Page:Passions 2.pdf/89

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A COMEDY.
77


Char. (rubbing his hands, and grinning with delight.) I thought so!—I thought it would come to this: he has such a liberal way with him in every thing.

Balt. (half-aside to Char.) Wilt thou never give over that vile habit of grinning like a dog? (going up with a firm proud step to Free.) No, Sir; we have entered the lists as fair combatants together, and neither of us, I hope, (significantly) have taken any unfair advantage of the other. Let the most fortunate gain the day. I will never receive reward for a common office of humanity. That is not my way (mimicking Freeman.)

Free. Let me intreat you!

Balt. Mention it no more: I am determined.

Free. It would make me infinitely happy.

Balt. Do me the honour to believe that I speak truth, when I say, I am determined. If you give up the borough, I give it up also.

Free. Then I say no more. I leave with you the thanks of a grateful heart. I should have said, if it had been permitted me, the very grateful affection of an honest heart, that it will never forget what it owes to you but in that place where both affection, and animosity are forgotten. (Exit with emotion, followed by Charles and Simeon.)

Mrs. B. O Baltimore! Baltimore! Will you suffer him to go thus?

Balt. (going two or three steps after him, and stopping short.) He is gone now.

Mrs. B. No, he is not; you may easily overtake him. Do—for the love of gentleness and charity!