lf.

_Bates._ What answer did you make him?

_Stu._ A short one. That I would see him soon, for farther
explanation.

_Bates._ We must take care of him. But what have we to do with
Beverley? Dawson and the rest are wondering at you.

_Stu._ Why let them wonder. I have designs above Their narrow reach.
They see me lend him money; and they stare at me. But they are
fools. I want him to believe me beggared by him.

_Bates._ And what then?

_Stu._ Ay, there's the question; but no matter. At night you may
know more. He waits for me at Wilson's. I told the women where to
find him.

_Bates._ To what purpose?

_Stu._ To save suspicion. It looked friendly; and they thanked me.
Old Jarvis was dispatched to him.

_Bates._ And may intreat him home.

_Stu._ No; he experts money from me: but I'll have none. His wife's
jewels must go. Women are easy creatures, and refuse nothing where
they love. Follow me to Wilson's; but besure he sees you not. You
are a man of character, you know; of prudence and discretion. Wait
for me in an outer room; I shall have business for you presently.
Come, Sir.

Let drudging fools by honesty grow great;
The shorter road to riches is deceit.

[_Exeunt._

ACT II.

_SCENE a gaming house, with a table, box, dice, &c._

_BEVERLEY is discovered sitting._

_Beverley_. Why, what a world is this! The slave that digs for gold,
receives his daily pittance, and sleeps contented; while those, for
whom he labours, convert their good to mischief; making abundance
the means of want. O shame! shame! Had fortune given me but a
little, that little had been still my own. But plenty leads to
waste; and shallow streams maintain their currents, while swelling
rivers beat down their banks, and leave their channels empty. What
had I to do with play? I wanted nothing. My wishes and my means were
equal. The poor followed me with blessings; love scattered roses on
my pillow, and morning waked me to delight.--O, bitter thought! that
leads to what I was, by what I am! I would forget both--Who's there?

SCENE II.

_Enter a WAITER._

_Wait._ A gentleman, Sir, enquires for you.

_Bev._ He might have used less ceremony. Stukely I suppose?

_Wait._ No, Sir; a stranger.

_Bev._ Well, shew him in. (_Exit Waiter._) A messenger from Stukely
then. From Him that has undone me! Yet all in friendship; and now he
lends me from his little, to bring back fortune to me.

SCENE III.

_Enter JARVIS