Beef. O, England!
Y. Pot. O, Matilda!
Beef. Exiled by the tyranny of an usurper, I seek the means of revenge, and of restoration to my country.
Y. Pot. Oppressed by the tyranny of an Abbot, persecuted by the jealousy of a Count, the betrothed husband of my sister languishes in a loathsome captivity; her lover is fled no one knows whither, and I, her brother, am torn from my parental roof, and from my studies in chirurgery, to seek him and her, I know not where—to rescue Rogero, I know not how. Comrades, your counsel. My search fruitless—my money gone—my baggage stolen! what am I to do? In yonder Abbey—in these dark, dank vaults, there, my friends, there lies Rogero—there Matilda’s heart.
SCENE II.
Enter Waiter.
Waiter. Sir, here is a person who desires to speak with you.
Beef. [Goes to the door and returns with a letter, which he opens. On perusing it his countenance becomes illuminated, and expands prodigiously.] Ah, my friend, what joy!
[Turning to Puddingfield.
Pudd. What? tell me—let your Puddingfield partake it.