bstracted
virtue becomes a relative iniquity. [_Exeunt._

SCENE II.

_The Library._

_SIR SIMON ROCHDALE and his STEWARD, who appears to be
quitting the Room. JOB THORNBERRY standing at a little
Distance from them._

_Sir Simon._ Remember the money must be ready to-morrow, Mr.
Pennyman.

_Steward._ It shall, Sir Simon. [_Going._

_Sir Simon._ [_To JOB._] So, friend, your business, you say,
is--and, Mr. Pennyman, [_STEWARD turns back._] give Robin Ruddy
notice to quit his cottage, directly.

_Steward._ I am afraid, Sir Simon, if he's turned out, it will be
his ruin.

_Sir Simon._ He should have recollected that, before he ruin'd his
neighbour's daughter.

_Job._ [_Starting._] Eh!

_Sir Simon._ What's the matter with the man? His offence is attended
with great aggravation.--Why doesn't he marry her?

_Job._ Aye! [_Emphatically._

_Sir Simon._ Pray, friend, be quiet.

_Steward._ He says it would make her more unfortunate still; he's
too necessitous to provide even for the living consequence of his
indiscretion.

_Sir Simon._ That doubles his crime to the girl.--He must quit. I'm
a magistrate, you know, Mr. Pennyman, and 'tis my duty to discourage
all such immorality.

_Steward._ Your orders must be obeyed, Sir Simon. [_Exit STEWARD._

_Sir Simon._ Now, yours is justice-business, you say. You come at an
irregular time, and I have somebody else waiting for me; so be
quick. What brings you here?

_Job._ My daughter's seduction, Sir Simon;--and it has done my
heart good to hear your worship say, 'tis your duty to discourage
all such immorality.

_Sir Simon._ To be sure it is;--but men, like you, shou'dn't be too
apt to lay hold of every sentiment justice drops, lest you misapply
it. 'Tis like an officious footman snatching up his mistress's
periwig, and clapping it on again, hind part before. What are you?

_Job._ A tradesman, Sir Simon. I have been a freeholder, in this
district, for many a year.

_Sir Simon._ A freeholder!--Zounds! one of Frank's voters, perhaps,
and of consequence at his election. [_Aside._] Won't you, my good
friend, take a chair?

_Job._ Thank you, Sir Simon, I know my proper place. I didn't come
here to sit down with Sir Simon Rochdale, because I am a freeholder;
I come to demand my right, because you are a justice.

_Sir Simon._ A man of respectability, a t