Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/88

68

And has been long established in these walls To carry liquor for the prisoners. But such a cursed, spite-envenom'd toad!

Out on't thou'st told a tale that wrings my heart. Of royal line; born to command, and dignified By sufferings and dangers past, which makes The meanest man ennobled: yet behold him; (Pointing off the stage.) How by the wall he sidelong straddles on With his base tankard!—O, the sneaking varlet! It makes me weep to hear his piteous tale, Yet my blood boils to run and cudgel him. But let us on our way.

You are a noble stranger, as I guess, And wish to be conducted thro' the prison. It is an ancient building of great strength, And many strangers visit it.

It is indeed a place of ancient note. Have you at present many criminals Within these walls?

Our number is, thank God! respectable, Though not what it has been in better days.