Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 3.pdf/294

262

in this respect, to my face: had you been as perseveringly obliging behind my back, we might indeed have remained longer friends than would have been entirely for the interest of my heir.

Countess. Well, well; may every urchin of the principality learn by rote some scrap of your poetry, and mouth it at you as often as you stir abroad! (To Liv.) And you, Madam; you are here, too, amongst this worshipful divan! This is your hospitality—your delicacy—yourO! may you wed a tyrant for your pains, and these walls prove your odious prison!—But I spend my words vainly: where is the unhappy victim of your envious malevolence? They told me he was here. (Discovering Vald. and Nina retired to the bottom of the stage.) Ha! you are here, patiently enduring their triumph, degenerate boy! Is this the fruit of all my cares? Did I procure for you a military appointment, did I tease every creature connected with me for your promotion, did I ruin myself for your extravagant martial equipments—and has it all come to this?

Vald. You put me into the army, Madam, to please your own vanity; and they who thrust their sons into it for that purpose, are not always gratified.

Countess. And you answer me thus! I have spoilt you, indeed; and an indulged child, I find, does not always prove a dutiful one. Who is that you hold by the hand?