—SCENE I.

WELL, Captain, here are we arrived in the West-Indies, the climate for life, luxury and fashion; do you not think I have chose a pretty fancy dress to come ashore in?

Why truly, Sir, there are two things which appear very odd to me, and which I own give rise to strange conjectures.

What are they?

In the first place, why you should prefer this out-bay, where there are but a few fishing-huts and two or three stores, to your chance of a market at the princi­pal town; and secondly, your coming ashore in this dis­guise has something tha appearance of a spy.

Well, my dear fellow, to clear your suspicions I will fully acquaint you with my design in coming here, and the story that gave rise to it—It is almost need­less for me to request your secrecy and assistance.

You may depend on me.

In our conversations about the fair sex, you have frequently heard me dwell with rapture on the vir­tues and beauty of a young lady with whom I got ac­quainted when she was at a boarding-school in York.

I have, Sir, and wish'd to ask you particu­larly about her, but was afraid it might offend.

[Page 6]

Her name is Sophia Bellange, a native of this country; her parents are lately dead. 'Tis a letter from her since her arrival here that was the cause of my clos­ing my affairs at home, and undertaking this journey. She describes her guardian to be avaricious, and totally destitute of principle, constantly employed in every war­rantable theft that the simplicity or imprudence of his neighbours will permit him to practise.

Well, how do you intend to meet him?

With his own weapons, artifice and chicane. You must introduce me as supercargo, a true Yankey, sent out by daddy with a cargo of lumber, hogs and poultry, to make daddy's own son a 'squire. My ap­parent simplicity will ensure him a gull, and me an op­portunity of seeing my mistress, and contriving some means to get her and her fortune out of his hands.

But what part am I to take in this scheme?

You must say as little as possible, appear al­most as ignorant as myself, and depend on me for in­structions as we go on. Suppose we call in the landlord and make some enquiry about the old gentleman?

I think it will be necessary. But are you Jonathan here?

In every place 'till I get into the arms of my mistress.

House, house, who keeps house here? Won't that do?

Oh, very well.

Did you please to want any thing?

Don't you think, Captain, that we two might make out with a little apple toddy?

That is, Sir, you want a bowl of punch, and a slice of pine-apple in it.

You be drot, do you think I came all the way from Stony-Town, and not know that apples don't grow on pine-trees, and that punch aint toddy?

I beg your pardon, Sir, we have no other ap­ple here except the coushooe.

[Page 7]

Don't tell me about your cow shoe, nor your horse shoe, I'll not put up with any of your half laughs, I'll be dur if I do, and that's point blank.

Sir, I wou'd not wish to offend any gentleman.

Then you do think I am a gentleman?

I am sure you look very like one.

Why then, friend, to shew you I don't belie my looks I'll be generous, and treat Nathan hear to a bottle of wine; and do you hear, bring a jug of cool water—this country seems hot.

Hot enough to sweat your plank and salt fish, or I'm mistaken. Madeira, Sir?

Yes, to be sure.

Now, an't you a pretty sort of a landlord and don't know that gentlemen drink French wine?

Lord! Lord! what an ass you are.

Why, you play Jonathan better than I ex­pected.

'Tis my surest card; ten to one if our land­lord is not the first to make a report to the old gentleman of the simplicity of his guests.

You have christen'd me too.

O yes, remember you are Nathan Goslin, and I am Jonathan Norrard.

Ay, now, that's ship-shape, as our mate says. Come, landlord, won't you take a glass? Come, be bold, I don't value a glass of wine a corn-cob, not I. Sit down; it's as cheap sitting as standing.

Sir, you are very polite.

Ay, so our neighbours' daughters tell me; and now, since I've cross'd the seas, I intend to be a great man before I go back to daddy. Pray, friend, do you know one Mr. Fingercash, some place about here?

Yes, Sir, he's my neighbour.

They talk in our parts that he buys super-cargoes.

[Page 8]

He'll buy and sell you if you fall into his clutches. Yes, Sir, he purchases cargoes of all sorts.

Then I think I can suit him to a notch—Pray what sort of a man is he to deal with?

As to his honesty, I would vouch for it as soon as for my own—He's my particular friend; if you please, Sir, I'll introduce you to him; he is vastly hospitable to strangers: you have never seen him, I presume?

No, I should not know the man if I was to meet him in my mush; but I'll be bound he knows daddy.

What may his name be, Sir?

What! do'nt you know he? I did'nt think there was a dog in the parish but knew Old-Caleb at the saw-mill.

If you please to favour me with his sirname—

His brother Epram drives more hogs to the market than any five men in our county. The old 'squire used to say that Epram Norrard's word was as good as any man's bond.

Mr. Norrard,

I am very proud, I assure you, to see you under my roof: how lucky you was in happening to call here: my good friend, make yourself at home, be perfectly easy about every thing; Mr. Fingercash and I will take a pleasure in get­ting your cargo off your hands.

I have not the least doubt of that.

But how the plague did you make out to know my name? I'll swear you must be a witch.

My dear Sir, I am not unacquainted with the fame and respectability of your family. Your own cha­racter is now perfectly known to me, and you may rest satisfied I shall make it my study to profit by so valuable an acquaintance.

Not so much as you imagine.

Then you think I may do in this country?

Undoubtedly, my dear friend; come along with me, and I'll put you in a way of doing for your­self in a very little time. Oh you cursed jack-ass!

SCENE II.

Well, what's this business?

It is simply this; we have both agreed not to give our daughter a farthing of portion, till our death, and as the young fellows now a days will not take a girl without a fortune, I think it adviseable to strike with Mrs. Banana's proposal of a match between our daughter and her son: he has got a fine estate, and however defective he may be with regard to education, and that bauble sentiment, it will be amply made up for by his cash and canefields.

Well, husband, do as you will.

I shall now get rid of a prying impudent step-daughter.

Masa Acid dere want for see you, he hab two Yankey wid he.

How do you know they are Yankeys?

Dem tan so, dem hab salt fish in one hand, and trokey in todder.

Something is in the wind; Acid is always on the look-out; quick in scent, sure of his game. Go, go wise, break the match to your young pullet, and I'll go and pluck the Yankey geese.

How I do long to prey upon a bacon-fed Yankey, or porgy-headed Bermudian!

Your servant, friend Acid. Gen­tlemen, your most obedient.

This, Sir, is Mr. Norrard, supercargo of the brig arrived this morning. His father is as respectable—

Stop, friend, few words are best; but if you go to that, daddy won't turn his back on any man in our parts, from a cedar shingle to a two-inch plank, and I can prove it down right point blank upon the nail.

You have brought some lumber then?

[Page 10]

If you get him to answer that or any other ques­tion in a direct manner, I'll forfeit a dozen of my best claret.

Yes, mamy sent a few corn-fed hogs, and sister Tabithy a few fowls, and such odd notions, to buy silken truck like, to make her a gown like.

Any good puncheon staves?

Yes, the 'squire of our town did ship a few casks of choice salt fish, I'm a sheep's-head if there is better between this and Cape-Cod. Smell that.

It smells well; but that's a rough manner of producing your sample.

I don't make many compliments, not I; the plain thing is the plain thing, and so sister told Nicka­damus, when she broke his face last husking time.

He'll do, he'll do, he's the thing. Concerning the boards and staves.

Considering that the frost did stint the apples, we have got a few barrels nice cyder; it's sweet as lasses, an't it Captain?

There is ro getting a direct answer from that thick skull of his.

Speaking of ap­ples, have you brought any with you? our ladies are vastly fond of them.

Yes, I have brought a plaguey sight of gin­gerbread, hickory nutts, and such like truck, to treat the lasses.

Was there ever such a stupid dog! but I'll make his purse answer me if he won't.

Would you be so obliging, Sir, as to favour me with a sight of your invoice, or to make out a sketch of your cargo?

Ask Captain, he deals in black and white, and I keep tally.

Heavens! the sight of her has so disconcerted me, I shall never be able to go through with it.

[Page 11]

Where are you going, my dear?

To the plantation, my dear, to break that affair to Louisa.

You must defer it, my dear, to re­ceive those sons of liberty, from the land of freedom, to which they shall not return till they have tasted of our hospitality.

After I have taxt them first pretty high. Smooth them up, my dear, they are flats, down-right flats.

Sons of Columbia, deign to receive the humble welcome of your lowest slave.

I don't understand that sort of talk, not I; Columbus might be a very honest sort of a man, but I would have you to know that I am no bastard of his, nor any Indian son of a—

Man­ners, Jonathan, before the ladies.

Wife, you'll ruin all with your figurative stuff: divert him with bargaining for his turkeys, while I draw the Captain aside and found him.

My husband informs me you have got some poultry to dispose of.

They are all as fat as bacon, I'll be bound for them; feel you the weight of that

Coobity, coobity, coobity. Oh Lord, what shall I do? I must never look daddy in the face again, for loosing sister Tabithy's black hen.

Be not afraid, Sir, the Negroes will take care of it.

Miss Bellange, you are acquainted with the gentleman's country, oblige me by entertaining him till I return.

Come, Louisa, this man may perhaps give me some information of my Amant; his simplicity will afford you a laugh at least. Pray, friend, how does all at home do?

[Page 12]

Ay, now Miss, you speak as if you had been born in a christian country. Our folks are a sort of so, and a sort of not so; sister Jemima has got the mumps, and brother Ebby's heels are all over kibes; all well be­sides.

Captain, your supercargo seems to do better with the young ladies than with my rib. I can tell by his eye he's a rogue amongst the girls.

I'll be bound, he's a great favourite with our lasses.

Yes, I have bundled with them, sparked in Virginia, and played up old Harry all about.

Bravo! bravo! By the Lord he's a lad of spirit; give me your hand, you dog; who knows but with that plump round face of yours, and that gen­teel air and carriage, but you may carry off some of our Creole girls of fortune? eh, you rogue!

Who knows but I may? eh, Captain. Pray, Sir, have you got any of them thingumbobs in your store that please the lasses?

My dear fellow, you may suit your­self there from a sailor's jacket to the robe of an emper­or; the ladies will recommend to you what is most fashionable, and the Captain and I, if he pleases, will go and see what is to be done over a bottle.

I vow now if that an't right friendly. Go, Captain, and make out bills of invoices, and I'll trade with the ladies for some of sister's truck.

Pray, Sir, what part of America are you from?

Stony-Town last.

Was you ever in York?

Tarnashon seize the place, I fell downright in love there, and all I ever got for my pains was that there ring.

Heavens, my Amant! Lend me your hand, Louisa.

[Page 13]

Cursed impatience, I am discovered.

Be under no apprehensions, Sir, I am well acquainted with the attachment subsisting between you and Miss Bellange, and as her friend you have nothing to fear from me.

My Sophia,

how blest am I to press this hand unseen by other eyes than those of friendship. Can you forgive, my love, this premature discovery, that has so ruffled this dear form?

And can you, Amant, ask me that ques­tion?

No, my angel, I read my welcome in those beauteous eyes, true to the dictates of a heart where love and candour only dwell.

Oh, my Amant! what have I not suf­fered since the sad event that drew me from you!

My soul felt all your anguish; by the strong power of sympathetic love I shared in all your sorrows, and now am come to sooth the sad remembrance, to be your friend, your father, and your —

I know the other title you would claim, but am afraid there is an insurmountable obstacle in your way to that.

In surmountable, Madam, did you say?

Why do you start? you know my heart is only yours, but fortune —

Well, what of fortune?

Makes it —

What?

Impossible I can be yours.

And are my flattering hopes thus blasted? Have I then quit my home in expectation of exalted bliss, to meet the most aggravating of disappointments?

You are in an error—do not give way to the impetuosity of your temper.

Heavens, Madam! is it possible I could with patience meet such an unexpected reception?

Sure you do not doubt my sincerity?

[Page 14]

I never did till you began to speak of obstacles.

But do you know what they are?

You are acquainted with them, and that I suppose is sufficient.

Will you but hear me?

What, to make me more distracted than I am?

This, Sir, is a specimen of your tem­per I never thought of seeing.

This is a trial I thought it beyond the power of fortune to put it to.

Come, I see there is a misunderstanding be­tween you, and as it is a relation of mine that is the cause of it, I'll endeavour to clear it up.

A brother, I presume? Cursed fortune!

No, Sir, it is my father, without whose con­sent she cannot give away her hand; and her fortune, (which altho' he says is small) has too many charms for him to resign in a hurry.

Ah! my Sophia, and is that the only bar that can impede my happiness?

The sole one; and do you not think the want of fortune is a strong one?

By heaven if there was any circumstance on earth could make me love you more, it would be to la­bour against difficulties to make you happy; but surely my fortune, and abilities in business, are by no means so despicable as to take away from my felicity with the woman that could return my love.

And where is the woman that would not make a return to such a generous heart? Take then my hand, and let your counsel guide my will.

Then I am completely happy; secure in your affections, if I even fail in procuring the old gentleman's consent I shall possess a treasure which, in my estimation, is richer than all these Indies can bestow.

Come, come, please to lay aside your love and sentiment for a period that I hope is not far off, and re-assume your character of Jonathan, which you person­ate [Page 15] so well; a thought has struck me, that with the assist­ance of a dying swain (who I will this moment intro­duce you to) we may all of us be enabled to set sail for your country, where Virtue gives distinction, Industry wealth; and where, like Majesty Divine, the hand that can deal thunder to usurping foes, distributes the bles­sings of Liberty and Concord to his fellow citizens, by the justice and wisdom of his laws.

—SCENE I.

MADAME, the arrival of this Yankey doodle, or vat you call him, est fort apropos, I am transporté aux ceiux, ah comme nous se­rons heruex how blistered we shall be.

But will you not despise me for tak­ing so imprudent a step? Consider he is my husband.

C'est vrai par de law of de man, but vat is dat to de law of the pitit dieu Cupid in de cour of l'amour? we shall be ugé, and I sa'l be condamné to die vid transport on your saft a bosom.

Oh, you are a flattering creature.

No, I assures you I love you vid a passion si vive, que je ne puis pas vivre that I can not live vid­out you. Ah comme yous etez joli Venus meme est moins belle qui vous, vous avaiz tout a fait l'air enjo [...]e et vos beaux yeux you pritty little eyes, so very full of vivacité. Vat you call dat in English?

Oh you are an enchanting creature.

Ah, Madame, si je puis parle l'Englois comme je parle la François l'ardeur of my language, vould kiss you very soul.

[Page 16]

What animated notions of the pas­sion of love you Frenchmen have?

Madame, l'am dune François est faite pour l'amour dem soul is made for love, it is dat inspire dem vid courage to encounter vos charms, and it is dere gloire d'etre vançu to fall you captive.

Yes, Sir, but after you become our captives you too frequently break your parole d'honneur, and make yourselves matters of the power by which we subdue; as per example, you say you are my captive, yet I am such an unguarded general, that I now give my­self up to your direction, to oppose any peril you dare face.

Ah, quelle joi, I am drunk vid my bon­heur, I sall go dans une instant and purchase the car­gaifon of the Yankey doodle, and he will carry us to de Martinique, where we vel live upon l'amour.

And a little money, mon ami, so I'll go and secure the old gentleman's strong box or coffre sort, as you call it; but above all, remember to bind the Yankey to secrecy, for fear of a discovery.

No feré, no feré, de Yankey doodle love de l'argent too much for make de discover, I vil give he nof of dat, no feré.

Well, well, go and secure him di­rectly.

Je vol, I fly, ma charmant, adeau mon coaeur.

Adeau, ma princessa, il faut partir.

Ecouté donc no forget de coffre fort, de stronga box.

Good People all shut all you year, open all you yi, harken to my tory, da hangman teef.

Take care muma Priscilla, egad you mout make you fool: suppose you gim me saucy, I take my tick, I hit you be [...]m.

You no hab shame, for use somebody, fo look'a my poor peak'ney, he yi tan like for you, he back tan like for you, you can have de heart, for leave poor ting so, O, O.

No vex yera.

I no can tan see yi run water so.

Consider he da you pick'ney.

Da true.

You da he daddy.

True ra muma.

When you marry de lady, dem will bang poor little Quaka.

No talk so, poor lille soul.

Worka like a horse; hungry da kill he.

Yam babrakoo.

No fill he belly.

Poor he one.

Up all night.

Driver da wrong he.

If he peak obaseer, da bang he.

O Lord, oh!

What is here fur do? You, Priscilla, you no hab de impurence of de dibel, to make such a noise in a my house?

I no hab right for come see my husband?

Who da you husband?

Banana da my husband.

Who tell you so?

Da, me tell myself so.

Who, you, you?

Me, me, me, me, Priscilla.

You mullatto Seasar, go tell de obaseer for come turn dis imperence hussy out of doors.

[Page 18]

Lard a mighty in a tap, me poor one in a buckra country; you eber been hear de like of dat—me da imperence hussy—eh—who da you?

Me da lady.

You da dible, look a like a lady; tigh, dir­ty no come dab me.

Me hab plantation.

You, ye lookee like a mumu; you mout like a bull-frog.

Me hab nega like a you.

You, lye, you sesy yi, you mumu nose, you daddy mout chew tobacco, fire gun beem; me no care dat for you.

Cato, Quaminu, somebody come and carry dis yere dibel to de justice, for tie up he mout.

Sorry, sorry for me do.

How sorry for you, you fool?

No let dem bang poor Prissey.

How come so?

Because, mumma, I lob her too much.

You hab de face for tell me so? you no hab no more amminition in you than one hog. Lookee dere

da from Mr. Fingercash; call de obarseer, he will read him for you. Here he de come.

Bery well, read dat dere for you young massa.

Yes, da me, me da you massa—tye man!

Dere, dere for you! go in your cham­ber, make yourself mackey beau, for go marry wid de lady.

Lard, mumma, I no hab de heart.

How come so?

When de lady put hefyi upon me, I will shame so.—

Keep heart, my shild, neber fear; come let a me see how you will berave yourself when you come before company.

I will ax dem how ebrey body do.

Tie, you fool like trokey; you must do him so

how do you do, ma'm? how do you do, sa'ar? how do young lady do?

Es, mumma, but what I mus say to de young lady?

You must gib he sweet mout, tell him you love he better dan all the world.

Better more dan Prissey?

You no can shut your mout about dat coloured dibel. Go put on you tings, and I will tell you how for make de girl fool as we go on the road.

Poor me one, my mumma tink she hab sabby in she head. Egad, she fool more dan poor me; she want a me for marry de fine lady, to make my head grow big like a guaba bush. Niber mind, I will marry de fine lady for please my mumma, and go lib wid Prissey and poor little Quacka for please myself.

Well, Miss Pert, what are your rea­sons why you will not marry this ignoramus, as you call him, who is as rich as a Jew?

[Page 20]

My dearest father, can you ask me that ques­tion? Does not the difference of our education plead most powerfully against it, in breaking the laws of deli­cacy and society, by joining two persons whose souls are so very opposite in sentiment?

Hark'ee, Miss, none of your figura­tive capers with me; I have sent for Mr. Banana, and you shall marry him this evening, I am resolved upon it.

On my knees I beg you hear me: Can you resolve to give up your child to a being that the most abandoned of our sex would loath and spurn at?—The very thought strikes me with madness.

By the Lord well acted! a chip of the old block, romance to the bottom, the mother from top to toe.

Oh, Sir, do not force your daughter to sacri­fice her duty to her love—

Eh, how, what's that! In the name of all that's obstinate, what does the girl mean?

And make her fly for protection from your tyranny into the arms of the man she adores.

Bravo! bravo! excellentissimo! ten flights above any thing your mother ever soared to yet. But who is this mighty champion, this knight-errant, who will stand forth in your defence?

I am he, Sir.

What, with a quiver of quills and a shield of parchment? Ha, ha, ha.

No, Sir, with my life and fortune.

Pounce and ink-powder—Well said Ledger—ha, ha, ha.

I have a fortune, Sir.

Yes, if you could but get any one to give you a fair title to it—ha, ha, ha.

Do you think, Sir, I would tell you a lie?

One? ay, a thousand to get the hand­ling of my strong box, and leave to make an entry into the heart of that young lady.

[Page 21]

That he has already done, and no power on earth shall ever erase it.

Zounds! was ever man so insulted by a romantic girl and a beggarly adventurer, whom I took from starving out of a prison, and who now wants to rob me of my daughter, and I know not what besides? —Get out of my house, Sir, and if you ever dare to come within these doors again, I'll have you committed to prison.

Take care, Sir, how you threaten; recollect your villainous practices have put you in my power, not me in yours.

Egad, he has me there; I must act with caution in this affair, and get rid of him as quick as possible.

I have it—Look'ee, Sir, I have not so bad an opinion of you as to suppose you could be guilty of ingratitude, and I believe your happiness must be con­cerned to force you to betray your benefactor; therefore, if you will promise not to take any advantage of me for this evening, I may take the affair into consideration, provided you can bring any proofs of your having even the expectation of a fortune.

I agree to your proposals, and you may rest satisfied I shall take no step to yours or the young lady's injury.

Very well, very well, that's a good lad, go to the counting-house and make out the Yankey's account.

And you, Miss, go to your mother's room, I'll follow you there.

So I have quieted their minds by a vain hope, and as soon as Banana arrives I'll have her secretly carried off in a carriage to Pierre Jean's, and married; and as for her gallant, I'll get him off the island cost what it will.— Oh, apropos, here comes the very man I wanted.

Well friend N [...]rard, how goes it?

Bad enough.

What's the matter?

I am bewitched, I wish I never had left daddy.

[Page 22]

What, has any of the Negroes been practising their obeo on you?

No, it's neither obeo nor o, b, e, c, but the tarnish roguish looks of that satin's imp, Miss Bellmange.

What has she done to you?

Done, ecod I can't tell what she has done to me, she has made me feel all over.

Why, you are in love man.

May be so. Now, can you tell me any cure for that?

Marriage, to be sure; did I not tell you you would carry off some of our Creole girls!

Oh Lord, have I come all the way over seas to fall in love with a screetch-owl?

She's a fine girl, an't she?

Ay, she may be fine enough for these parts, but she would not suit our markets; I would give all I am worth in the world, and mammy's hogs in the bar­gain, that I had never seen her face, for when I do go home to daddy's, she'll haunt me like a ghost, I shall be so thinking about her.

Ah, my good friend, if you would but do me a small service, I would put you in a way of curing your love, and making your fortune.

I vow now if you an't the best friend I ever had in my born days, I could find in my heart to fight through thick and thin to serve you.

Give me your hand, my honest fel­low, why, I knew you were the lad for my purpose the moment I saw you. You know my clerk?

Yes, what about him?

He has robb'd me.

I swear and swamp it, who would have thought he was such a devil?

'Tis too true. Now, as the young fellow is of a good family, I would not wish him to come to public shame; if you will carry him home with you, you shall have my consent to marry Miss Bellange, and that will be the making of your fortune.

[Page 23]

Eh, Captain, what shall I do?

Try your luck man, faint heart never won a fair lady.

Agreed; but suppose I don't get her consent now, may I try it again next voyage?

Yes, yes, you can't expect it this, for you must off directly; I will make out your account this instant, and give you the balance in cash, my boy.

What, hard cash?

Hard as iron, my lad. It will be cursed hard if I don't bilk you out of it tho'.

I shall have the young lady when I get her consent, for certain?

O yes, undoubtedly. If your head don't ache till then, you'll have luck my lad.

Ecod then I'll do't.

You must gag him till you get him aboard, for he'll be declaring his innocence, and keep him close under the hatches till you get clear of the land, he's a bloody minded fellow.

Don't you put yourself into any consternations about it. I'll turn kidnapper for once, and sell my soul to the old boy, but I take you both to witness 'tis for that snake of temptation call'd a Woman.

Yes, yes, I'll give you a certificate, that you are a dam'd jack-ass.

Gentlemen, I'll go and prepare your cash for you.

Well, my friend, what think you now?

That fortune has smiled auspicious on your schemes, and that you will be as successful as any hero that every trod the region of romance; and your meeting with your friend Ledger, who you supposed died in prison, is as romantic an incident as ever turned up to any Quixote of them all.

Yes, faith, but the Frenchman's' intrigue crowns all; that secret will command what terms I please for myself, and Ledger too I hope. He has wrote to the Governor on the tyranny of the old gentleman's forcing his daughter to a preposterous match with Bana­na, [Page 24] so we must wait his arrival before we open our plot. You have got possession of the strong box, the coffre fort?

Safe.

Then allons vive l'amour.

SCENE II.

Well, child, my heart is softened by your tears and entreaties, and you may depend on my assistance, if you can devise any scheme to counteract your brute of a father; and to prevent any suspicion, you must seem to comply with his wishes.

Well, wife, does Miss begin to listen to reason?

Yes, my dear, my elocution has at length subdued her obstinacy, and she is convinced of her error?

Then, if that is the case, I freely for­give her, and am proud to find she is disposed to receive her intended husband with propriety.

Misses Banana da come wid he son.

Shew them in.

We are all happy to see you on oc­casion that will put your son in possession of as fine a girl as any in the country,

and me of his mo­ney.

You savant, Sir, you savant, Ladies, I am as proud as you can be, an do my son no schola, he hab a heart.

Big like a pumkin, mumma.

Shut you mout.

[Page 25]

Yes, no bex yere.

What make you tan so?

Tie, mumma, you no see me tan on my foot; how I must tan?

Where all dem fine tings I been learn you for say?

Tie, dem gone, dem gone out o' my head, an no sabby catch 'em.

Son, Banana, that is to be, your most obedient, you are grown vastly corpulent since I had last the pleasure of seeing you.

Yes, a' daddy, me da corporal in de militia, me da go sajant nex a year.

You fool like a trokey, you no hab no mo gramification in you dan if you neber been larn you letter. Why you no peak to de lady, man?

Marra ma'am.

Lud, mamma, I no sabby do um.

Mrs. Banana, your son is rather mo­dest; he is bashful before company; suppose we leave the young folks together, I have something to commu­nicate to you in private?

Wid all my heart, Sir.

No leab a poo me, shame da kill me, Lard wha me da go do, my yi turn, my heart go tumpity tump, my knee go bumpity bumity bump.

Poor wretch, he seems quite confounded with the inequality of his situation.

Suppose you no bex, I will tell you one tory; I lobe a you, I lobe a you, like peppa pot my heart da burn, a burn a like a fire coal, put you yi sweet upon me, sorry fo' me, sorry fo' me, sorry fo' me do, or I da go dead like a one pig.

Say that again, you scoundrel, and I'll send this bullet through your head.

O Lord, Oh!—

Offer to squall and I'll—

Lod, I dead a ready.

You wretch, how cou'd you dare—

Ax a pardon, good man, da no been me.

Who then?

Da been, da been, da —

Speak cut, you rascal.

Lod, me no sabby peak.

What's the matter?

Da someting you hab dere look angry so.

What, this?

Yes, shut up he mout, no let he talk, and I will tell you one tory.

Now go on.

My mumma want a fo' ride grande, gallop away prookety, prookety, prook; me know me da foole, and me want fo' walk tofly, tofly; you sabby, tofly catch quickly; me mumma want me for marry wid de fine lady, I want fo' go lib wid my own lobe Prissey.

What, you have got a mistress then?

Yes, an pickney too. You no know little Quacka?

And don't you love your Prissey?

Yes, I lobe he like a hell, and she lobe me like a dibel.

Well, if ever you wish to see Prissey's face again, go into that chamber, put on a suit of clothes you'll find there, and don't dare to move or speak till I bring you out; then you shall be lawfully married to her.

Bless a you heart, good soul, I will do ebery ting you bid a me.

Lod, I want fo' beg you one someting.

[Page 27]

What's that?

Fo' [...]ang my mumma, curse he old heart.

Remember, don't stir, or I'll—

O Lod! O Lod!

Now, my Louisa, every thing goes on to our wish—give this note to your maid to give your father; that will prevent his going with you to Pere Jean's. I'll go mask my face and put on Banana's clothes; the coachman is in my interest, and is willing to be deceiv­ed.

Well, have you succeeded with Banana?

To a miracle; it was the wish of the poor wretch to get an opportunity of being off.—The Gover­nor will be here about the hour the priest has made Lou­isa mine—Are your sailors in readiness?

Yes; but I don't fully understand how you intend to conduct this business.

'Tis thus; I overheard a conversation between Louisa and her mother, who has yielded to her entrea­ties, and promises her assistance. Louisa's maid, under pretence of betraying me, will give the old gentleman a note, making an appointment to meet his daughter at the place and hour the Frenchman has fixed for eloping with Mrs. Fingercash. Now, you must be ready with your sailors to carry off the Frenchman, whom Fingercash will suppose to be me, as he is to be mask'd, you know.

Ay, now I understand you.

Louisa, Louisa.

Zounds! here is the old fellow; I must to my hiding-place.

Have you seen Louisa this way?

No; I have been looking for her to get her to speak a good word for me when I am gone.

[Page 28]

I wish you was safe gone, and that villain Ledger along with you. Would you believe it, not content with robbing me, he keeps lurking about with an intention to run away with my daughter; her maid has betrayed them, and gave me this note, appoint­ing a rendezvous. Now, my dear fellow, to prove yourself worthy of my friendship and Miss Bellange's love, be you and your sailors ready to go along with me, and we'll there gag him and carry him on board.

Oh, never fear me.

Boy,

tell your mistress to come here—Are your hands stout fellows?

They are not over and above stout, but I be­lieve they are fellows.

Stupid ass!

your men I mean?

Yes, fine chowder-fed boys.

What do you want, my dear?

No, I'll not trust her 'till 'tis all over.—My dear, I have a pres­sing reason why I should wish this business of our daugh­ter's was finished, and must request you to go in my place to Pere Jean's. There is no time to be lost, so you must about it this instant, and return immediately after the ceremony, for then my fears will have an end.—Come along with me, honest Jonathan, and I'll settle with you.

Surely he does not suspect me—oh no—my daughter said she would send him on a wrong scent till her affair is over, and this is the most charming opportunity for me to make off with my spark. I'll see if Ledger is ready. Hist, hist.

Oh, you are ready, I see; my daughter and I will call on you in an instant. Remember, you must turn me out of the coach as soon as we lose sight of the house.

[Page 29]

Is the old gentleman secured?

All ready, and now for a trip to the land of love.

This is the arbour of jassamine, I vill go secure my prize.

Seize him! seize him! at him, my boys, at him!

Oh des voleurs! des voleurs! Murder! murder!

Yes, yes, these are thieves, and you are one of them. You was punctual to the hour, and you did not find me behind hand.

Ecoute moi?

Changing your language won't do; we are prepared for you, altho' the lady was'n't.

Je suis ennocent je vous.

There, did I not tell you he would plead innocent: gag him, gag him.

Waw, waw, waw, waw, de Yankey doodle.

Waw, waw, waw.

He sings Yankey doodle to a new tune, and waw, waw, waw, make a most excellent chorus.

Well, Sir, we are all ready for sailing.

Stop, I must give your passenger his clearance.

that's the dandy!

I am very glad, Madam, you have had recourse to these artifices, for had I been obliged to in­terpose with my authority, it might have been attended with disagreeable consequences to this cruel father.

Still, Sir, I must request you to speak in the same absolute stile to Mr. Fingercash you have done to Acid, for he is the most artful of men.

I conceive your meaning, and will attend to it.

Your Excellency's most obedient.

Soldat.

Gentlemen, what is the meaning of of all this?

I am sorry, Sir, I am not at liberty to give you my best welcome in this house, as these gentlemen seem to be masters of the ceremony.

This pleasantry will not soften my resent­ment; I am come here to see justice done.

I am sorry, Sir, the bird is flown, your justice cannot extend to the stretching Mr. Ledger's neck this time.

What, Sir, do you take me for a hang­man?

No, Sir, but he is the only offender about my house.

Lord, what's the matter friend? sure you are not going to sing to the tune of Yankey doodle, waw, waw, &c.

Peace, man; swear to whatever I say, and you shall have Miss Bellange, and her fortune into the bargain, whether she will or not.

[Page 31]

You may depend upon me, Sir; I'll stand by you, till you get your deserts, you scoundrel.

You have heard, Sir, of the robbery he has committed?

No, Sir, I have heard of no robbery.

Sir, he has almost ruin'd me.

I'll swear right down point blank he has.

Besides, he wanted to carry off my daughter, and tri'd all he could to get the poor innocent Yankey to join him in the plot.

Yes, I'll be drot if he did'n't.

A wicked black plot, Sir, as ever you heard of.

Yes, a tarnashon black plot the whole of it, and here comes a fellow with a black patch on his face to prove it.

Your blessing, daddy.

How, sure this an't Banana?

No, Sir, but your own Ledger, neatly bound by father Jean, and elegantly gilded by this lady's hand.

A curs'd black plot indeed!

What, are you concern'd in it too?

Me, Sir; if I had any hand in patching that black face, I wish the devil may take me. Oh Lord, there he is.

Revenche, revenche, de Yankey doodle, et de goudron de feder, de feder and goudron.

Yes, you are very well feathered, and I have made a very good run to keep clear of old nick. Do Governor, keep him off.

[Page 32]

Mon General.

Ecod, I never knew the old boy had got a commander before.

Ah, you are there, Mr. Deserter; vous serrai pendu mon ami.

What, are you going to sing the second part of Yankey doodle, waw, waw?

I am lost in amazement. Wife, in the profundity of your wisdom can you find any mode to expound this? What, your figurative store exhausted!

Yes, Sir, it has taken flight, and you may think yourself extremely happy it has not carried your solid stuff along with it. What say you, Monsieur? the coffre fort, ha, ha, ha!

Eh, what's that about the strong box?

I ax pardon, my aminition been make me fool, I no been know myself, no punish me for my prerumption, I punish enough already, I loose my poor pickney; wha me da go do for my poor pick­ney, oh?

Here me mumma.

Lard, my pickney.

Tye mumma.

I am robb'd, I am robb'd! Gover­ner, I request justice; order your soldiers to secure every body in the house, that my money may be restored.

My intention in coming here was to see justice done every one.

Lard, mumma, take care, massa Ledger been promise to bang you, he will pay you well.

[Page 33]

No, Banana, your goodness—

Yes, me da good boy.

Protects yourself and mother.

Tank you.

Keep heart, old soul.

Now, gentlemen, Banana's business being over —

Me da go marry Prissey.

Peace, Sir.

I done, massa, no bex yere.

Advance your different claims, and let me know the nature of them.

I believe, Sir, mine stands first upon the list.

Hey day! in the name of wonder, who are you, pray?

My name is Amant, a favoured admirer of this lady's, whose fortune I now demand; my right of claim to it being your and her consent to our union.

Well, this makes good the old saying, that a true bred Yankey is a match for the devil:—But you'll find yourself mistaken in her fortune—I have large demands against the estate.

How justly founded my friend Ledger can explain—You see I'm a match for you every way— Remember you said I was the boy for your purpose.

You find, Sir, from your ungovernable de­sire of riches, you not only put people upon their guard against you, but oblige them to descend to the lowest arts, to defeat you in your villainy. To such a degrad­ing state of infamy did you lower yourself, that you made even your wife and child abhor you as a monster that knew no distinction of either appetite or sentiment: that abhorrence gave rise to inconstancy in the one, and disobedience in the other. The only atonement you can now make for your past errors, is to return to the paths of honour and honesty, and by your endeavours to make your family happy, be reinstated in their loves.

[Page 34]

Your words are backed with truth and sound reason, and I'm become their convert. I humbly beg pardon for the trouble I have given you: But if you and this good company will bury in oblivion my past errors, and those of the YORKER'S STRATAGEM, I shall for the future only exist in meriting your—no—

their approbation.