Richard Brinsley Sheridan

(1751-1816)

•PlaywrightPlaywright

•ImpresarioImpresario

•Whig Whig politicianpolitician

•OratorOrator

• Born in Dublin (30th October 1751)Born in Dublin (30th October 1751)

• Studied at Studied at HarrowHarrow (1762) (1762)

• Moved to England and settled in BathMoved to England and settled in Bath

• Became the manager of Became the manager of Drury Lane Theatre (burnt ,1809)Drury Lane Theatre (burnt ,1809)

• Died (1816)Died (1816)

Harrow SchoolHarrow School • Harrow School, commonly known simply as Harrow School, commonly known simply as

"Harrow", is an independent school for boys "Harrow", is an independent school for boys

situated in the town of Harrow, in north-west situated in the town of Harrow, in north-west

London. Harrow has educated boys since London. Harrow has educated boys since

1243 but was officially founded by John Lyon 1243 but was officially founded by John Lyon

under a Royal Charter of Elizabeth I in 1572.under a Royal Charter of Elizabeth I in 1572.

• The school has an enrolment of The school has an enrolment of

approximately 800 boys spread across approximately 800 boys spread across

twelve boarding houses, all of whom board twelve boarding houses, all of whom board

full time.full time.

• Harrow is world-famous for its many traditions Harrow is world-famous for its many traditions and rich history, which includes the use of a and rich history, which includes the use of a cane and a very long line of famous alumni cane and a very long line of famous alumni including eight former Prime Ministers including eight former Prime Ministers (including Winston Churchill), numerous (including Winston Churchill), numerous foreign statesmen, former and current British foreign statesmen, former and current British Lords and members of Parliament, two Kings Lords and members of Parliament, two Kings and several other members of various royal and several other members of various royal families, 19 Victoria Cross holders, and a families, 19 Victoria Cross holders, and a great many notable figures in both the arts great many notable figures in both the arts and the sciences. It is one of the original nine and the sciences. It is one of the original nine English public schools as defined by the Public English public schools as defined by the Public Schools Act 1868.Schools Act 1868.

Theatre Royal, Drury Lane Address:Catherine StreetCity:Westminster,LondonArchitect:1663 Thomas KilligrewOwned by:Really Useful TheatresPrevious names:Theatre Royal,Bridges StCapacity:2,196(4 levels)Opened:1663Rebuilt:1674 Christopher Wren 1794 Henry Holland 1812 Benjamin Dean Wyatt

Theatre Royal, Drury Theatre Royal, Drury LaneLane

• Theatre Royal, Drury LaneTheatre Royal, Drury Lane is a West is a West End theatre in Covent Garden, in the End theatre in Covent Garden, in the City of Westminster, a borough of City of Westminster, a borough of London, dating back to 1663, making it London, dating back to 1663, making it the oldest London theatre. Through most the oldest London theatre. Through most of the time, it was one of a small handful of the time, it was one of a small handful of patent theatres that were granted of patent theatres that were granted monopoly rights to the production of monopoly rights to the production of "legitimate" (meaning spoken plays, "legitimate" (meaning spoken plays, rather than opera, dance, concerts, or rather than opera, dance, concerts, or plays with music) drama in London. plays with music) drama in London.

fell in love (1772)fell in love (1772) eloped with Elizabeth Ann Linleyeloped with Elizabeth Ann Linley challenged to a duel (2nd July)challenged to a duel (2nd July) married & lived happilymarried & lived happily his wife died (1792)his wife died (1792)

•Became a Became a WhigWhig M.P. (1780) M.P. (1780)

•Speech at the impeachment of Speech at the impeachment of Warren Hastings (1787)Warren Hastings (1787)

•speech in the House of Commons speech in the House of Commons (1798)(1798)

Political CareerPolitical Career

WorksWorks

PlaysPlays

PoemsPoems

•The Rivals The Rivals •The School for The School for Scandal Scandal•St Patrick’s

Day •The Duenna

•A Portrait A Portrait •Had I a Heart foHad I a Heart for Falsehood Framr Falsehood Framed ed •Here’s to the Here’s to the Maiden of BashfuMaiden of Bashful Fifteen l Fifteen •If a Daughter YoIf a Daughter You Haveu Have

St Patrick’s DaySt Patrick’s Day

An annual feast day which celebrates Saint An annual feast day which celebrates Saint

Patrick (circa AD 385–461), the most comPatrick (circa AD 385–461), the most com

monly recognized of the patron saints of monly recognized of the patron saints of

Ireland, and is generally celebrated on 1Ireland, and is generally celebrated on 1

7th of March. 7th of March.

The DuennaThe Duenna

The Duenna is a three-act comic opera, an The Duenna is a three-act comic opera, an English-language libretto by Richard BriEnglish-language libretto by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. At the time, it was consinsley Sheridan. At the time, it was considered one of the most successful operas dered one of the most successful operas ever staged in England, and its admirers ever staged in England, and its admirers included Samuel Johnson(included Samuel Johnson( 塞缪尔塞缪尔 ·· 约约翰逊常称为约翰逊博士（翰逊常称为约翰逊博士（ Dr. JohnsonDr. Johnson ），），英国历史上最有名的文人之一，集文评家、英国历史上最有名的文人之一，集文评家、诗人、散文家、传记家于一身诗人、散文家、传记家于一身 ) and Lord G) and Lord George Byron(eorge Byron( 拜伦 拜伦 ).).

MasterpiecMasterpieceses

The RivalsThe Rivals ((first comedy,1775first comedy,1775))

The School for The School for ScandalScandal ((17771777))

The RivalsThe Rivals•The love affairs of The love affairs of Lydia and Captain.Lydia and Captain.

•A Classic Comedy of A Classic Comedy of manners - gentle, hmanners - gentle, humorous satire.umorous satire.

The RivalsThe Rivals, a comedy in five acts, established Ri, a comedy in five acts, established Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s reputation in the chard Brinsley Sheridan’s reputation in the London theatre in 1775. When the first perforLondon theatre in 1775. When the first performance was not well received, Sheridan cut it mance was not well received, Sheridan cut it by an hour, strengthened the idiosyncratic chby an hour, strengthened the idiosyncratic characters, and produced the new version in a aracters, and produced the new version in a highly successful second performance that prhighly successful second performance that proved his merit as a great comic playwright. oved his merit as a great comic playwright. TThe Rivalshe Rivals is one of a small handful of eighteen is one of a small handful of eighteenth-century plays that continues to be producth-century plays that continues to be produced to this day. ed to this day.

Comedy of manners Comedy of manners

The comedy of manners satirizes the mannThe comedy of manners satirizes the manners and affectations of a social class. The ers and affectations of a social class. The plot of the comedy, often concerned with plot of the comedy, often concerned with an illicit love affair or some other scandal, an illicit love affair or some other scandal, is generally less important than its witty ais generally less important than its witty and often bawdy dialogue.nd often bawdy dialogue.

the play satirizes sentimentalism and sophisticated the play satirizes sentimentalism and sophisticated pretensions, without the typical eighteenth-centpretensions, without the typical eighteenth-century moralizing. The dialogue crackles with wit evury moralizing. The dialogue crackles with wit even today, over two hundred years after it was firsen today, over two hundred years after it was first penned. This play is the source of the term "malt penned. This play is the source of the term "malapropism," named for Mrs. Malaprop, whose deliapropism," named for Mrs. Malaprop, whose delightful ‘‘derangement of epitaphs’’ consists ghtful ‘‘derangement of epitaphs’’ consists of using sophisticated-sounding words incorrectlof using sophisticated-sounding words incorrectly. The Rivals is an example of what Oliver Goldsmy. The Rivals is an example of what Oliver Goldsmith called in his 1773 "An Essay on the Theatre," "lith called in his 1773 "An Essay on the Theatre," "laughing comedy," in contrast with the "weeping aughing comedy," in contrast with the "weeping sentimental comedy" that dished out heavy handsentimental comedy" that dished out heavy handed moralizing in every act. ed moralizing in every act.

The School for ScandalThe School for Scandal

The School for ScandalThe School for Scandal

• A comedy of manners.A comedy of manners.• an amusing play, film, or book that an amusing play, film, or book that

shows the silly behavior of a particular shows the silly behavior of a particular group of people group of people

• It was first performed in London on May It was first performed in London on May 8, 1777. 8, 1777.

• A sharp satire on the moral A sharp satire on the moral

degeneracy of the aristocratic-degeneracy of the aristocratic-

bourgeois society in the 18th century bourgeois society in the 18th century

England: the vicious scandal England: the vicious scandal

mongering among the idle rich, the mongering among the idle rich, the

reckless life of extravagance and reckless life of extravagance and

love intrigues in the high society, and love intrigues in the high society, and

the immorality and hypocrisy behind the immorality and hypocrisy behind

the mask of honorable living and the mask of honorable living and

high-sounding moral principles.high-sounding moral principles.

characterscharacters• Sir Peter TeazleSir Peter Teazle• Lady TeazleLady Teazle• Lady SneerwellLady Sneerwell• Charles Surface:a rake and gambler; a kind-heCharles Surface:a rake and gambler; a kind-he

arted and affectionate manarted and affectionate man• MariaMaria• Joseph: appears modest and virtuousJoseph: appears modest and virtuous a callous and hypocritical egoist in realitya callous and hypocritical egoist in reality• Sir Oliver SurfaceSir Oliver Surface

The Story of The Story of The School for ScandalThe School for Scandal

• Charles is in love with Maria. Sir Peter Teazle’s ward, Charles is in love with Maria. Sir Peter Teazle’s ward, and his affection is returned. and his affection is returned.

• Meanwhile, Sir Peter, an elderly gentleman,has marrieMeanwhile, Sir Peter, an elderly gentleman,has married a very young wife, Lady Teazle, coming from the coud a very young wife, Lady Teazle, coming from the countryside, becomes attracted by the fashionable life in ntryside, becomes attracted by the fashionable life in London and lets her in for love affairs beyond the bouLondon and lets her in for love affairs beyond the bounds of marriage. So they are at odds with each other. nds of marriage. So they are at odds with each other.

• Moreover, the ladies and gentlemen who gather at LaMoreover, the ladies and gentlemen who gather at Lady Sneerwell’s, under her encouragement, put about dy Sneerwell’s, under her encouragement, put about scandalous stories in high society. These scandal-monscandalous stories in high society. These scandal-mongers, who "strike a character dead at every word," magers, who "strike a character dead at every word," make life troublesome for all people. ke life troublesome for all people.

• Now Lady Sneerwell, in love with Charles, instigates JNow Lady Sneerwell, in love with Charles, instigates Joseph to pursue Maria, and Joseph, while making advoseph to pursue Maria, and Joseph, while making advances to Maria, secretly tries to seduce Lady Teazle. ances to Maria, secretly tries to seduce Lady Teazle.

• Sir Peter, owing to the fabrications of Lady SnSir Peter, owing to the fabrications of Lady Sneerwell and Joseph Surface, believes Charles teerwell and Joseph Surface, believes Charles to be the person flirting with his young wife. o be the person flirting with his young wife.

• One day, Lady Teazle foolishly pays Joseph a vOne day, Lady Teazle foolishly pays Joseph a visit in his own room. He is on the point of corruisit in his own room. He is on the point of corrupting her when Sir Peter arrives unexpectedly. pting her when Sir Peter arrives unexpectedly. Lady Teazle is forced to hide behind a screen. Lady Teazle is forced to hide behind a screen.

• Then quite unexpectedly, Charles turns up and Then quite unexpectedly, Charles turns up and Sir Peter in turn has to take cover. Sir Peter in turn has to take cover.

• The climax comes when Charles knocks over tThe climax comes when Charles knocks over the screen and reveal Lady TeazIe. he screen and reveal Lady TeazIe.

• Thus Sir Peter finds out that it is not Charles but Joseph Thus Sir Peter finds out that it is not Charles but Joseph who has been carrying on an intrigue with his wife. who has been carrying on an intrigue with his wife.

• Then it is learned that Sir Oliver Surface, the uncle of ChThen it is learned that Sir Oliver Surface, the uncle of Charles and Joseph, has returned to England from the Easarles and Joseph, has returned to England from the East. t.

• Sir Oliver is determined to ascertain for himself the trutSir Oliver is determined to ascertain for himself the truth about his two nephews. He visits Charles in the guise h about his two nephews. He visits Charles in the guise of a usurer. Charles sells all the family portraits to him bof a usurer. Charles sells all the family portraits to him but refuses to part with him-- that of his uncle’s. Then Sut refuses to part with him-- that of his uncle’s. Then Sir Oliver appears before Joseph in the character of a poir Oliver appears before Joseph in the character of a poor relative asking for help, which Joseph refuses to give or relative asking for help, which Joseph refuses to give on the pretext that the “poverty” is brought on by the on the pretext that the “poverty” is brought on by the stinginess of his uncle. stinginess of his uncle.

• This completes the exposure of Joseph. Charles marries This completes the exposure of Joseph. Charles marries Maria, and Sir Peter is reconciled to Lady Teazle. Maria, and Sir Peter is reconciled to Lady Teazle.

• SummarySummary• Act IAct I

School for ScandalSchool for Scandal opens with Lady Sneerwell and her opens with Lady Sneerwell and her henchman, Snake, plotting a means to break up the rohenchman, Snake, plotting a means to break up the romance between Charles Surface and Maria. It is Snake's mance between Charles Surface and Maria. It is Snake's job to assist in disseminating the gossip that Lady Sneejob to assist in disseminating the gossip that Lady Sneerwell creates, and when he asks why she wishes to destrwell creates, and when he asks why she wishes to destroy this romance, Lady Sneerwell reveals that she wantroy this romance, Lady Sneerwell reveals that she wants Charles for herself. Maria's hand would then go to Chas Charles for herself. Maria's hand would then go to Charles's brother, Joseph.rles's brother, Joseph.

• In the first act, the audience is introduced to the characIn the first act, the audience is introduced to the characters who surround Lady Sneerwell, and their true naturters who surround Lady Sneerwell, and their true nature is revealed. Gossip and slander fill their time; they cone is revealed. Gossip and slander fill their time; they consider the destruction of marriages and reputations as esider the destruction of marriages and reputations as entertainment.ntertainment.

• Maria is the exception in this group. She condemns Maria is the exception in this group. She condemns

their gossip and refuses to be persuaded that Charles is their gossip and refuses to be persuaded that Charles is

unworthy of her. Sir Peter and his servant, Rowley, unworthy of her. Sir Peter and his servant, Rowley,

arrive on stage at the change of scene. Sir Peter is arrive on stage at the change of scene. Sir Peter is

openly questioning his wisdom in marrying such a openly questioning his wisdom in marrying such a

young wife. He thought that by marrying an innocent young wife. He thought that by marrying an innocent

country girl, his happiness would be assured. Instead, country girl, his happiness would be assured. Instead,

Sir Peter reveals to the audience that his wife spends Sir Peter reveals to the audience that his wife spends

too much time with her friends and too much money on too much time with her friends and too much money on

dresses and extravagances, Rowley tells Sir Peter that dresses and extravagances, Rowley tells Sir Peter that

Charles and Joseph's uncle, Sir Oliver, is returning to Charles and Joseph's uncle, Sir Oliver, is returning to

London after a long absence. The audience also learns London after a long absence. The audience also learns

that it is Rowley's opinion that Charles has more that it is Rowley's opinion that Charles has more

potential than Sir Peter recognizes.potential than Sir Peter recognizes.

Act First Act First Scene IScene I• LADY SNEERWELL’S Dressing-room LADY SNELADY SNEERWELL’S Dressing-room LADY SNE

ERWELL discovered at her toilet; SNAKE drinkiERWELL discovered at her toilet; SNAKE drinking chocolate.ng chocolate.

• Lady Sneerwell: THE PARAGRAPHS, you say, MLady Sneerwell: THE PARAGRAPHS, you say, Mr. Snake, were all inserted? r. Snake, were all inserted?

• Snake. They were, madam; and, as I copied thSnake. They were, madam; and, as I copied them myself in a feigned hand, there can be no sem myself in a feigned hand, there can be no suspicion whence they came. uspicion whence they came.

• Lady Sneer. Did you circulate the report of LaLady Sneer. Did you circulate the report of Lady Brittle’s intrigue with Captain Boastall?dy Brittle’s intrigue with Captain Boastall?

• Snake. That’s in as fine a train as your ladyship could Snake. That’s in as fine a train as your ladyship could wish. In the common course of things, I think it must re wish. In the common course of things, I think it must reach Mrs. Clackitt’s ears within four-and-twenty hours; ach Mrs. Clackitt’s ears within four-and-twenty hours; and then, you know, the business is as good as done. and then, you know, the business is as good as done.

• Lady Sneer. Why, truly, Mrs. Clackitt has a very pretty taLady Sneer. Why, truly, Mrs. Clackitt has a very pretty talent, and a great deal of industry. lent, and a great deal of industry.

• Snake. True, madam, and has been tolerably successfuSnake. True, madam, and has been tolerably successful in her day. To my knowledge, she has been the cause ol in her day. To my knowledge, she has been the cause of six matches being broken off, and three sons being disf six matches being broken off, and three sons being disinherited; of four forced elopements, and as many close inherited; of four forced elopements, and as many close confinements; nine separate maintenances, and two diconfinements; nine separate maintenances, and two divorces. Nay, I have more than once traced her causing a vorces. Nay, I have more than once traced her causing a tête-à-tête in the “Town and County Magazine,” whetête-à-tête in the “Town and County Magazine,” when the parties, perhaps, had never seen each other’s fan the parties, perhaps, had never seen each other’s face before in the course of their lives. ce before in the course of their lives.

• Lady Sneer. She certainly has talents, but her manner iLady Sneer. She certainly has talents, but her manner is gross. s gross.

• Snake. ’Tis very true. She generally designs well, has a frSnake. ’Tis very true. She generally designs well, has a free tongue and a bold invention; but her colouring is too dee tongue and a bold invention; but her colouring is too dark, and her outlines often extravagant. She wants that deark, and her outlines often extravagant. She wants that delicacy of tint, and mellowness of sneer, which distinguish licacy of tint, and mellowness of sneer, which distinguish your ladyship’s scandal.your ladyship’s scandal.

• Lady Sneer. You are partial, Snake. Lady Sneer. You are partial, Snake. • Snake. Not in the least; everybody allows that Lady SneerSnake. Not in the least; everybody allows that Lady Sneer

well can do more with a word or look than many can with well can do more with a word or look than many can with the most laboured detail, even when they happen to have the most laboured detail, even when they happen to have a little truth on their side to support it. a little truth on their side to support it.

• Lady Sneer. Yes, my dear Snake; and I am no hypocrite to Lady Sneer. Yes, my dear Snake; and I am no hypocrite to deny the satisfaction I reap from the success of my efforts. deny the satisfaction I reap from the success of my efforts. Wounded myself, in the early part of my life, by the envenWounded myself, in the early part of my life, by the envenomed tongue of slander, I confess I have since known no pomed tongue of slander, I confess I have since known no pleasure equal to the reducing others to the level of my owleasure equal to the reducing others to the level of my own reputation. n reputation.

• Snake. Nothing can be more natural. But, Lady Sneerwell, Snake. Nothing can be more natural. But, Lady Sneerwell, there is one affair in which you have lately employed me, there is one affair in which you have lately employed me, wherein, I confess, I am at a loss to guess your motives.wherein, I confess, I am at a loss to guess your motives.

• Lady Sneer. I conceive you mean with respect to my neigLady Sneer. I conceive you mean with respect to my neighbour, Sir Peter Teazle, and his family? hbour, Sir Peter Teazle, and his family?

• Snake. I do. Here are two young men, to whom Sir Peter hSnake. I do. Here are two young men, to whom Sir Peter has acted as a kind of guardian since their father’s death; as acted as a kind of guardian since their father’s death; the eldest possessing the most amiable character, and unithe eldest possessing the most amiable character, and universally well spoken of—the youngest, the most dissipateversally well spoken of—the youngest, the most dissipated and extravagant young fellow in the kingdom, without frd and extravagant young fellow in the kingdom, without friends or character; the former an avowed admirer of your iends or character; the former an avowed admirer of your ladyship, and apparently your favourite; the latter attacheladyship, and apparently your favourite; the latter attached to Maria, Sir Peter’s ward, and confessedly beloved by d to Maria, Sir Peter’s ward, and confessedly beloved by her. Now, on the face of these circumstances, it is utterly uher. Now, on the face of these circumstances, it is utterly unaccountable to me, why you, the widow of a city knight, naccountable to me, why you, the widow of a city knight, with a good jointure, should not close with the passion of with a good jointure, should not close with the passion of a man of such character and expectations as Mr. Surface; a man of such character and expectations as Mr. Surface; and more so why you should be so uncommonly earnest tand more so why you should be so uncommonly earnest to destroy the mutual attachment subsisting between his bo destroy the mutual attachment subsisting between his brother Charles and Maria. rother Charles and Maria.

• Lady Sneer. Then, at once to unravel this mystery, I must iLady Sneer. Then, at once to unravel this mystery, I must inform you that love has no share whatever in the intercounform you that love has no share whatever in the intercourse between Mr. Surface and me.rse between Mr. Surface and me.

• Snake. No! Snake. No! • Lady Sneer. His real attachment is to Maria, or her fortuLady Sneer. His real attachment is to Maria, or her fortu

ne; but, finding in his brother a favoured rival, he has bene; but, finding in his brother a favoured rival, he has been obliged to mask his pretensions, and profit by my assen obliged to mask his pretensions, and profit by my assistance. istance.

• Snake. Yet still I am more puzzled why you should interSnake. Yet still I am more puzzled why you should interest yourself in his success. est yourself in his success.

• Lady Sneer. Heavens! how dull you are! Cannot you surLady Sneer. Heavens! how dull you are! Cannot you surmise the weakness which I hitherto, through shame, havmise the weakness which I hitherto, through shame, have concealed even from you? Must I confess that Charlese concealed even from you? Must I confess that Charles—that libertine, that extravagant, that bankrupt in fortu—that libertine, that extravagant, that bankrupt in fortune and reputation—that he it is for whom I am thus anxine and reputation—that he it is for whom I am thus anxious and malicious, and to gain whom I would sacrifice eous and malicious, and to gain whom I would sacrifice every thing? very thing?

• Snake. Now, indeed, your conduct appears consistent: Snake. Now, indeed, your conduct appears consistent: but how came you and Mr. Surface so confidential?but how came you and Mr. Surface so confidential?

• Lady Sneer. For our mutual interest. I have founLady Sneer. For our mutual interest. I have found him out a long time since. I know him to be artfud him out a long time since. I know him to be artful, selfish, and malicious—in short, a sentimental kl, selfish, and malicious—in short, a sentimental knave; while with Sir Peter, and indeed with all his nave; while with Sir Peter, and indeed with all his acquaintance, he passes for a youthful miracle of acquaintance, he passes for a youthful miracle of prudence, good sense, and benevolence. prudence, good sense, and benevolence.

• Snake. Yes; yet Sir Peter vows he has not his equaSnake. Yes; yet Sir Peter vows he has not his equal in England; and, above all, he praises him as a ml in England; and, above all, he praises him as a man of sentiment. an of sentiment.

• Lady Sneer. True; and with the assistance of his sLady Sneer. True; and with the assistance of his sentiment and hypocrisy he has brought Sir Peter eentiment and hypocrisy he has brought Sir Peter entirely into his interest with regard to Maria; while ntirely into his interest with regard to Maria; while poor Charles has no friend in the house—though, poor Charles has no friend in the house—though, I fear, he has a powerful one in Maria’s heart, agI fear, he has a powerful one in Maria’s heart, against whom we must direct our schemes.ainst whom we must direct our schemes.

• Enter SERVANT Enter SERVANT • Ser. Mr. Surface. Ser. Mr. Surface. • Lady Sneer. Show him up. [Exit Servant.] He gLady Sneer. Show him up. [Exit Servant.] He g

enerally calls about this time. I don’t wonder enerally calls about this time. I don’t wonder at people giving him to me for a lover. at people giving him to me for a lover.

• Enter JOSEPH SURFACE Enter JOSEPH SURFACE • Jos. Surf. My dear Lady Sneerwell, how do you Jos. Surf. My dear Lady Sneerwell, how do you

do today? Mr. Snake, your most obedient. do today? Mr. Snake, your most obedient. • Lady Sneer. Snake has just been rallying me oLady Sneer. Snake has just been rallying me o

n our mutual attachment, but I have informed n our mutual attachment, but I have informed him of our real views. You know how useful he him of our real views. You know how useful he has been to us; and, believe me, the confidenchas been to us; and, believe me, the confidence is not ill-placed. e is not ill-placed.

• Jos. Surf. Madam, it is impossible for me to suJos. Surf. Madam, it is impossible for me to suspect a man of Mr. Snake’s sensibility and disspect a man of Mr. Snake’s sensibility and discernment.cernment.

• Lady Sneer. Well, well, no compliments now; but tell me Lady Sneer. Well, well, no compliments now; but tell me when you saw your mistress, Maria—or, what is more matwhen you saw your mistress, Maria—or, what is more material to me, your brother. erial to me, your brother.

• Jos. Surf. I have not seen either since I left you; but I can iJos. Surf. I have not seen either since I left you; but I can inform you that they never meet. Some of your stories havnform you that they never meet. Some of your stories have taken a good effect on Maria. e taken a good effect on Maria.

• Lady Sneer. Ah, my dear Snake! the merit of this belongs tLady Sneer. Ah, my dear Snake! the merit of this belongs to you. But do your brother’s distresses increase? o you. But do your brother’s distresses increase?

• Jos. Surf. Every hour. I am told he has had another executJos. Surf. Every hour. I am told he has had another execution in the house yesterday. In short, his dissipation and exion in the house yesterday. In short, his dissipation and extravagance exceed any thing I have ever heard of. travagance exceed any thing I have ever heard of.

• Lady Sneer. Poor Charles! Lady Sneer. Poor Charles! • Jos. Surf. True, madam; notwithstanding his vices, one caJos. Surf. True, madam; notwithstanding his vices, one ca

n’t help feeling for him. Poor Charles! I’m sure I wish it n’t help feeling for him. Poor Charles! I’m sure I wish it were in my power to be of any essential service to him; for were in my power to be of any essential service to him; for the man who does not share in the distresses of a brother, the man who does not share in the distresses of a brother, even though merited by his own misconduct, deserves—even though merited by his own misconduct, deserves—

• Lady Sneer. O Lud! you are going to be moral, and forget tLady Sneer. O Lud! you are going to be moral, and forget that you are among friends.hat you are among friends.

• Jos. Surf. Egad, that’s true! I’ll keep that sentiment Jos. Surf. Egad, that’s true! I’ll keep that sentiment till I see Sir Peter. However, it is certainly a charity to restill I see Sir Peter. However, it is certainly a charity to rescue Maria from such a libertine, who if he is to be reclaicue Maria from such a libertine, who if he is to be reclaimed, can be so only by a person of your ladyship’s supmed, can be so only by a person of your ladyship’s superior accomplishments and understanding. erior accomplishments and understanding.

• Snake. I believe, Lady Sneerwell, here’s company comSnake. I believe, Lady Sneerwell, here’s company coming: I’ll go and copy the letter I mentioned to you. Mr. Sing: I’ll go and copy the letter I mentioned to you. Mr. Surface, your most obedient. urface, your most obedient.

• Jos. Surf. Sir, your very devoted.—[Exit SNAKE.] Lady SnJos. Surf. Sir, your very devoted.—[Exit SNAKE.] Lady Sneerwell, I am very sorry you have put any farther confideeerwell, I am very sorry you have put any farther confidence in that fellow. nce in that fellow.

• Lady Sneer. Why so? Lady Sneer. Why so? • Jos. Surf. I have lately detected him in frequent confereJos. Surf. I have lately detected him in frequent confere

nce with old Rowley, who was formerly my father’s stence with old Rowley, who was formerly my father’s steward, and has never, you know, been a friend of mine. ward, and has never, you know, been a friend of mine.

• Lady Sneer. And do you think he would betray us? Lady Sneer. And do you think he would betray us? • Jos. Surf. Nothing more likely; take my word for’t Lady Jos. Surf. Nothing more likely; take my word for’t Lady

Sneerwell, that fellow hasn’t virtue enough to be faithfSneerwell, that fellow hasn’t virtue enough to be faithful even to his own villany. Ah, Maria!ul even to his own villany. Ah, Maria!

• Enter MARIA Enter MARIA • Lady Sneer. Maria, my dear, how do you do? What’s Lady Sneer. Maria, my dear, how do you do? What’s

the matter? the matter? • Mar. Oh! there’s that disagreeable lover of mine, Sir Mar. Oh! there’s that disagreeable lover of mine, Sir

Benjamin Backbite, has just called at my guardian’s, Benjamin Backbite, has just called at my guardian’s, with his odious uncle, Crabtree; so I slipped out, and rwith his odious uncle, Crabtree; so I slipped out, and ran hither to avoid them. an hither to avoid them.

• Lady Sneer. Is that all? Lady Sneer. Is that all? • Jos. Surf. If my brother Charles had been of the party, Jos. Surf. If my brother Charles had been of the party,

madam, perhaps you would not have been so much almadam, perhaps you would not have been so much alarmed. armed.

• Lady Sneer. Nay, now you are severe; for I dare swear Lady Sneer. Nay, now you are severe; for I dare swear the truth of the matter is, Maria heard you were here. the truth of the matter is, Maria heard you were here. But, my dear, what has Sir Benjamin done, that you shBut, my dear, what has Sir Benjamin done, that you should avoid him so? ould avoid him so?

• Mar. Oh, he has done nothing—but ’tis for what he hMar. Oh, he has done nothing—but ’tis for what he has said: his conversation is a perpetual libel on all his as said: his conversation is a perpetual libel on all his acquaintance.acquaintance.

• Jos. Surf. Ay, and the worst of it is, there is no advantage iJos. Surf. Ay, and the worst of it is, there is no advantage in not knowing him; for he’ll abuse a stranger just as soon not knowing him; for he’ll abuse a stranger just as soon as his best friend: and his uncle’s as bad. n as his best friend: and his uncle’s as bad.

• Lady Sneer. Nay, but we should make allowance; Sir BenjLady Sneer. Nay, but we should make allowance; Sir Benjamin is a wit and a poet. amin is a wit and a poet.

• Mar. For my part, I own, madam, wit loses its respect with Mar. For my part, I own, madam, wit loses its respect with me, when I see it in company with malice. What do you thime, when I see it in company with malice. What do you think, Mr. Surface? nk, Mr. Surface?

• Jos. Surf. Certainly, madam; to smile at the jest which plaJos. Surf. Certainly, madam; to smile at the jest which plants a thorn in another’s breast is to become a principal ints a thorn in another’s breast is to become a principal in the mischief. n the mischief.

• Lady Sneer. Psha! there’s no possibility of being witty wiLady Sneer. Psha! there’s no possibility of being witty without a little ill nature: the malice of a good thing is the bathout a little ill nature: the malice of a good thing is the barb that makes it stick. What’s your opinion, Mr. Surface? rb that makes it stick. What’s your opinion, Mr. Surface?

• Jos. Surf. To be sure, madam; that conversation, where thJos. Surf. To be sure, madam; that conversation, where the spirit of raillery is suppressed, will ever appear tedious ae spirit of raillery is suppressed, will ever appear tedious and insipid.nd insipid.

• Mar. Well, I’ll not debate how far scandal may bMar. Well, I’ll not debate how far scandal may be allowable; but in a man, I am sure, it is always ce allowable; but in a man, I am sure, it is always contemptible. We have pride, envy, rivalship, and a ontemptible. We have pride, envy, rivalship, and a thousand motives to depreciate each other; but tthousand motives to depreciate each other; but the male slanderer must have the cowardice of a whe male slanderer must have the cowardice of a woman before he can traduce one. oman before he can traduce one.

• Re-enter SERVANT Re-enter SERVANT • Ser. Madam, Mrs. Candour is below, and, if your lSer. Madam, Mrs. Candour is below, and, if your l

adyship’s at leisure, will leave her carriage. adyship’s at leisure, will leave her carriage. • Lady Sneer. Beg her to walk in.—[Exit SERVANT.] Lady Sneer. Beg her to walk in.—[Exit SERVANT.]

Now, Maria, here is a character to your taste; for, tNow, Maria, here is a character to your taste; for, though Mrs. Candour is a little talkative, every bodhough Mrs. Candour is a little talkative, every body allows her to be the best natured and best sort oy allows her to be the best natured and best sort of woman. f woman.

• Mar. Yes, with a very gross affectation of good natMar. Yes, with a very gross affectation of good nature and benevolence, she does more mischief thaure and benevolence, she does more mischief than the direct malice of old Crabtree.n the direct malice of old Crabtree.

• Jos. Surf. I’ faith that’s true, Lady Sneerwell: whenJos. Surf. I’ faith that’s true, Lady Sneerwell: whenever I hear the current running against the characters ever I hear the current running against the characters of my friends, I never think them in such danger as whof my friends, I never think them in such danger as when Candour undertakes their defence. en Candour undertakes their defence.

• Lady Sneer. Hush!—here she is! Lady Sneer. Hush!—here she is! • Enter MRS. CANDOUR Enter MRS. CANDOUR • Mrs. Can. My dear Lady Sneerwell, how have you been Mrs. Can. My dear Lady Sneerwell, how have you been

this century!—Mr. Surface, what news do you hear?—tthis century!—Mr. Surface, what news do you hear?—though indeed it is no matter, for I think one hears nothough indeed it is no matter, for I think one hears nothing else but scandal. hing else but scandal.

• Jos. Surf. Just so, indeed, ma’am. Jos. Surf. Just so, indeed, ma’am. • Mrs. Can. Oh, Maria! child,—what, is the whole affair oMrs. Can. Oh, Maria! child,—what, is the whole affair o

ff between you and Charles? His extravagance, I presuff between you and Charles? His extravagance, I presume—the town talks of nothing else. me—the town talks of nothing else.

• Mar. I am very sorry, ma’am, the town has so little to Mar. I am very sorry, ma’am, the town has so little to do.do.

• Mrs. Can. True, true, child: but there’s no stopping peMrs. Can. True, true, child: but there’s no stopping people’s tongues. I own I was hurt to hear it, as I indeed ople’s tongues. I own I was hurt to hear it, as I indeed was to learn, from the same quarter, that your guardian, was to learn, from the same quarter, that your guardian, Sir Peter, and Lady Teazle have not agreed lately as well Sir Peter, and Lady Teazle have not agreed lately as well as could be wished. as could be wished.

• Mar. ’Tis strangely impertinent for people to busy theMar. ’Tis strangely impertinent for people to busy themselves so. mselves so.

• Mrs. Can. Very true, child: but what’s to be done? PeopMrs. Can. Very true, child: but what’s to be done? People will talk—there’s no preventing it. Why, it was but yele will talk—there’s no preventing it. Why, it was but yesterday I was told that Miss Gadabout had eloped with Ssterday I was told that Miss Gadabout had eloped with Sir Filigree Flirt. But, Lord! there’s no minding what one ir Filigree Flirt. But, Lord! there’s no minding what one hears; though, to be sure, I had this from very good authhears; though, to be sure, I had this from very good authority. ority.

• Mar. Such reports are highly scandalous. Mar. Such reports are highly scandalous. • Mrs. Can. So they are, child—shameful, shameful! But tMrs. Can. So they are, child—shameful, shameful! But t

he world is so censorious, no character escapes. Lord, nhe world is so censorious, no character escapes. Lord, now who would have suspected your friend, Miss Prim, of ow who would have suspected your friend, Miss Prim, of an indiscretion? Yet such is the ill nature of people, that an indiscretion? Yet such is the ill nature of people, that they say her uncle stopped her last week, just as she wathey say her uncle stopped her last week, just as she was stepping into the York Mail with her dancing-master.s stepping into the York Mail with her dancing-master.

• Mar. I’ll answer for’t there are no grounds for that report. Mar. I’ll answer for’t there are no grounds for that report. • Mrs. Can. Ah, no foundation in the world, I dare swear; no more, probaMrs. Can. Ah, no foundation in the world, I dare swear; no more, proba

bly, than for the story circulated last month, of Mrs. Festino’s affair wibly, than for the story circulated last month, of Mrs. Festino’s affair with Colonel Cassino—though, to be sure, that matter was never rightly clth Colonel Cassino—though, to be sure, that matter was never rightly cleared up. eared up.

• Jos. Surf. The license of invention some people take is monstrous indeJos. Surf. The license of invention some people take is monstrous indeed. Mar. ’Tis so; but, in my opinion, those who report such things are ed. Mar. ’Tis so; but, in my opinion, those who report such things are equally culpable. equally culpable.

• Mrs. Can. To be sure they are; tale-bearers are as bad as the talemakerMrs. Can. To be sure they are; tale-bearers are as bad as the talemakers—’tis an old observation, and a very true one: but what’s to be dons—’tis an old observation, and a very true one: but what’s to be done, as I said before? how will you prevent people from talking? To-day, Me, as I said before? how will you prevent people from talking? To-day, Mrs. Clackitt assured me, Mr. and Mrs. Honeymoon were at last become rs. Clackitt assured me, Mr. and Mrs. Honeymoon were at last become mere man and wife, like the rest of their acquaintance. She likewise hinmere man and wife, like the rest of their acquaintance. She likewise hinted that a certain widow, in the next street, had got rid of her dropsy anted that a certain widow, in the next street, had got rid of her dropsy and recovered her shape in a most surprising manner. And at the same tid recovered her shape in a most surprising manner. And at the same time Miss Tattle, who was by, affirmed that Lord Buffalo had discovered me Miss Tattle, who was by, affirmed that Lord Buffalo had discovered his lady at a house of no extraordinary fame; and that Sir Harry Bouquehis lady at a house of no extraordinary fame; and that Sir Harry Bouquet and Tom Saunter were to measure swords on a similar provocation. Bt and Tom Saunter were to measure swords on a similar provocation. But, Lord, do you think I would report these things! No, no! tale-bearers, ut, Lord, do you think I would report these things! No, no! tale-bearers, as I said before, are just as bad as the tale-makers.as I said before, are just as bad as the tale-makers.

• Jos. Surf. Ah! Mrs. Candour, if every body had your foJos. Surf. Ah! Mrs. Candour, if every body had your forbearance and good nature! rbearance and good nature!

• Mrs. Can. I confess, Mr. Surface, I cannot bear to hear Mrs. Can. I confess, Mr. Surface, I cannot bear to hear people attacked behind their backs; and when ugly cirpeople attacked behind their backs; and when ugly circumstances come out against our acquaintance, I owcumstances come out against our acquaintance, I own I always love to think the best. By the by, I hope ’tis n I always love to think the best. By the by, I hope ’tis not true that your brother is absolutely ruined? not true that your brother is absolutely ruined?

• Jos. Surf. I am afraid his circumstances are very bad iJos. Surf. I am afraid his circumstances are very bad indeed, ma’am. ndeed, ma’am.

• Mrs. Can. Ah! I heard so—but you must tell him to keeMrs. Can. Ah! I heard so—but you must tell him to keep up his spirits; every body almost is in the same way: p up his spirits; every body almost is in the same way: Lord Spindle, Sir Thomas Splint, Captain Quinze, and Lord Spindle, Sir Thomas Splint, Captain Quinze, and Mr. Nickit—all up, I hear, within this week; so, if CharleMr. Nickit—all up, I hear, within this week; so, if Charles is undone, he’ll find half his acquaintance ruined tos is undone, he’ll find half his acquaintance ruined too, and that, you know, is a consolation. o, and that, you know, is a consolation.

• Jos. Surf. Doubtless, ma’am—a very great one.Jos. Surf. Doubtless, ma’am—a very great one.

• Re-enter SERVANT Re-enter SERVANT • Ser. Mr. Crabtree and Sir Benjamin Backbite. Ser. Mr. Crabtree and Sir Benjamin Backbite.

[Exit. ] [Exit. ] • Lady Sneer. So, Maria, you see your lover pursLady Sneer. So, Maria, you see your lover purs

ues you; positively you sha’n’t escape. ues you; positively you sha’n’t escape. • Enter CRABTREE and SIR BENJAMIN BACKBITEEnter CRABTREE and SIR BENJAMIN BACKBITE

• Crab. Lady Sneerwell, I kiss your hand. Mrs. CaCrab. Lady Sneerwell, I kiss your hand. Mrs. Ca

ndour, I don’t believe you are acquainted witndour, I don’t believe you are acquainted with my nephew, Sir Benjamin Backbite? Egad, mh my nephew, Sir Benjamin Backbite? Egad, ma’am he has a pretty wit, and is a pretty poet a’am he has a pretty wit, and is a pretty poet too. Isn’t he, Lady Sneerwell? too. Isn’t he, Lady Sneerwell?

• Sir Ben. Oh, fie, uncle!Sir Ben. Oh, fie, uncle!

• Crab. Nay, egad, it’s true; I back him at a rebus or a cCrab. Nay, egad, it’s true; I back him at a rebus or a charade against the best rhymer in the kingdom. Has youharade against the best rhymer in the kingdom. Has your ladyship heard the epigram he wrote last week on Ladr ladyship heard the epigram he wrote last week on Lady Frizzle’s feather catching fire?—Do, Benjamin, repeat y Frizzle’s feather catching fire?—Do, Benjamin, repeat it, or the charade you made last night extempore at Mrs. it, or the charade you made last night extempore at Mrs. Drozie’s conversazione. Come, now, your first is the naDrozie’s conversazione. Come, now, your first is the name of a fish, your second a great naval commander, andme of a fish, your second a great naval commander, and— —

• Sir Ben. Uncle, now—pr’thee— Sir Ben. Uncle, now—pr’thee— • Crab. I’faith, ma’am ’twould surprise you to hear hCrab. I’faith, ma’am ’twould surprise you to hear h

ow ready he is at all these sorts of things. ow ready he is at all these sorts of things. • Lady Sneer. I wonder, Sir Benjamin, you never publish aLady Sneer. I wonder, Sir Benjamin, you never publish a

ny thing. ny thing. • Sir Ben. To say truth, ma’am, ’tis very vulgar to print; Sir Ben. To say truth, ma’am, ’tis very vulgar to print;

and as my little productions are mostly satires and lampand as my little productions are mostly satires and lampoons on particular people, I find they circulate more by oons on particular people, I find they circulate more by giving copies in confidence to the friends of the parties. giving copies in confidence to the friends of the parties. However, I have some love elegies, which, when favoureHowever, I have some love elegies, which, when favoured with this lady’s smiles, I mean to give the public. d with this lady’s smiles, I mean to give the public.

• [Pointing to MARIA.][Pointing to MARIA.]

• Crab. [To MARIA.] ’Fore heaven, ma’am, theCrab. [To MARIA.] ’Fore heaven, ma’am, they’ll immortalize you!—you will be handed dowy’ll immortalize you!—you will be handed down to posterity, like Petrarch’s Laura, or Wallen to posterity, like Petrarch’s Laura, or Waller’s Sacharissa. r’s Sacharissa.

• Sir Ben. [To MARIA.] Yes, madam, I think you wilSir Ben. [To MARIA.] Yes, madam, I think you will like them, when you shall see them on a beautil like them, when you shall see them on a beautiful quarto page, where a neat rivulet of text shall ful quarto page, where a neat rivulet of text shall meander through a meadow of margin. ’Fore Gmeander through a meadow of margin. ’Fore Gad they will be the most elegant things of their kad they will be the most elegant things of their kind! ind!

• Crab. But, ladies, that’s true—have you heard Crab. But, ladies, that’s true—have you heard the news? the news?

• Mrs. Can. What, sir, do you mean the report of—Mrs. Can. What, sir, do you mean the report of—• Crab. No, ma’am, that’s not it.—Miss Nicely iCrab. No, ma’am, that’s not it.—Miss Nicely i

s going to be married to her own footman. s going to be married to her own footman. • Mrs. Can. Impossible! Mrs. Can. Impossible! • Crab. Ask Sir Benjamin.Crab. Ask Sir Benjamin.

• Sir Ben. ’Tis very true, ma’am: every thing is fixed, and Sir Ben. ’Tis very true, ma’am: every thing is fixed, and the wedding liveries bespoke. the wedding liveries bespoke.

• Crab. Yes—and they do say there were pressing reasons fCrab. Yes—and they do say there were pressing reasons for it. or it.

• Lady Sneer. Why, I have heard something of this before. Lady Sneer. Why, I have heard something of this before. • Mrs. Can. It can’t be—and I wonder any one should belieMrs. Can. It can’t be—and I wonder any one should belie

ve such a story of so prudent a lady as Miss Nicely. ve such a story of so prudent a lady as Miss Nicely. • Sir Ben. O Lud! ma’am, that’s the very reason ’twas bSir Ben. O Lud! ma’am, that’s the very reason ’twas b

elieved at once. She has always been so cautious and so relieved at once. She has always been so cautious and so reserved, that every body was sure there was some reason eserved, that every body was sure there was some reason for it at bottom. for it at bottom.

• Mrs. Can. Why, to be sure, a tale of scandal is as fatal to thMrs. Can. Why, to be sure, a tale of scandal is as fatal to the credit of a prudent lady of her stamp as a fever is generae credit of a prudent lady of her stamp as a fever is generally to those of the strongest constitutions. But there is a solly to those of the strongest constitutions. But there is a sort of puny sickly reputation, that is always ailing, yet will ort of puny sickly reputation, that is always ailing, yet will outlive the robuster characters of a hundred prudes.utlive the robuster characters of a hundred prudes.

• Sir Ben. True, madam, there are valetudinarians Sir Ben. True, madam, there are valetudinarians in reputation as well as constitution, who, being in reputation as well as constitution, who, being conscious of their weak part, avoid the least breconscious of their weak part, avoid the least breath of air, and supply their want of stamina by cath of air, and supply their want of stamina by care and circumspection. are and circumspection.

• Mrs. Can. Well, but this may be all a mistake. YoMrs. Can. Well, but this may be all a mistake. You know, Sir Benjamin, very trifling circumstanceu know, Sir Benjamin, very trifling circumstances often give rise to the most injurious tales. s often give rise to the most injurious tales.

• Crab. That they do, I’ll be sworn, ma’am. Did Crab. That they do, I’ll be sworn, ma’am. Did you ever hear how Miss Piper came to lose her loyou ever hear how Miss Piper came to lose her lover and her character last summer at Tunbridge?ver and her character last summer at Tunbridge?—Sir Benjamin, you remember it? —Sir Benjamin, you remember it?

• Sir Ben. Oh, to be sure!—the most whimsical cirSir Ben. Oh, to be sure!—the most whimsical circumstance. cumstance.

• Lady Sneer. How was it, pray?Lady Sneer. How was it, pray?

• Crab. Why, one evening, at Mrs. Ponto’s assembly, thCrab. Why, one evening, at Mrs. Ponto’s assembly, the conversation happened to turn on the breeding Nova e conversation happened to turn on the breeding Nova Scotia sheep in this country. Says a young lady in compScotia sheep in this country. Says a young lady in company, “I have known instances of it; for Miss Letitia Piper,any, “I have known instances of it; for Miss Letitia Piper, a first cousin of mine, had a Nova Scotia sheep that pro a first cousin of mine, had a Nova Scotia sheep that produced her twins.” “What!” cries the Lady Dowager Dduced her twins.” “What!” cries the Lady Dowager Dundizzy (who you know is as deaf as a post), “has Miss undizzy (who you know is as deaf as a post), “has Miss Piper had twins?” This mistake, as you may imagine, thPiper had twins?” This mistake, as you may imagine, threw the whole company into a fit of laughter. However,rew the whole company into a fit of laughter. However, ’twas the next morning everywhere reported, and in a ’twas the next morning everywhere reported, and in a few days believed by the whole town, that Miss Letitia Pifew days believed by the whole town, that Miss Letitia Piper had actually been brought to bed of a fine boy and a per had actually been brought to bed of a fine boy and a girl: and in less than a week there were some people whgirl: and in less than a week there were some people who could name the father, and the farm-house where the o could name the father, and the farm-house where the babies were put to nurse. babies were put to nurse.

• Lady Sneer. Strange, indeed! Lady Sneer. Strange, indeed! • Crab. Matter of fact, I assure you. O Lud! Mr. Surface, prCrab. Matter of fact, I assure you. O Lud! Mr. Surface, pr

ay is it true that your uncle, Sir Oliver, is coming home?ay is it true that your uncle, Sir Oliver, is coming home?

• Jos. Surf. Not that I know of, indeed, sir. Jos. Surf. Not that I know of, indeed, sir. • Crab. He has been in the East Indies a long time. You caCrab. He has been in the East Indies a long time. You ca

n scarcely remember him, I believe? Sad comfort, whenn scarcely remember him, I believe? Sad comfort, whenever he returns, to hear how your brother has gone on! ever he returns, to hear how your brother has gone on!

• Jos. Surf. Charles has been imprudent, sir, to be sure; bJos. Surf. Charles has been imprudent, sir, to be sure; but I hope no busy people have already prejudiced Sir Oliut I hope no busy people have already prejudiced Sir Oliver against him. He may reform. ver against him. He may reform.

• Sir Ben. To be sure he may: for my part, I never believeSir Ben. To be sure he may: for my part, I never believed him to be so utterly void of principle as people say; and him to be so utterly void of principle as people say; and, though he has lost all his friends, I am told nobody is d, though he has lost all his friends, I am told nobody is better spoken of by the Jews. better spoken of by the Jews.

• Crab. That’s true, egad, nephew. If the Old Jewry was Crab. That’s true, egad, nephew. If the Old Jewry was a ward, I believe Charles would be an alderman: no maa ward, I believe Charles would be an alderman: no man more popular there, ’fore Gad! I hear he pays as man more popular there, ’fore Gad! I hear he pays as many annuities as the Irish tontine; and that, whenever he ny annuities as the Irish tontine; and that, whenever he is sick, they have prayers for the recovery of his health iis sick, they have prayers for the recovery of his health in all the synagogues.n all the synagogues.

• Sir Ben. Yet no man lives in greater splendour. They tell Sir Ben. Yet no man lives in greater splendour. They tell me, when he entertains his friends he will sit down to dinme, when he entertains his friends he will sit down to dinner with a dozen of his own securities; have a score of traner with a dozen of his own securities; have a score of tradesmen waiting in the antechamber, and an officer behindesmen waiting in the antechamber, and an officer behind every guest’s chair. d every guest’s chair.

• Jos. Surf. This may be entertainment to you, gentlemen, Jos. Surf. This may be entertainment to you, gentlemen, but you pay very little regard to the feelings of a brother. but you pay very little regard to the feelings of a brother.

• Mar. [Aside.] Their malice is intolerable!—[Aloud.] Lady SMar. [Aside.] Their malice is intolerable!—[Aloud.] Lady Sneer—well, I must wish you a good morning: I’m not verneer—well, I must wish you a good morning: I’m not very well. [Exit.] y well. [Exit.]

• Mrs. Can. O dear! she changes colour very much. Mrs. Can. O dear! she changes colour very much. • Lady Sneer. Do, Mrs. Candour, follow her: she may want Lady Sneer. Do, Mrs. Candour, follow her: she may want

your assistance. your assistance. • Mrs. Can. That I will, with all my soul, ma’am.—Poor deMrs. Can. That I will, with all my soul, ma’am.—Poor de

ar girl, who knows what her situation may be! [Exit.] ar girl, who knows what her situation may be! [Exit.] • Lady Sneer. ’Twas nothing but that she could not bear tLady Sneer. ’Twas nothing but that she could not bear t

o hear Charles reflected on, notwithstanding their differeo hear Charles reflected on, notwithstanding their difference.nce.

• Sir Ben. The young lady’s penchant is obvious. Sir Ben. The young lady’s penchant is obvious. • Crab. But, Benjamin, you must not give up the pursuit for tCrab. But, Benjamin, you must not give up the pursuit for t

hat: follow her, and put her into good humour. Repeat her shat: follow her, and put her into good humour. Repeat her some of your own verses. Come, I’ll assist you. ome of your own verses. Come, I’ll assist you.

• Sir Ben. Mr. Surface, I did not mean to hurt you; but depenSir Ben. Mr. Surface, I did not mean to hurt you; but depend on’t your brother is utterly undone. d on’t your brother is utterly undone.

• Crab. O Lud, ay! undone as ever man was—can’t raise a gCrab. O Lud, ay! undone as ever man was—can’t raise a guinea! uinea!

• Sir Ben. And everything sold, I’m told, that was movable. Sir Ben. And everything sold, I’m told, that was movable. • Crab. I have seen one that was at his house. Not a thing left Crab. I have seen one that was at his house. Not a thing left

but some empty bottles that were overlooked, and the famibut some empty bottles that were overlooked, and the family pictures, which I believe are framed in the wainscots. ly pictures, which I believe are framed in the wainscots.

• Sir Ben. And I’m very sorry also to hear some bad stories Sir Ben. And I’m very sorry also to hear some bad stories against him. [Going. ] against him. [Going. ]

• Crab. Oh, he has done many mean things, that’s certain.Crab. Oh, he has done many mean things, that’s certain.

• Sir Ben. But, however, as he’s your brother— Sir Ben. But, however, as he’s your brother— [Going.] [Going.]

• Crab. We’ll tell you all another opportunity. Crab. We’ll tell you all another opportunity. • [Exeunt CRABTREE and SIR BENJAMIN.] [Exeunt CRABTREE and SIR BENJAMIN.] • Lady Sneer. Ha! ha! ’tis very hard for them to lLady Sneer. Ha! ha! ’tis very hard for them to l

eave a subject they have not quite run down. eave a subject they have not quite run down. • Jos. Surf. And I believe the abuse was no more Jos. Surf. And I believe the abuse was no more

acceptable to your ladyship than Maria. acceptable to your ladyship than Maria. • Lady Sneer. I doubt her affections are farther eLady Sneer. I doubt her affections are farther e

ngaged than we imagine. But the family are to bngaged than we imagine. But the family are to be here this evening, so you may as well dine whe here this evening, so you may as well dine where you are, and we shall have an opportunity oere you are, and we shall have an opportunity of observing farther; in the meantime, I’ll go anf observing farther; in the meantime, I’ll go and plot mischief, and you shall study sentiment. d plot mischief, and you shall study sentiment.

• [Exeunt.][Exeunt.]

QUESTIONSQUESTIONS

1. This passage is taken from a play nam1. This passage is taken from a play named_________.ed_________.

2. What is the name of the playwright?2. What is the name of the playwright?3. What kind of persons are the Lady Sneer 3. What kind of persons are the Lady Sneer

and Mr. Snake?and Mr. Snake?4. What is the theme of the play?4. What is the theme of the play?

AnswersAnswers1. The School for Scandal1. The School for Scandal2. Richard Brinsley Sheridan2. Richard Brinsley Sheridan3.They are the scandal-mongers actively engage3.They are the scandal-mongers actively engage

d in their vicious practice of spreading scandd in their vicious practice of spreading scandal.al.

4. The play describes a group of scandal-monger4. The play describes a group of scandal-mongers that lead idle lives and indulge in spreading s that lead idle lives and indulge in spreading scandal and ruining the reputation of all theiscandal and ruining the reputation of all their friends and acquaintances. The comedy is kr friends and acquaintances. The comedy is known for its superb plot and its effective scenown for its superb plot and its effective scenes of dramatic irony as well as for its brilliannes of dramatic irony as well as for its brilliant satire on scandal-mongers and on hypocrist satire on scandal-mongers and on hypocrisy. In this play Sheridan criticizes English high y. In this play Sheridan criticizes English high society for its vanity, greed, and hypocrisy.society for its vanity, greed, and hypocrisy.