Lord Town. An admirable collection!
Lady Grace. Well, of all our public diversions, I am amaz'd how this, that is so very expensive, and has so little to shew for it, can draw so much company together.
Lord Town. O! if it were not expensive, the better sort would not come into it: and because money can purchase a ticket, the common people scorn to be kept out of it.
Mask. Right, my Lord, poor Lady Grace! I suppose you are under the same astonishment, that an opera should draw so much good company.
Lady Grace. Not at all, Madam; it is an easier matter sure to gratify the ear, than the understanding. But have you no notion, Madam, of receiving pleasure and profit at the same time?
Mask. Oh! quite none! unless it be sometimes winning a great stake; laying down a Vole, sans prendre may come up, to the profitable pleasure you were speaking of.
| Lord Town. You seem attentive, my dear? | Apart. |
| Lady Town. I am, my Lord; and amaz'd at my own follies so strongly painted in another woman. |
Lady Grace. But see, my Lord, we had best adjourn our debate, I believe, for here are some masks that seem to have a mind to divert other people as well as themselves.
Lord Town. The least we can do is to give them a clear stage then.