Derric.
You know my only son, [whose life you preserved?][74]
Rip.
Yes; and a [wild][75] harum-scarum [dog][76] he is. [Drinks.
Derric.
He [is now stationed in New York, studying the law, and][77] has become a staid, sober, prudent youth; and [now][78], 'tis my wish that he should settle in this, his native place, and [that he][79] marry some honest girl, who is altogether unacquainted with the frivolities of cities; and I have been thinking that in a [pg 054] few years your daughter will be grown up, and would make a suitable match for him. True, there will be some disparity in their ages, but as the years are on the side of the husband, so 'twill be all the better for the wife, in having a matured preceptor.
Rip.
Beg [pardon],[80] sir; but it strikes me you are only carrying on your rigs mit me.
Derric.
No, on my honour; and, to convince you that I'm in earnest, I have brought with me a contract, by which our offspring, when of age, are bound to intermarry, or forfeit their several fortunes. I shall settle all mine on Herman, and I shall expect you to do the same for your daughter.