The Gamester (1753)

_Enter BATES._

_Bates._ What is the matter? 'Twas Lewson, and not Beverley, that left you. I heard him loud: you seem alarmed too.

_Stu._ Ay, and with reason. We are discovered.

_Bates._ I feared as much, and therefore cautioned you; but You were peremptory.

_Stu._ Thus fools talk ever; spending their idle breath on what is past; and trembling at the future. We must be active. Beverley, at worst, is but suspicious; but Lewson's genius, and his hate to Me, will lay all open. Means must be found to stop him.

_Bates._ What means?

_Stu._ Dispatch him--Nay, start not--Desperate occasions call for desperate deeds. We live but by his death.

_Bates._ You cannot mean it?

_Stu._ I do, by heaven.

_Bates._ Good night then. [_Going._

_Stu._ Stay. I must be heard, then answered. Perhaps the motion was too sudden; and human nature starts at murder, though strong necessity compels it. I have thought long of this; and my first feelings were like yours; a foolish conscience awed me, which soon I conquered. The man that would undo me, nature cries out, undo. Brutes know their foes by instinct; and where superior force is given, they use it for destruction. Shall man do less? Lewson pursues us to our ruin; and shall we, with the means to crush him, fly from our hunter, or turn and tear him? 'Tis folly even to hesitate.

_Bates._ He has obliged me, and I dare not.

_Stu._ Why, live to shame then, to beggary and punishment. You would be privy to the deed, yet want the soul to act it. Nay more; had my designs been levelled at his fortune, you had stept in the foremost. And what is life without its comforts? Those you would rob him of; and by a lingering death, add cruelty to murder. Henceforth adieu to half-made villains--there's danger in them. What you have got is your's; keep it, and hide with it: I'll deal my future bounty to those who merit it.

_Bates._ What's the reward?

_Stu._ Equal division of our gains. I swear it, and will be just.

_Bates._ Think of the means then.

_Stu._ He's gone to Beverley's-- Wait for him in the street--'tis a dark night, and fit for mischief. A dagger would be useful.

_Bates._ He sleeps no more.

_Stu._ Consider the reward! When the deed's done, I have farther business with you. Send Dawson to me.

_Bates._ Think it already done--and so farewel. [_Exit._

_Stu._ Why, farewel Lewson then; and farewel to my fears. This night secures me. I'll wait the event within. [_Exit._

Scene Vi. _changes to the street. Stage darkened._

_Enter BEVERLEY._

_Bev._ How like an out-cast do I wander! Loaded with every curse, that drives the soul to desperation! The midnight robber, as he walks his rounds, sees by the glimmering lamp my frantic looks, and dreads to meet me. Whither am I going? My home lies there; all that is dear on earth it holds too; yet are the gates of death more welcome to me. I'll enter it no more--Who passes there? Tis Lewson. He meets me in a gloomy hour; and memory tells me, he has been meddling with my fame.