Sir W. And let ’em wait till I have done.  I had a thousand fine things to say on that occasion, but this rude fellow has frightened ’em all out of my head. (Aside.) Well, since my better diversion is over, show ’em up.

In “The Wonder” we have an amusing scene between Lissardo, servant to Felix, and Flora, maid to Violante.  The former had been very sweet upon the latter—­telling her that his “chaps watered for a kiss,” and that “he would revenge himself on her lips;” but a change comes over him on his being presented by Violante with a ring to be worn for his master’s sake.

     Lissardo. I shall, Madam, (puts on the ring.) Methinks a
     diamond ring is a vast addition to the little finger of a
     gentleman. (Admiring his hand.)

     Flora. That ring must be mine.  Well, Lissardo, what haste you
     make to pay off arrears now?  Look how the fellow stands!

Liss. Egad! methinks I have a very pretty hand—­and very white—­and the shape!  Faith!  I never minded it so much before!  In my opinion it is a very fine shaped hand, and becomes a diamond ring as well as the first grandee’s in Portugal.

     Flo. The man’s transported!  Is this your love?  This your
     impatience?

     Liss. (Takes snuff.) Now in my mind, I take snuff with a very
     jaunty air.  Well, I am persuaded I want nothing but a coach and a
     title to make me a very fine gentleman.

     (Struts about.)

     Flo. Sweet Mr. Lissardo, (curtseying,) if I may presume to
     speak to you, without affronting your little finger—­

     Liss. Do so, Madam, I ask your pardon.  Is it to me or to the ring
     you direct your discourse, Madam?

     Flo. Madam!  Good lack! how much a diamond ring improves one!

     Liss. Why, tho’ I say it, I can carry myself as well as anybody. 
     But what wert thou going to say, child?

     Flo. Why, I was going to say, that I fancy you had best let me
     keep that ring; it will be a very pretty wedding-ring.

     Liss. Would it not?  Humph!  Ah!  But—­but—­but—­I believe I shan’t
     marry yet a while.

     Flo. You shan’t, you say; very well!  I suppose you design that
     ring for Inis?

Liss. No, no, I never bribe an old acquaintance.  Perhaps I might let it sparkle in the eyes of a stranger a little, till we come to a right understanding.  But then, like all other mortal things, it would return from whence it came.

     Flo. Insolent!  Is that your manner of dealing?

     Liss. With all but thee—­kiss me, you little rogue, you.

     (Hugging her.)

     Flo. Little rogue!  Prithee, fellow, don’t be so familiar,
     (pushing him away,) if I mayn’t keep your ring, I can keep my
     kisses.