Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 3.pdf/231

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Ant. May I presume to go there?

Walt. Presume, simpleton! That impudent puppy of a Count lords it in her dressing-room. Go thy ways! (pushing him off the stage with slight anger. Antonio.) That fellow provokes me; yet there is something in him that goes so near my heart: he is more akin to me than his blood entitles him to be: he is like a part of myself.

Dart. Not the least like it. Now that you have taught us to speak plainly, I must needs say, were he at all like yourself, you would disinherit him in the course of a month.

Walt. You are right, perhaps. But, alas! he would not be much the poorer for being disinherited by me. O that old fool of a brother! I could flog him for his poetry.

Dart. Have patience, and we may find a better way of dealing with him. If we could persuade him to disguise himself like a diamond merchant, and accompany Hovelberg when he visits the Countess, he would be convinced of the true nature of her regard for him.

Walt. An excellent thought! This is just what was wanting to make our plot really like a plot.

Dart. I'm glad it pleases you at last. Before I leave the castle to negociate with my friend for his myrmidons, I'll find out the Baron, and endeavour to persuade him.

Walt. Heaven prosper thee! but return, ere thou goest, and let me know the result.