PUFF.
Every word of it—if he shook his head as I taught him.
DANGLE.
Ah! there certainly is a vast deal to be done on the stage by dumb show and expressions of face; and a judicious author knows how much he may trust to it.
SNEER.
Oh, here are some of our old acquaintance. Enter SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON and SIR WALTER RALEIGH.
SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON.
My niece and your niece too! By Heaven! there’s witchcraft in’t.—He could not else Have gain’d their hearts.—But see where they approach Some horrid purpose lowering on their brows!
SIR WALTER RALEIGH.
Let us withdraw and mark them. [They withdraw.]
SNEER.
What is all this?
PUFF.
Ah! here has been more pruning!—but the fact is, these two young ladies are also in love with Don Whiskerandos.—Now, gentlemen, this scene goes entirely for what we call situation and stage effect, by which the greatest applause may be obtained, without the assistance of language, sentiment, or character: pray mark! Enter the two NIECES.
FIRST NIECE.
Ellena here! She is his scorn as much as I—that is Some comfort still !
PUFF.
O dear, madam, you are not to say that to her face!—Aside, ma’am, aside.—The whole scene is to be aside. 1st Niece.
She is his scorn as much as I—that is Some comfort still. [Aside.]
SECOND NIECE.
I know he prizes not Pollina’s love; But Tilburina lords it o’er his heart. [Aside.]