is this the amiable woman he has deserted! Don't be alarmed at my discovering you, I'm your steward.

Total. He's now in disgrace with his uncle, Colonel Dormont, who is one of your very odd sort of persons; means well, but always doing something that nobody else would think of; and I'm convinced he wouldn't have you see your husband before he tries the success of a scheme he has plann'd for his reformation.

Re-enter Landlady.

Land. Sir, here's your country family arrived; ma'am, won't you make use of my parlour till your chaise comes—Jenny!

Total. Madam, you had better remain here, if you can keep out of your father's sight; in the evening I'll give you convincing reasons for postponing your journey to Kent. The colonel, madam, has heard of your wrongs, and is determined to punish his nephew: he'll teach him, in the school of poverty, the use of riches. [Exeunt.

SCENE II.—St James's Park.

Enter Total.

Total. Follow you to the Park! but where——[Looking round.]—Eh! Isn't this the young fellow that read the curious receipt for me?

Enter Jemmy Jumps with a Parcel.

Jemmy. Eh! it is—Master steward, who thought to have met you in London! Well, how have you left Ploughman Blackberry and his clumsy family?

Total. True, I thought you were to have had his daughter and her clumsy fortune.

Jemmy. Have me! certainly they were all upon the scramble for me, as if I was a tit bit for a city feast—I was such a neat—tol lol! hey! Betty dressed at me—Jenny skimm'd the cream—Molly robbed the hen-roost, and Susan baked the round little hot loaves for my breakfast—Becky sung to me—Sal hopp'd, and Pol hobb'd at me; but, poor things! it wasn't on the cards—couldn't be—

AIR.

Jemmy Jumps.

Gad a-mercy! devil's in me,
All the damsels wish to win me;
Like a maypole round me cluster,
Hanging garlands fuss and fluster.

Jilting, capering, grinning, smirking,
Pouting, bobbing, winking, jerking,
Cocking bills up, chins up perking,
Kates and Betties,
Polls and Letties,
All were doating, gentle creatures,
On these features;
Pretty damsels,
Ugly damsels,
Black-hair'd damsels,
Red-hair'd damsels,
Six-feet damsels,
Three-feet damsels,
Pale-faced damsels,
Plump-faced damsels,
Small-legg'd damsels,
Thick-legg'd damsels,
Dainty damsels,
Dowdy damsels,
Pretty, ugly, black-hair'd, red-hair'd,
Six-feet, three-feet, pale-faced, plump-faced,
Small-legg'd, thick-legg'd, dainty, dowdy,
All run after me, sir, me;
For when pretty fellows we,
Pretty maids are frank and free.

Gad-a-mercy! devil's in me,
All the ladies wish to win me:
For their stays, taking measure
Of the ladies, oh the pleasure!

Oh, such tempting looks they gi'me,
Wishing of my heart to nim me!
Pat, and cry, you devil Jemmy!
Pretty ladies,
Ugly ladies,
Black-hair'd ladies,
Red-hair'd ladies,
Six-feet ladies,
Three-feet ladies,
Pale-faced ladies,
Plump-faced ladies,
Small-legg'd ladies,
Thick-legg'd ladies,
Dainty ladies,
Dowdy ladies,
Pretty, ugly, black-hair'd, red-hair'd,
Six-feet, three-feet, pale-faced, plump-faced,
Small-legg'd, thick-legg'd, dainty, dowdy,
All run after me, sir, me:
For when pretty fellows we,
Ladies all are frank and free.

Old one, in the country I was a gentleman—In town I'm a staymaker. [Points to the Parcel.]

Jemmy. I never saw 'Squire Valentine—but hear he is a fine flashy fellow! one of us—ha, ha! I'm about setting up in business—want only a partner with a little ready—Molly's penny would have been apropos—raising capital is difficult——I'm going now after a person who advances money—but, my old steward, you're among the monied men, you could put a body in the way of raising a little cash—I can give undeniable security.

Total. [Pausing.] I'll try it—yonder he comes—it may bring him into great embarrassment; and if any thing can reclaim him, extreme necessity must be the means. [Aside.] Why—I do know a gentleman that does these things.

Total. This happens lucky enough—See that gentleman coming strait from Storey's Gate.

Total. There—you see with what authority he leans against the Treasury wall.

Jemmy. Like a prop to the Treasury; a rich fellow, I'll warrant: If you know him, my dear boy, will you propose it?

Jemmy. I've only to drop this in Fludyer-street—two hundred will just fit me—I'll do the handsome thing—Housekeeper's security—Premium to you, and the neatest pair of dimity jumps for your girl—mum! [Exit.

Val. Total, when did you get to town? Whose house was that I saw you lounging in, in Suffolk-street?

Val. Here have I been parading this half hour, and no uncle, as his letter appointed.

Total. You don't know his person, sir; perhaps he has been parading too, and surveying you.

Val. I'll wait no longer—I discard him—talk of me! he's made up of caprice and uncertainty.

Total. Why, faith, he is a little queerish, sir; but no caprice—no, no; cursed inflexible in what he thinks right—yes, he'll certainly settle his fortune on this new-found relation—your conduct to your wife—that affair of distraining Farmer Blackberry—

Val. Give me a taste of life, and now turn me adrift, only for a few fashionable gallantries! I got a dinner party to pass dice too before I left home—havn't one guinea in my pocket—If I could but raise a little money just for an outset.

Re-enter Jemmy Jumps, smiles at Total, then
walks up.

Total. Fellow! You've seen an advertisement of a person that has twenty thousand lying at his banker's; that's he! X. Y. the most liberal money-lender in town.

Val. Why, he gave you a very familiar nod, Total; see if he'll advance the cash to me.

Jemmy. My dear friend! does he know the sum I want, and the security I can give?

Jemmy. Eh—the Rummer—the landlady is a customer of mine—Do you think he'll have the money about him?

Total. Isn't Drummond's over the way? Have you a purse or good strong pocket for the cash when you get it; for he always lends in cash.

Total. Take my glove—it is stout ramskin—the guineas will lie there so snug in the fingers.

Total. [Aloud to Valentine.] Sir, the gentleman will see you at the Rummer over the way.

Jemmy. Sir—Oh, sir!—[Apart to Total.] A country family just come to town, over in Suffolk-street, must step and take measure of a young lady—new customer—be with you in five minutes.

Total. But then he's so cursed fond of the table: nothing to be done with him without giving him a dinner; and he drinks Burgundy, I assure you.

Val. I'll give him a bottle and a bird with all my soul. Yonder's Supple and Captain Palaver! they must have heard of my misfortune, for they seem to avoid me. My friends!

Total. Ah! my good sir, the civility of the world hangs on the success of the moment: and let your empty pocket now convince you, that distress is the touchstone of friendship. Suppose, to cut a flash, I ask 'em to the dinner you'll be obliged to give this gentleman; ha, ha! sir, to carry it on, I'll desire Mr X. Y. before them to seem as if you were the lender.

Val. Ha, ha, ha! well done, Total! ha, ha, ha! Hey! Counsellor Flummery, too! [Looking out.]—True: I owe him twenty guineas.

Total. Well, sir, you'll now be able to pay him! 'Gad, sir, he can draw up the necessary writings between you and the gentleman. I'll invite him too.

Val. Run—bespeak a good room, and order dinner for six. [Pushes Total off.] This supply will set me going—I'll let uncle see I can shine without his dirty acres.

SCENE III.—Farmer Blackberry's Lodgings.

Enter Fairly.

Fair. What accommodation has old Total provided for the farmer and his family here?

Enter Rundy in a Livery.

Rundy. Oh, hugely, sir; I think it's a deadly fine place. Master thought I should not come with him, but he was so good to me, that, to shew my kindness and gratitude, I comed up here to town with him, because I know'd I couldn't better myself.

Rundy. Ay, sir; Miss Bett would make master and she go all round the town in chairs. I walked afore, he, he, he! Master's so grand, and Miss Betty's quite my lady: my Molly is her maid, and I am my own gentleman.

Rundy. Tell! why in London one can tell a body from the top of the house to the bottom, and from bottom to top, without opening one's mouth. [Rings the bell.]—That does it.

Rundy. Why, sir, he rings for me, and one good turn deserves another: Lord! you can't think what a beau I intend to be here in London!

AIR.

Rundy.

A flaxen-headed cow-boy, as simple as may be,
And next a merry plough-boy, I whistled o'er the lea;
But now a saucy footman, I strut in worsted lace,
And soon I'll be a butler, and wag my jolly face;
When steward I'm promoted, I'll snip a tradesman's bill,
My master's coffers empty, my pockets for to fill;
When lolling in my chariot, so great a man I'll be,
You'll forget the little plough-boy that whistled o'er the lea.

I'll buy votes at elections, but when I've made the pelf,
I'll stand poll for the parliament, and then vote in myself;
Whatever's good for me, sir, I never will oppose,
When all my ayes are sold off, why then I'll sell my noes;
I'll joke, harangue, and paragraph, with speeches charm the ear,
And when I'm tired on my legs, I'll then sit down a peer;
In court or city honour, so great a man I'll be,
You'll forget the little plough-boy that whistled o'er the lea.

Enter Farmer Blackberry and Betty, dressed.

Farmer B. What, with her coal-black hair full of brown dust, and her hat all on one side, as if she'd got fuddled!

Betty. Fuddled! oh, fashion; ay, sir, and Mrs Fallal the milliner says I shall soon set the fashions; she'll be asked for the Eliza cap, the Timbertop bonnet.

Betty. Oh, la! it's the stay-maker Mrs Fallal promised to send me. Do send him in, Mrs What's your name?

Enter Jemmy Jumps.

Jemmy. Hem! Mem! please your ladyship, Mrs Fallal of Tavistock-street sent me to take measure of your ladyship for your ladyship's new stays: I'll fit your ladyship with a waist neat as a topsy-turvy sugar-loaf.

Jemmy. I protest this is the most immensely strange! I came to one Miss Timbertop.

Betty. Then I am she, Master Timbertop. [Patting him on the head with her fan.]

Farmer B. So this is your rouleaus and your coteries! a stay-maker! oh, you make no stay here.

Jemmy. Then I'll go—hey! my—Mr Jumps's carriage—lal, lal, lal! [Exit singing.

Total. Farmer, the colonel desires me to conduct you to him. He has sent his coach.

Total. Now at the Rummer Tavern, and soon in the hands of the bailiffs. Madam, give me leave to have the honour of conducting you to the carriage.

Farmer B. Ah, sir, I want no revenge. I am something of the humour of my countrymen, willing to shake hands, but prepared for a blow, if the enemy design to give it.

SCENE IV.—A Room at the Rummer Tavern, Charing-cross.—
(Loud laughing without.)

Enter Jemmy Jumps, and Waiter with Wine.

Jemmy. Very well. Oh, the gentleman desired you'd call me out from the company, and he'd settle the affair with me here?

Jemmy. Now I shall pocket the cash—Oh! and, Jack, if your mistress sends me up her stays, I'll take them home with me, and alter them to her liking. [Exit Waiter.] That will shew this gentleman I'm a man of business, then he won't be afraid to lend the cash. I hope he has it about him, though I should like he'd send me over to Drummond's—it's so pretty to see those bankers' clerks shovel up the gold with a back paw, slide a handful of guineas along the counter, then tip, tip, tip! reckon so nimble. [Mimicks.] With this money such a smart shop I shall open!

Val. [Without.] Push about, lads! the gentleman and I will return to you instantly.

Jemmy. Very jolly, sir, and we'd a choice fine dinner! but there will be a monstrous great bill to pay!

Val. A vulgar fellow this; I'll touch his cash, and then get rid of him. [Aside.] Won't you please to sit, sir?

Jemmy. Now, if he isn't as condescending as if he wasn't worth a guinea. [Aside.]

Jemmy. More Burgundy! my shot will make a vast hole in the money I'm to get. [Aside.]

Jemmy. Sir. [Bows and smiles.] What genteelness to me that's going to borrow his cash from him! [Aside.] Sir, it's what I never shall forget the longest day I have to live.

Val. The civillest money-lender I ever met with. [Aside.]—Though I flatter myself the security is unexceptionable.

Jemmy. Security! Sir, I'll have two of the warmest housekeepers in Norton Falgate.

Val. Norton Falgate! really, sir, I don't know any body in that quarter of the town.

Jemmy. Lord, sir, it's one of the most substantialist and the most opulentist places——

Val. I hav'n't a doubt, sir—but had hopes of giving you up a lieutenant's commission.

Val. Oh, well, sir; since that is not agreeable—if Mr Total joins in a bond—

Jemmy. Sir, I've no objection to a bond, if you think that requisite; asking Mr Total to join in it is a liberty that I cannot expect, oh, no!

Jemmy. Oh, Lord! what force him to join? Oh, sir, by no means. He's almost a stranger to me, though he has so kindly brought about this business.

Jemmy. A new toast amongst the money-lenders. [Aside.] Sir, here is X. Y. in the alphabet. [Drinks.]

Val. Now, if you please, I'll call in my friend the lawyer, and we'll settle the affair at once.

Jemmy. Sir—now I shall touch—that for Molly Maybush's fortune. [Aside and snapping his fingers.]

Val. This two hundred will make a man of me. [Aside.] Counsellor Flummery, come into court.

Enter Counsellor Flummery.

Val. and Jemmy. Oh, yes, we're quite agreed.—[Flummery takes out a bond and begins to read.]

Val. Psha! [Snatching it.] We both know the sum and terms, so here goes to sign and seal, and all settled. [Writes and gives the bond to Jemmy.]

Flum. Your hand and pen! Oh, my dear sir, it's your act and deed you mean. Valentine, I've drawn out a bill and receipt for that twenty guineas. [Apart.]

Flum. Then, now, gentlemen, nothing's to be done but down with the gold. [Valentine and Jemmy stand some time looking at each other with expectation.]

Jemmy. To put the money in; or if you'll give me a draft, I'll step over to Drummond's?

Val. To receive! True, Total told me he had always twenty thousand at his banker's. [Aside.]—Then, sir, I'll wait here till you bring the money.

Jemmy. Then you'll wait a long while. [Aside.] Lord, sir, Drummond wouldn't give his daddy money without your order.

Val. Really, sir, I know nothing about Drummond or his daddy; I wait for the money that you——

Jemmy. Oh, Lord! no sir; no, no. I came here for you to lend me two hundred pounds.

Flum. Ha, ha, ha! 'Pon my honour here's a fine Irish bargain; all borrowers and no lenders. But who's to pay costs? As you don't want the receipt—John Doe and Richard Roe.

Wait. [Giving stays to Jemmy.] Here, my mistress desires that you'll add two bones to her stays, and bring them against to-morrow.

Jemmy. Yes, sir; and if your lady should want me, I have the neatest stitch——

Jemmy. No, sir; nor P. Q. Pray, sir, do you prop the Treasury? Oh, I suspect here has been a hum!

Val. Total has either played me a trick, or made some cursed blunder here! (Aside.) Retire!

Wait. The other gentlemen are stepped out, and desired me to bring the bill up to you, gentlemen. (Offers it to Jemmy.)

Jemmy. Twenty-two pounds ten? (Looking at it in the Waiter's hand.) "Withdraw, you rascal!"

Val. This infernal old badger to draw me into a tavern bill, and not a guinea in my pocket! (Aside.) Is Counsellor Flummery gone too?

Val. Confusion! Now I am punished for my cruelty to my amiable wife—is it possible, my Louisa in England!

Louisa. Here, Valentine; (Gives him a pocket-book.) nor blush to receive liberty from your affectionate Louisa.

Enter Fairly and Total.

Val. Mr Fairly, I have wronged you, but shall make atonement here. (To Louisa.)

Val. Total! ha, you old humming good-natured fellow! but now all's forgiveness—love and liberty! here! (Calls.)

Wait. Sir, he's gone; the country gentleman that came with you, sir, (To Total,) paid the debt and costs, and discharged the bill of the house. [Exit.

Enter Farmer Blackberry and Betty.

Farmer B. There, 'squire, is a different sort of receipt from what you sent me for my rent. (Gives a Paper.) Mr Fairly, you're a wise lawyer; but a simple farmer thinks good for evil is the most complete revenge!

Val. What, was the farmer my successor to the colonel's estate? Blackberry—you're the king of spades! Total, now where's my uncle? (Slapping Total on the shoulder.)

Val. How! Total, Colonel Dormont! it must be—a thousand circumstances crowd upon my recollection—Oh, sir! have you been all along the witness of my follies—

Farmer B. If you are the colonel, sir, thank ye; but take your grandeur from me again. I find my hands are too hard, and my head too soft, for a gentleman.

Colonel D. Well, my honest kinsman, if you can enjoy more happiness in your farm, I'll take care your stock shall never again be seized by a landlord.

Farmer B. Then, come, child, from our little sample of fashion we shall return with a double relish for peace, happiness, and Blackberry farm.

Betty. I don't love peace and happiness, I won't leave London—I won't go home again—I won't leave London without a beau!

Enter Jemmy Jumps.

Jemmy. And here's one for you, miss. 'Squire Timberhead, a gentleman would ask a thousand with miss; I'll take her with half the money, and set up a smart shop without the help of your money-lender. (To Colonel D.) and I hope your friends will drop their guineas into my ramskin budget.

FINALE.

Farmer Blackberry.

Welcome joy, and hence with sorrow,
Laugh to-day and cry to-morrow;
Smiles succeeding fortune's frowns,
All the world is ups and downs.

Louisa.

Blooming maid, and sprightly belle,
All charms preferred to mine;
Yet, none loved you half so well,
My Valentine.

Valentine.

Joy and truth in generous wine,
Friends sooth the cares of life,
Joy, friend, truth, in you combine,
My faithful wife.

Betty.

Four in hand I'll spank away,
Harp tinkle, twang my bow,
To a circle read a play—
When I know how.

Rundy.

Sweet to kiss upon the grass,
'Gadzooks! I can't in town
Give my merry willing lass
A neat green gown.

Molly.

Farewell fields and sweet hay-mow,
No more my lambs I'll see,
Rundy says I must be now—
A gay lady.

Jemmy.

Pretty girls, who fine things lack,
All come and deal with me,
I'm myself a nice nick knack,
Your own Jemmy.

Chorus.

Welcome joy and hence with sorrow,
Laugh to-day and cry to-morrow;
Smiles succeeding fortune's frowns,
All the world is ups and downs.