upon my stupid pate! I deserve to be hang'd for it. (beating his head and grasping his hair.) O my pretty ones! I sent you all to him that you might work on his heart, for I knew what he wanted to say well enough, and yet I must needs thrust in my silly snout amongst you to mar all! For a man that can read books and cast accounts, and all that, to do such a trick! I deserve to be cudgel'd!
Soph. Don't be so angry at yourself, Robert: you meant it well, and you have always been so good to us!
Rob. Good to you! I love you like my own flesh and blood, every one of you; and if any body dare to do you wrong, I'llno matter what. (clenching his fist and nodding significantly.) He may turn me off if he please; but I'll not quit the neighbourhood: I'll watch over you, my pretty ones; and hang me if any one shall hurt a hair of your heads!
Soph. I thank you, Robert: but don't tell any body: that would not be right, you know. Come, children; you shall go with me to my own room.
(Exeunt Sophia and children by one side, and exit Robert by the other, looking after them with tenderness and pity.)
END OF THE FIRST ACT.
