Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/87

Rh

I do not jest, I speak in sober earnest; He is an Afric prince of royal line.

What say'st thou! that poor wretch who sneaketh yonder Upon those two black shanks?(Pointing off the stage.)

Yes, even he: When but a youth, stol'n from his noble parents, He for a slave was sold, and many hardships By sea and land hath pass'd.

And now to be the base thing that he is! Well, well, proceed.

At last a surly master brought him here, Who, thinking him unfit for further service, As then a fest'ring wound wore hard upon him, With but a scanty sum to bury him, Left him with me. He, ne'ertheless, recover'd; And tho' full proud and sullen at the first, Tam'd by the love of wine which strongly tempts him, He by degrees forgot his princely pride,