A Trip to Scarborough; and, The Critic

by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

PUFF.
Now, sir, your soliloquy—but speak more to the pit, if you please—the soliloquy always to the pit, that’s a rule.

BEEFEATER.
Though hopeless love finds comfort in despair, It never can endure a rival’s bliss! But soft—I am observed. [Exit.]

DANGLE.
That’s a very short soliloquy.

PUFF.
Yes—but it would have been a great deal longer if he had not been observed.

SNEER.
A most sentimental Beefeater that, Mr. Puff!

PUFF.
Hark’ee—I would not have you be too sure that he is a Beefeater.

SNEER.
What, a hero in disguise?

PUFF.
No matter—I only give you a hint. But now for my principal character. Here he comes—Lord Burleigh in person! Pray, gentlemen, step this way—softly—I only hope the Lord High Treasurer is perfect—if he is but perfect! Enter LORD BURLEIGH, goes slowly to a chair, and sits.

SNEER.
Mr. Puff!

PUFF.
Hush!—Vastly well, sir! vastly well! a most interesting gravity.