The Comic Theatre Volume 2; Being a Free Translation of All the Best French Comedies (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1762 Excerpt: ...that a mother should abandon herself to the dictates of a blind partiality, and while she lavishes all her fondress upon one child, exercise her authority over the other, only to make her miserable? No, no, Sophia, I will never suffer so unjust a proceeding. Beauty is at best but a frail advantage, a perishable treasure, which may strike us with admiration for a while, but presently loses its force. The gifts of the mind, the gifts of the mind, my girl, and a sweetness of disposition, are superior to all the graces of the person; and as their power is founded in reason, it will always last, and inspire unalterable esteem. It is by these qualisications thou hast endeared thyself to me; they may talk of thy sister as they please, I care not; the arguments thou usest to excuse thy mother's conduct, shews the goodness of thy heart, but it only serves to make me more angry with her, who can be blind to so much merit. 1 am determined to get thee a good husband out of hand; tonight before tomorrow, if possible. SOPHIA. Dear sir, there is no occasion for so much haste. L I S E T T A. Indeed, madam, but I think there is. HEARTFREE. It is a business that I have set my heart upon, and I will go this instant. SOPHIA. Your goodness to me, sir, will only serve to add to my sufferings. Dear sir, let me beg of you to take notice of my sister, appear desirous to see her well G 4 provided provided for. I am sure that is the best way to succeed. L I S E T T A. I believe you are right in that, madam, but then you know your lady lister, who, if poffible, is still vainer than her mother, will hear os nothing under the title of a dutchtss forsooth. HEARTFREE. Of a dutchess L I S E T T A. Yes indeed, sir. Nay, I assure you she even entertains views of being a princess, and so far i.