John Maddison Morton

Drawing Rooms Second Floor and Attics John Maddison Morton

Publisher Marketing: SCENE FIRST.-Interior of an Attic. Small door at L. flat; small attic window at C., shewing the slanting roof of a house beyond, with two large chimney pots, &c. At the rising of the curtain, PH BE is discovered on chair, R., taking down linen, which is hanging up on a line, and depositing it in a clothes basket at her side. PH BE. (singing) I'm off to Charlestown early in the morning; I'm off to Charlestown, and little time to stay; Then give my respects to all the pretty yellar girls; I'm off to Charlestown before the break of day. The small door, L. C., opens, and JONATHAN appears-he has a house broom in one hand. JONATHAN. Ah! there's my pretty, merry-hearted little bird, chirruping away as usual. PH BE. Yes, uncle Jonathan, and now that you are here, you'll help your "little bird" to take down her clothes line, won't you? (gets down) JONATH. Very well; only we must look sharp about it; our drawing rooms and second floor give a party to-night. Dear, dear! only to think of the swaps and changes of this mortal life! I recollect our drawing rooms and second floor, Mr. Bunny, going about the streets of London, crying, "Hare skins-rabbit skins!" PH BE. And now he's a retired furrier, with no end of money! I only wish I was rich!"