A Loud knocking at Street Door
Enter Starved Maid O.P.—She goes across so slow that the Knocking increases; just before she gets to the Door it is burst open by Rake (a Youth from College) follow'd by attorney, Upholsterer & Clown Servant. Rake flourishes about, kicks against Closet Door, breaks it open. (Tune "Alteration") takes Keys from thence—Opens an Iron chest, assisted by Clown—Rake scatters Cash about from out of Bags—Lawyer having sat down & produced a Paper with the Word "Inventory" written at Top, begins to count Cash, pocketing some at opportunities; Upholsterer fetches a Ladder & goes to work to take down Tapestry. Rake breaks open Bureau, throws parchments about; seeming to look for one in particular. Clown having observed the Lawyer pocke[ts] some Cash, places himself so near Lawyer, that he puts the money into Clown's pocket, supposing to have put it into his own. A Knocking at the Door obliges Clown to go. Taylor, with a Roll of Black Cloth, is introduced by Clown, much ceremony between Taylor & Clown.—Taylor proceeds & measures Rake. Clown gets his fingers snipp'd for interfering. The Door having been left open—Enter Starv'd Maid with wood; & goes to the Fireplace; Clown then looking at Upholsterer at Work, the money from the raftor falls into Clown's mouth, at which he Spits & makes a piece of work as if hurt, puts his hand to his mouth & finding it is money Returns & holds up the flap of his coat to catch more. Enter P.S. Mother & Daughter, at sight of whom Rake stands aghast.—Girl approaches him. Rake turns from her—She retreats in Tears—Mother enraged shews Letters—Girl shews a Ring—Rake takes a handful of Guineas, offers mother—who rejects them, striking his hand, scatters them on the Ground; Lawyer Turns Mother & Daughter out, placing Clown with his back against the Door. Rake in great agitation, walks about, Taylor following him to finish measuring him: Lawyer picking up the money & pocketing some.—Clown points to Rake—who, on seeing Lawyer at it, takes Rolls of Parchment & beats Lawyer about the Head—upon which Clown takes the Roll of Black Cloth & knocks it about Taylor's head, Taylor resists, Upholsterer on his Ladder Laughs—The Scuffle increases, in which they knock down the Ladder, Upholsterer falls—Rake & Clown turn them all out.
Enter Mother & Daughter
Duett—Tune—"An Old Woman Cloathed in Grey."
Mother. His Vows, ah! Why did'st thou believe? He ne'er meant a promise to keep, He talk'd but of Love to decieve, Then Leave plunder'd Virtue to weep. Yet Tears my Sad Chidings disarm, For thy fault Pity pleadingly moves In her Bosom Affection Shall warm The Daughter she tenderly loves.
Daughter. Dear Parent, oh! Cease to complain And heedfully hear thy lost Child Go tell the false ear of my Swain How deeply his Vows have beguil'd;— Go tell him what sorrow I bear, See yet if his heart feel my woe, 'Tis now he must heal my despair, Or death will make pity too slow. Exeunt.