A Trip to Scarborough; and, The Critic

by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

PUFF.
Well, we are ready; now then for the justices. [Curtain rises.] JUSTICES, CONSTABLES, &c., discovered.

SNEER.
This, I suppose, is a sort of senate scene.

PUFF.
To be sure; there has not been one yet.

DANGLE.
It is the under-plot, isn’t it?

PUFF.
Yes.—What, gentlemen, do you mean to go at once to the discovery scene?

JUSTICE.
If you please, sir.

PUFF.
Oh, very well!—Hark’ee, I don’t choose to say anything more; but, i’faith they have mangled my play in a most shocking manner.

DANGLE.
It’s a great pity!

PUFF.
Now, then, Mr. justice, if you please.

JUSTICE.
Are all the volunteers without?