ABSOLUTE 'Tis just as Fag told me, indeed. Whimsical enough, faith! My father wants to force me to marry the very girl I am plotting to run away with! He must not know of my connection with her yet awhile. He has too summary a method of proceeding in these matters. However, I'll read my recantation instantly. My conversion is something sudden, indeed—but I can assure him it is very sincere. So, so—here he comes. He looks plaguy gruff. [Steps aside.]
[Enter Sir ANTHONY ABSOLUTE.]
Sir ANTHONY No—I'll die sooner than forgive him. Die, did I say? I'll live these fifty years to plague him. At our last meeting, his impudence had almost put me out of temper. An obstinate, passionate, self-willed boy! Who can he take after? This is my return for getting him before all his brothers and sisters!—for putting him, at twelve years old, into a marching regiment, and allowing him fifty pounds a year, besides his pay, ever since! But I have done with him; he's anybody's son for me. I never will see him more, never—never—never.
ABSOLUTE
[Aside, coming forward.] Now for a penitential face.
Sir ANTHONY
Fellow, get out of my way!
ABSOLUTE
Sir, you see a penitent before you.
Sir ANTHONY
I see an impudent scoundrel before me.
ABSOLUTE A sincere penitent. I am come, sir, to acknowledge my error, and to submit entirely to your will.
Sir ANTHONY
What's that?
ABSOLUTE I have been revolving, and reflecting, and considering on your past goodness, and kindness, and condescension to me.