Nothing to Nurse (1857)

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As first performed at Laura Keene's Theatre, September, 1857,
Mr. Maximum Muddle, Mr. Jefferson,
Uncle Brads, Mr. J. H. Stoddart.
Mr. Edward Ashton, Mr. Duncan.
Mrs. Foxingem, Miss Wells.
Bessie Foxingem, Miss C. Jefferson.
Miss. Fanny Travers, Miss Charlotte Thompson.

Scene , New York . — Period , the Present.

Time of Action , one day .

STAGE DIRECTIONS.

L. means First Entrance Left . R. First Entrance Right . S. E. L. Second Entrance, Left . S. E. R. Second Entrance, Right . U. E. L. Upper Entrance, Left . U. E. R. Upper Entrance, Right . C. Centre L. C. Left Centre . R. C. Right of Centre . T. E. L. Third Entrance, Left . T. E. R. Third Entrance, Right . C. D. Centre Door . D. R. Door Right . D. L. Door Left . U. D. L. Upper Door, Left U. D. R. Upper Door, Right .

The reader is supposed to be on the Stage, facing the Audience.

Scene 1

Scene . — A well furnished parlor in the boarding house of Mrs. Foxingem in New York. Enter R. I . Mrs. Foxingem and Bessie.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 99 words in 4 sentences using 501 chars.

Bessie.

Note: Contains 27 words in 4 sentences using 128 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 79 words in 3 sentences using 370 chars.

Bessie.

Note: Contains 26 words in 2 sentences using 144 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 255 words in 7 sentences using 1405 chars.

Bessie,

Note: Contains 12 words in 5 sentences using 58 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 121 chars.

Muddle heard without . L.]

Note: Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 85 chars.

Bessie.

Note: Contains 39 words in 4 sentences using 183 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 81 chars.

Enter Muddle , hurriedly, D. L .

Mud.

Note: Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 54 chars.

Bessie.

Note: Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 37 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 262 words in 6 sentences using 1510 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 2 words in 3 sentences using 15 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 89 words in 6 sentences using 498 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 115 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 66 words in 4 sentences using 376 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 32 words in 2 sentences using 186 chars.

Bessie.

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 21 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 88 words in 4 sentences using 488 chars.

Bessie.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 19 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 28 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 86 words in 4 sentences using 458 chars.

Bessie.

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 53 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 33 words in 2 sentences using 150 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 25 words in 4 sentences using 141 chars.

Exeunt Mrs. Fox and Bessie R . There's a new tag for the "Distress'd Mother," and now for the last act of "A Bold Stroke for a Wife."

EnterFanny Travers , R.

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 124 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 102 chars.

Muddle.

Note: Contains 60 words in 2 sentences using 325 chars.

Fanny,

Note: Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 94 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 31 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 46 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 25 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 14 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 3 words in 3 sentences using 24 chars.

very forcibly

Fanny.

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 28 chars.

Mud.

[ very wildly,

Note: Contains 46 words in 3 sentences using 238 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 43 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 118 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 104 chars.

Rising — he gently forces her to sit .

Mud.

Note: Contains 10 words in 3 sentences using 60 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 23 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 51 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 41 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 10 words in 4 sentences using 62 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 33 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 42 chars.

Fanny starts up and holds by her chair, Muddle imitates her action, and they face each other

Fanny.

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 23 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 21 chars.

Fanny.

[ Greatly excited

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 63 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 16 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 68 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 18 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 39 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 54 words in 4 sentences using 321 chars.

Fanny.

[ gasping

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 10 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 6 chars.

Fan.

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 6 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 6 chars.

Both drop into their chairs, Fanny stamping and screaming, Muddle at first as if fainting, but suddenly trying to hold Fanny still Mrs Fox and Bessie , run on the R. H . exclaiming;

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 39 chars.

Bessie.

Note: Contains 7 words in 3 sentences using 37 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 43 chars.

Takes chair to R . and throws himself into it.

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 79 chars.

During the foregoing speeches Mrs. Fox has applied smelling bottle to Fanny , while Bessie chafes her hands, as she recovers. Bessie turns to Muddle.

Bessie.

Note: Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 65 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars.

Bessie.

[ Running to sideboard and pouring out wine

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 18 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 21 words in 4 sentences using 109 chars.

Drinks another glass

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 107 chars.

Bessie.

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 41 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 124 chars.

Bessie replaces wine & c ., on sideboard .

Fanny.

[ Rising

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 79 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 12 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 113 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 25 words in 3 sentences using 129 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 68 words in 5 sentences using 349 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 20 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 5 words in 3 sentences using 24 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 58 words in 4 sentences using 283 chars.

Bessie.

Note: Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 129 chars.

Exit ., L. D.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 22 words in 4 sentences using 103 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 40 words in 2 sentences using 209 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 12 words in 4 sentences using 65 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 74 words in 2 sentences using 374 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 97 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 30 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 33 words in 4 sentences using 174 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

( Coaxingly .)

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 30 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 24 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 42 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 37 words in 3 sentences using 174 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 23 chars.

Mud.

( Holds up Mrs. F's hand in a theatrically, solemn manner ).

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 20 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 9 chars.

Mrs. F. and Mud.

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 8 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 14 chars.

Mrs. F.

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 10 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 10 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 48 words in 4 sentences using 261 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 36 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 66 words in 4 sentences using 365 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 31 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 24 words in 3 sentences using 121 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 40 words in 3 sentences using 209 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 34 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 62 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 2 words in 3 sentences using 13 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 108 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 35 words in 2 sentences using 182 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 45 words in 4 sentences using 249 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 25 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 174 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

( Severely ).

Note: Contains 2 words in 3 sentences using 13 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 97 words in 5 sentences using 540 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 14 words in 3 sentences using 78 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 91 words in 3 sentences using 481 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 56 words in 4 sentences using 332 chars.

Fanny.

( Laughing .)

Note: Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 152 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 44 words in 7 sentences using 219 chars.

Enter Bessie hastily , L. D.]

Bessie.

Note: Contains 15 words in 4 sentences using 73 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 110 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 58 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 19 chars.

( Grasping her hand .)

Fanny.

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 18 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 17 chars.

Exit Fanny , R. D.]

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 45 words in 4 sentences using 235 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 43 chars.

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 44 chars.

Exeunt Mrs . & Miss Fox , R. Uncle Brads outside , L.]

Brads.

Note: Contains 19 words in 4 sentences using 78 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 79 chars.

Enter uncle Brads , L. D.]

Brads.

Note: Contains 34 words in 5 sentences using 161 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 88 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 25 chars.

Mud.

( Runs into Brads' arms and speaks over his shoulder aside .)

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 42 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 28 words in 3 sentences using 149 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 21 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 20 words in 3 sentences using 89 chars.

( Aside ).

Brads.

Note: Contains 19 words in 3 sentences using 94 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 60 words in 4 sentences using 304 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 38 words in 3 sentences using 178 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 22 words in 4 sentences using 106 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 88 words in 8 sentences using 383 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 57 words in 5 sentences using 254 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 100 chars.

Exit Brads , L. I.]

Mud.

[ Rushes to R. H. and pulls bell incessantly

Note: Contains 55 words in 3 sentences using 251 chars.

Enter Mrs. Fox. with baby, R. D . Muddle ceases to ring, ana seizes the child.

Mud.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 21 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 84 chars.

Mud.

[ Holding it out at arms length

Note: Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 96 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 33 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 37 words in 4 sentences using 207 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 70 chars.

Mud.

[ Giving her the baby

Note: Contains 47 words in 2 sentences using 247 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 10 words in 3 sentences using 64 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 69 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 61 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 35 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 39 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 28 words in 2 sentences using 163 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 58 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 41 words in 2 sentences using 220 chars.

Enter Bessie R. D. hastily .

Bessie.

Note: Contains 27 words in 7 sentences using 117 chars.

Maud . [ Seizes the baby from Mrs. Fox and rushes off L. D.]

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 17 words in 4 sentences using 90 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 38 words in 6 sentences using 170 chars.

Edward Ashton heard , L. D. outside

Edward.

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 33 chars.

Muddle makes another rush towards R. D., but is caught and stopped by Mrs. Fox. Enter Edward Ashton , L. D.]

Edward.

Note: Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 41 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 23 words in 5 sentences using 118 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 46 chars.

Edward.

Note: Contains 27 words in 4 sentences using 127 chars.

Mud.

Note: Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 142 chars.

Edward.

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 70 chars.

Bessie.

[ Aside

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 77 chars.

Exit L. D.]

Mud.

Note: Contains 47 words in 4 sentences using 249 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 30 words in 4 sentences using 150 chars.

Edw.

Note: Contains 50 words in 3 sentences using 264 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 42 words in 3 sentences using 216 chars.

Edw.

Note: Contains 4 words in 3 sentences using 38 chars.

Muddle

[ passionately ].

Note: Contains 32 words in 5 sentences using 191 chars.

Edw.

Note: Contains 40 words in 6 sentences using 213 chars.

Going L. D.]

Muddle.

[ Seizing and stopping Edward, imploringly

Note: Contains 36 words in 3 sentences using 169 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 22 words in 3 sentences using 98 chars.

Edw.

Note: Contains 36 words in 2 sentences using 186 chars.

Exit Edw. Ash . R. D. — Muddle sinks into a chair and groans .

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 35 chars.

Uncle Brads calls outside L.

Brads.

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 34 chars.

Muddle jumps up in great alarm .

Muddle

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 33 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 35 words in 2 sentences using 168 chars.

Exit Mrs. Fox R. D.

Enter uncle Brads , L. D .

Brads.

Note: Contains 67 words in 3 sentences using 321 chars.

Muddle.

Note: Contains 49 words in 2 sentences using 231 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 86 chars.

Muddle.

Note: Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 114 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 10 words in 3 sentences using 48 chars.

Muddle.

Note: Contains 39 words in 3 sentences using 190 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 21 words in 3 sentences using 119 chars.

Muddle.

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 66 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 55 words in 4 sentences using 255 chars.

Exit L. D.]

Muddle.

Note: Contains 23 words in 3 sentences using 130 chars.

Enter Bessie .

Bessie.

Note: Contains 105 words in 7 sentences using 494 chars.

Muddle.

[ Overjoyed

Note: Contains 20 words in 4 sentences using 92 chars.

Bessie.

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 35 chars.

Enter Mrs. F. R. D .

Mrs. F.

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 81 chars.

Muddle.

Note: Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 72 chars.

Attempts to take it .

Mrs. F.

Note: Contains 92 words in 5 sentences using 459 chars.

Muddle.

Note: Contains 41 words in 2 sentences using 212 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 81 chars.

Enter uncle Brads , L. D .

Brads.

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 52 chars.

Muddle.

Note: Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 135 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 70 chars.

Muddle.

Note: Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 95 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 27 words in 3 sentences using 138 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 59 words in 2 sentences using 312 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 37 words in 5 sentences using 171 chars.

Muddle.

Note: Contains 70 words in 3 sentences using 357 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 74 chars.

Approaching Mrs. F

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 85 chars.

Muddle.

[ Assuming grief

Note: Contains 59 words in 3 sentences using 332 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 16 chars.

Muddle.

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 36 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 15 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 25 chars.

Going

Brads.

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 27 chars.

Muddle.

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 42 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 43 chars.

Snatches baby from Mrs. F., uncovers its face and discovers it to be a nigger; the ladies scream — Muddle drops into a chair and throws his handkerchief over his face

Brads.

Note: Contains 38 words in 4 sentences using 191 chars.

Muddle jumps up and walks away .

Muddle.

Note: Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 98 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 21 words in 3 sentences using 110 chars.

Enter Fanny and Edw. Ashton, L. D .

Fanny.

Note: Contains 25 words in 3 sentences using 117 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 66 chars.

Edward.

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 31 chars.

Fanny.

[ Laughing violently

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 102 chars.

Brads.

[ Having laid the baby on a sofa or arm chair

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 97 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 35 words in 3 sentences using 181 chars.

Muddle.

Note: Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 84 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 16 chars.

Muddle.

Note: Contains 14 words in 3 sentences using 70 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 39 chars.

Muddle.

[ Joyously

Note: Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 101 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 18 chars.

Fanny.

Note: Contains 50 words in 3 sentences using 260 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 51 words in 4 sentences using 236 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 44 words in 2 sentences using 205 chars.

Middle, who has been talking with Bessie, brings her forward

Muddle.

Note: Contains 29 words in 2 sentences using 162 chars.

Presenting Bessie .

Brads.

Note: Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 83 chars.

Bessie.

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 25 chars.

Brads.

Note: Contains 26 words in 4 sentences using 146 chars.

Muddle.

Note: Contains 53 words in 4 sentences using 262 chars.

Mrs. Fox.

Note: Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 91 chars.

Muddle.

Note: Contains 45 words in 5 sentences using 227 chars.

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Lizenzvertrag

Holder of rights: Mathias Göbel

Citation Suggestion for this Object: TextGrid Repository (2024). American Drama. Nothing to Nurse. Nothing to Nurse (1857). American Drama Corpus. Mathias Göbel. https://hdl.handle.net/21.11113/0000-0014-A1A2-C