Dedication

To the Revd George Austen

Sir,

I humbly solicit your Patronage to the following Comedy, which tho’ an unfinished one, is I flatter myself as complete a Mystery as any of its kind.

I am Sir your most Humle Servant

The Author

The Mystery

a Comedy

Dramatis Personae

Men.

Colonel Elliott

Sir Edward Spangle

Old Humbug

Young Humbug

and

Corydon.

Women.

Fanny Elliott

Mrs Humbug

and

Daphne

Act the First

Scene the 1st

A Garden.

Enter Corydon.

Cory.) But Hush! I am interrupted.

(Exit Corydon.)

Enter Old Humbug and his Son, talking.

Old Hum:) It is for that reason I wish you to follow my advice. Are you convinced of its propriety?

Young Hum:) I am Sir, and will certainly act in the manner you have pointed out to me.

Old Hum:) Then let us return to the House.

(Exeunt)

Scene the 2nd

A Parlour in Humbug's house.

Mrs Humbug and Fanny, discovered at work.

Mrs Hum:) You understand me my Love?

Fanny) Perfectly ma’am. Pray continue your narration.

Mrs. Hum:) Alas! It is nearly concluded, for I have nothing more to say on the Subject.

Fanny) Ah! here's Daphne.

Enter Daphne.

Daphne) My dear Mrs Humbug how d’ye do? Oh! Fanny ‘tis all over.

Fanny) Is it indeed!

Mrs Hum:) I’m very sorry to hear it.

Fanny) Then t’was to no purpose that I… .

Daphne) None upon Earth.

Mrs Hum:) And what is to become of?….

Daphne) Oh! that's all settled. (whispers Mrs Humbug)

Fanny) And how is it determined?

Daphne) I’ll tell you. (whispers Fanny)

Mrs Hum:) And is he to?….

Daphne) I’ll tell you all I know of the matter. (whispers Mrs Humbug and Fanny)

Fanny)Well! now I know everything about it, I’ll go away.