The Beaux-Stratagem: A comedy in five acts. George Farquhar
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the exterior part strikes first, and you're in the right to make that impression favourable.
Aim. There's something in that which may turn to advantage: the appearance of a stranger in a country church draws as many gazers as a blazing star; no sooner he comes into the cathedral, but a train of whispers runs buzzing round the congregation in a moment: – Who is he? whence comes he? do you know him? – Then I, sir, tip the verger half a crown; he pockets the simony, and inducts me into the best pew in the church; I pull out my snuff-box, turn myself round, bow to the Bishop or the Dean, if he be the commanding officer; single out a beauty, rivet both my eyes to hers, set my nose a-bleeding by the strength of imagination, and show the whole church my concern, by my endeavouring to hide it: after the sermon, the whole town gives me to her for a lover; and, by persuading the lady that I am dying for her, the tables are turned, and she, in good earnest, falls in love with me.
Arch. There's nothing in this, Tom, without a precedent; but, instead of riveting your eyes to a beauty, try to fix them upon a fortune; that's our business at present.
Aim. Pshaw! no woman can be a beauty without a fortune. – Let me alone for a marksman.
Arch. Tom!
Aim. Ay!
Arch. When were you at church before, pray?
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