COTTAGER.
Good day, young soldier.—What is it you want?
FREDERICK.
Good friend, look at that poor woman. She is perishing in the public road! It is my mother.—Will you give her a small corner in your hut? I beg for mercy’s sake—Heaven will reward you.
COTTAGER.
Can’t you speak quietly? I understand you very well. [Calls at the door of the hut.] Wife, shake up our bed—here’s a poor sick woman wants it. [Enter WIFE]. Why could not you say all this in fewer words? Why such a long preamble? Why for mercy’s sake, and heaven’s reward? Why talk about reward for such trifles as these? Come, let us lead her in; and welcome she shall be to a bed, as good as I can give her; and our homely fare.
FREDERICK.
Ten thousand thanks, and blessings on you!
WIFE.
Thanks and blessings! here’s a piece of work indeed about nothing! Good sick lady, lean on my shoulder. [To Frederick] Thanks and reward indeed! Do you think husband and I have lived to these years, and don’t know our duty? Lean on my shoulder. [Exeunt into the Cottage.
ACT II.
SCENE I.
A room in the Cottage.
AGATHA, COTTAGER, his WIFE, and FREDERICK discovered—AGATHA reclined upon a wooden bench, FREDERICK leaning over her.
FREDERICK.
Good people have you nothing to give her? Nothing that’s nourishing.