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PART II.
 1. 
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2. PART II.

SCENE I.

The Sea Side.
Enter Thomas, with Sailors
THOMAS.
RECITATIVE.
Avast, my boys, avast, all hands on shore,
Mess-mates, what cheer? Old England, hey! once more,
I'm thinking how the wenches will rejoice;
Out with your presents, boys, and take your choice.
I've an old sweetheart—but look—there's the town:
Weigh anchor, tack about, and let's bear down.
AIR.
From ploughing the ocean, and thrashing Mounseer,
In old England we're landed once more;
Your hands, my brave comrades, halloo boys, what cheer!
For a sailor that's just come a-shore?
Those hectoring blades thought to scare us, no doubt,
And to cut us, and slash us—Morblieu!
But hold there, avast, they were plaguily out,
We have slic'd them, and pepper'd them too.

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Then courage, my hearts, your own consequence know,
Yon invaders shall soon do you right;
The lion may rouse, when he hears the cock crow,
But should never be put in a fright.
You've now laid aside your nonsensical jars,
Your damn'd party and idle contest;
Then let all your strife be, like us honest tars,
Who shall fight for his country the best.
A seafaring spark, if the maids can affect,
Bid the simpering gypsies look to't;
Sound bottoms they'll find us, in ev'ry respect,
And our pockets well laden to boot.
The landsmen, mayhap, in the way of discourse,
Have more art, to persuade and the like;
But 'ware those false colours, for better, for worse,
Is the bargain we're willing to strike.
Now long live the king, may he prosperous reign,
Of no power, no faction afraid;
May Britain's proud flag still exult o'er the main,
At all points of the compass display'd.

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No quicksands endanger, no storms overwhelm,
Steady, steady, and safe may she sail;
No ignorant pilots e'er sit at her helm,
Or her anchor of liberty fail.

Exeunt.

SCENE II.

A Meadow.
Enter the 'Squire and Dorcas.
'SQUIRE.
In vain I've ev'ry wily art essay'd,
Nor promises can tempt, nor vows persuade;
No prospect of success is left me now:
How shall I gain her?

DORCAS.
Why I'll tell you how.
This way she comes; the wench is full of pride,
Lay oaths and vows, and promises aside:
Often when regular approaches fail,
Besiegers storm a place, and so prevail.

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AIR.
All you who would wish to succeed with a lass,
Learn how the affair's to be done;
For if you stand fooling, and shy, like an ass,
You'll loose her, as sure as a gun.
With whining, and sighing, and vows, and all that,
As far as you please, you may run;
She'll hear you, and jeer you, and give you a pat,
But jilt you, as sure as a gun.
To worship, and call her bright goddess, is fine!
But mark you the consequence, mun;
The baggage will think herself really divine,
And scorn you, as sure as a gun.
But be with a maiden, bold, frolic, and stout,
And no opportunity shun;
She'll tell you she hates you, and swear she'll cry out,
But mum—she's as sure as a gun.


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'SQUIRE.
RECITATIVE.
This way she comes a milking, hence begone:
Exit Dorcas.
Oh love assist me, you that drive me on.
The time, the place, both favour my design;
Now, if she's coy, I'll force her to be mine.
But, lest some other course she steer her flight,
'Twere best awhile to hide me from her sight.

Retires.
Enter Sally.
SALLY.
RECITATIVE.
HOW cruel those who with ungen'rous aim,
Strive to seduce, and bring poor maids to shame?
That brutish squire! but wherefore should I fear?
I ne'er can turn, false-hearted to my dear.
No, when he came his last farewel to take,
He bid me wear this token for his sake;
He shall not prove me fickle and unkind,
Or say that out of sight was out of mind.

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AIR.
Auspicious spirits guard my love,
In time of danger near him bide;
With out-spread wings around him move,
And turn each random ball aside.
And you his foes, though hearts of steel,
Oh! may you then with me accord;
A sympathetick passion feel,
Behold his face, and drop the sword.
Ye winds, your blust'ring fury leave,
Like airs, that o'er the garden sweep;
Breathe soft in sighs, and gently heave,
The calm, smooth bosom of the deep.
Till Halcyon peace return'd, once more,
From blasts secure, and hostile harms;
My sailor views his native shore,
And harbours safe in these fond arms.


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Enter 'Squire.
'SQUIRE.
AIR.
Well met, pretty maid,
Nay, don't be afraid;
I mean you no mischief, I vow;
Psha! what is't you ail?
Come, give me your pail,
And I'll carry it up to your cow.

SALLY.
Pray let it alone,
I've hands of my own,
Nor need yours to help me—forbear!
How can you persist?
I won't, Sir, be kist,
Nor teaz'd thus—go trifle elsewhere.


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'SQUIRE.
In yon lonely grove,
I saw an alcove,
All round the sweet violet springs;
And there was a thrush,
Hard by in a bush,
'Twould charm you to hear how he sings.

SALLY.
But hark! pry'thee hark!
Look yonder's a lark,
It warbles, and pleases me so;
To hear the soft tale,
O'th' sweet nightingale,
I wou'd not be tempted to go.

'SQUIRE.
Then here we'll sit down:
Come, come, never frown!
No longer my bliss I'll retard;
Kind Venus shall spread
Her veil over head,
And the little rogue Cupid keep guard.


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Enter Thomas.
THOMAS.
RECITATIVE.
What's this I see? may I believe my eyes?
A pirate just about to board my prize!
'Tis well I this way chanc'd my course to steer:
Sal! what's the matter?

SALLY.
Thomas!

'SQUIRE.
'Sdeath! who's here?
Fellow, begone, or—

THOMAS.
Learn your phrase to mend:
Do you sheer off, or else I'll make you, friend.
Let go the wench, I claim her for my share,
And now lay hands upon her—if you dare.


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'SQUIRE.
AIR.
Saucy rascal, this intrusion
You shall answer to your cost;
Bully'd, scandaliz'd, confusion!
All my schemes and wishes crost.

THOMAS.
Hark you, Master, keep your distance,
'Sblood, take notice what I say;
There's the channel, no resistance,
Tack about, and bear away.

SALLY.
Wou'd you wrest our freedom from us?
Now my heart has lost its fear;
Oh my best, my dearest Thomas,
Sure some angel brought you here.

'SQUIRE.
Since her paltry inclination
Stoops to such a thing as you;
Thus I make a recantation,
Wretched, foolish girl, adieu!


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SCENE the last.

SALLY.
RECITATIVE.
Oh welcome, welcome, how shall I impart,
The joy this happy meeting gives my heart?
Now Tom in safety stay at home with me,
And never trust again that treach'rous sea.

THOMAS.
Excuse me, Sal, while mighty George has foes?
On land, and main, their malice I'll oppose.
But hang this talking, my desires are keen;
You see yon steeple, and know what I mean.

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AIR.
Let fops pretend in flames to melt,
And talk of pangs they never felt;
I speak without disguise, or art,
And with my hand bestow my heart.

SALLY.
Let ladies prudishly deny,
Look cold, and give their thoughts the lye;
I own the passion in my breast,
And long to make my lover blest.

THOMAS.
For this the sailor, on the mast,
Endures the cold, and cutting blast;
All dripping wet, wears out the night,
And braves the fury of the fight.

SALLY.
For this the virgin pines, and sighs,
With throbbing heart, and streaming eyes;
Till sweet reverse of joy she proves,
And clasps the faithful lad she loves.


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BOTH.
Ye British youths, be brave, you'll find,
The British virgins will be kind;
Protect their beauty from alarms,
And they'll repay you with its charms.

FINIS.