not neighbours to deceit;
Music, whose melody is of the heart;
And gifts, that are not made for interest,--
Abundantly bestowed by Nature's cheek,
And voice, and hand! It is to live on life,
And husband it! It is to constant scan
The handiwork of Heaven. It is to con
Its mercy, bounty, wisdom, power! It is
To nearer see our God!

_Julia_. How like he talks
To Master Walter! Shall I give it o'er?
Not yet. Thou wouldst not live one half a year!
A quarter mightst thou for the novelty
Of fields and trees; but then it needs must be
In summer time, when they go dressed.

_Clif_. Not it!
In any time--say winter! Fields and trees
Have charms for me in very winter time.

_Julia_. But snow may clothe them then.

_Clif_. I like them full
As well in snow!

_Julia_. You do?

_Clif_. I do.

_Julia_. But night
Will hide both snow and them, and that sets in
Ere afternoon is out. A heavy thing,
A country fireside in a winter's night,
To one bred in the town,--where winter's said,
For sun of gaiety and sportiveness,
To beggar shining summer.

_Clif_. I should like
A country winter's night especially!

_Julia_. You'd sleep by the fire.

_Clif_. Not I; I'd talk to thee.

_Julia_. You'd tire of that!

_Clif_. I'd read to thee.

_Julia_. And that!

_Clif_. I'd talk to thee again.

_Julia_. And sooner tire
Than first you did, and fall asleep at last.
You'd never do to lead a country life.

_Clif_. You deal too harshly with me! Matchless maid,
As loved instructor brightens dullest wit,
Fear not to undertake the charge of me!
A willing pupil kneels to thee, and lays
His title and his fortune at your feet.

_Julia_. His title and his fortune!

[Enter MASTER WALTER and HELEN.--JULIA, disconcerted, retires with the
latter.--CLIFFORD rises.]

_Wal_. So, Sir Thomas!
Aha! you husband time! Well, was I right?
Is't not the jewel that I told you 'twas?
Wouldst thou not give thine eyes to wear it? Eh?
It has an owner, though,--nay, start not,--one
That may be bought to part with't, and with whom
I'll stand thy friend--I will--I say, I will!
A strange man, sir, and unaccountable:
But I can humour him--will humour him
For thy sake, good Sir Thomas; for I like thee.
Well, is't a bargain? Come, thy hand upon it.
A word or two with thee.

[They retire. JULIA and HELEN come forward.]

_Julia_. Go up to town!

_Helen_. Have I not said it ten times o'er to thee?
But if thou likest