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Becoming America - An Exploration of American Literature from Precolonial to Post-Revolution, 2018a

Becoming America - An Exploration of American Literature from Precolonial to Post-Revolution, 2018a

Becoming America - An Exploration of American Literature from Precolonial to Post-Revolution, 2018a

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BECOMING AMERICA<br />

REVOLUTIONARY AND EARLY NATIONAL PERIOD LITERATURE<br />

CHARLOTTE<br />

But, brother, we must introduce you <strong>to</strong> some <strong>of</strong> our gay folks, and let you see the<br />

city, such as it is. Mr. Dimple is known <strong>to</strong> almost every family in <strong>to</strong>wn; he will<br />

doubtless take a pleasure in introducing you.<br />

DIMPLE<br />

I shall esteem every service I can render your brother an honour.<br />

MANLY<br />

I fear the business I am upon will take up all my time, and my family will be anxious<br />

<strong>to</strong> hear <strong>from</strong> me.<br />

MARIA<br />

His family! but what is it <strong>to</strong> me that he is married! [Aside.] Pray, how did you leave<br />

your lady, Sir?<br />

CHARLOTTE<br />

My brother is not married [observing her anxiety]; it is only an odd way he has <strong>of</strong><br />

expressing himself. Pray, brother, is this business, which you make your continual<br />

excuse, a secret?<br />

MANLY<br />

No, sister; I came hither <strong>to</strong> solicit the honourable Congress, that a number <strong>of</strong> my<br />

brave old soldiers may be put upon the pension-list, who were, at rst, not judged<br />

<strong>to</strong> be so materially wounded as <strong>to</strong> need the public assistance. My sister says true [<strong>to</strong><br />

Maria]: I call my late soldiers my family. Those who were not in the eld in the late<br />

glorious contest, and those who were, have their respective merits; but, I confess,<br />

my old brother-soldiers are dearer <strong>to</strong> me than the former description. Friendships<br />

made in adversity are lasting; our countrymen may forget us, but that is no reason<br />

why we should forget one another. But I must leave you; my time <strong>of</strong> engagement<br />

approaches.<br />

CHARLOTTE<br />

Well, but, brother, if you will go, will you please <strong>to</strong> conduct my fair friend home?<br />

You live in the same street—I was <strong>to</strong> have gone with her myself— [Aside]. A lucky<br />

thought.<br />

MARIA<br />

I am obliged <strong>to</strong> your sister, Sir, and was just intending <strong>to</strong> go.<br />

[Going.]<br />

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