ACT I.

Giles Gaussen accosts old Sir Maurice de Beevor, And puts the poor Knight in a deuce of a fever, By saying the boy, whom he took out to please him, Is come back a Captain on purpose to tease him.-- Sir Maurice, who gladly would see Mr. Gaussen Breaking stones on the highway, or sweeping a crossing, Dissembles--observes, It's of no use to fret,-- And hints he may find some more work for him yet; Then calls at the castle, and tells Lady A. That the boy they had ten years ago sent away Is return'd a grown man, and, to come to the point, Will put her son Percy's nose clean out of joint; But adds, that herself she no longer need vex, If she'll buy him (Sir Maurice) a farm near the Ex. "Oh! take it," she cries; "but secure every document."-- "A bargain," says Maurice,--"including the stock you meant?"--

The Captain, meanwhile, With a lover-like smile, And a fine cambric handkerchief, wipes off the tears From Miss Violet's eyelash, and hushes her fears. (That's the Lady he saved from the Dey of Algiers.) Now arises a delicate point, and this is it-- The young Lady herself is but down on a visit. She's perplex'd; and, in fact, Does not know how to act. It's her very first visit--and then to begin By asking a stranger--a gentleman, in-- One with moustaches too--and a tuft on his chin-- She "really don't know-- He had much better go,"-- Here the Countess steps in from behind, and says "No!-- Fair sir, you are welcome. Do, pray, stop and dine-- You will take our pot-luck--and we've decentish wine." He bows, looks at Miss,--and he does not decline.