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That seems a reasonable proposition, To which, I think, your client may agree.

But, I submit, m'lud, with all submission, To marry two at once is Burglaree! (Referring to law book.) In the reign of James the Second, It was generally reckoned As a rather serious crime To marry two wives at a time. (Hands book up to , who reads it.)

Oh, man of learning!

Quartette.

A nice dilemma we have here, That calls for all our wit:

And at this stage, it don't appear That we can settle it.

If I to wed the girl am loth A breach 'twill surely be—

And if he goes and marries both, It counts as Burglaree!

A nice dilemma, &c.

and

(embracing him rapturously). I love him—I love him—with fervour unceasing, I worship and madly adore; My blind adoration is ever increasing, My loss I shall ever deplore. Oh, see what a blessing, what love and caressing I've lost, and remember it, pray, When you I'm addressing, are busy assessing The damages Edwin must pay!

(repelling her furiously). I smoke like a furnace—I'm always in liquor, A ruffian—a bully—a sot; I'm sure I should thrash her, perhaps I should kick her, I am such a very bad lot! I'm not prepossessing, as you may be guessing, She couldn't endure me a day; Recall my professing, when you are assessing The damages Edwin must pay!

(She clings to him passionately; after a struggle, he throws her into arms of )

We would be fairly acting, But this is most distracting! If, when in liquor, he would kick her, That is an abatement.

She loves him, and madly adores, &c.

The question, gentlemen—is one of liquor; You ask for guidance—this is my reply: He says, when tipsy, he would thrash and kick her, Let's make him tipsy, gentlemen, and try!

With all respect I do object!

I do object!

I don't object!

With all respect We do object!

(tossing his books and papers about.) All the legal furies seize you! No proposal seems to please you, I can't sit up here all day, I must shortly get away. Barristers, and you, attorneys, Get you on your homeward journeys; Gentle, simple-minded usher. Get you, if you like, to Russher; Put your briefs upon the shelf, I will marry her myself!

(He comes down from Bench to floor of Court. He embraces .) FINALE.

Oh, joy unbounded, &c.

GRAND TRANSFORMATION SCENE.

Yes, I am a Judge.

And a good Judge too!

Yes, I am a Judge.

And a good Judge too!

And a good Judge too!

Tho' defendant is a snob—

And a great snob too!

CURTAIN.