Sail. Nay, the tokens are plain enough. I have the fellow of him at home; but my wife told me two days ago, that this with the wall-eye and splay-foot belong'd to you, Sir.
[Prue runs a-cross the stage with a letter, which Fossile snatches from her.
Fos. Whither are you going so fast, hussy? I will examine every thing within these walls. [Exit Prue.]
[reads.] 'For Richard Plotwell, esq;' This letter unravels the whole affair: As she is an unfortunate relation of mine, I must beg you would act with discretion.
[Gives Possum the letter.
Pos. [reads] 'Sir, the child which you father'd is return'd back upon my hands. Your Drury-lane friends have treated me with such rudeness, that they told me in plain terms I should be damn'd. How unfortunate soever my offspring is, I hope you at least will defend the reputation of the unhappy
'Phœbe Clinket.'
——As you say, doctor, the case is too plain; every circumstance hits.
Enter Clinket.
Clink. 'Tis very uncivil, Sir, to break open one's letters.
Foss. Would I had not; and that the contents of it had been a secret to me and all mankind for ever. Wretched creature, to what a miserable condition has thy poetry reduc'd thee!
Clink. I am not in the least mortified with the accident. I know it has happen'd to many of the most famous daughters of Apollo; and to myself several times.