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Congreve, William, 1670-1729

"The Old Bachelor: a Comedy"


BELL+SHARP. Ha, ha, ha!
BELL. Well, but, George, I have one question to ask you -
HEART. Pshaw, I have prattled away my time. I hope you are in no
haste for an answer, for I shan't stay now. [Looking on his
watch.]
BELL. Nay, prithee, George -
HEART. No; besides my business, I see a fool coming this way.
Adieu.

SCENE V.

SHARPER, BELLMOUR.
BELL. What does he mean? Oh, 'tis Sir Joseph Wittoll with his
friend; but I see he has turned the corner and goes another way.
SHARP. What in the name of wonder is it?
BELL. Why, a fool.
SHARP. 'Tis a tawdry outside.
BELL. And a very beggarly lining--yet he may be worth your
acquaintance; a little of thy chymistry, Tom, may extract gold from
that dirt.
SHARP. Say you so? 'Faith I am as poor as a chymist, and would be
as industrious. But what was he that followed him? Is not he a
dragon that watches those golden pippins?
BELL. Hang him, no, he a dragon! If he be, 'tis a very peaceful
one. I can ensure his anger dormant; or should he seem to rouse,
'tis but well lashing him, and he will sleep like a top.


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