Mrs. Hard. (Kneeling.) Take compassion on us, good Mr. Highwayman. Take our money, our watches, all we have; but spare our lives. We will never bring you to justice; indeed we won't, good Mr. Highwayman.
Hard. I believe the woman's out of her senses. What, Dorothy, don't you know me?
Mrs. Hard. Mr. Hardcastle, as I'm alive! My fears blinded me. But who, my dear, could have expected to meet you here, in this frightful place, so far from home? What has brought you to follow us?
Hard. Sure, Dorothy, you have not lost your wits? So far from home, when you are within forty yards of your own door? (To him.) This is one of your old tricks, you graceless rogue you. (To her.) Don't you know the gate, and the mulberry-tree? and don't you remember the horse-pond, my dear?
Mrs. Hard. Yes, I shall remember the horse-pond as long as I live: I have caught my death in it. (To Tony.) And is it to you, you graceless varlet, I owe all this? I'll teach you to abuse your mother, I will.
Tony. Ecod, mother, all the parish says you have spoiled me, and so you may take the fruits on't.
Mrs. Hard. I'll spoil you, I will.
Follows him off the stage. Exit.
Hard. There's morality, however, in his reply.
Exit.