The Gamester (1753)

_Enter JARVIS._

Jarvis! Why this intrusion?--Your absence had been kinder.

_Jar._ I came in duty, Sir. If it be troublesome--

_Bev._ It is. I would be private; hid even from myself. Who sent you hither?

_Jar._ One that would persuade you home again. My mistress is not well; her tears told me so.

_Bev._ Go with thy duty there then. But does she weep? I am to blame to let her weep. Prithee begone; I have no business for thee.

_Jar._ Yes, Sir; to lead you from this place. I am your servant still. Your prosperous fortune blessed my old age. If That has left you, I must not leave you.

_Bev._ Not leave me! Recall past time then; or through this sea of storms and darkness, shew me a star to guide me. But what can'st Thou?

_Jar._ The little that I can, I will. You have been generous to me. I would not offend you, Sir--but--

_Bev._ No. Think'st thou I'd ruin Thee too? I have enough of shame already. My wife! my wife! Would'st thou believe it, Jarvis? I have not seen her all this long night; I, who have loved her so, that every hour of abscence seemed as a gap in life. But other bonds have held me. O! I have played the boy; dropping my counters in the stream, and reaching to redeem them, have lost Myself. Why wilt Thou follow misery? Or if thou wilt, go to thy mistress--She has no guilt to sting her, and therefore may be comforted.

_Jar._ For pity's sake, Sir! I have no heart to see this change.

_Bev._ Nor I to bear it. How speaks the world of me, Jarvis?

_Jar._ As of a good man dead. Of one, who walking in a dream, fell down a precipice. The world is sorry for you.

_Bev._ Ay, and pities me. Says it not so? But I was born to infamy. I'll tell thee what it says. It calls me villain; a treacherous husband; a cruel father; a false brother; one lost to nature and her charities--Or to say all in one short word, it calls me--Gamester. Go to thy mistress; I'll see her presently.

_Jar._ And why not now? Rude people press upon her; loud, bawling creditors; wretches, who know no pity. I met one at the door; he would have seen my mistress--I wanted means of present payment, so promised it to-morrow. But others may be pressing; and she has grief enough already. Your absence hangs too heavy on her.

_Bev._ Tell her I'll come then. I have a moment's business. But what hast Thou to do with My distresses? Thy honesty has left thee poor; and age wants comfort. Keep what thou hast for cordials; left between thee and the grave, misery steal in. I have a friend shall counsel me--This is that friend.