( 46 )
ACT IV. Scene I.
Enter Frederick, Surrounded by His Sisters, viz. Diana, Melissa, Dorinda, and Miranda.
Dian.REad mine, they are all Blanks but mine.
Mel. I say, hers is a Blank. Read mine.
Dor. and Mir. They are all Blanks but mine.
Fred. What? are you all mad! give me your Notes in Peace and I'll read 'em, else I am gone.
All Women. Well then, here take 'em.
Fred. So: Let none interrupt me; but whose soever the lot is, let the rest be contented and Silent.
(opens a note and reads it.
Melissa is beauty—ful———
Mel. I told you so, I knew 'twas I, you need read no farther.
Fred. Good Sister, forbear.
Reads.) Dorinda is good humour———
Dor. That's I.
Fred. Patience.
Reads.) Miranda is Charming to admiration.
But it is Diana that is adorable, and has my Heart.
Speaks.) Let none reply Diana's is the lot.
Mel. Diana's is a Cheat, a Counterfeit; he vow'd to me he cou'd not endure her.
Fred. We are to stand to what he has written. You may take back your notes, we need read no more.
Mel. I say, my Sifter Dy's, is all Forgery.
Dia. I say you are a confident Creature.
Fred. interposing. Sisters, this is misbecoming all modesty. Melissa, be satisfy'd! there are more Men besides Courtall.
Dor. Dear Brother, open the rest of our Notes for our common satisfaction; Courtall told me, all should be Blanks but mine.
Mir.
