May. No, but the sides are going to be changed; and Sir Harry is to be—I don't know what to call him, not I—some very great man; and as soon as he is a very great man I am to be made an embassador of.
Mrs M. Made an ass of! Will you never learn of me that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush?
May. Yes, but I can't find that you had the bird in hand; if that had been the case I don't know what I might have done; but I am sure any man's promise is as good as a courtier's.
Mrs M. Look'ye, Mr Embassador that is to be; will you vote as I would have you or no? I am weary of arguing with a fool any longer; so, sir, I tell you you must vote for my lord and the colonel, or I'll make the house too hot to hold you; I'll see whether my poor family is to be ruined because you have whims.
Miss M. I know he is a Jacobite in his heart.
Mrs M. What signifies what he is in his heart? have not a hundred, whom everybody knows to be as great Jacobites as he, acted like very good whigs? What has a man's heart to do with his lips? I don't trouble my head with what he thinks; I only desire him to vote.
Miss M. I am sure mama is a very reasonable woman.
Mrs M. Yes, I am too reasonable a woman, and have used gentle methods too long; but I'll try others.
[Goes to a corner of the stage and takes a stick.
May. Nay, then, liberty and property, and no excise! [Runs off.