SCENE I.

A Road. Enter three Ruffians, dressed as Sailors.

1st Ruff. Well, now, what's to be done?

2d Ruff. Why, we've been long upon our shifts, and after all our tricks, twists, and turns, as London was then too hot for us, our tramp to Portsmouth was a hit.

3d Ruff. Ay; but since the cash we touched, upon pretending to be able bodied seamen, is now come to the last shilling, as we have deserted, means of a fresh supply to take us back to London, must be thought on.

2d Ruff. Ay, how to recruit the pocket without hazarding the neck.

1st Ruff. By an advertisement posted on the stocks yonder, there are collectors upon this road; thirty guineas are offered by the quaker lady, owner of the estate round here; I wish we could snap any straggler to bring before her. A quaker will only require a yea for an oath—we might sack these thirty guineas.

2d Ruff. Yes; but we must take care, if we fall into the hands of this gentleman that's in pursuit of us——'Sdeath, isn't that his man, the old boatswain?

1st Ruff. Don't run, I think we three are a match for him.

2d Ruff. Instantly put on your characters of sailors; we may get something out of him: a pitiful story makes such an impression on the soft heart of a true tar, that he'll open his hard hand, and drop you his last guinea—If we can but make him believe we were pressed, we have him; only mind me.

Enter John Dory.

John. To rattle my lantern, Sir George's temper now always blows a hurricane.

2d Ruff. What cheer? [To John.]

John. Ha hoy!

3d Ruff. Bob, up with your speaking trumpet.

2d Ruff. Do you see, brother, this is the thing—

Enter Sir George, at the back, unperceived.

Sir Geo. If these should be my deserters. [Aside.

1st Ruff. We three hands, just come home after a long voyage, were pressed in the river, and without letting us see our friends, brought round to Portsmouth, and there we entered freely, cause why? We had no choice, then we run. We hear some gentleman is in chace of us, so as the shot are all out, we'll surrender.

John. Surrender! Oh then you've no shot left indeed—let's see. [Feels his pocket.] I hav'nt the loading of a gun about me now, and this same monsieur poverty is a bitter bad enemy.

Sir Geo. They are the deserters that I've been after. [Aside.

John. Meet me in an hour's time in the little wood yonder; I'll raise a wind to blow you into safe latitude—keep out to sea, my master's the rock you'll certainly split upon.

2d Ruff. This is the first time we ever saw you; but we'll steer by your chart, for I never knew one seaman to betray another.

[Exeunt Ruffians.

Sir Geo. Then they have been pressed—I can't blame them so much for running away.

John. Yes, Sir George would certainly hang them.

Sir Geo. I wouldn't, they shall eat beef, and drink the king's health, run and tell them so—stop, I'll tell them myself.

John. Why, now you are yourself, and a kind, good gentleman, as you used to be.

Sir Geo. Since these idle rogues are inclined to return to their duty, they shan't want sea store—take them this money—but hold—I'll meet them myself, and advise them as I would my children.

[Exeunt severally.