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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

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BECOMING AMERICA<br />

REVOLUTIONARY AND EARLY NATIONAL PERIOD LITERATURE<br />

Enter MARIA.<br />

Is he indeed gone?—<br />

I hope, never <strong>to</strong> return.<br />

MARIA<br />

LETITIA<br />

VAN ROUGH<br />

I am glad I heard <strong>of</strong> those bills; though it’s plaguy unlucky; I hoped <strong>to</strong> see Mary<br />

married before I died.<br />

MANLY<br />

Will you permit a gentleman, Sir, <strong>to</strong> oer himself as a sui<strong>to</strong>r <strong>to</strong> your daughter?<br />

Though a stranger <strong>to</strong> you, he is not al<strong>to</strong>gether so <strong>to</strong> her, or unknown in this city.<br />

You may nd a son-in-law <strong>of</strong> more fortune, but you can never meet with one who<br />

is richer in love for her, or respect for you.<br />

VAN ROUGH<br />

Why, Mary, you have not let this gentleman make love <strong>to</strong> you without my leave?<br />

I did not say, Sir—<br />

MANLY<br />

MARIA<br />

Say, Sir!—I—the gentleman, <strong>to</strong> be sure, met me accidentally.<br />

VAN ROUGH<br />

Ha, ha, ha! Mark me, Mary; young folks think old folks <strong>to</strong> be fools; but old folks<br />

know young folks <strong>to</strong> be fools. Why, I knew all about this aair. This was only a<br />

cunning way I had <strong>to</strong> bring it about. Hark ye! I was in the closet when you and<br />

he were at our hours. [Turns <strong>to</strong> the company.] I heard that little baggage say she<br />

loved her old father, and would die <strong>to</strong> make him happy! Oh! how I loved the little<br />

baggage! <strong>An</strong>d you talked very prudently, young man. I have inquired in<strong>to</strong> your<br />

character, and nd you <strong>to</strong> be a man <strong>of</strong> punctuality and mind the main chance. <strong>An</strong>d<br />

so, as you love Mary and Mary loves you, you shall have my consent immediately<br />

<strong>to</strong> be married. I’ll settle my fortune on you, and go and live with you the remainder<br />

<strong>of</strong> my life.<br />

Sir, I hope—<br />

MANLY<br />

Page | 643

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