DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 
 
 DURHAM, N. C. 
 
 Rec' 
 
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 '^Lf/ /Z^rStf^gfY^L. 
 
 Q^£r«r^, 
 
CHRISTMAS TALE, 
 
 IN THREE' ACTS. 
 
 [Price ONE SHILLING,] 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2013 
 
 http://archive.org/details/dramaticentertaiOOgarr 
 
4 
 
 PRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENT, 
 
 CALL ED 
 
 A Chriftmas Tale, 
 
 IN THREE ACTS, 
 
 AS PERFORMED AT THE 
 
 T H E A T R E-R O Y A L 
 
 l N 
 
 DRUB. Y-L A N E. 
 
 <r j 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 Printed for T. B e c k e t, the Corner of the Adelphi, 
 in the Strand. 
 
 MDCCLXXVL 
 
M E N. 
 
 Bonoro, good magician, 
 Floridor, his f on, 
 Tycho, his '/quire, 
 Faladel, gentieman-ujher, 
 • Nigromant, bad magician, 
 Radel, 
 
 MelTengerSy 
 
 Mr. Bannister. 
 
 Mr. Vernon. 
 
 Mr. Dodd. 
 
 Mr. Parsons. 
 
 Mr. Legg. 
 
 Mr. Lamash. 
 UMr. R. Palmer. 
 •£ Mailer Pulley. 
 
 WOMEN. 
 
 Camilla, 
 Robinette, 
 
 Mrs. Baddeley. 
 Mrs. Wrighten. 
 
 Good andKviL Spirits, in various charaffers, by 
 
 Mr. Hurst, 
 Mr. Wright, 
 Mifs Platt, 
 Mrs. Brads-haw, 
 Mifs Jarratt, 
 
 Mr. Burton, 
 Mr. Carpenter* 
 Mrs. Johnston, 
 Mrs. Scott, I 
 &c. &c. &i. 
 
 The Scenery invented by Mr. De Loutkerbourg. 
 
 The Music, by Mr. Disdin. 
 
Tt - R , 
 
 ISTMAS TALE. 
 
 ACT L 
 
 Scene I. A beautiful landflcape. 
 
 Enter Robinette. 
 
 Bob. f"W^ Y C HOI Tycho ! Where are you, 
 Tycho ? Sure the fellow has taken 
 JL me at my word, and gone to hang 
 or drown himfelf — he threatned both. — Lovers are 
 great bullies, and (wear a thoufand things they 
 never intend to perform. I have a tongue, to be 
 fure, that moves quick, and, by out-running my 
 wit fometimes, may encourage young coxcombs 
 to hope too much -, but then my heart all the while, 
 poor thing ! knows nothing of the matter, and feels 
 no more than my fhoe-knots. 
 
 SONG. 
 
 My eyes may /peak pleafure, 
 
 'Tongue flow without meafure y 
 Tet my heart in my bofom lies ftill', 
 
 Thus the river is flowing , 
 
 The mill- clapper going, 
 But the miller's afleep in his mill. 
 
 
2 A CHRISTMAS TALE, 
 
 * Iho* lovers furround me, 
 
 With fpeeches confound me, 
 Tet my heart in my bofom lies JIM* 
 
 Thus the river is flowing, 
 
 The mill- clapper going, 
 But the miller's ajleep in his mill. 
 
 The little god eyes me, 
 
 And thinks to furprize me, 
 But my heart is awake in my breaft ; 
 
 Thus boysjlily creeping, 
 
 Would catch the bird Jleeping, 
 But the linnets awake in his neft. 
 
 Where can this Tycho have hid himfelf ? I'm 
 fure he went this way. Stay ! is not that my gen- 
 tleman creeping along the fide of the canal ? It is* 
 either he, my other lover Faladel, or the monkey 
 in his new livery. I muft give him a little more 
 hope, or we mall have no more fport with him. 
 
 [Exit Rob. 
 Tycho [peeping out of a tree]. There's a hard- 
 hearted fhe-devil for you ! — Do I look like a mon- 
 key in a new livery ? I don't know how love may 
 have alter'd me, but I know a few weeks ago, that 
 I had the beft face in this ifland -, or my glafs is a 
 deceiver of youth. But here fhe comes again. 
 
 Re enter Robimtte. 
 Rob. It was the monkey ; and a very pretty fel- 
 low he is, now he is well drefTed. [Tycho fighs in' 
 the tree.] La ! what's that ? Did not I hear ibme- 
 body figh ? It muft be my lover, Tycho ! — Where 
 are yeu, Tycho ? 
 
 Tycho [in the tree, and out of fight.] Here ami! 
 
 [fighing, 
 Rob. Where ? 
 
 *' This verle isonuucci m the repreientation. 
 
 Tycho. 
 
A CHRISTMAS TALE. ,3 
 
 Tycho. Here. \_figbing. 
 
 Rob. Where, I fay ? Pray fhew your fweet face. 
 
 Tycho. Here it is [peeping out]. When you lofe 
 this, you won't get a better, 
 
 Rob. Not till I buy a gingerbread one. — What 
 are you doing there ? 
 
 Tycho. I was going to hang myfelf for love •, but, 
 having left the cord behind me, I fell afleep 'till 
 you waken'd me. — Pray lend me your garters, for 
 I will not live, that I am refolv'd. [J*gbi n g- 
 
 Roh. Come down, and I'll lend you any thing. — 
 What can I poffibly do with this ftrange animal ! 
 
 [Afide. 
 Enter lye ho. 
 
 Tycho. Here am I ! 
 
 Rob. What is it you want ? 
 
 Tycho. Death, or you — I muft have one of you. 
 
 Rob. Have not I told you often, and I will now 
 repeat it, that I can't leave Camilla : Let but Flori- 
 dor, your friend, get the confent of Camilla, my 
 friend, then I Robinette, her friend, take you Tycho, 
 his friend. — 'What would the fellow have? 
 
 Tycho [muttering]. Tour friend, and my friend, and 
 his friend, and her friend: Then all are. friends: 
 Isn't it ib ? 
 
 Rob. To be fure. Now go about your bufinefs. 
 
 Tycho. Oh, blefs me ! now I am come to myfelf, 
 I mult fend Floridor immediately to his father, upon 
 fpecial matters. 
 
 Rob. Floridor is as violent in love, as you are 
 melancholy. — No more melancholy, Tycho, if you 
 love, and would win me. 
 
 Tycho. Am I too melancholy for you ? Vfighing. 
 
 Rob. Too melancholy ? Your face feems pre- 
 paring for a funeral, inftead of looking out for a 
 wedding. I hate melancholy, and all melancholy 
 people: A cloudy face betokens a cloudy heart, 
 
 B 2 and 
 
4 A CHRISTMAS TALE. 
 and I will have neither. Never will I fail to the 
 port of matrimony, but with a fmiling fea, and clear 
 fky — that's the way to make a good voyage of it. 
 
 Tycho. And fo it is, faith. He ! he ! he ! — My 
 face will become fmiles, as v/ell as a great deal of 
 thinking : I have fludied myfelf into melancholy, 
 but I'll burn my books, and be as merry as you 
 pleafe to make me. He ! he ! he ! — But where's 
 Faladel, Robinette ? 
 
 Rob. Perhaps ileeping in fome tree for love of me, 
 as you did. 
 
 Tycho. If he would do the other thing for you, I 
 fhould be very happy. \fiifiing. 
 
 Rob. Melancholy and jealous too ! I declare off. 
 Fye tor mame ! a man, a young man, of perfon, 
 parts, addrefs, and converfation, to be jealous of 
 an old fimpering, fvvaggering, rhiming gentleman- 
 ufher, who is as dry as a mummy. 
 
 Tycho. It is, indeed, both a fin and a fhame : I'll 
 know myfelf better, and be afraid of nobody butyou, 
 Robinette. I would fay more, but it is time for 
 me to laugh ; he ! he ! he ! is it not ? 
 
 Rob. Nov/ you mew yourfelf to advantage — But, 
 look where your lord goes — take the hot fool home 
 to his father to cool him. I muit to Camilla. 
 
 Tycho. 1 will — But I'll be melancholy no more — 
 to pleafe you, Robinette, I will dance when I am 
 fad ; be pert and merry, though I have nothing to 
 
 fay, like other young gentlemen I'll be quite in 
 
 the mode, more of the monkey, and lefsof the man 
 ■ — Tol, lol, lol — Will that do ? Bye, Robinette. 
 Tol, lol, lol — Heigho ! [Dances off, and fighs. 
 
 Scene 
 
A CHRISTMAS TALE. 5 
 
 Scene II. Bonord's cell, with prifons round it. 
 
 Chorus of Evil Spirits, from the prifons. 
 Mighty mafier, hear ourftghs i 
 
 Let thy flaves I e free] 
 With folded hands and lifted eyes 
 We call to thee ! 
 
 end the Jlrifel 
 Tou grant us life ; 
 
 Grant usjlill more—fweet Liberty \ 
 
 Bon. Wretched, lafe and blind, 
 Evil fpir its, peace! 
 Tour clamours ceafe ; 
 By guilt confined, 
 In vain the mind, 
 Pants for freedom's happy hour ; 
 In pity to your pains, 
 
 1 loos 'd your chains ; 
 
 But circumjcrib' 'd your pow'r, 
 In pity to mankind. 
 
 Bon. What can be the meaning my fon is not yet 
 arrived? Love is his mafter now, and his father 
 muft wait, 'till fuperior commands are obey'd. 
 
 Enter Floridor. 
 
 No excufes for your delay, fon Your miilrefs 
 
 detain'd you, and your father ought to wait. 
 
 I lor. I am afham'd of my neglect. 
 
 Bon. Camilla is an honour to her fex-, deferve 
 her, fori, by your virtues, and my bleffirig fhall 
 attend your union. — Before I obtain'd your mo- 
 ther's hand, I conquered and imprifon'd thefe evil 
 fpirits, (pointing to the dens) who molefted the world 
 in various characters : You are now upon your 
 ?;rial-— ~ 
 
 • Fler. 
 
6 A CHRISTMAS TALE. 
 
 Flor. May I prove myfelf the fon of fuch a 
 father ! 
 
 Bon. If your love for Camilla be fincere, when 
 next you meet it will be in her power to inform 
 you, what are ordain'd to be the proofs of your 
 affection — Whatever the trial, valor will be beft 
 attended by faithfulnefs and fimplicity ; Tycho fhall 
 be yoUr 'fquire. I will myfelf, with the proper 
 ceremony, dip the fhield and fword in the lake of 
 .vapours — But thefe incantations will not do alone— 
 
 SONG. 
 
 Tho^ fir ong your nerves to poife the fpear, 
 
 Or raife the maffy fhield ; 
 Tho' fwift as lightening thro' the air, 
 The fword of death you wield ; 
 "Tis from the heart, thepow'r mufl flow, 
 To conquer, and forgive the foe. 
 
 Tho f edg'dby fpells, and magic charms, 
 
 Your fword may reap renown j 
 dishonour confecrates your arms, 
 And gives the laurel crown ! 
 3 Tis from the heart, the pow'r muft flow, 
 To conquer, and forgive the foe. 
 
 Flor. As I feel your lefibns, 'tis the beft earneft 
 of my executing them — 
 
 Bon. I muft away to the lake with the fword and 
 fhield— 
 
 Flor. Shall I attend you, Sir? 
 
 Bon. No, I muft be alone. — Now mark me, 
 fon ; ftay you here, and in my abfence be a guar- 
 dian of thefe evilfpirits-, this wand, mould they be 
 riotous, or endeavour to tear off the talifmans from 
 their dens, will defeat their projects — 
 
 [Gives him the wand' 
 To 
 
A CHRISTMAS TALE. 7 
 
 To fecure your wand, deep mull not clofe your 
 eyes 'till my return — A drowfy watchman is the 
 robber's beft friend — evil fpirits have power only 
 over thoughtlefs, lazy minds. [Exit Bon* 
 
 SONG. 
 
 Flor. Tho' honour loudly Jirikes my ear, 
 
 Thefofter notes of love prevailing. 
 Every fenfe availing, 
 Swell with hope, or fink with fear! 
 
 Who for the goal of glory Jl art, 
 
 To love, as honour true, 
 Would, ne'er forbid this trembling heart, 
 Tofigh a lajl adieu ! 
 
 I go — my faith and truth to -prove, 
 Valor ne'er was foe to love -, 
 I will, Imufi obey the call, 
 Love's triumphant over all I 
 
 Tychol 
 
 Enter Tycho. 
 
 Vycho. Here am I. 
 
 Flor. Approach, my 'fquire. 
 
 Tycho. Your father has told me of my advance- 
 ment, and if a man of honour may be laid to know 
 himfelf, I will venture to fay, that you are not very 
 unfortunate in a 'fquire. 
 
 Flor. I am convinc'd of it — and the firft duty I 
 mall put you upon, is to guard thefe evil fpirits in: 
 my abfence — I fhall return directly, but I muft fee 
 Camilla. " When next we meet, me will inform 
 me what are ordained to be the proofs of my af- 
 fection." — I will know them inftantly. — Mark 
 rhe, Tycho — mould thefe evil fpirits dare to be 
 turbulent, this wand will controul them— One 
 caution above all is, not to deep upon any pretence 
 
 whatsoever ; 
 
8 A CHRISTMAS TALE, 
 whatfoever ; mould the wand drop from your hand,* 
 we are undone ! — be wife, active, and vigilant ! 
 
 [Exit Flo?. 
 
 Tycho. The young Tinner preaches well — I am 
 forbid talking, and fleeping-, I wonder he did not 
 add eating and drinking too ! 'Tis very hard that 
 1 may not take one look at Robinette ; I am flefh, 
 and blood as well as he — To divert my melancholy, 
 I will mew myfelf fit for my office, (it is not every 
 fool in office can do that) and examine thefe cul- 
 prits, finners, and evil fpirits — I will not get too 
 near 'em tho', for fear of their laying a claw upon 
 me — [he /peaks loud, and with an affetled air\ Who 
 are you, in this Lob's pound here l 
 
 i Spirit. Save you, fweet Signor I 
 
 Tycho*. Well, well, none of your parlaver — an- 
 fwer my queftions directly, and keep your paws in 
 your den — [raps his knuckles] W T hat are you ? 
 
 Jefiiit. I am a Jefuit. 
 
 Tycho. The devil you are !^ — and how came you 
 here ? 
 
 Jefuit. Having fome cardinal virtues, and mak- 
 ing larger ftrides than they faid became me, they 
 have laid me by the heels, and it is impoffible for 
 me to do any good here. 
 
 Tycho. No, nor any where elfe-r-fo draw in your 
 beak, cormorant. — And who are you, with your 
 iliarp looks and your claws ? 
 
 Attorney. I am an Attorney, at your fervice. 
 
 Tycho. Not at mine, I beg of you — are you in 
 for your virtues too ? 
 
 Attorney. A little miflake in practice only. 
 
 Tycho. Then for fear of more miftakes, you mall 
 flay where you are, Mr. Attorney. 
 
 Poet. Signor Tycho ! — I beg your ears a mo- 
 ment. 
 
 Tycho. What, have you loft your own ? 
 
 Poet. 
 
A CHRISTMAS TALE. g 
 
 Poet. I am a poetical fpirit, and here's a fatire 
 bpon your neighbours, and a panegyrick upon 
 yourfelf. 
 
 Tycbo. I'll touch nothing that belongs to you 
 ■ — I love my neighbours, and I hate abufe — fo 
 keep in your fingers [Strikes them.~\ And what are 
 thole rattles in your hand ? 
 
 Game. A box and dice to divert us in our re- 
 tirement. 
 
 Tycbo. Gamefters, I fuppofe — pray, gentlemen, 
 what brought you here ? 
 
 Game. We loft good fortunes, by keeping bad 
 company, and to retrieve a little 
 
 Tycbo. Became bad company yourfelves. 
 
 Game. We did take an advantage, 1 muft confefs. 
 
 Tycbo. So they took an advantage of you, and 
 put you where you are — I wifh all your family was 
 with you, brothers, fillers, and all ! [A 'Voice is 
 beard accompanied with a guitar. ] What^ have you 
 fingers and muficians among you ? 
 
 Atlrefs. Oh, yes, and dancers, actors, authors, 
 and managers too : We could entertain you, fweet 
 Sir, if we were at liberty. 
 
 ' Tycbo. No, no % you'll ling better in your cage, 
 my pretty birds : Come, let me hear you : [He Jits 
 down.] Whiftle away — This is almoft more than 
 flefh and blood can bear : Such fweet-looking 
 fpirits fure could never hurt one. [afide.~] Come, 
 come, whiftle away, my fweet Canary-birds* 
 
 D U E T T E. 
 
 O hear me, kind and gentle fwain. 
 
 Let love's fweet voice delight you ; 
 The ear of youth fhould drink each Jlrain, 
 
 When Beauty s lips invite you : 
 
 C As 
 
io A CHRISTMAS TALE, 
 
 As love and valor warm your heart, 
 And faith and honour guard you ; 
 
 From wounded breajls extract the dart, 
 And beauty will reward you : 
 
 Our tear-flamed eyes, their wijh difclofe, 
 
 Can cruel you refufe 'em? 
 Oh, wipe the dew from off the rofe, 
 
 And place it in your bqfom. 
 
 [As they are finging,Tycho by degrees falls afleep.J 
 
 Tycho. [half ajleep.] This is melting indeed I 
 Bravo ! bravo ! Softly, my angel ; not fo loud, I 
 befeech you — Sweet Robinetta ! encore! encore l> 
 ling again, or I'll- — As love and valor, (fings in his 
 fleep) and beauty's lips. Tol, lol, lal, lal ! — Ro- 
 binetta — obinetta — binetta — netta-— etta — ta — a — 
 
 {Falls afleep and drops his wand ; upon which, it 
 thunders, the dens burji open, and various evil 
 fpirits of both fexes enter promifcuoujly, an A 
 riotoujly exprefs their joy. ,] 
 
 Chorus of Evil Spirits. 
 
 ?Sffi» done ! 'tis done ! 'tis done ! 
 
 We break the galling chain ! 
 We fly, we fink, and run, 
 From tyranny, 
 'To liberty ! 
 To liberty — again ! 
 Revel, riot^ dance and play, 
 Folly Jkeps^ and Vice keeps holiday! 
 
 Scene 
 
A CHRISTMAS TALE, u 
 
 Scene III. Camilla's magnificent garden. 
 
 Enter Camilla and Flpridor. 
 
 Cam. Why would you diftrefs me thus, and dou- 
 bly wound me by this rafh action ? Your father will 
 be incens'd at your difobedience, and hate me as the 
 caufe of it : Tycho may be work'd upon by the evil 
 fpirits, and undo us. My heart forebodes too — 
 
 Flor. Can your heart be mine, and conceive any 
 doubts of me ? 
 
 Cam. My fancy teems with a thoufand apprehen- 
 fions -, all my fenfes are in diforder ! \_Noife in the 
 flir.~\ I heard, or thought I heard, ftrange noifes 
 in the air ; even now my eyes are deceived, or this 
 garden, the trees, the flowers, the Heav'ns, change 
 their colours to my light, and feem to fay fome- 
 thing myfterious, which is not in my heart to 
 expound. 
 
 [The objects in the garden vary their colours. 
 
 Flor. Thefe are the phantoms of love and fear. 
 
 Cam. Oh, Floridor ! you have taught me love, 
 and love has taught me fear. 
 
 DIALOGUE SONG. 
 
 She. Look round the earthy nor think it ftrangs 
 To doubt of 'you 5 when all things change ; 
 The branching tree, the blooming flower, 
 Their form and hue change every hour : 
 While all around fuch change I fee, 
 Alas! my heart muft fear for thee. 
 
 He; Blighted and chiWd by cruel fr oft, 
 Their vigor drools, their beauty's loft •, 
 My cheek may fade by your difdain, 
 To change my heart all pow'r is vain ; 
 
 C 2 ■ Look 
 
12 A CHRISTMAS TALE. 
 
 Look round the earth, the flower and tree, 
 To Nature's true as I to thee. 
 
 Flor. But will you furFer me to depart in igno- 
 rance of the means by which I can prove myfelf 
 worthy of you : 
 
 Cam. Attend then — My father with his dying 
 breath enjoin'd me, not to give my hand, but to 
 him who would give me proofs of what this en- 
 chanted laurel would unfold. 
 
 Flor. And what are they ? I conjure you tell me. 
 
 Cam. Behold ! 
 
 [Soft mufic flays, the laurel unfolds, and difcovers 
 
 the words Valor, Constancy, and 
 
 Honour, in letters of gold. 
 
 You have prov'd your love to me by its unfolding 
 
 at your requeft ; now read what is expected from 
 
 you. 
 
 Flor. Valor, Constancy, and Honour— and 
 can the fon of Bonoro and your lover ,be fufpected ? 
 But you mall have the proofs from me you defire ; 
 and in return I fhall exact but one from you. — 
 Never more to fee that curft magician Nigromant. 
 
 Cam. Be it your part then to keep him from mej 
 he is crafty and powerful. 
 
 Flor. You have fpells to protect us. 
 
 Cam. You have Valor to protect us — It is you, 
 Floridor, muft deliver me from him. 
 
 Flor. Then I will prepare for the trial. \_ going* 
 
 Cam. Stay, Floridor — I have fomething yet to 
 do. 
 
 [She goes out, and returns with a wreath of flowers. 
 
 SONG. 
 
A CHRISTMAS TALE. 13 
 
 SONG. 
 
 take this wreath my hand has wove, 
 The pledge and emblem of my love ; 
 Thefe flow'' rs will keep their bright eft hue % 
 Whilft you are conflant, kind, and true. 
 
 But Jhould you, falfeto love and me, 
 Wifh from my fondnefs to be free, 
 ■ Foreboding that my fate is nigh, 
 
 Each grateful flow' r will droop and die! 
 
 Enter Bonoro hajlily. 
 
 lie flops fhort, and looks ftedfaflly upon Floridor, wh& 
 jlarts confounded ; while Camilla appears dtjlreffed. 
 
 Bon. [after apaufe.] Well you may ftart and be 
 confounded, fon ! 
 
 Cam. [kneeling] I am the caufe of his difobedience 
 — let me be punifh'd. 
 
 Bon. Rife, excellent woman ! [raifes her.] Your 
 virtues are the beft excufes for his difobedience, 
 which will become its own puniihment — his labours 
 are trebled by it ! 
 
 Flor. My father ! 
 
 Bon. Tycho has been overcome by the evil fpirits 
 1 — they have broken their chains, and fled to your 
 rival and enemy, Nigromant — mifchief is abroad ! 
 
 Cam. Then I am wretched indeed ! 
 
 Flor. Doubt not of my valor, or my love — 
 Behold, Sir, the means of my happinefs. 
 
 [pointing to the laurel.] 
 
 Bon. What can be fo ftrong a proof of thefe as 
 the deftroying of Nigromant, at once your rival, 
 and the leader of thefe evil fpirits. 
 
 Flor. My heart pants for the conteft — increafe 
 ©f danger will make me more worthy of Camilla. 
 
 Bon. 
 
i 4 A CHRISTMAS TALE. 
 
 Bon. Your fpirit charms me and difarms my 
 anger j but you muft be gone — and remember the 
 words of this divine oracle — Let no pleasures entice 
 you, no terrors daunt you — whenever you fee your 
 foe, follow him wherever he leads you — If you con- 
 quer, my fon, you gain glory and Camilla — If you 
 are vanquifh'd — Come to my arms — I mall have 
 the melancholy confolation that you gave the beft 
 proof of your virtue. 
 
 TRIO. 
 
 Pon. May heaven's bleffing blend with mine ! 
 ^To crown thy deeds at Virtue's fhrine, 
 Be Love's beft gift, Camilla, thine. 
 
 Cam. May ev'ryfigh that's heav'd by me, 
 And ev'ry wifh that's breath/ d for thee, 
 Be pr off rous gales on Fortune's fea. 
 
 Flor. O when my bark, the tempeft o'er, 
 With plot Love, fhallgain thisfhore, 
 Ambition cannot ajkfor more! 
 
 TRIO. 
 
 ■ 
 
 Qf ev'ry bleffing Love's the four ce, 
 Valor but an empty name, 
 A roving, wild, deftruliive flame, 
 
 "Till Love and Jujlice guide its courfe, 
 
 And then it mounts to fame - r [Exeunt. 
 
 N D of the FIRST ACT. 
 
 ACT 
 
A CHRISTMAS TALE. 15 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Scene I. The out fide of Bonoro's cell. 
 
 Enter Camilla. 
 
 Cam. T^AREWEL, O farewel, my Floridor ? 
 J7 Thou feeft, butcan'ft not hear, with what 
 reluctance I am leparated from thee ! — He too with 
 unwilling fteps moves (low along, and turns his 
 head this way, to fhew that duty and inclination 
 cannot yet. be reconcil'd — now he ieems diflrefs'd, 
 
 and hurries down the hill, and now he's gone ! 
 
 and now — —I'm wretched ! heigh-ho ! 
 
 . Enter Robinetle. 
 
 Rob. Heigh-ho i why he'll come again, coufm, 
 depend upon it. 
 
 Cam. May I depend upon his coming again as he 
 goes away, conilant and faithful ? his father warn'd 
 him to let no pleafure entice him-* Is not that- 
 alarming ? 
 
 Rob. What, is ityour turn to bejealous ? 
 
 Cam. Can one love much, and not be jealous 
 a little ? 
 
 Rob. Can you be long in doubt, and have fuper- 
 natural powers to affift you ? Make a trial of his 
 affections then, by affuming a form, if poflible, 
 handfomer than your own. 
 
 Cam. That is not in my power; I can affume a 
 form lefs agreeable, if pofTible, than my own •, and. 
 with that, and fome other circumftailce, I will go. 
 inftantiy upon the trial. 
 
 Rob. I will attend you. 
 
 Cam. 
 
iG A CHRISTMAS TALE; 
 
 Cam. No ; make you rfelf happy, while I perhaps 
 am feeking to be miferable. [figbs. 
 
 [Exit Camilla. 
 
 Rob. Poor creature !— I would not have her cares 
 for all her magic, and her grandeur — yet I have two 
 lovers, which I keep as two monkies to divert me ; 
 but mum— one of 'em is here— -this is too old, and 
 too lively •, I mult make him melancholy or turn 
 him off. 
 
 Enter Faladel. 
 
 Fal. Signora Robinette — I have followed you to 
 fay half-a-dozen kind words to you, and vanifh ; 
 he ! he ! he ! — toy my faith and wand, I will not 
 encroach upon you ! 
 
 Rob. By my faith and fardingale, you may vanifh 
 before you have faid the kind words to me, if you 
 pleafe ! he! he! he! [mimicks him.~] Well, what do 
 you follow me for ? 
 
 Fat. Indeed and alack-a-day, I mall certainly die 
 fo'on, if you don't cure me with kindnefs, he ! he ! he! 
 I fhall indeed, for ever and for aye— he ! he ! 
 
 Rob. What is your difordef, pray ? 
 
 Fal. Alack-a-day ! I'm troubled with the Tycha 
 -^-Signora Robinette, do you underfland me ? he ! 
 he ! he ! by my faith I am ! — 
 
 Rob. Jealoufy, I proteft — and of poor Tycho- — 
 
 Fal. Poor or rich — I am troubled with the Tycho, 
 and I muft either take fteel myfelf, or make my 
 rival take it — do you underfland me ? he ! he ! he ! 
 [claps bis band upon his /word] it is a ferious matter, I 
 do affure you — he ! he ! he ! there muft be bloodfhed 
 — he ! he ! he ! by my faith and wand, there muft \ 
 
 Rob. I wifh you would make it a ferious matter, 
 and not be grinning fo, to fpoil one of the hand- 
 fomeft faces in the ifland. 
 
 Fal. Alack-a-day ! I can't help laughing for the 
 life of me j I was born fo— '-though I'm unhappy all 
 
 the 
 
A CHRISTMAS TALE, iy 
 
 the while to defperation, he ! he ! he ! 
 
 Rob. You're at your grinning again. 
 
 Fal. Alack-a-day ! and fo I am — I can't ftop it 
 - — my features run away with me — but I'll go and 
 practife a little by myfelf — and return again di- 
 rectly, quite a new creature — by my faith I will ! 
 
 [Exit. 
 
 Rob. Ha, ha, ha ! But what have we here ? my 
 lover, Tycho, and prepar'd for battle ! — like mafter, 
 like man •, he comes to take his laft adieu — Ah, 
 Signior Cavaleiro Tycho ! 
 
 Enter Tycho, arm'd as Floridofs 'Squire. 
 
 Tycho. Here am I ! as merry as my fituatioii 
 will permit me — I have leave to kifs your fair hand 
 and away. Tho' I am made a 'Squire, 1 have had 
 fad luck fince I faw you, [looking grave, but recol- 
 lecling him/elf.] But it is all over, and I don't mind 
 it now, he, he, he ! 
 
 Rob. Sad work indeed ! but how was it ? 
 
 Tycho. Two fhe-devils throw'd me into a trance, 
 and as I could not help myfelf in my deep, they 
 help'd themfelves. out of their prifons, and left me 
 to pay the reckoning. 
 
 Rob. Well, but your rival Faladel was here 
 juft now, and has been faying fuch pretty things 
 to me. 
 
 Tycho. Yes, he may fay and fing -, but he can'c 
 write as I can — I have wrote a fong upon you; 
 and who knows but you may teach me to fing, as 
 you have taught me to laugh ? he, he, he ! 
 
 [Endeavours to fing. 
 
 Rob. Oh, pray let's hear it. 
 
 Tycho, \_fings.~] Sweet RoUtiette, 
 Tour eyes are jet — 
 Your eyes are grey, but no matter for that, poets 
 may fuppofe any thing. 
 
 D Sweet 
 
18 A CHRISTMAS TALE. 
 
 Sweet Robinette, 
 
 Tour eyes are jet, 
 
 And teeth are lily white — 
 You have a fine fet of teeth, and if you had not, I 
 was refolv'd to give 'em to you — ^1 don't love by 
 halves. 
 
 Tour cheeks are rofes, 
 
 Lips are pofies. 
 
 And your nofe is — 
 Wond'rous bright f 
 
 Let my rival do that, if he can— I wrote it, and 
 fet it myfelf; he, he, he!— But here comes my 
 rival •' fhall I hanfel my maiden fword, and lay him 
 dead at your feet ? 
 
 Rob. By no means — Kill him with jealoufy ! — 
 See how melancholy he is ; he has loft all his 
 fpirit. 
 
 Tycho. And I have got it ; he, he, he ! — What 
 a difmal piece of mortality it is : I am quite 
 afham'd now that ever I wore fuch a face as his. 
 
 Rob. Now for a curious fcene ! 
 
 Enter Faladel. 
 
 FaL I hope I have conquered my foolifh nature, 
 Robinette, internally and externally, for ever and 
 aye. But there's my rival, [feeing Tycho.~\ fhall I 
 facrifice him to your beauty and my pafiion ? 
 
 [Claps his hand to his fword. 
 
 Rob. Oh, by no means! draw your wit upon 
 him •, cut him up with that ! [Afide to Faladel. 
 
 FaL You command me. What a fimple fellow 
 it is, grinning like an ideot, without ideas ! 
 
 Rob. Did not I tell you fo? A fmirking 
 face gives me the heart-burn. [Afide to Faladel. 
 
 Tycho. What a poor melancholy fool it is — he 
 has done for himfelf I fee. Look at old Miferable, 
 Robinette j he, he, he ! [Afide to Rob. and grinning. 
 
 Your 
 
A CHRISTMAS TALE. 19 
 
 Your fervant, Signor Faladel — I am forry for your 
 misfortune •, he, he, he ! 
 
 Fal. What misfortune, pray Mr. Merry Andrew ? 
 
 Tycho. I verily thought, Don Faladel, that you 
 had put your face into mourning for fome family 
 misfortune; ha, ha, ha! 
 
 Fal. How can I help being melancholy, when 
 I fee how contemptible your grinning has made 
 you ? I would laugh now if I durft. 
 
 [Begins to laugh, and flops. 
 
 Rob. Come, you muft not be rivals, (for I can 
 but love one of you) and therefore be friends. 
 
 {Each of 'em wink at Robinette, which Jhe returns , 
 as they are taking hands. 
 
 Fal. What a fool fhe makes of the poor man \ 
 
 [Aftde. 
 
 Tycho. How fhe fhews Difmal off! [Aftde. 
 
 Rob. Thank you, gentlemen— I need not lay 
 which is my choice. 
 
 Both. No, no. [Both nodding at her. 
 
 Rob. Come, Don Tycho, the fword is drawn, 
 the lance is couch'd, and the Knight is impatient. 
 
 fycho. Donna Robinette, my fword is thine, my 
 valour thine, my heart is thine, my blood is thine, 
 and at my return, my body fhall be thine. — Signor 
 Difmallo, farewell! I wim your body joy of its 
 wooden head— he, he, he ! [Exit Fal. 
 
 S O N G. 
 
 the delight 
 
 To be an errant Knight I 
 
 O'er mountain, hill and rock, 
 
 In rain, and wind, and/now, 
 All dangers he muft mock, 
 
 And muft with pleafure go. 
 
 Quivering, and quaking, 
 
 Shivering, andjhaking, 
 
 D 2 Difmal 
 
20 A CHRISTMAS TALE. 
 
 Difmal nights, 
 
 Horrid fprights, 
 
 Lions roaring, 
 
 Monjters fnoring, 
 
 Cafiles tumbling, 
 
 Thunder grumbling, 
 O the delight 
 To be an errant Knight ■ 
 
 Damfels fqueaking, 
 
 Devils Jhrieking, 
 
 Clubs and giants, 
 
 Hurl defiance, 
 
 Night and day, 
 
 JLofe the way, 
 
 Spirits finking, ;. 
 
 Nothing drinking, 
 
 Beat and beating, 
 
 Little eating, 
 
 Broken bones, 
 
 Beds of fioneSy 
 O the delight 
 To be an errant Knight ! 
 
 [Exit with Robinetie. 
 
 Scene, a dark wood. 
 
 Enter Floridor in great dijlrefs. 
 
 Llor. What a feries of diftreffes, fince they 
 broke their prifons, have thefe evil fpirits prepar'd 
 for me ! They have conveyed my fword and mield 
 from Tycho •, have by their mifchlevous arts, dif- 
 turb'd and intoxicated his mind, and all my fair 
 profpecl; of renown, and pofTeffion of the higheft 
 earthly blifs with Camilla, is vanifh'd and gone J 
 
 Enter Camilla, as an old woman. 
 Cam. Young knight, what is the matter with 
 you ? can I be of fervice ? 
 
A GHRI.STMAS TALE. fi 
 
 Flor. Impomble ! impomble ! my mind will 
 burft with agony ! 
 
 Cam. [to Floridor, who walks about dijlrafledly.~\ 
 Vexation, young man, will never find your iword 
 and mield. 
 
 Flor. Tormenting me will never cure my vexa- 
 tion. 
 
 Cam. Paffion blinds you, and you can't fee your 
 friends. 
 
 Flor. Shew yourfelf my friend then, if you would 
 have me believe you fo. 
 
 Cam. Firft, I will Jbew my wifdom, by alking 
 before-hand what reward you will give me, to re- 
 cover your fword and fhield. 
 
 Flor. You mail command my fervices, and every 
 thing in my power. 
 
 Cam. Shall I ? 
 
 Flor. By my fwo'rd, and honour of knighthood ! 
 
 SOLEMN AIR. 
 
 By my Jhield and my fword, 
 By the chapkt that circles my brow, 
 By a knight* s f acred word \ 
 Whatever you ajk, 
 How dreadful the tajk, 
 To perform it, fore Heaven I vow. 
 
 Cam." Whatever I afk, 
 
 " How dreadful the talk, 
 " To perform it, 'fore Heaven you vow.'* 
 
 Behold what charms there are in a young hero's 
 fervices ! 
 
 [She waves her /lick, the wood opens, and difcovers his 
 fword and Jhield, hung upon the fern of a tree. 
 Flor. [runs and takes them down.] How delightful 
 to my eyes, are thefe inftruments of my fame and 
 glory ! — Now talk my fervice and my gratitude. 
 
 Cam. 
 
22 A CHRISTMAS TALE. 
 
 Cam. I am not in hafte for my reward-— other 
 cares demand your fervices — I fhall call upon you 
 jn my turn. 
 
 Flor. To whom am I bound in gratitude for ever f 
 
 Cam. Grinnelda is my name. 
 
 D U E T T E. 
 Remember , young knight ■, remember, 
 Remember the words that I fay, 
 Don't laugh at my age, 
 Nor fcorn at my rage, 
 For tho" I havepaft my May, 
 fm not frozen up in December. 
 
 Remember • I will remember, 
 Remember the words that you fay. 
 J honour your age, 
 Nor fcorn at your rage, 
 And tho* you are pajl your May, 
 Tou heart is fill warm in December. [Exeunt. 
 
 Scene II. The out fide of Bonoro's cell. 
 
 Enter $onoro, [in great diftrefs.~] 
 Bon. My heart is agitated and diftrefs'd ! the 
 various accidents which have befallen my fon, make 
 me tremble for his youth and inexperience j I am 
 unhappy and perplex'd, in fpite of fupernatural 
 pow'rs ; the feelings of the father rife fuperior tq 
 every thing— -Radel, my fpirit Radel ! 
 
 Enter Radel. 
 Radel. Here, my lord and mailer. 
 Bon. Fly to my fon with a troop of my fpirits, 
 that he may not be furrounded and overcome by 
 the evil ones, in his conflict with Nigromant. 
 
 Radel. With the pow'r and virtue you have given 
 me, I fly to execute your commands. 
 
 Bon. Be fwift as my wifhes ! [Exit Radeh 
 
 SON Q\ 
 
A CHRISTMAS TALE. 23 
 
 S O N G. 
 No pow'r can calm theftorm to reft, 
 No magic charm the father's breafi, 
 
 Which beats with doubts and fears : 
 No more for atlivefcenes I burn, 
 My pow'r andftrength to weaknefs turn, 
 
 My manhood melts to tears! 
 
 I will not doubt — thro* ftormy Jkies, 
 
 My fonfhall break his way ± 
 Shall cloudlefs o'er his errors rife, 
 
 And Fame jhiAl hail the day ! [Exit Bon. 
 
 Scene III. A profpecl of rocks. 
 
 Enter Tycho and Floridor. 
 
 Tycho. Heaven bleis her for it, fay I ! — You have 
 got your fword and fhield, and I my fenfes. — But 
 what ftrange, fine, tremendous, diabolical, grand 
 palace have we here ? 
 
 Flor. This is the domain of Nigromant — Tycho, 
 fhould the demons come upon you, if free from 
 guilt, you may defy, and defpife them ! 
 
 'Tycho. Then I am their man ! 
 
 Flor. Here will I plant my laurels, or mix my 
 afhes with the duft. 
 
 Tycho. And I, as your 'fquire, will take a flip of 
 your laurels, or flip into the next world, as other 
 ram 'fquires have done before me. 
 
 Flor. Should I fall, and you furvive, Tycho, 
 take this chaplet to Camilla; tell her, that my love 
 never yielded, tho' my body did. 
 
 Tycho. And if your unworthy 'fquire drops, and 
 you furvive, (which Heav'n forbid) tell Robinettej 
 that Tycho was true to the lad — tell her — that — - 
 that — But as I hope I fhall be able to carry the 
 
 meffags 
 
24 A CHRISTMAS TALE. 
 
 melTage myfelf, let us to bufinefs, and put our loves 
 in our pockets, 'till we have done fighting. 
 
 Flor. Approach the caftle-gates, Tycho, and 
 found the horn of defiance — Call forth the black 
 magician, the wicked Nigromant, to fmgle combat. 
 
 Tycho. Tofingle combat; you're right — your com- 
 mands mail be obey'd. 
 
 [Tycho founds the horn ; it thunders ', the rocks 
 fplit, and difcover the caftle of Nigromant, 
 and the fiery lake. 
 I have wak'd his devilfhip ! and blown all his caftle 
 about his ears ! 
 
 Nigr. [within.'] Floridor, fon of Bonoro, I abhor 
 thy father's virtues ! 1 hate thee, and thy race ! 1 
 call to thee, and defy thee ! and thou malt, feel my 
 vengeance. 
 
 Tycbo. I don't like the found of his voice. 
 
 [ajide to Flor. 
 
 Flor. Come forth, thou foul fon of darknefs, face 
 riie like an open foe, and I'll forgive thee ! 
 
 Nigr. [appearing in the fiery lake.] Here I am ! 
 
 Tycho. This muft be the cock-devil of 'em all ! 
 
 SONG. 
 
 Nigr. Striplings traitor; vitltm of my rage ! 
 
 Striplings traitor •, offspring of fedition ! 
 Bar* ft thou with Nigromant engage ? 
 Nothing /hall my wrath affwage, 
 
 But vengeance and perdition ■' 
 
 Flor. [fpeaks.] Thy terrors, threats, and boafts 
 are vain, 
 Phantoms of a heated brain ; 
 Let all thy fiends furround thee y 
 The elements confpire, 
 Thro' water, earth and fire, 
 I'll follow and confound thee ! 
 
 On 
 
A CHRISTMAS TALE. 25 
 
 On the whirlwind if you ride i 
 'Thro' all your fpells 111 break, 
 
 Confound your guilt and pride, 
 And plunge into the fiery lake, 
 
 With Virtue for my guide ! 
 
 [It thunders, and FUridor plunges into the fiery lake. 
 Tycho. A good journey, good matter — your fea- 
 thers will be fing'd at leaft •, arid if I had followed 
 him, I mould have been ready roafted for the magi- 
 cian's table. [Aflourifh dfinjlruments. 
 Here come the demons-! but, free from guilt, I 
 defy, and defpife 'em ! 
 
 Here a dance of demons. 
 [During the dance, as often as the demons approach 
 Tycho, he claps his hand to hisfword, and 
 * cries out, I defy you, and defpife you ; 
 when they vanifh, he affumes an important 
 air. 
 1 have done their bufinefs ! — 
 
 [A rumbling noife is heard in the air. 
 Here is more work for me ! What have we here ? a 
 feather'd monfter ? 
 
 Enter Faladel, as a large owl. 
 
 'Tycho. Evil fpirit, approach me not — If you will 
 fight as a gentleman ought, and come with a fwordby 
 your fide, I am your man — but I am no match 
 for your beak and claws, therefore keep off! 
 
 [retiring. 
 
 Fal. Hoo ! hoo \ hoo \ [clapping his wings. 
 
 Tycho. I don't underftand you, Mr. Owl. 
 
 Fal. I am no evil fpirit, but your rival Faladel, 
 
 Tycho. Faladel ! 
 
 Itil. By my faith and my wand I am, 
 
 E , yychff, 
 
26 A CHRISTMAS TALE. 
 
 Tycho. Faladel ! ha ! ha ! ha ! and they have 
 made an owl of you, ha ! ha ! ha ! I knew what 
 your melancholy would come to, ha ! ha ! ha ! but 
 how came you lb alter'd for the better ? 
 
 Fal. I went a knight-erranting, by the command 
 of Robinette ; and the evil fpirits belonging to this 
 caftle would not fight me, but, alack-a-day, chang'd 
 me into this fhape, to divert the ladies of the Se- 
 raglio, for ever and for aye ! 
 
 Tycho. And a very comical diverting devil you 
 mull be, ha ! ha ! ha ! I would not have Robinette 
 fee you thus, me will like you ten times better than 
 before — Such creatures asyou in your human fhapes, 
 (if they may be call'd fo) are neither fifh, flefh, or 
 fowl ; but now you are fomething — you look wife 
 at leaft, have a handfomer face, a finer fhape, and 
 a much better pair of legs, ha ! ha ! ha ! 
 
 Enter Meffenger, hajiily. 
 
 Meff. Are you Don Tycho, 'iquire to the vic- 
 torious and magnanimous Floridor, fon of Bonoro? 
 
 'Tycho. And is he victorious ? 
 
 Meff. He has conquer'd and bound Nigromant, 
 and by the affiftance of his father's good fpirits, all 
 the evil ones are in chains. [Exit. 
 
 Fal. Hoo ! hoo ! hoo ! 
 
 Tycho. What makes you fo merry ? 
 
 Fal. One touch of the fword, that has vsnquifh'd 
 Nigromant will reftore me — be a generous rival, and 
 p relent me to him. 
 
 Tycho. Upon my foul you had better take my 
 advice and {lay as you are — but if you will be re^ 
 ftor'd again from your being fomething to your 
 former nothingnefs, I will prelent you to him; give 
 me a tip of your wing, and I'll hand you to your 
 reftoration — come along. 
 
 Fal. Hoo ! hoo ! hoo ! 
 
 [He clap his wings withjoy ) and Tycho leads him off. 
 
 Scene 
 
A CHRISTMAS TALE. 27 
 
 Scene IV. The cajlle gates. 
 The triumphant entry of Floridor 9 
 To martial mujic y 
 With Nigromant and Evil Spirits in chains. 
 
 Then enter Tycho, attended, with the femaleEvil Spirits. 
 
 Tycho. Come along — come along — you are once 
 more in my clutches, and I'll take care that you 
 fhall never catch me napping again. 
 
 idWoman. Magnanimous Don Tycho ! 
 
 Tycho. Oh, you couple of fhe-devils — with your 
 fweet lullabies. — Come along. [Exeunt. 
 
 END of the SECOND ACT. 
 
 E2 ACT 
 
A CHRISTMAS TALE. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Scene I. A grand apartment in the Seraglio* 
 
 Eunuchs enter, finging the following Chorus.. 
 €J~0 V C H the thrilling notes of pleafure, 
 
 Let the fofteft, melting meafure, 
 Calm the conqueror's mind ; 
 Let myrtle be with laurel twitfd, 
 Beauty with each fmiling grace, 
 The f par Ming eye, and f peaking face, 
 Attended by the laughing loves, 
 
 Around the hero play •, 
 'The toil, and danger, valor proves, 
 
 Love and beauty, will repay. 
 
 ' Enter Floridor and Tycho. 
 Flor. Call before us the unhappy beauties, wJiQ 
 have been forc'd away, and confined for the tyrant's 
 pleafures. 
 
 Tycho [goes to the door, and calls. ,1 Open the fe- 
 male apartments, and let their treasures be pour'd 
 down at the feet of the conqueror — Thofe that be- 
 long to the 'fa^iire, I ihall vifit by myfelf and dif- 
 poie of by private contraft. 
 
 [The chorus is fung again, during which, many 
 women of the Seraglio enter veiVd, and at lafi 
 Camilla, [who is in chains'] and Robinette : 
 They throw up their veils. 
 Flor. [ftarting.'] Earth and Heaven ! Camilla ! 
 Tycho. Hell and the devil ! Robinette ! 
 Flor. All my laurels are blafted ! 
 Tycho. Mine are in a fad pickle too ! 
 Cam. [running to Floridor. ~\ My life, my love, my 
 Floridor ! all my forrows vanifh in thefe arms ! 
 
 [as 
 
A CHRISTMAS TALE. 29 
 [asfheruns to Floridor^ he turns away.] What, cold 
 and regardlefs of me ? 
 
 Flor. Can I fee you here, in the Seraglio of Nigro- 
 mant, and not have caufe to lament, in the 'midft 
 of my triumph ? 
 
 Cam. Can you fee me here, and in chains, and not 
 find caufe for a greater triumph than that which you 
 have gaip'd ? unjuft and ungrateful Floridor !— we 
 were feiz'd upon by the magician, convey'd here to 
 be the flaves of his pleafure ; but my heart was er>- 
 gag'd, my mind was free, I refilled his pafTjon, 
 fcorn'd his pow'r, and I triumph'd in thefe chains ! 
 — unjuft and ungrateful Floridor! 
 
 Flor. Then I have conquer'd, indeed ! — and thus 
 I feize the brighteft reward, that ever conqueft was 
 crown'd withal ! 
 
 [after embracing her, he takes off her chains. 
 
 tfycho. Where are your chains, Robinette? 
 
 Rob. I left 'em behind me. 
 
 Tycho. I believe they flip'd eanly off — but did you 
 refill too, Robinette , ? 
 
 Rob. I won't fatisfy you — don't think that I am 
 like Camilla, to be fufpected one moment, and 
 hugg'd the next!— [Exit. 
 
 Tycho. Soh ! Then have I conquer'd the evil 
 {pints for nothing. [Exit after Rob. 
 
 Enter Meffenger. 
 Meff. For the conqueror Floridor ! 
 
 [delivers a letter. 
 Flor. [reads.] " By my affiilance you recover'd 
 " your fword and fhield, by which you have con- 
 " quer'd Nigromant, and are poffefs'd of his trea- 
 " fures : — You are now worthy of my love, and 
 \\ therefore I demand yours 1 
 a Whatever you afk, 
 " How dreadful the talk, 
 " To perform it, 'fore Heav'n I vow. 
 
 " GrINNEI»DA." 
 
 * ' ' What 
 
3 o A CHRISTMAS TALE. 
 
 What a fpiteful old hag ? [Jiands confounded. 
 
 Cam. Whence comes that letter, Floridor, which 
 diftreiTes and confounds you fo ? — I beg to fee it — 
 what's the matter ? — You alarm me ! 
 
 Flor. Don't be alarm'd •, indeed it is nothing ! 
 
 Cam. Then let me fee this nothing — what, more 
 confounded ? Oh, Floridor, falfe, falie, Floridor ! 
 
 Flor. To convince you, how little I value the 
 writer, and regard the contents — thus I deftroy at 
 once her vanity and your apprehenfions. 
 
 [He tears the letter ; it thunders, and grows dark ; 
 flames of fire are feen thro" the Seraglio windows ; 
 all but Floridor quit the place fhrieking. 
 Is Heav'n and earth in league againft me ? what 
 have I done, to provoke this war of elements ? 
 
 Enter Tycho, [terrified.] 
 Tycho. The devils are got loofe again — Oh, Sig- 
 nor Floridor, what have we done ? The palace is on 
 fire, the ladies have loft their fenfes, and I have loft 
 both the ladies and my fenfes, for I faw— 
 Flor. What, what ? — where is Camilla ? 
 'Tycho. I thought I faw her carried thro' the air by 
 the kind old witch, who fober'd me, and recover'd 
 your fword and fhield — but away — fee the flames are 
 coming upon us ! I am no falamander as you are, 
 and therefore I ftiall get into a colder climate. 
 
 [Exit running, 
 Flor. I will brave it all ! 
 
 [The Seraglio breaks to pieces, and difcovers the 
 whole palace inflames. 
 
 SONG. 
 
 Let the loud thunder rattle, 
 
 Flajh lightening round my head-, 
 Place me in the front of i? at tie, 
 By rage and horror led ; 
 Tho? Death in all her ghaftly forms appear, 
 My heart, that knows no crime ^ can know no fear: 
 
 [Tfo 
 
A CHRISTMAS TALE. §t 
 
 \fThe flames and the ruins of the caftle vanijh away, 
 and dif cover a fine moon-light fcene. 
 What can all this mean ? by what offence unknown 
 to me have I brought this complicated diitrefs upon 
 me? 
 
 Enter Camilla, as an old woman. 
 
 Cam. Joy to you, Floridor ! joy to myfelf — now 
 I have caught you near my own premiffes, I fhall 
 not let you go till you have fulfill' d your engage- 
 ments with me — 
 
 Flor. Where is Camilla, pray ? 
 
 Cam. I have her fafe, and very fafe — a pledge for 
 your fulfilling the conditions of our treaty. 
 
 Flor. My fword is ready to obey your commands. 
 
 Cam. Pooh ! pooh ! I want no affiftance of your 
 fword, not I ; I muft have your love, young man. 
 — Come along — come along — I muft compel you 
 to be happy — give me fa tisf action, or you will re- 
 pent it {takes hold of his hand. 
 
 Flor. Draw me, tear me to pieces with wild horfes 
 — my laft breath fhall figh Camilla — for I am her's 
 —and her's alone 
 
 [The ft age grows light, and Camilla quitting at 
 once the form of the old woman, ajfumes her 
 real character and drefs. 
 
 Cam. And I am Floridor's,.and Floridor's alone ! 
 
 [Floridor ft arts and ftands aftonifhed. 
 
 Behold the reward of thy valor, confta?icy, and 
 
 honour! the fire has try'd, and prov'd the value of 
 
 the metal — come to my arms, my hero ! — 
 
 Flor. Was Grinnelda Camilla ! Oh, celeftial 
 love, that has borne me up againft every trial, and 
 completed my glory and happinefs, in the arms of 
 my Camilla ! [runs and embraces her. 
 
 Cam. 1 refign my pow'r, fortune, every thing, to 
 love and be belov'd by thee. [mufic is heard. 
 
 Bonoro 
 
$2 A CHRISTMAS TAL^ 
 
 Bonoro defends in a cloud. 
 But fee your father, to perfect our union. 
 
 Bon. Come, my children ! and receive a parent's 
 bleffing — And all who have been confined fhall 
 fhare our happinefs. 
 
 Xe once moft wretched of mankind, 
 By tyrant pow'r and luji confined, 
 
 From vice and Jlav'ry free, 
 Come join our fports, and this way move, 
 To celebrate their virtuous love, 
 
 And your own liberty ! 
 
 [fecnoro waves his wand, the cloud afcends, and 
 difcovers a fine frofpetJ of the fea,and a cafile 
 at a diftance, with the fun riftng. 
 
 Enter the different characters of the Seraglio, 
 Men and women, and join in the Chorus. 
 
 Bonoro, Floridor, Camilla, &c. come forward, 
 
 S O N G. 
 
 Bon. Honour is to Beauty plighted, 
 
 Hearts with hands fhall be united, 
 Hymen comes, his torch is lighted ■ 
 
 Honour, Truth, and Beauty call. 
 Attend the nuptial feflival. 
 
 Flor. Love in my breajl, no ftorm blowing, 
 Feels each tide is fuller growing, 
 And in grateful Jlrains overflowing. 
 Honour, truth, &c. 
 
 Cam. "Love in my breajl knows no meafure, 
 Swells and almqfi burfls with pleafure, 
 Here to fhare its boundlefs treafure. 
 Flor. Cam. Love in my breajl, &c. 
 
 V I N I S. 
 
| 
 
 t