founded on ignorance of the world, and appear to us morbid, and incapable of exciting sympathy. It is not the object of the serious drama to represent the imitations of vice so as to excite the same feelings as the real acts, but to give such a representation of the moral effects of evil deeds as will warn us from indulging those propensities which entail calamity. In doing this the mind must be interested, and the judgment so satisfied with the logical arrangement that during the representation or perusal pleasurable emotions shall predominate. The German authors only endeavour to interest the feelings; considering the drama only in its lightest character of an amusement, they seem to think that the judgment sleeps when the imagination is amused. It would afford us sincere pleasure to hear that the author of THE BANDIT had renounced the German school, and composed a drama more within the range of human events. He possesses so much knowledge of the business of the stage, that we are convinced he might compose a successful aud much superior piece. 62 END OF No. III. (69) CHARACTERS. DELMORE, whose name was changed in India from Raymond; and who is in love with Alydia. OLD RAYMOND, an English Merchant, and Grandfather to Delmore. YOUNG RAYMOND, eldest Brother of Delmore. PETER HICKUP, } Young Raymond's companions. ALYDIA, Sir Robert Positive's Niece; in love with Delmore. LADY POSITIVE, Wife of Sir Robert. MARTHA BLOOM, a Country Young Lady. MRS. BLOOм, her Mother. AMELIA, Servant to Lady Positive. LUCY, Servant to Martha. MARY HAWTHORN, a Country Young Woman, A Clergyman, a Lawyer, Sheriffs, Marshalmen, Country Boy, Sailors, Gaolers, Executioner, Servants, and Watchmen, THE FORGERY; A Drama. ACT I. SCENE I. A Hall in Sir Robert Positive's house. Loud knocking at the door several times; at last a Servant of Sir Robert enters. Serv. WHAT hasty knave can this be at the door, Who knocks as if he meant to wake the dead? [Opens the door, MELVILLE enters with a SAILOR, who brings a chest.] Melu. Pray doth Sir Robert Positive live here? Serv. Thou hast noised as much as if thou wert Sir Robert. He doth. What then? Who art thou? Melo. (to the Sailor.) Here, set down the chest ; and return and bring The other which I show'd to thee on board. Sail. (as he sets down the chest.) There, shipmate, a rare frigate; if she is As heavy in her cargo as in metal, She is a taut prize for thy commodore. [Exit Sailor. Serv. Here, set down the chest! What art thou? who art thou? Melv. Is thy master at home? or gentleman Of the name of Delmore in this proud house? Serv. Why pray, what do you want with my master ? If you have any message to leave, leave it. Show me the ticket of the porterage, And I shall pay the charge if it be right. Melo. I want to see your master-tell him so, 1 As I can trust no other with my bus'ness. Here are treasures of great value for him. Serv. Treasures or no treasures, I shall not now Trouble my master about them. Leave them. Melo. But you must though, sir. Serv. But I will not, sir. [First Sailor returns with his messmate, carrying a very large chest.] 1 Sail, Avast, messmate, douse all sails-lower the cargo, And stow it here, shipmate, in a snug berth. 2 Sail. (setting down the chest.) There it is, chuck ablock I warrant you, Melv. (to the Sailors.) Put it here, my good fellows. (to the Servant.) Now, great sir, Go tell your master, sirrah, instantly, I have a weighty charge to leave with him. [Offering to go, but is stopped by the Servant. |