A Trip to Scarborough; and, The Critic

by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

PUFF.
No, a plain matter-of-fact man;—that’s his character. Tilb.
But will you then refuse his offer?

GOVERNOR.
I must—I will—I can—I ought—I do.

TILNURINA.
Think what a noble price.

GOVERNOR.
No more—you urge in vain.

TILNURINA.
His liberty is all he asks.

SNEER.
All who asks, Mr. Puff? Who is—

PUFF.
Egad, sir, I can’t tell! Here has been such cutting and slashing, I don’t know where they have got to myself.

TILNURINA.
Indeed, sir, you will find it will connect very well. —And your reward secure.

PUFF.
Oh, if they hadn’t been so devilish free with their cutting here, you would have found that Don Whiskerandos has been tampering for his liberty, and has persuaded Tilburina to make this proposal to her father. And now, pray observe the conciseness with which the argument is conducted. Egad, the pro and con goes as smart as hits in a fencing match. It is indeed a sort of small-sword-logic, which we have borrowed from the French.

TILNURINA.
A retreat in Spain!