Analysis of The Sorcerer: Act II

Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre, an Elderly Baronet

Alexis, of the Grenadier Guards--His Son

Dr. Daly, Vicar of Ploverleigh

John Wellington Wells, of J. W. Wells & Co., Family Sorcerers

Lady Sangazure, a Lady of Ancient Lineage

Aline, Her Daughter--betrothed to Alexis

Mrs. Partlet, a Pew-Opener

Constance, her Daughter

Chorus of Villagers  

(Twelve hours are supposed to elapse between Acts I and II)

ACT II-- Grounds of Sir Marmaduke's Mansion, Midnight

Scene--Exterior of Sir Marmaduke's mansion by moonlight.  All the
     peasantry are discovered asleep on the ground, as at the end
     of Act I.

Enter Mr. Wells, on tiptoe, followed by Alexis and Aline. Mr. Wells
     carries a dark lantern.

TRIO--ALEXIS, ALINE, and MR. WELLS

'Tis twelve, I think,
                      And at this mystic hour
                 The magic drink
                      Should manifest its power.
                 Oh, slumbering forms,
                      How little ye have guessed
                 That fire that warms
                      Each apathetic breast!

ALEXIS.           But stay, my father is not here!

ALINE.            And pray where is my mother dear?

MR. WELLS.        I did not think it meet to see
                 A dame of lengthy pedigree,
                 A Baronet and K.C.B.
                 A Doctor of Divinity,
                 And that respectable Q.C.,
                 All fast asleep, al-fresco-ly,
                 And so I had them taken home
                 And put to bed respectably!
                 I trust my conduct meets your approbation.

ALEXIS.           Sir, you have acted with discrimination,
                 And shown more delicate appreciation
                 Than we expect of persons of your station.

MR. WELLS.        But stay--they waken one by one --
                 The spell has worked--the deed is done!
                 I would suggest that we retire
                 While Love, the Housemaid, lights her kitchen
                      fire!

(Exeunt Mr. Wells, Alexis and Aline, on tiptoe, as the villagers
     stretch their arms, yawn, rub their eyes, and sit up.)

MEN.        Why, where be oi, and what be oi a doin',
                 A sleepin' out, just when the dews du rise?
GIRLS.      Why, that's the very way your health to ruin,
                 And don't seem quite respectable likewise!
MEN (staring at girls).      Eh, that's you!
                                  Only think o' that now!
GIRLS (coyly).               What may you be at, now?
                                  Tell me, du!
MEN (admiringly).            Eh, what a nose,
                                  And eh, what eyes, miss!
                            Lips like a rose,
                                  And cheeks likewise, miss!
GIRLS (coyly).               Oi tell you true,
                                  Which I've never done, sir,
                            Oi loike you
                                  As I never loiked none, sir!
ALL.                         Eh, but oi du loike you!
MEN.                         If you'll marry me, I'll dig for you and
                                  rake for you!
GIRLS.                       If you'll marry be, I'll scrub for you
                                  and bake for you!
MEN.                         If you'll marry me, all others I'll
                                  forsake for you!
ALL.                               All this will I du, if you marry
                                        me!
GIRLS.                       If you'll marry me, I'll cook for you
                                  and brew for you!
MEN.                         If you'll marry me, I've guineas not a
                                  few for you!
GIRLS.                       If you'll marry me, I'll take you in and
                                  du for you!
ALL.                         All this will I du, if you'll marry me!
                                  Eh, but I do loike you!

(At end of dance, enter Constance in tears, leading Notary, who
     carries an ear-trumpet)

Dear friends, take pity on my lot,
                      My cup is not of nectar!
                 I long have loved--as who would not?--
                      Our kind and reverend r