Thus, meaning no offence, in language faint,
The City Rage for foldiering we paint.
But sure, no sons of Briton, with represt
That zeal which leads one man to serve the rest ;
Which strives due right and order to maintain,
Against a chaos that would come again.

Long may such Rage inspire the English mind!
In neighbouring climes a different“ Rage” we find ;
Poor Jean François, who shouts for Liberté,
Finds Slavery still the Order of the day!
“ Ma foi !"—he cries—“No people bleft as we;

They force me out to fight, to make me free. “ Den! vif! alert !-begar we must not tarry,

My Vife, for common good, oblige to marry: “ She labour for the State, tant mieux pour elle, “ She forgot me—I her-c'ett Bagatelle ! “ Allons au Guerre ! L'eau de vie banish sorrow, “ Victoire to-day-La Guillotine to-morrow!"

1

1

English Tom Blunt, a dealer in small wares, Who knows a bit what's passing above stairs, Cries—“Why, in that there change of wives so fast “ I think a good one mayhap may come at last; “ But in that gulleting machine, d'ye see “ I've no idea how it makes one free: “ For my part now,

whatever may

be said, “ I'm for a little meat, and safe warm bed, “ I does not relish freedom—when one's dead! “ So, once for all, my means and resolution “ Go, to stand by the good old Constitution."

1

Such and so different reign with sovereign power,
The various “ Rages” of the present hour.
I wish, in truth I wish in very spight,
Your Rage may be, to see us many a night.

THE

THE RA G E:

A

C O M E DY.

COM

A C T I.

SCENE 1.-DARNLEY's Garden, and view of

bis small Villa.

Exter DARNLEY and Sir GEORGE GAUNTLET.

SIR GEORGE. And fo, Darnley, you prefer this folitary life, to all the joys of London--to be sure you've a nice snug Villa, and a charming wife here but its dull the scene tires-it wants variety, Harry.

Darnley. No, Sir George.-Since I retir'd to this peaceful spot, I have not had a wish beyond it: I've been so happy in that humble cottage, that when I'm doom'd to leave it, che world will be a waste, and life not have a charm!

Sir George. How you are alter'd, Darnley? When we were brother officers you were the greatest rake in the regiment; but from the

time we were quarter'd at Worcester, where you first beheld Miss Dormer

Darnley. I saw the folly of my former life; I own’d the power of her superior charms, and leaving a busy and tumultuous world, retir'd with her to this fequefter'd 'scene'tis now three years since I married. .

Sir George. And from that time to this, have you liv'd in this out-of-the-way place?

Darnley. Yes : and till you yesterday honour'd me with a visit, I have not seen a friend within my doors but isn't it a happy life, Sir George? Our affections have room to shoot-care and distrust are banilh'd from our cottage, and with such a woman as Mrs. Darnley to converse with, what is the world to me? I can defy and scorn its malice.

Sir George. She's an angelic creature indeed, Darnley: and at Worcester, I had myself nearly fallen a victim to her charms ; but about your future life-do you mean to live for ever in these woods and meadows ?

Darnley. No-would to heaven I could !-I fear I must forego my present calm, aod mix in active life again: When I married, I sold my commission, you remember, to purchase this small farm--Mrs. Darnley's portion was but a trifle, and an encreasing family has so enlarg’d my expences, that unless I return to

the arıny

Sir George. Aḥ-you want to be raking again?

Darnley. No,I want to secure an independence for my family I want to see my children afluent, and to attain this, I have once more applied to my uncle Sir Paul Perpetual,

who

who was so offended at my selling out, that he has ever since abandon'd me.

Sir George. What-does the old beau still persevere in his resențment ?

Darnley. His anger has encreas'd; for he writes me word, he intends marrying Lady Sarah Savage, on purpose to have heirs more worthy his eftate :-Oh! my friend :-'tis hard that fortune should bestow such treasures, and then compel me to desert them?

Sir George. So it is : but now I think on’t, this Lady Sarah Savage and her brother are my intimate friends, and as you are their neighbours, I'll introduce you and Mrs. Darnley to their notice-When are they expected from town?

Darnley. To day.

Sir George. Then we'll pay them a visit: Lady Sarah Savage shall interfere with your uncle, and if that fails, her brother can easily ensure your promotion in the army--but see ; here's Mrs. Darnley?

Darnley. Look at her, Sir George-do you, can you blame me?Who would not act as I have done ?

Sir George. I would by heav'ns !-!d live with her in a hermitage !die with her on a pilgrimage ! -I'dm-death: if I don't mind, I shall discover all.

[ Aside.

Enter Mrs. DaRNLEY.

Darnley advancing to her.] Maria !

Mrs. Darnley. Oh Harry! I have been looking for you every where—I declare you're grown quite a truant-Before your friend came, you

us'd

B 2

us'd to walk with me over the farm: or ride with me to see our children ; or fit and read to me under our favourite Beach Tree-but now Sir George ! I beg your pardon-I didn't see

you before.

Sir George. Madam! [Bowing obsequiously.

Darnley. My friend is all kindness, Maria ; he has promis'd to introduce me to the honourable Mr. Savage :

Mrs. Darnley. What :-take you to Savage house! Darnley. Ay—why not :--you shall go

with

me.

you and

and my

Mrs. Darnley. No-let me stay here I am not weary of my present life.

Darnley. Nor I—but 'tis a great connexion : and though not absolutely distress’d, I would improve my fortune I would see children have every comfort.

Mrs. Darnley. We have, while you are with US consider we have never liv'd a day apart, and if they lure you into fashionable scenes, you'll be corrupted, Harry-you'll despise the humble roof you once rever'd, and I perhaps Ihall be forgotten and neglected.

Darnley. Never !—I cannot bear the suppo. sition; and while we have hearts to endure, and hands to labour, there is sufficient for our cottage !—I will not go-My friend, who sees my motive, I'm sure, will not condemn me.

Sir George. No—always obey the Ladies ; but Darnley, I see our horses—you recollect we were to ride to see your children: so, Ma. dam, I have the superlative honour

Enter