Page:Passions 2.pdf/116

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Let me lean against this tree for a little. (leans his back against a tree.)

Free. What would you say?

Balt. (in a broken voice.) I am—I am where I ought not to be. Your generosity imposed upon you—the borough of Westown is vacant.

Free. No; it is filled with the man for whom I will henceforth canvass thro' thick and thin every shire, town, and village in the kingdom, if need be: the borough of Westown is not vacant.

Balt. (endeavouring to open his waistcoat and collar.) My buttons are tight over my breast: I cant't get this thing from my throat. (Free. attempts to assist him.)

True. (running forward from the bottom of the stage.) Let me assist you, Baltimore.

Balt. No, no, hold away: he will do it for me. I feel the touch of a brother's hand near my breast, and it does me good.

True. (exulting.) Ha! is it thus with you? Then we have triumphed! conquest and victory!

Char. (tossing up his hat in the air.) Conquest and triumph and victory! O it is all right now!

True. Yes, Charles, thou may'st now be as boisterous as thou wilt.

Jenk. (aside to Serv.) We have made but a bad business of it here.

Ser. (aside to Jenk.) It was all your fault, (they quarrel in a corner, whilst Free. and True. are occupied with Balt.; and Charles runs exultingly about, tossing his hat in the air.)