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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/31667-8.txt b/31667-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bbb5d91 --- /dev/null +++ b/31667-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3924 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nephews: A Play, in Five Acts., by +William Augustus Iffland + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Nephews: A Play, in Five Acts. + +Author: William Augustus Iffland + +Translator: Hannibal Evans Lloyd + +Release Date: March 16, 2010 [EBook #31667] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NEPHEWS: A PLAY, IN FIVE ACTS. *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Bowen, from scans provided by Google Books + + + + +Source: books.google.com + +http://books.google.com/books?pg=PP8&dq=the+nephews&id=tSgHAAAAQAAJ#v=o +nepage&q=&f=false + + + + + + THE + + NEPHEWS: + + A PLAY, + + IN FIVE ACTS. + + + * * * * * + + + FREELY TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN OF + + _WILLIAM AUGUSTUS IFFLAND,_ + + BY + + HANNIBAL EVANS LLOYD, ESQ. + + + * * * * * + + + LONDON: + + PRINTED BY W. AND C. SPILSBURY, SNOWHILL; + + AND SOLD BY G. G. AND J. ROBINSON, PATERNOSTER-ROW; + CADELL AND DAVIES, STRAND; J. DEBRETT, + PICCADILLY; AND J. BELL, OXFORD-STREET. + + M.DCC.XCIX. + + + + + + + DRAMATIS PERSONĘ + +CHANCELLOR FLEFFEL. + +COUNSELLOR FLEFFEL, his Son. + +MR. DRAVE, a Merchant, Guardian to the two BROOKS. + +LEWIS BROOK, \ + > Brothers +PHILIP BROOK, / + +MR. ROSE, a Banker. + +Clerk to the Chancellor. + +Old Man. + +FREDERICK DRAVE's Servant. + +MRS. DRAVE. + +AUGUSTA. + + + + + + + THE NEPHEWS. + + + + _ACT I._ + + + SCENE I. + + At the Chancellor's House. + + COUNSELLOR FLEFFEL, LEWIS BROOK, at Breakfast. + + Enter a Servant. + + Counsellor (to the Servant). + +Take away. But, no--let it stand; my father may chuse some: is he +returned? + +_Servant._ I'll enquire, Sir. [Exit Servant. + +_Counsellor_ [rising and viewing himself]. We've made a long breakfast. + +_Lewis._ But _you_ have eaten nothing. + +_Counsellor._ Why, my dear friend, I'm quite uneasy about my growing so +fat. + +_Lewis_ [ironically]. Oh, certainly; All the affecting graces of a +pining love-sick swain will be destroyed: you'll lose all your credit +with the ladies.--Apropos of ladies, how do you stand with Miss Drave? + +_Counsellor._ Ill enough. Your worthy guardian and the whole family are +so intolerably stiff. + +_Lewis._ Don't say I told you; but you certainly are the happy man. + +_Counsellor._ I?--No indeed; it is rather you. + +_Lewis._ You have nothing to fear from me. You know my passion for your +sister. But for that grave, melancholy gentleman, my dear brother, I'd +have you beware of him. + +_Counsellor_ [laughs] Excellent! As if such a sour misanthrope could +please any one, particularly a young girl. + +_Lewis._ Tastes are different; and besides, my serious guardian is his +friend. + +_Counsellor._ So much the worse for _you_. + +_Lewis._ No matter. + +_Counsellor._ How! Believe me, this excellent brother of yours is +continually defaming you. + +_Lewis._ I know it very well. + +_Counsellor._ And he is now striving---- + +_Lewis._ I know what you would say; to enforce the clause of my +father's will. + +_Counsellor._ Tell me, how is this clause worded? + +_Lewis._ If one of his sons should turn out a prodigal, the other is +declared his tutor. + +_Counsellor._ It is a shocking clause. + +_Lewis._ It is indeed. Yet, should they attempt it--by heavens!--But to +the purpose--your father is still willing to give me your sister? + +_Counsellor._ Certainly. + +_Lewis._ But take care then I have some of the ready with her. + +_Counsellor._ Oh, you may depend upon that. + +_Lewis._ Not any of your father's own; only my share of the fortune of +old Crack-brains. + +_Counsellor._ Old Crack-brains! What do you mean? + +_Lewis._ As if you did not know! Why my old uncle, to whom you have +prescribed a little wholesome confinement, by way of cure for his +pretended madness. + +_Counsellor._ Oh! that old man! So, so. + +_Lewis._ Exactly. You always seem wonderfully at a loss when that point +is touch'd. + +_Counsellor._ But--I was going to observe--yes--it might be done, had +he not escaped--but now it is uncertain whether he is alive, or what is +become of him. + +_Lewis._ I say he is dead. + +_Counsellor._ But we have not heard. + +_Lewis._ He shall be dead. + +_Counsellor._ But---- + +_Lewis._ Why a live man is as easily declared to be dead, as a man in +his senses to be mad; and if he should make his appearance, you can +secure him again. + +_Counsellor._ No! who would do that? + +_Lewis._ Zounds! what a tender conscience! If my uncle could be +declared mad, by your good-nature, that you might shew your Christian +charity, in managing his estate, I am sure your noble heart would have +no scruple to advance a part of the inheritance to the lawful heir. + +_Counsellor._ My dear friend, your expressions are so harsh--so---- + +_Lewis._ His madness was not so very clear. The old fellow was +reasonable enough at times. + +_Counsellor._ Quite out of his senses, I assure you: mad as a March +hare. + +_Lewis_ I don't know how--but indeed, I sometimes pity him. + +_Counsellor._ It was the will of God. + +_Lewis._ Oh, I have nothing to do with that: 'tis a subject too deep +for me. But beware of my brother: he suspects foul play, and has spies +drawn up every where. + + Enter CHANCELLOR FLEFFEL. + +_Counsellor._ Good morning, dear father. + +_Lewis_ [bowing]. My Lord! + +_Chancellor._ Good morning, my son,--your most obedient, Sir. + +_Lewis._ Engaged so early? + +_Chancellor._ Can I avoid it, my dear Sir? + +_Lewis._ The State is much indebted to you. + +_Chancellor._ Yet my zeal is frequently overlooked--no attention paid. +[To his son] No news, Samuel? + +_Counsellor._ No, father. + +_Chancellor._ I feel quite tired. + +_Counsellor._ You have had no breakfast. + +_Chancellor._ No; and the cold marble floor of the Palace has quite +chilled me. What have you here? [Seats himself at the breakfast table.] +Our most excellent Prince has been heaping new favours upon me. You +have heard, no doubt, [to Lewis] of the bustle there has been. An +underclerk of the Treasury, a man of no extraction, accused me of a +fraud, in executing the late regulations for the distribution of corn +to the poor. + +_Lewis._ So I have been informed--and what is our Prince's pleasure? + +_Chancellor._ As the man could bring no evidence whatever, his Serene +Highness, for the reparation of my honour, has been graciously pleased +to punish him. + +_Lewis._ And in what manner? + +_Chancellor._ The warrant was signed yesterday, [drinks]--To be +cashiered and banished. + +_Lewis._ He is pretty well rewarded. + +_Chancellor._ I have supplicated, my dear Sir, for a mitigation of the +sentence--but in vain----Samuel, cut me a wing of that fowl----I have +sent another letter, on your account, to Mr. Drave. + +_Lewis._ Too kind, my Lord. + +_Chancellor._ I long to see his answer. To my last he sent an absolute +refusal. + +_Lewis._ Is it possible? Can he dare? + +_Chancellor_ [rising]. He has not gathered roses by it, my dear +Sir--No, no, [laughs] £.4000, which I had in his hands, I withdrew +instantly.--Your good father was wrong to put such promising sons under +this man's guardianship. + +_Lewis._ I agree with you; but some of his best friends advised him. + +_Chancellor_ [taking snuff]. Has Drave ever given any account of his +guardianship? + +_Lewis._ Not yet. + +_Chancellor._ Note that, Samuel. He _shall_ give it--I have hinted it +in Court already--You must not lose your fortune, my dear Sir. + +_Lewis._ I do not think there is any danger. + +_Chancellor._ Well, but have you drawn up a statement of your +property, as you promised? + +_Lewis_ [gives him a paper]. Here it is. + +_Chancellor_ [looking over it]. So, so; a very good fortune! +[muttering] £.10,000 in the hands of Rose--Which Rose is that? + +_Lewis._ John Frederick. + +_Chancellor._ Samuel, give me the red ink.--[Writes.] So, so--£.10,000, +at John Frederick Rose's. + +_Lewis._ May I ask why that name strikes you so much? + +_Chancellor._ For important reasons. + +_Lewis._ You think---- + +_Chancellor._ That your property is not in the best hands, my dear Sir. +Rose is rather in a ticklish situation just now. + +_Lewis._ I may lose it then! + +_Chancellor._ Not you exactly, but your worthy tutor might suffer. +[Looks at the back of the paper.] Aye, aye; many drawbacks too--you are +not the best manager, my good friend. + +_Lewis._ I know it, my Lord. + +_Chancellor._ Overcharged besides by your honest guardian now and then. +I am a plain, sincere man. Speak freely--the valuable furniture--the +plate--is there any regular inventory? + +_Lewis._ No, my Lord. It was in the will. + +_Chancellor._ You must apply to the Court then. + +_Lewis._ Yes--But-- + +_Chancellor._ Only for form sake--you just sign a little paper--a mere +form, I assure you. You are too good-natured--give so easily away--must +not be.--Come, we will go to my room, and examine your affairs more +closely. [Exeunt. + + + SCENE II. + + Apartment in Drave's House. + + Mr. DRAVE writing.--Mrs. DRAVE enters. + +_Mrs. D._ Good morning, my dear--you have not come down. + +_Mr. D._ [gives her his hand, without looking up]. Good morning. + +_Mrs. D._ You are busy. + +_Mr. D._ I shall have done in a moment. + +_Mrs. D._ I'll leave you. + +_Mr. D._ [rising]. It is done now. + +_Mrs. D._ You seem angry. + +_Mr. D._ No wonder--that man---- + +_Mrs. D._ Who? + +_Mr. D._ My hopeful ward Lewis--as I am not always ready to pay his +debts, he sets the Chancellor upon me. + +_Mrs. D._ Again? Very strange. + +_Mr. D._ I am continually pestered with applications for the payment. + +_Mrs. D._ And you---- + +_Mr. D._ With all due respect for these applications, I'll not pay. + +_Mrs. D._ Very well: but---- + +_Mr. D._ And now this Chancellor sends me a letter, desiring me to +bring him my accounts, as guardian to Lewis this afternoon that he may +overlook them. I'll not do it. [Takes a letter off the table, and gives +it to Mrs. Drave--walks angrily up and down while she reads it--takes +it back]. What do you think of it? + +_Mrs. D._ It is unpleasant--but why send a positive refusal? + +_Mr. D._ And why not? + +_Mrs. D._ The Chancellor is a very powerful man. + +_Mr. D._ I do not fear him. + +_Mrs. D._ He takes every opportunity to injure us; his hatred is +implacable. What can you oppose to his base intrigues? + +_Mr. D._ My heart, and plain dealing. + +_Mrs. D._ Do not offend him so sensibly: rather send the accounts. + +_Mr. D._ Never! The very sum he now troubles me for is to pay himself. +He lent it to Lewis, through a third person, upon exorbitant interest. + +_Mrs. D._ Base enough. But, I repeat it, he is powerful, and will +revenge himself. + + [Mr. D. seals the letter, rings the bell.--Enter + a Servant.] + +_Mrs. D._ You will have it so. I wish all may be well. + +_Mr. D._ [giving the letter to the Servant]. To the Chancellor's. +[Exit Servant. + +_Mrs. D._ Had you only done it in a better manner--You may remember +'twas for your rashness he withdrew the £.4000. + +_Mr. D._ For my rashness? Oh, no.--To place it out at higher interest +somewhere else.--At such an unseasonable time too--there again--thus to +undermine good houses, that he may have full scope for his unfair +practices. + +_Mrs. D._ It may be so--But in regard to Lewis--I wish your behaviour +were different: it may have such unpleasant consequences--for I must +inform you, he seems to have an attachment to Augusta. + +_Mr. D._ [surprised]. So?--and Augusta? + +_Mrs. D._ She loves him. + +_Mr. D._ Merciful God! + +_Mrs. D._ What is it you mean? + +_Mr. D._ Too well have I feared--too well have I guessed at such +things. Hence it is that Augusta looks always as if oppressed by +conscious guilt--hence her reserve towards me.--Has not this unhappy +guardianship given me uneasiness enough? Has not my life been +sufficiently embittered? Have I not sacrificed enough of my peace? must +I also sacrifice my only child? + +_Mrs. D._ I do not see why. + +_Mr. D._ No, no, you do not see--if you did, you would not stand there +so calmly. + +_Mrs. D._ And why are you so terrified? That he is lively--sometimes +wild? He is young. + +_Mr. D._ Lively? wild? young? No, no.--Immoral, dissolute, +hypocritical; that is the character of Lewis Brook.--And shall he the +husband of my Augusta? When I quit the world, shall I leave to him the +child of my heart? To him? Oh, you have brought me bad news! + +_Mrs. D._ You see every thing in such gloomy colours! I agree he is +inconsiderate--_very_ inconsiderate; and certainly while he remains as +he is, I shall not think of marriage: but love will bring him back. + +_Mr. D._ What can you hope from such levity? + +_Mrs. D._ More than from the insensibility of his brother. + +_Mr. D._ Do you speak of my good Philip thus? Oh, had you told me that +she loved _him_--whatever I could spare--my whole fortune--yes, she +should have had it all--Then we had been the happiest of parents. + +_Mrs. D._ I see no happiness, in our daughter's being shut up with such +an eternal grumbler. + +_Mr. D._ Oh! but his heart is noble! + +_Mrs. D._ An inconsiderate mind is better than such sour virtue, if +indeed it deserves the name. + +_Mr. D._ I own I am disappointed in both of them. + +_Mrs. D._ I fear, my dear Drave, your mode of education has contributed +to make them hate each other. + +_Mr. D._ Hate? Philip hate?--Never.----If Lewis does, I am sorry. + +_Mrs. D._ He cannot love such sour behaviour--he does not hate--but he +is cold--they have not spoken to each other these three months. + +_Mr. D._ We must put an end to this. They must see each other, come to +an explanation, and all will be well. Lewis esteems you--prevail on him +to meet his brother with kindness. + +_Mrs. D._ Willingly.--And now concerning Augusta--what will you do? + +_Mr. D._ [thoughtfully]. Now I see clearly--now I can account for many +strange things: it is too true--her passion is too deeply rooted to be +overcome. I will never force her inclination--but I must first be +certain that Lewis really loves her. + +_Mrs. D._ I hope to satisfy you in that point. His declarations are +sufficiently explicit. + +_Mr. D._ Suppose what you tell me to be true, the young Counsellor's +visits must be declined. + +_Mrs. D._ Why so? + +_Mr. D._ For a thousand reasons. I must beg you to comply with my +wishes in this respect.--The company of a fool can never do any good, +though his impertinences may do mischief.--I have now some engagements +abroad, and cannot speak to Augusta, till after I return. Prepare her +for it--tell her that her happiness is dearer to me than my life--she +is still the child of my heart, and her choice shall be mine.--Adieu. +[Exeunt on different sides.] + + + END OF THE FIRST ACT. + + + + _ACT II._ + + + SCENE I. + + AUGUSTA laying down a book, and wiping her eyes. + + Mrs. DRAVE entering. + +_Mrs. D._ At your books, and in tears again, Augusta? + +_Augusta._ No, dear mother. + +_Mrs. D._ Your eyes betray you. You must not be so melancholy. One +impediment is remov'd--I have acquainted your father with your +attachment. + +_Augusta._ Good God! what have you done! + +_Mrs. D._ What we ought to have done long long ago; he loves you so +tenderly. + +_Augusta._ But why should I not try to overcome this unhappy passion, +knowing---- + +_Mrs. D._ Overcome? Can you do that? I know your heart too well. But be +cheerful now--dream not of impediments that will never arise. Your +father consents to whatever can tend to make you happy. + +_Augusta._ What! my dear father will permit---- + +_Mrs. D._ He will proceed without precipitation; which is what I would +advise you to do. If Lewis loves you sincerely, you may trust your +father's heart. + +_Augusta._ If? Oh, my dear mother, my doubts about _him_, occasion me +continual uneasiness.--Could he deceive my affection----he seems of no +fixed character. + +_Mrs. D._ It must be owned he is unsteady. + +_Augusta._ His way of life, indeed, displays such a character; but his +heart is good. + +_Mrs. D._ I believe it. + +_Augusta._ He does a great deal of good in private. + +_Mrs. D._ I know he does. + +_Augusta._ And always with such a good will, without any ostentation. + +_Mrs. D._ That is true. + +_Augusta._ A _man_ cannot be so tender as we are; but he certainly has +feeling.----I am sorry he is not upon good terms with his brother. + +_Mrs. D._ There I absolve him. Who can bear his churlish temper? + +_Augusta._ And yet how deeply he was concerned about his brother's last +illness! how attentive to make him comfortable! He cannot be bad. + +_Mrs. D._ Very possibly; but think, my Augusta, if he were---- + +_Augusta._ If he were not good towards me, then--I am very unhappy! I +love him so much, even to his faults, for they arise from unsuspicious +goodness of heart. + + Enter COUNSELLOR FLEFFEL. + +_Counsellor._ Good day to you, fair ladies; your most obedient servant. + +_Mrs. D._ You honour us with your company sooner than we expected. + +_Counsellor._ I was impatient, absolutely beside myself, upon my +honour, till fashion allowed me to fly hither; I am always so happy in +your charming company! + + PHILIP BROOK entering. + +_Philip._ Good morning to you, Madam [bows to Augusta.] Pray, is Mr. +Drave at home? [To the Counsellor] Good morning, Sir. + +_Mrs. D._ No, Sir, he is just gone out. [They converse together. The +Counsellor talks to Augusta]. + +_Counsellor._ Miss Drave, we will have some sport. + +_Augusta._ How so? + +_Counsellor._ We'll make him look quite silly, by pretending to +compliment him. + +_Augusta._ I must decline taking any part, Sir. + +_Counsellor_ [to Philip]. Mr. Brook, I have the honour to pay you my +best compliments. + +_Philip_ [turning quickly towards him]. On what account? + +_Counsellor._ What account? Why--why--on having the happiness to see +you. + +_Philip._ Then, you must pay them to yourself. + +_Counsellor._ But, as I have the honour to be upon terms of strict +friendship with your---- + +_Philip._ Strict! + +_Counsellor._ Very strict. + +_Philip._ This is the first time I have heard of my brother's +strictness. + +_Counsellor._ But, Mr. Brook, you are seldom to be seen; why is this? + +_Philip._ That I may not be seen too often. + +_Counsellor._ But, you lock yourself up like a hermit; 'tis quite +inconsistent with your age and station in life. + +_Philip._ You think so? + +_Counsellor._ It does not require much thinking, it is self-evident. + +_Philip._ Indeed? + +_Counsellor._ For instance--you live quite secluded from your friends. + +_Philip_ [stepping back]. I distinguish between friends and +acquaintance. + +_Counsellor._ And you neglect the favour and protection of the great. + +_Philip._ Do not flatter me to my face. + +_Counsellor._ With your fortune, I wonder you do not buy an office and +title. + +_Philip._ Because----but your question answers itself. + +_Counsellor._ How so? + +_Philip._ Because they are to be bought. + +_Counsellor_ [with an affected laugh].--A fine reason; an excellent +one, indeed! Plain Mr. Brook! it sounds very well [laughing]. Don't you +think so, ladies? plain Mr. Brook! + +_Philip._ Yet, in one respect I find that a bought office may be very +useful. + +_Counsellor_ [laughing]. See, ladies, he yields--he submits. + +_Philip._ A bought office may be of use to a fool, who has no other +means of recommending himself. + +_Counsellor_ [at a loss]. That is indeed true, very true---- + +_Philip._ And a title--you will certainly agree--is often an excellent +protection for a knave. Excuse me, Sir!----This dry conversation-- +[Going. + +_Counsellor_ [detaining him]. Bravo, bravo, Mr. Ecclesiasticus! + +_Philip._ Are you acquainted with his book? + +_Counsellor._ Certainly. + +_Philip._ And read it? + +_Counsellor._ Oh, often, very often [laughing]; and I fancy I hear him +now. + +_Philip._ Yet, you have forgotten one of his best sayings. + +_Counsellor._ Which? + +_Philip._ A wife man smiles--a fool, a fool, Mr. Counsellor, laughs +aloud. [Exit. + +_Counsellor._ It is a pity he is gone; the best part of the jest was to +come. + +_Mrs. D._ But the laugh was not entirely on your side. + +_Counsellor._ Why, I kept my best things to the last--but we will +certainly christen him Mr. Ecclesiasticus [laughs]. When I tell his +brother, he will enjoy it heartily. + + Enter Mr. DRAVE. + +_Mr. D._ Good morning, Sir! + +_Counsellor._ Your most obedient, my dear Mr. Drave: I am happy to see +you in health; I was much afflicted by your late indisposition. + +_Mr. D._ I am obliged to you. [To Mrs. D.] Will you be so good as to go +down awhile with Augusta? + +_Mrs. D._ [aside to Mr. D.] But keep your temper. [Exeunt Mrs. D. and +Augusta. + +_Counsellor_ [is going after them]. Give me leave, Sir. + +_Mr. D._ I will thank you for a few minutes conversation. + +_Counsellor._ With all my heart. What do you wish? + +_Mr. D._ Sir, you have honoured my family with your visits. + +_Counsellor._ Pray, Sir--too kind--the pleasure of your company---- + +_Mr. D._ It is time to come to an explanation: therefore, Sir--without +farther preface, my daughter, I think, is the object of your visits? + +_Counsellor._ She is, Sir. + +_Mr. D._ You wish, doubtless, to marry her? + +_Counsellor._ Yes--yes--if--to be sure, for my part--I---- + +_Mr. D._ [earnestly]. You certainly can mean nothing else. You will +permit me to say, that my daughter cannot comply with your wishes; and +therefore, as marriage is out of the question,--[mildly] I must entreat +you, Sir, for the sake of her reputation, to forbear your visits for +the future. + +_Counsellor._ How? I am astonished! Mr. Drave-- + +_Mr. D._ Forgive me, Sir! regard for Augusta forced me to this +unpleasant conversation. + +_Counsellor._ But what objection can you have? If a marriage cannot +take place, must I for that reason avoid your house? + +_Mr. D._ I fear my daughter might forget the duties of a wife, in +listening to the flatteries of a lover. + +_Counsellor._ Vain excuses, Mr. Drave; mere pretexts to palliate your +hatred. + +_Mr. D._ I have no hatred against you, Sir. + +_Counsellor._ Oh, but I see very clearly you have: but I warrant +you---- + +_Mr. D._ You are not to my mind--you see I do not attempt to conceal +it. + +_Counsellor._ Well, of my passion for Miss Drave I will speak no +more--but I am now obliged in honour to frequent your house. + +_Mr. D._ Say you were tired of our company; I give you my word never to +contradict you. + +_Counsellor._ It would be much to the credit of your house, and your +daughter. + +_Mr. D._ [smiling]. I know what I venture. + +_Counsellor._ You are insupportable--but take warning; remember, Sir, +to whom you speak! + +_Mr. D._ [earnestly]. I remember but too well! + +_Counsellor._ You may repent, Sir--you may repent very soon! + +_Mr. D._ God forbid! + +_Counsellor._ Sir, I give you one hour's time to atone for this +insolence, or I can shew you---- + +_Mr. D._ [angrily]. And I, Sir, give you one minute to leave my house! +or--[recollecting himself, and taking a key out of his socket, which he +lays upon a chair] here is the key; when you leave the room, be so good +as to lock the door. [Going. + +_Counsellor._ Nay! I go, Sir! I go--but by heavens, Sir, you shall pay +for this. [Exit. + + Mrs. DRAVE enters hastily. + +_Mrs. D._ Good God! Drave, what have you done? the Counsellor flew down +stairs in such a fury---- + +_Mr. D._ A fool! I kept my temper long enough. + +_Mrs. D._ [in a tone of reproach]. This is one of your usual passions. + +_Mr. D._ What you call passion in me, is too often necessary to correct +the faults you fall into through supineness. + +_Mrs. D._ How? what is my fault here? + +_Mr. D._ Between ourselves, my dear, was not thy maternal pride too +much flattered, by seeing a crowd of lovers about your daughter? Had +you taken less pleasure in their idle flattery, you would have saved us +a great deal of trouble about her. + +_Mrs. D._ And what is the matter now? The girl---- + +_Mr. D._ Loves one; why then the rest? Why, by high flown compliments, +excite her pride? why, by unmeaning sentiments, corrupt her heart? +Speak yourself; is that my fault or yours? + +_Mrs. D._ But let me tell you---- + +_Mr. D._ Your caprices always cross our best plans; and when all is +entangled and lost, who is to assist? who can?--The husband, the +father--happy if you still allow him to do that. + +_Mrs. D._ You speak, as if every thing were lost. + +_Mr. D._ Lost enough.--How often have I spoken against the affected +sensibility inculcated by what are called sentimental novels! I +provided good books, but in vain. You were proud of her refined +feelings; delighted with her ecstatic sensibility. I advised, warned, +entreated; but was not heard. + +_Mrs. D._ Nature has given her a susceptible heart--will you call its +emotions weakness? then-- + +_Mr. D._ I distinguish, very well. Nature has given her a generous +heart, sensible to the miseries of mankind.--It was enough; but not for +_you_; and so you have suffered the noblest feelings of an excellent +disposition to be perverted by the overstrained and effeminate +sensibility of frivolous affectation. + +_Mrs. D._ [hastily]. Here you are mistaken-- + +_Mr. D._ [much affected]. From me her heart is entirely alienated---- + +_Mrs. D._ [sits down]. Oh! you tear my heart with these reproaches! + +_Mr. D._ [taking her hand]. Forgive me, my dear! I am deeply afflicted, +I know no more how to speak to her.--Her heart bleeds; advice is +unwelcome. With sufficient grounds for real unhappiness, she increases +it by imaginary misfortunes. It was my first care to shew her the world +as it is; to dispose her mind to bear her part with fortitude. But she +dreams of a world, that does not exist; of a husband, as he never will, +never _dare_ be----What comfort can she bring to a husband in his +misfortunes? What a mother can she be to her children, who meets +affliction with tears instead of courage, and who regards the common +pleasures of life as scarcely worthy of a smile? + +_Mrs. D._ What shall I answer? I see too well I cannot satisfy you. + +_Mr. D._ No! you cannot.--I see her fade and wither in the bloom of +youth; I see her pining after an imaginary happiness, which she cannot +attain.--I see myself, her father, once her best friend, avoided, +shunned, distrusted. When she shall have wept till she can weep no +more, when her grief shall be terminated in untimely death--oh! then, +when I mourn over the grave of my only child, what consolation can you +give me in my despair? + + (Pause----Enter AUGUSTA.) + +_Mr. D._ Come to my arms, Augusta. We have a long account to settle +together [they embrace]: closer! as you used to do! from the bottom of +your heart: so [he kisses her, and gently lets her go]. + +_Augusta._ Oh! my father! + +_Mr. D._ You have behaved to me, Augusta, as if I were a stranger. God +knows, it is not my fault. Whether awake, or in my dreams, I never +cease to bless you. + +_Augusta_ [with a downcast look]. My dearest father, can you forgive +me? + +_Mr. D._ You love. Heaven crown your love with happiness! It is not for +that I blame you: love is involuntary. + +_Augusta._ But I did not open my heart to you. + +_Mr. D._ Yes, there you hurt me severely. + +_Augusta._ I love nobody as I do yourself and my mother. Speak, dear +mother; how often did the confession of my attachment tremble upon my +lips! + +_Mr. D._ And why not avow it? + +_Augusta._ I never had a favourable opportunity. + +_Mr. D._ [hastily]. That is the effect of those unhappy books again---- + +_Mrs. D._ Be gentle, my dear Drave. + +_Mr. D._ [composed]. You were not always thus: formerly, you thought me +worthy of your confidence. + +_Augusta._ I will behave so again. + +_Mr. D._ Do I wait for favourable opportunities to love you? Oh, no! in +things the most indifferent, I ask myself, will it give pleasure to my +Augusta? I close my eyes with prayers for the happiness of my child; +and my first thoughts, when I rise, are on the means of gratifying her +wishes; while she, for whose sake only I live, waits for opportunities +to be good and sincere! + +_Augusta_ [leaning on her mother]. Oh! my mother! + +_Mrs. D._ Cease, I intreat you! + +_Mr. D._ Why turn to your mother? come to this wounded bosom. [She +embraces him]. Think no more of what is past; only treat me with +sincerity. Believe me, in all your books you will not find a father +whose affection for his daughter equals mine. + +_Augusta._ Oh! were I dead! then no suspicion of ingratitude could tear +my heart. + +_Mr. D._ No, Augusta! not dead--then I could forgive no more. [He +presses her affectionately to his heart]. Now my child is restored to +me. What happiness can equal mine? Here I hold the only hope of my +life, in my arms. + +_Mrs. D._ Am not I her mother? + +_Mr. D._ Forgive me. What would life be to me, without you? forgive me +[takes her hand and kisses it]----Now I will seek your fugitive lover: +God grant I may find him worthy of my Augusta! [Exit Drave. + +_Mrs. D._ I wish, Augusta, your future husband may have the heart of +your father. He is, indeed, sometimes passionate; and in every family, +differences will arise; but they have always ended in rendering us more +attached to each other. + + Enter PHILIP BROOK. + +_Philip._ Madam-- + +_Mrs. D._ Mr. Brook--we----pardon me--why should I deny it?--we were +engaged in a conversation--which---- + +_Philip._ Which I interrupted? I will, therefore, with your permission, +take my leave. + +_Mrs. D._ Stay, Sir!--We are, indeed, unable to continue--my heart is +too full---- + +_Philip._ Have you had any disappointment, any sorrows I dare not +partake? + +_Mrs. D._ Neither, Sir. + +_Philip._ But you have wept. I will stay: every mourner has a claim +upon me; and when I see your tears, Augusta---- + +_Augusta._ Mr. Brook, the tears you see are tears of joy, shed by a +happy daughter, for the tenderness of a father. + +_Philip._ Tears of joy? It is long, my dear Madam, since I have been +witness to such. Peace be on him for whom they flow! He will never want +an epitaph. + +_Mrs. D._ Do not mention that: you keep us in our melancholy train of +thinking. + +_Philip._ Melancholy? I am always cheerful in your company. But Miss +Augusta then had a cloud over her eyes. + +_Augusta._ Do _you_ reproach me _that_? + +_Philip._ I do, and justly. All who are acquainted with you, love and +esteem you. You are young and amiable; why then mourn? + +_Mrs. D._ Pardon me, Sir, if I repeat my daughter's words; you should +be the last to utter such a reproach. + +_Philip._ Why so? + +_Mrs. D._ Can you ask? + +_Philip._ Yes, Madam; for I cannot believe that you have the same +opinion of my character, that is generally entertained. + +_Mrs. D._ Mr. Brook! + +_Philip._ You make no answer. Your opinion is either too favourable, or +the contrary. + +_Mrs. D._ Be assured, we esteem you as a man. + +_Philip._ I wished not for a polite turn, but for the true judgment of +your heart. + +_Mrs. D._ [at a loss]. If, perhaps, our ideas may be in some respects +different---- + +_Philip._ Well? + +_Mrs. D._ But, my dear Sir! we have just been conversing on a subject +so opposite to this! and this moment---- + +_Philip._ I beg you to bestow upon me. I am unable to give an account +of myself, at every moment, and to every body; but now, and to you, I +feel myself bound to do it. + +_Mrs. D._ But, am I prepared for a cold enquiry? + +_Philip._ It is not a cold enquiry I ask [with warmth]. Let your +generous friendly mind, [to Augusta] let your pure soul, Augusta, be +the judge. + +_Augusta._ Dear Sir! + +_Philip._ Well--Fashion, ceremony, all that we will lay aside. Have +some parts of my behaviour here been such as you cannot approve?--it +was by chance only. Nay, there was no one whom I could please, by +behaving otherwise. + +_Mrs. D._ We will pass that; though such behaviour takes from the +pleasures of society. + +_Philip_ [with warmth]. I have high ideas of the pleasures of society. + +_Mrs. D._ And yet you do not contribute your share? + +_Philip_ [with agitation]. Ah! there, indeed-- + +_Mrs. D._ You take delight in misanthropical retirement. + +_Philip._ Oh, if you knew my feelings! my good will for mankind, as God +knows it--I--it is hard to need a defence in this particular--But, I +can calmly and truly say, I love mankind. But, if my compassion for +their unhappy fate has been ridiculed, and if this abuse of my dearest +feelings has made me reserved, does it follow that I am a misanthrope? + +_Mrs. D._ Mr. Brook! + +_Philip._ If my ideas of good company are too refined, too just, too +high, to be satisfied in the slandering circles of coquettes, dunces, +and gamblers, am I to be called unsociable? + +_Augusta_ [quickly]. Oh, no, my good friend. + +_Philip._ If, in any profession, for which my talents might qualify +me, the best wishes of my heart would be checked by interested +connections--my enthusiasm for suffering mankind, opposed by +uncharitable selfishness--can you blame me for remaining as I am? + +_Augusta._ Certainly not. + +_Philip._ And now, my ardent zeal for human happiness being mistaken, +the best designs of my heart condemned and overthrown by prejudice and +self-conceit; perceiving that the most admired and virtuous outsides +were too often only masks for hypocrisy--that impure avarice stalked +abroad under the name of philanthrophy--perceiving this, I drew back, +and forgot a flattering dream, of successful attention to the welfare +of all the unfortunate wanderers upon earth.--Yet soon--in one serious +hour, I hope to discharge the debt of a citizen to my native land--in +one hour; yes, only one--but the deed will mark it.--Till that hour, I +shall proceed in silence; endeavour, if possible, to be calm; and seek +my comfort in friendship and a good conscience. The sneers of the +superficial, the senseless judgments of a seduced multitude, shall not +rob me of a moment's tranquillity. + +_Mrs. D._ Forgive me, Sir! I mistook your character. + +_Augusta._ I feel the truth of your remarks. May domestic happiness +afford you the reward which you are refused by the world! + +_Philip._ Do you wish me that, Augusta? + +_Augusta._ Yes, my noble friend! I esteem you, and have still more +reason to wish it heartily. + +_Philip_ [joyfully]. You have?--[pause]. My desires lie in a narrow +compass. My fortune allows me to assist others; I have a friend, with +whom I share my joys and my sorrows; and now, all is heightened by the +emotions of love. + +_Mrs. D._ You love? + +_Philip._ Yes. + +_Augusta._ And happily? + +_Philip._ I know not yet.--My love may increase, but can never +diminish--[he approaches Augusta]--Augusta, I love you. + +_Augusta._ How? + +_Mrs. D._ My daughter? + +_Philip._ Make me happy: 'tis in your power. + +_Augusta._ Oh! good heaven! 'tis too much! + +_Philip_ [hastily, but tenderly taking her hand]. Speak! I am serious, +in high emotion--be gentle, Augusta. + +_Augusta_ [leaning on her mother; without withdrawing her hand]. Oh! +mother! + +_Mrs. D._ What shall I say? + +_Augusta_ [forcibly]. I love--your brother! + +_Philip_ [deeply moved]. In vain! he--[looking at Augusta] while +here--[lets go her hand] Be happy! [going.] + +_Mrs. D._ Brook! for God's sake! + +_Augusta._ My noble suffering friend, why on me---- + +_Philip._ Let me go!-- + +_Augusta._ Leave me not without hopes, that all the affection of a +brother, of a sister, may content you. + +_Philip._ I can no more---- + +_Augusta._ Do not leave me, till you know how much I value---- + +_Philip._ Upon you I had placed my hopes. You would have endeared life +to me again.--The dream is fled.--Well--I will hide my sufferings in +retirement, and wait with patience for the hour which shall end all my +afflictions. + + [Exeunt omnes. + + + END OF THE SECOND ACT. + + + + _ACT III._ + + + SCENE I. + + At the Chancellor's. + + The CHANCELLOR and a CLERK entering on + different sides. + +_Chancellor._ I was looking for you. What news? + +_Clerk._ Every thing goes on very well, Sir. + +_Chancellor._ How so, my friend? + +_Clerk._ I have just spoken to Mr. Drave's clerk, who told me, that his +master had given security for young Brook's £.10,000, at Rose's. + +_Chancellor._ Excellent, excellent! + +_Clerk._ He added, that his master must inevitably stop payment, if +this sum were demanded immediately. + +_Chancellor._ That shall be my care. I have already given orders to our +Jew Broker; he is to join with some other creditors of young Brook, and +insist on immediate payment. + +_Clerk._ The man also assured me, that the inventory of old Brook's +property was drawn up in a hasty, and rather irregular manner. + +_Chancellor._ Better and better! now we are sure of him.--I prevailed +on young Brook to sign a protest against this inventory, as being +illegally drawn up--It will soon be all over with them. + +_Clerk._ But, it will make a great noise: nobody dares to speak freely, +it is true. But, then there is the Minister--his patriotic fancies---- + +_Chancellor_ [laughing], _are_ fancies.---- + +_Clerk._ Yet our Prince is every day more pleased with him. They are +frequently whole hours together. + +_Chancellor._ I am an old servant, and know the Prince well. Fear +nothing. Drave shall at length suffer for all his calumnies: when we +have once got rid of him, we shall have every thing to ourselves. It +will be an additional profit of at least two thousand a year. + +_Clerk._ Certainly it will. + +_Chancellor._ You will therefore draw immediately for the above sum. If +he cannot pay, a warrant must be issued, seals put on, and he will be a +bankrupt, and ruined at once: but at the same time do not forget to +look after the old uncle. + +_Clerk._ I have heard of an old man who, from the description, appears +to resemble him exactly. + +_Chancellor._ For God's sake, take care. + +_Clerk._ Rely upon me.--But, I do not at all like the elder Brook. + +_Chancellor._ Oh, fair and softly goes far; only be on your guard. + +(Servant entering.) The coach, my Lord! + +_Chancellor._ Come! [Exeunt. + + + SCENE II. + + At Mr. Drave's. + + Enter Mr. DRAVE and PHILIP BROOK. + +_Mr. D._ Indeed, Brook, I must confess your inactivity vexes me. + +_Philip._ You mistake for inactivity, a mere external forbearance. + +_Mr. D._ It is easier to complain of mankind, than to act for their +welfare. The first is the part of a gloomy, discontented mind; the +latter, the virtue of a good citizen, and should be yours. + +_Philip._ Now then I will speak. By my affection for my guiltless and +injured uncle, it _shall_ be mine. I am bound, as his relation, to +rescue him from captivity. The rights of humanity are injured in his +person. Though apparently quiet, I am seeking to revenge him; and what +you call inactivity shall not prove without advantage to my country. + +_Mr. D._ If this be so, I commend you. + +_Philip._ I have pretended to bear with indifference, that my designs +might not be crossed. My plan both to liberate my uncle, and to +entangle a villain in his own snares, is nearly ripe. I have long +sought for proofs: I now have them, and the hopes of our worthy +Minister's support, if they shall appear to him convincing. The most +important witness I still expect. + +_Mr. D._ And who is it? + +_Philip._ My uncle himself. I bribed his keeper to let him escape, and +sent persons to meet him. They missed him, and he is gone alone, I know +not whither. The Chancellor, as well as myself, is seeking him. When +once I have found him, the mine shall blow up. + +_Mr. D._ Heaven bless you, my noble friend! + + Enter LEWIS BROOK. + +_Mr. D._ But here comes somebody you must speak to [going up to the +door--returns and steps between the two brothers]. The last words of +your father on his death-bed were, "Live united like brothers." [Exit. +Drave. + +_Lewis_ [rather at a loss]. I am glad, indeed, I am happily +surprised---- + +_Philip._ Happily surprised? I thank you, brother. + +_Lewis_ [with feigned interest]. Undoubtedly; it is long since we have +met each other. + +_Philip._ It is. [A pause]. Do we live like brothers? + +_Lewis._ Indeed, if all is not right, you are in fault; you require too +much. + +_Philip._ Require too much? Your own welfare! brotherly affection! is +that too much? Our interviews are prepared by strangers. Things are +gone far; and perhaps even this meeting may avail nothing. + +_Lewis_ [with seeming politeness]. For my part, you may depend upon me: +upon my honour---- + +_Philip._ Lewis, I spoke with a full heart, and you answer with outward +civilities. + +_Lewis._ You mistake me: I am heartily inclined to a reconciliation. + +_Philip._ So! I should think it unnecessary! + +_Lewis._ How you take that again! + +_Philip._ I apprehended your passion, your reproaches, but was not +prepared for your coldness. Well; suspect me, mistake me, offend me, my +heart will be still the same. We are brothers; they should never want +reconciliation. + +_Lewis._ But why all this? + +_Philip_ [with warmth]. If the moment should ever arrive when your +confidence in mankind shall be lost--if unexpected misfortunes, or +discordant interests, should cause those who now call themselves your +friends to desert you, at that moment remember me; entrust your cares +with confidence to my bosom! this heart, which you now reject, will +ever rejoice to receive you with the affection of a brother. [Exit. + +_Lewis._ Excellent, upon my soul! There he goes, and leaves me like a +downright sinner. What have I done to him? was ever such insolence +heard of? Fine sentiments upon his lips, and malice in his heart. I +have borne with all these hypocrites, till I am tired; and now they +shall pay for all. + + Enter LISETTE. + +_Lisette._ What, are you here, Mr. Brook! I can hardly believe my eyes. + +_Lewis._ Not trust those charming eyes? + +_Lisette._ You're really here at last? + +_Lewis._ And now I _am_ here?---- + +_Lisette._ I am glad you have not forgotten us. [Going. + +_Lewis._ Why in such a hurry to run away? + +_Lisette._ I am looking for Mr. Drave; he is wanted at Rose's Bank; Mr. +Rose himself called for him. Has not he been here? + +_Lewis._ Yes, a few minutes ago. + +_Lisette._ Then I will go after him. + +_Lewis._ No, no; let the old fellows look for each other, while we are +happy at having met here. + +_Lisette._ You have always some obliging turn ready, but you are never +in earnest. + + (AUGUSTA enters). + +_Lewis._ Not in earnest, my little charmer! [kisses her.] + +_Lisette._ Mr. Brook! Mr. Brook! [she turns him towards Augusta, and +leaves the room, making a low curt'sy]. + +_Lewis._ So! my fair Augusta [kisses her hand]. + +_Augusta._ In truth, I seem to have made my appearance rather +mal-apropos. + +_Lewis_ [smiling]. Only offerings at the entrance of the temple of +Love. + +_Augusta._ It is long since we have seen you. + +_Lewis._ Only five days; truly happy am I, if they have seemed long. + +_Augusta._ I know your talent for compliments, + +_Lewis._ Truth is not a compliment. + +_Augusta._ Truth towards women is perhaps not your fault. + +_Lewis._ How? + +_Augusta._ In general not the most striking feature in the character of +your sex. + +_Lewis._ A sad prejudice, indeed, against our sex! [ironically] but you +must except me. + +_Augusta_ [smiling]. Dare I? + +_Lewis._ Certainly. I am---- + +_Augusta._ Sincerity, constancy itself. + +_Lewis._ Certainly. + +_Augusta_ [pointing to the door at which Lisette went out]. There went +a proof of your unparalleled fidelity! + +_Lewis_ [laughing]. Nay, now, you are---- + +_Augusta._ Fortunately, I was the only witness; yet think if your +favourite lady had seen it! + +_Lewis._ She would excuse me. + +_Augusta._ But if she also loved you? + +_Lewis._ Then she would still more readily overlook such a trifle. + +_Augusta._ Your lightness must grieve her. + +_Lewis_ [laughing]. Then hers would be quite an old-fashioned love. + +_Augusta_ [surprised]. Old-fashioned! What am I to understand by that? + +_Lewis._ I mean, [with affected seriousness] a love, such as does not +now exist; a true, sincere love. + +_Augusta._ Have you any reason to doubt the existence of such a love? + +_Lewis._ Too many. + +_Augusta._ You have been deceived then? + +_Lewis._ Oh, a thousand times--and undoubtedly shall again. + +_Augusta._ You exaggerate. + +_Lewis._ No, no. With the first object of my passion, I was up to the +ears in love. My goddess, to reward my cruel sufferings, allowed me +only a place by her chair, and the honour of being marked as her most +obedient slave; I sighed, languished, complained, despaired: saw at +last, what she meant, and was cured--forever, as I presumed; but, alas! +I soon trusted another. Well; there I was made use of to excite the +jealousy of her inconstant favourite. + +_Augusta._ You misrepresent, Mr. Brook. + +_Lewis._ Another bright angel then delighted to have an attendant to +hand her to her carriage, to accompany her wherever she thought proper; +there again I was--but I tire you with all these melancholy instances +of my delusion. + +_Augusta._ If all this be true, I pity you. + +_Lewis._ Once, indeed, I got a dangerous illness by my folly; but it +cured me effectually. + +_Augusta._ And now you chuse the way of retaliation? + +_Lewis._ Why not? + +_Augusta._ But did you ever reflect how many an innocent breast you +robbed of its peace? + +_Lewis._ I cannot reproach myself with that. + +_Augusta._ How many you have plunged in sorrow? + +_Lewis_ [goodnaturedly]. Not a single one. As for protestations of +love, extravagant praises of their beauty, and so forth, they are mere +words of course; ladies know that very well from their childhood--a +woman of sense never trusts them. + +_Augusta._ Yet how unfortunate must she be, who loves sincerely! + +_Lewis._ Why so? + +_Augusta._ Who loves only one, and, if deceived, can never love +another? + +_Lewis._ Why, indeed, true love holds for ever, and is not dependant +upon circumstances. A man may be obliged to marry against his +inclination, to make his fortune: but this is a cold prudential +bargain, with which love has nothing to do. True love is ever the same; +and----But what is the matter with you? + +_Augusta_ [with difficulty holding herself upright]. Nothing of +consequence. + +_Lewis._ But---- + +_Augusta._ You put me in mind of one of my friends. She was deceived +so, and now---- + +_Lewis._ Well? + +_Augusta._ She is unhappy for ever. [Exit Augusta. + +_Lewis._ Bless me! how deeply in love! Such tenderness I have never +before met with. When I remember my other coquette sweetheart, I have +almost a mind to run after her----but liberty, dear liberty--no, I dare +not. + + Enter DRAVE. + +_Mr. D._ Good morning, Lewis; I did not expect to meet you, we are so +seldom favoured with your visits. + +_Lewis._ I am afraid of interfering with more important concerns. + +_Mr. D._ I am indeed much concerned for you. + +_Lewis_ [with politeness]. You have always been so attentive to my +interest, I am entirely convinced. + +_Mr. D._ You are not convinced. + +_Lewis._ Upon my honour. + +_Mr. D._ Why this forced politeness? I do not wish it. You cannot judge +of my actions, or their motives; but I am still your friend. The common +frailties of youth I can overlook; but dissimulation, it is true, I +cannot bear. + +_Lewis._ You cannot surely accuse me of that. + +_Mr. D._ Give me proofs, and I will thank you. + +_Lewis._ How can I, being entirely misunderstood? + +_Mr. D._ Convince me of your sincere attachment to my house. + +_Lewis._ I protest---- + +_Mr. D._ No protestations! proofs! Besides shall enquire more deeply +to-day, and would fain believe you if possible. + +_Lewis._ You may securely. + +_Mr. D._ Your way of life is not the best. It is time to think of +entering on some more settled plan. + +_Lewis._ I am glad you mention it; it was for this very purpose I came +here. I am determined to seek for a fixed employment. + +_Mr. D._ You give me pleasure; with your talents you cannot fail of +success. + +_Lewis._ I flatter myself the more, as for a long while---- + +_Mr. D._ What! + +_Lewis._ I will unfold my heart. Be not severe, or you will drive me to +despair. + +_Mr. D._ [kindly]. Well; speak. + +_Lewis_ [flatteringly]. I beg you to look upon my wishes, not as a +guardian, but as a friend, as a father--I--I love--and your consent to +a marriage will make me happy. + +_Mr. D._ Brook! [with warmth] you really love the girl, and sincerely? + +_Lewis._ Not to madness, but truly and honourably. + +_Mr. D._ Are you perfectly sincere? + +_Lewis._ Why should you doubt? + +_Mr. D._ Brook! I never was at a wedding, but the question arose, Will +it be happy? To be unhappily married is dreadful. + +_Lewis._ I have considered maturely. + +_Mr. D._ The means of amending an inconsiderate step afterwards are +shocking; still worse than the misfortune itself. + +_Lewis._ It is too true. But why this to me? You disquiet yourself +without cause. Love, our best reformer, has inspired me with juster +sentiments. + +_Mr. D._ Then God be praised! both will be happy. + +_Lewis._ It was for the sole purpose of asking your consent that I came +hither. + +_Mr. D._ But why did not you speak sooner? + +_Lewis._ My doubts--the disorder of my affairs-- + +_Mr. D._ [smiling]. We will soon put them in order. + +_Lewis._ Then you give your consent? + +_Mr. D._ [earnestly]. Yes!--But you will alter your mode of living? + +_Lewis._ You shall be satisfied with my conduct. + +_Mr. D._ Yes, yes. I always said you had many excellent qualities, and +would turn out well, if once they were awakened; thank God, they are! + +_Lewis._ Besides, this marriage gives me some hopes of an honourable +place. + +_Mr. D._ Not exactly the marriage; but---- + +_Lewis._ Why not? has any body more interest than the Chancellor? + +_Mr. D._ No; but he may not interest himself much about your affairs +for the future. + +_Lewis._ Now more than ever, most assuredly. + +_Mr. D._ Now? + +_Lewis._ As I marry his daughter. + +_Mr. D._ What do you say? + +_Lewis._ As I marry his daughter. + +_Mr. D._ Whom do you marry? + +_Lewis._ Miss Fleffel. + +_Mr. D._ No, never! + +_Lewis._ How? why not? + +_Mr. D._ No! by all that is sacred you shall not marry her! + +_Lewis._ Inconceivable! you gave your consent. + +_Mr. D._ I withdraw it. + +_Lewis._ [sneeringly] Very extraordinary! then why give it? + +_Mr. D._ [harshly]. I misunderstood you. + +_Lewis._ So! cunning enough! to put me first off my guard. + +_Mr. D._ Be so good as to leave me. + +_Lewis._ To give me confidence! + +_Mr. D._ Leave me, I say. + +_Lewis._ That you might more easily draw my secret from me! + +_Mr. D._ For God's sake leave me! + +_Lewis._ A fine trick for a man who glories in his sincerity! + +_Mr. D._ Sir, I warn you---- + +_Lewis._ Who boasts of his plain dealing; yet, in spite of his honesty, +commits acts---- + +_Mr. D._ Young man, be silent! + +_Lewis._ Acts that any body would be ashamed of. Sir, you may know I +have always seen through your mask. We have only two years more to be +concerned with each other. You may release yourself before, if you +please.--I thank you for all your cares. + +_Mr. D._ Ungrateful miscreant!--Oh, my child, my poor child! + +_Lewis._ So! you perhaps had other designs? + +_Mr. D._ Yes, yes, I had. My child--I would have confided her to +you.--She loves you--Now go, relate your triumphs; defame her, and me +also. + +_Lewis._ Indeed, Sir, I am grieved. + +_Mr. D._ Say that I made offers; that I proposed the match, and was +refused.--Oh, my unhappy Augusta!--Go, leave my house--never let me see +you more! + +_Lewis_ [hastily]. I assure you I have the highest esteem for Miss +Augusta. + +_Mr. D._ My daughter is virtuous, and wants not the testimony of +a----, not yours. + +_Lewis._ I protest. + +_Mr. D._ I hate your protestations. Never mention her again; promise me +that solemnly. + +_Lewis._ I give---- + +_Mr. D._ It is to no purpose; speak no more--but if you, in any +respect whatever, insult my daughter----you know me. [Wipes his +forehead--pause] We have done--adieu, Sir! + +_Lewis_ [coldly]. And in respect to my marriage---- + +_Mr. D._ I will tell you in the afternoon. + +_Lewis._ Very well. [Exit Lewis. + +_Mr. D._ Is it come to this? Now I see my misfortune clearly [throws +himself into a chair]. Is this my reward! What must be done now? + + Enter Mr. ROSE. + +_Mr. R._ Forgive me, dear Drave, if I interrupt---- + +_Mr. D._ Do not take it amiss, Rose; but indeed you have come at a +wrong time---- + +_Mr. R._ 'Tis too true; I _have_ come at a wrong time; would to God +there had been no necessity! yet hear me. + +_Mr. D._ I cannot; my heart is distracted-- + +_Mr. R._ For heaven's sake, hear an unfortunate man. + +_Mr. D._ If your misfortune is greater than mine, I will hear you. + +_Mr. R._ You knew me once as a rich, as a wealthy man. + +_Mr. D._ Yes. + +_Mr. R._ I am so no longer. + +_Mr. D._ Impossible! + +_Mr. R._ By a bankruptcy in Amsterdam, I am entirely ruined. + +_Mr. D._ Can I assist, support you, dear Rose? I am at your service. + +_Mr. R._ Merciful heaven! can you forget-- + +_Mr. D._ What? + +_Mr. R._ Your ward's property. + +_Mr. D._ Almighty God! + +_Mr. R._ Unhappy man! you gave security. + +_Mr. D._ Oh my family, my child!' + +_Mr. R._ Can you forgive me? + +_Mr. D._ [lost in thought]. Insulted first; then reduced to beggary. + +_Mr. R._ I have been seeking in vain for you, and for Brook: now the +seals are put on every thing, and I have undone my best friend. + +_Mr. D._ [as before]. The trial is hard.--Oh heaven! from wealth to +poverty, in a single day! [Rose sits down, quite dejected]. + +_Mr. D._ [with emotion]. God's will be done! + +_Mr. R._ [rises hastily and takes Drave's hand]. Hard is your fate; yet +God knows, mine is still more so. I am reduced to nothing. + +_Mr. D._ [softly]. I also shall have little remaining. + +_Mr. R._ My helpless children! + +_Mr. D._ And my poor daughter! + +_Mr. R._ Here our fate is the same. Yet you are only unfortunate; and +I--shall be regarded as a villain. You are a sufferer, and I the cause: +I cannot bear this thought. Hear me--Brook is still rich.--The +preservation of a worthy family, is a duty, and will excuse it--Let us +deny the security----you can then pay him half, and he may lose the +rest. + +_Mr. D._ No! + +_Mr. R._ Do it while there is yet time.--I will bear my lot in +patience; but let not the thought of having ruined you imbitter my +wretched existence. Do it. + +_Mr. D._ Never! + +_Mr. R._ For God's sake, do it. The Chancellor is your enemy; I know it +too well: this makes him now so busy about my affairs. + +_Mr. D._ I will not, cannot.--Have I risked my ward's property too +inconsiderately, I must bear the consequences. + +_Mr. R._ Who can blame you? Where was there a safer house than mine? + +_Mr. D._ They can seize all my fortune, and undoubtedly will; I hope it +is sufficient. + +_Mr. R._ You cannot avoid blaming me. + +_Mr. D._ Do not be uneasy on my account. I have still strength and +activity. I may prosper again: if not, God will support my wife and +daughter, and in the grave at least I shall find repose. + +_Mr. R._ I look at you with awful repentance. Father in heaven, I thank +thee for this man!--I sought comfort from my friends, and met +reproaches--I fled to my daughter--Oh, my daughter! + +_Mr. D._ Go to her now; she will cheer the remainder of your days. + +_Mr. R._ No, no, never! + +_Mr. D._ Why not? + +_Mr. R._ I went to her.--She was my darling--a kind look from her was +my greatest delight--I gave her a large portion. I came from the +Chancellor's--my agitation--my anxiety--I was overheated.--I threw +myself into her arms--Nancy, said I, give me something to drink--I +sought for consolation from her, and she----she upbraided me for my +careless management. + +_Mr. D._ Horror! + +_Mr. R._ She went away--her children felt in my pockets, and asked what +I had brought them. I had nothing.--A servant brought me a glass of +water, and took the children. + +_Mr. D._ Come to my arms, most injured sufferer! my Augusta will not +desert you.----Oh, I am happy--I am rich; highly blessed----Come--we +will bear our misfortunes together--will share our sufferings and our +comforts, even to the last morsel of bread. + +_Mr. R._ All deserted me. You only, whom I have ruined, remain my +friend. Oh, hear and tremble--you prevented----suicide---- + +_Mr. D._ How! + +_Mr. R._ Yes. My unfeeling child brought me to despair--God bless you! + +_Mr. D._ Unhappy father! + +_Mr. R._ When your last hour approaches, may this action insure your +repose!--Many a distressed heart have you comforted--many tears have +you wiped away.--Your kindness to me--oh, on that day when Virtue shall +triumph, merciful God! let it be rewarded! [Exit. + + + END OF THE THIRD ACT. + + + + _ACT IV._ + + + SCENE I. + + A small Room at Mr. Drave's. + + Mrs. DRAVE and AUGUSTA. + +_Mrs. D._ I know not how to act. My husband suffers, and I am too much +affected myself, to be able to afford him consolation--Oh, this Brook! +who would have thought him so mean? + +_Augusta._ Do not mention him, dear mother. + +_Mrs. D._ To accuse your father of having made a false inventory! 'Tis +an unheard-of baseness--and your father behaves with such fortitude and +composure--gives up all he is worth, and----Hush! who is coming? + + Enter DRAVE, a Magistrate and his attendants. + +_Mag._ What room is this? + +_Mr. D._ My fitting room. + +_Mag._ So! N°. 14. [writes it down: an attendant marks it on the +door].--No closets in the wainscot here? + +_Mr. D._ No. + +_Mag._ Nothing concealed? + +_Mr. D._ No. + +_Mag._ Unlock this desk. [Drave unlocks it, Mag. tumbles over the +papers]. + +_Mr. D._ Softly, Sir; you disorder---- + +_Mag._ You can put them to rights again [takes up a book].--What is +this? + +_Mr. D._ My account-book. + +_Mag._ Is it? + +_Mr. D._ 'Tis in your hands, you may examine it. + +_Mag._ [giving the book to the attendants]. Put that with the +rest--[sits down]. + +_Mr. D._ Have you done here? + +_Mag._ Patience [fans his face with the papers he has in his hand]. +Very hot to-day. [Pointing to a small trunk]? What is that? + +_Augusta._ Trifles: some ladies dresses. + +_Mag._ Open it. + +_Mrs. D._ 'Tis only some linen. + +_Mag._ Turn it upside down, that I may see if there is nothing else. + +_Mr. D._ [hastily]. Sir! [Mrs. D. steps between him and the Mag]. + +_Mag._ [rising]. What's the matter? + +_Mr. D._ [more calm]. Must that be? + +_Mag._ [turning over the things without looking at Drave]. +Perhaps--[Looking round to an attendant] Take that desk into the +drawing-room to the rest. + +_Mr. D._ Stay, Sir; I want it here, to shut up my papers. + +_Mag._ Afterwards, afterwards. Besides, this is not a time to shut up +any thing. [Drave walks up and down]. Where are the accounts of your +guardianship? + +_Mr. D._ Down stairs. + +_Mag._ I must have a look there. Now, Sir, if you please! [Mag. and D. +exeunt. + + Enter a Servant. + +_Serv._ [to Augusta]. I have done as you desired, Ma'am; he will come +immediately. [Exit Serv. + +_Mrs. D._ Who, Augusta? + +_Augusta._ Dear mother, forgive me! I sent for the Counsellor. + +_Mrs. D._ How? the Counsellor? + +_Augusta._ I will try this once. But you must go; you shall not be +witness of my humiliation. + +_Mrs. D._ But your father? + +_Augusta._ If I succeed, he will forgive me.--I hear somebody at the +door: leave me now. + +_Mrs. D._ Take my best wishes, my dear girl. [Exit. + + Enter the COUNSELLOR. + +_Counsellor._ You have had the goodness to desire---- + +_Augusta_ [with dignity]. I requested your company. + +_Counsellor._ Notwithstanding your father's ill treatment of me this +morning, I willingly forget it, as you desire my return. And now my +fair sufferer, in what can I serve you? + +_Augusta._ You have often told me, that you were interested in my +happiness, that you loved me.--I am now unhappy--prove the truth of +your assertions, by acting as becomes you--Help us. + +_Counsellor._ With all my heart, if it were in my power; you may +rely---- + +_Augusta._ Mr. Rose's misfortune bears hard upon my father. By +moderation and indulgence, he may be saved; and it is for this purpose +that I apply to you. + +_Counsellor_ [walking up and down in seeming agitation]. Yes, yes--good +God!----but---- + +_Augusta._ He can pay, but not instantly--not now--by degrees only. + +_Counsellor._ My charming lady, I have no power in these things. + +_Augusta._ Yes, Sir! you have power to soften your father's heart. + +_Counsellor._ I am grieved indeed--truly sorry to refuse you any +thing--I have so much esteem for you! + +_Augusta._ Be generous, Sir, I intreat you. + +_Counsellor._ You are such a lovely petitioner, that I could almost +forgive adversity, as it unfolds so many charms in you: but indeed your +father has offended all his friends--it is impossible. + +_Augusta._ In the name of humanity, be generous. + +_Counsellor._ Charming good lady! I cannot assist you--not now, +afterwards perhaps---- + +_Augusta_ [in tears]. Unfeeling man! + +_Counsellor._ Dear young lady! be comforted--things may turn out better +than you expect.--Indeed I am deeply afflicted: if I could assist you, +you might depend upon me--forgive me, my dear Augusta! I must leave you +now. I humbly thank you for your flattering attention. [Exit. + +_Mrs. D._ [entering hastily]. Merciful heaven! must it come to that? + +_Augusta._ Speak, mother; what is the matter? + +[Mr. D. enters, followed by Philip Brook]. Such an infamous fellow! I +could bear no longer. + +_Mrs. D._ To strike a magistrate! Oh, what will be the consequence? + +_Philip._ Do not alarm yourself on this account, Madam. I am witness he +exceeded his power. Be composed. We have no time to lose. In the first +place, we must prevent this affair from proceeding farther; you will +therefore consider my property as your own. + +_Mr. D._ No! + +_Philip._ Why not? I cannot lose by it. + +_Mr. D._ You do not know that. A merchant is above all people liable to +accidents. + +_Philip._ But, my dear Sir! + +_Mr. D._ My refusal does not proceed from pride. Heaven sent me this +trial. Supported by the consciousness of having done my duty, I can +bear misfortune; but dare not throw it upon you. If you will assist me, +my good friend, help me to arrange my papers. Do you, my wife and +Augusta, behave with fortitude; your courage will console me.----Look +at me, Brook. Do I appear dejected? Do not I seem rather to be upheld +by an unknown, sacred power? I cannot account for it, but this change +does not affect me so sensibly.--Come, my friend! why so serious? + +_Philip._ Then you deny my wishes? + +_Mr. D._ I dare not consent. + +_Philip._ You are the father of a family. + +_Mr. D._ And God above, the father of innocent sufferers. + + (Enter a Servant hastily). + +_Serv._ For God's sake, Sir, what has happened? there are two men come +to arrest you. + +_Mr. D._ Whom? + +_Serv._ You! A writ from the Chancellor. + +_Mr. D._ That is too much. + +_Philip._ Too much? No! just enough; exactly what I wanted! [With +coldness] Go, in the name of God! + +_Mr. D._ So publicly! 'tis hard.--Fortune, character, perhaps +life----all in one day----Well, well, take it wretch, and God forgive +thee!----[embraces his wife and daughter]. Brook, support my wife and +child--[leaving them]. Soon, soon, we shall meet again! [Exit. + + [Mrs. Drave and Augusta following him]. + +_Philip_ [stopping them]. Stay; you must be composed. Go into your own +room; promise me not to leave it. + +_Mrs. D._ What do you require? + +_Philip._ Go in there. I must leave you now. I shall return--Adieu! + +_Augusta._ Pray, Sir, stop! + +_Mrs. D._ Where are you going, my dear friend? + +_Philip_ [with forced coldness]. A short way. [Looking at his watch] In +half an hour I shall return. Should I not--but you will certainly see +me then. [Exit, leading Mrs. D. and Augusta to the door.] + + + SCENE II. + + A Room at the Chancellor's. + + Counsellor entering with papers in his hand. + +John! + +[Serv. enters]. Sir! + +_Counsellor._ Send in the porter. [Exit Servant. Counsellor looking at +the papers]. That will do very well. As Brook stands plaintiff, all the +odium will fall upon him; we only give him what the law prescribes. +[Enter Porter.] Take that immediately to the Commissioners--say, I +shall have the honour of waiting on them myself towards evening. +[Porter going] I request them to be expeditious. [Exit Porter]. Well, +well, Mr. Drave, I think you will learn better manners, and take care +how you forbid people your house again. + + Enter LEWIS BROOK. + +_Counsellor._ Where, in the name of fortune, have you been raking all +this time? Your affair with Drave is in great forwardness. + +_Lewis._ So? Already? + +_Counsellor._ Certainly--'Tis singular enough, that you should live +next door to him, and know nothing of the matter. + +_Lewis._ Yes; but I seldom come home. I was with Paulino. We had such +excellent wine, and such a pleasant party! + +_Counsellor._ Very well; but for the present you must let your +excellent wine and agreeable parties alone, and keep out of the way, to +avoid troublesome questions or entreaties. Now attend to me. + +_Lewis._ Must I absolutely hear? + +_Counsellor._ Yes, yes, + +_Lewis._ From agreeable company, to your tiresome law-suits, I hate it. + +_Counsellor._ Drave hinted an intention of making a declaration. + +_Lewis_ [stretching in his chair and yawning]. Well; to what effect? + +_Counsellor._ That he could not pay instantly--by degrees only; and +asked for delay. + +_Lewis_ [as before]. Go on, go on. + +_Counsellor._ You understand. Your claims must be enforced; seals +therefore were put on. + +_Lewis_ [hastily rising]. How? what do you say? Seals put on? No, I +disapprove that! + +_Counsellor._ Why? it was unavoidable! quite so, I assure you. + +_Lewis_ [with warmth]. But he will be entirely ruined. + +_Counsellor_ [smiling]. Oh, no, depend upon it. They have made pretty +good use of your property at Rose's--They have embezzled enough--every +body knows it, and we have proofs. + +_Lewis._ Then, indeed, a slight correction will not hurt this prating +moralist. + +_Counsellor._ By this means too, I hope to pave the way for my love to +Augusta. + +_Lewis._ How so? + +_Counsellor._ Why, what will she do now? Reduced to poverty, she must +thank me for my protection. I will procure her a situation with my aunt +at Bonn. + +_Lewis._ For shame! + +_Counsellor._ Why so? she is clever--understands music--Depend upon it +she will be comfortable. She shall keep the old lady company, and read +or sing to her. + +_Lewis._ What a mean fellow you are! + +_Counsellor._ Is not that better than an abandoned life? + +_Lewis._ How? Could I ever drive her to that? + +_Counsellor._ You are like a baby; if you have not playthings, you cry. + +_Lewis._ But dam'me, 'tis downright baseness! + +_Counsellor_ [laughing]. Fantastical nonsense! Things have different +sides: that which in common life, you call honesty, is bungler's work +in politics. + +_Lewis_ [looking sharply at him]. So! + +_Counsellor._ Apropos--the accounts of Drave's guardianship are +brought; there we shall discover his impositions. + +_Lewis._ I don't mind him; but Augusta, and her mother----No, that +shall not be. + + Enter the Chancellor's Clerk. + +_Clerk._ Gentlemen, there is a person waiting for My Lord; guess who? + +_Lewis._ I don't care. + +_Clerk._ One I should never have expected to see here. + +_Counsellor._ Who is it? + +_Clerk_ [to Lewis]. Your brother. + +_Lewis._ My brother? + +_Counsellor._ God bless me! Mr. Philip. + +_Clerk_ [to the Counsellor]. Will you ask My Lord, if agreeable-- + +_Counsellor._ Yes, yes, immediately [going]. Astonishing! Mr. Philip +here! [Exit. + +_Lewis._ My brother? here! in this house? It is strange. + +_Clerk._ So I think: my curiosity is raised. I never spoke to him. + +_Counsellor_ [returning]. Very happy to see him. + +_Clerk_ [rings the bell. To a servant who enters] Bid the gentleman +walk up. + +_Lewis._ I'll go. I have nothing to do with him. + +_Counsellor._ Well; go awhile to my father. Do you, Mr. Worms, keep him +company till my father comes.--He conceives that he is come to +intercede. We must try to gain a little time. + +_Clerk._ Very well; I long to get acquainted with him---- + +_Counsellor._ Hush! he is coming. [Exit with Lewis.--Clerk steps +aside]. + + (Enter Servant, followed by PHILIP.) + +_Serv._ Be so good as to wait here a few minutes; My Lord will come +directly. [Exit. + +_Philip_ [not observing the Clerk]. Now I am here.----At length--Oh, my +heart---- + +_Clerk._ Sir! + +_Philip_ [turning hastily]. Hah! I beg your pardon; I did not know---- + +_Clerk._ My Lord is very sorry that indispensable business obliges +him to detain you for a few moments, but he will hasten to have the +honour---- + +_Philip_ [walking up and down]. Very well. + +_Clerk._ I am very happy that chance thus gives me an opportunity of +commencing an acquaintance with you. + +_Philip._ You cannot tell how long this business may last; it grows +late, and I am in haste. + +_Clerk._ Not long, I dare say---Be seated, Mr. Brook. [Both sit down]. +Indeed the future alliance of My Lord's family and yours---- + +_Philip._ By what means? + +_Clerk._ By the marriage of Miss Fleffel with your brother. + +_Philip_ [surprised]. So! [Politely) I did not know it before [looks at +his watch]. + +_Clerk._ It will afford My Lord great satisfaction, as the honour of +your company---- + +_Philip._ It grows very late; must I wait long? + +_Clerk._ No, Sir! but [pointing to the chair], be so kind---- + +_Philip._ Pardon me, I cannot sit--[aside] my blood, my blood---- + +_Clerk._ Are you indisposed? + +_Philip._ Yes--but you think he will come soon? + +Clerk [offended]. Mr. Brook dislikes my company! + +_Philip._ Company in general. [Pointing to a door, and going up to it] +Is that the room? + +_Clerk._ Give me leave, Sir: I will inform My Lord of your haste. +[Exit. + +_Philip._ Oh, patience, patience! good heaven! in this very +room--here--here have I supplicated for my uncle; here have I wept, +gone on my knees, to obtain his liberty. My tears were derided, I was +driven away.--Then I was but a child--now I am a man; outraged humanity +calls upon me. At this very moment, perhaps, my uncle is suffering the +extremities of hunger, of misery and despair.--Gracious Heaven, grant +me a composed mind! + +_Clerk entering._ My Lord will immediately do himself the honour-- +please to be seated, Sir. + +_Philip._ I am not fit for conversation: I will walk into the +gallery--you will call me. [Exit. + +_Clerk._ A very strange man this! + +_Counsellor enters._ Is he gone? + +_Clerk._ No, he waits in the gallery. + +_Counsellor._ Go to my father, he wants you--I will see after him. + + Enter COUNSELLOR and PHILIP. + +_Counsellor._ Forgive me, dear Sir--but you know---- + +_Philip._ May I hope to speak to My Lord now? + +_Counsellor._ Immediately--business, you know, sometimes occurs---- + +_Philip_ [going up to the Chancellor's room door]. My Lord is there, I +presume. + +_Chancellor entering._ Your most obedient, Mr. Brook--Chairs, my +son----an unexpected honour indeed! + +_Philip._ My Lord, I wish to speak to you in private. + +_Chancellor._ Most willingly. [Looks significantly at his son--exit +Counsellor]. What can I do for you? + +_Philip._ My Lord, I ask your assistance to save an honest man from +ruin. + +_Chancellor._ What assistance? for whom? speak, my dear Sir! + +_Philip._ Mr. Drave is the person I mean--whatever you may do for him, +I shall consider as a favour---- + +_Chancellor._ So, so! Mr. Drave the merchant--But you speak of +ruin--why so? + +_Philip._ Of ruin, into which the literal application of the law will +plunge him, if his well-known integrity, and ability to pay gradually, +be not attended to. + +_Chancellor._ The law, my dear Sir, must take its course. + +_Philip._ Certainly; but remember, it dictates equity. + +_Chancellor._ You are a noble young man, of the best intentions: [takes +his hand] I am rejoiced at this opportunity of contracting an +acquaintance with you. + +_Philip._ May I hope for Mr. Drave? + +_Chancellor._ Give me leave to say, in this case, the unaccountable +disposal of your brother's property, without any authority, cannot be +overlooked. + +_Philip._ Mr. Rose was the richest merchant in the city. + +_Chancellor._ Yet he has failed. + +_Philip._ Drave has given security. + +_Chancellor._ Very true; and his property is seized, that your brother +may not lose. + +_Philip._ But why is he confined? + +_Chancellor._ Not for that; but to prevent farther trouble from his +violence. + +_Philip._ But there is no plaintiff. + +_Chancellor._ Undoubtedly there is. + +_Philip._ Who? + +_Chancellor._ Your brother. + +_Philip._ No! impossible! + +_Chancellor._ 'Tis however true. + +_Philip._ Very well; but notwithstanding, all farther proceedings must +cease. Drave is free [rises and puts his chair aside]. + +_Chancellor_ [does the same]. How so? free? + +_Philip._ I give bail. + +_Chancellor._ Very noble, very christian-like indeed!--but it will not +do. + +_Philip._ Why not? + +_Chancellor._ You are not of age. + +_Philip_ [astonished]. But you rob him of every thing; credit, honour, +fortune---- + +_Chancellor._ He may always recover himself. + +_Philip._ Drive him, his wife and daughter, to despair! + +_Chancellor._ Good God! I am very sorry; but what can I do? + +_Philip._ Then you are determined, my Lord, to proceed your own way. + +_Chancellor._ It is the law. + +_Philip._ To ruin Mr. Drave? + +_Chancellor._ No, not that. + +_Philip._ It is downright injustice. + +_Chancellor_ [angrily]. Injustice! [composing himself] Young man, young +man! + +_Philip._ I wish to give you warning---- + +_Chancellor._ I thank you! + +_Philip._ While it is still time. + +_Chancellor_ [laughing]. So? and when will it not be time? + +_Philip_ [looking at his watch]. In half an hour; no more. [Chancellor +laughs]. + +_Philip._ Rouse me not; for your own sake, rouse me not. + + (Augusta rushes into the Room, and throws herself + on her knees before the Chancellor). + +_Augusta._ Spare my father! for pity's sake, spare my father! + +_Philip_ [raising her]. What are you doing? + +_Chancellor._ What is your request? + +_Augusta_ [hastily rising]. Give me back my father. + +_Philip._ Compose yourself, Augusta. + +_Augusta._ We will depart immediately; yes, yes, I promise you we will +depart; I know you cannot bear our presence; but give me my father. + +_Chancellor._ Why did he strike a magistrate? + +_Philip._ I was witness to the impropriety of this magistrate's +conduct. Drave had great reason to be provoked. + +_Augusta._ Forgive, forgive--Destroy my happiness, my hopes--only my +father---- + +_Philip._ Look at her; behold the anguish of death on her countenance; +look at her, and speak. + +_Chancellor._ Mr. Brook, do not interfere where you have no concern. + +_Philip._ No concern! I love her. Her father is my guardian. I speak as +a son, and warn you that your cruelty and chicanery---- + +_Chancellor._ And I, young man, warn _you_ that this language---- + +_Philip._ You shall hear the language of outraged humanity. Suffering +innocence calls for a defender; he lives, and possesses both strength +and courage. + +_Chancellor_ [contemptuously]. And who may this defender be? + +_Philip._ I! [Chancellor laughs.] Answer now. Will you persist? + +_Chancellor._ Must I answer? + +_Philip._ Yes, you shall. + +_Chancellor._ Then good bye, Mr. Brook: go home, and wait for the rest. +In the mean time try to recollect yourself a little. + +_Philip_ [going]. Well then-- + +_Augusta_ [withholding Philip.] Stay, for God's sake, stay! + +_Philip_ [turning back]. Believe me, My Lord, I am not acting the Don +Quixote. Once more, in the name of justice, for the sake of your +conscience, and of the serious trial to which you will one day be +inevitably brought, are you resolved to persist? + +_Chancellor_ [in anger]. I am. + +_Philip._ I have it in my power to act against you: I shall be a +formidable enemy. [Pause] Will you persist? Yes, or no? + +_Chancellor_ [in a fury]. Yes, yes. + +_Philip._ The hour of revenge is come; I feel it through all my veins, +and I begin---- + +_Chancellor_ [as before]. Do it, do it---- + +_Philip._ I shake the building to its foundation. You or I must be +crushed beneath the ruins: you exposed to universal hatred and +contempt, or I punished as a calumniator. + +_Chancellor._ It shall be your fate. + +_Philip._ Then be it so! The die is cast. The cause of justice animates +me; and the remembrance of my uncle's sufferings, gives me redoubled +energy.--I--you may know it--I was the man who excited and supported +the honest clerk. + +_Chancellor._ You were? [rings a bell]. + +_Philip._ He was overpowered. Your crimes were not then ripe: now they +are.----In silence I have collected proofs of your treachery, of your +cruelty to my uncle, whom you confined for pretended insanity: answer +that. + + Enter Servant.--CHANCELLOR speaks to him. + +_Augusta._ Oh, Brook, Brook! what are you doing? I beg you---- + +_Philip._ Let me proceed. He may contrive----I have full conviction of +his crimes, and will lay them open to our Prince. + +_Chancellor._ Go, go, frantic fool! try what your mad dreams can effect +there. + +_Philip._ I will. Our Prince is benevolent and just. What is your +support in your crimes? The chain of ceremony?--I break it [Chancellor +laughs] I break it: my despair will give me strength--and--before +sun-set--woe on thee, and thy house! [Exit hastily with Augusta]. + +[Chancellor rings the bell, and walks eagerly up and down.--Philip +enters surrounded by Officers of Justice.] + +_Chancellor._ Nearer, Mr. Brook! [To the officers] Leave us till I +call. + +_Philip_ [with firmness]. What have you to say? + +_Chancellor._ Terrified? Pale? starting eyes? So amazed, conqueror of +the world? You have thrown off the mask--I will do the same. [Pause]. +Young man, you are too weak to take a grain of this power; a single +grain is sufficient to destroy you.--Will you implore my forgiveness, +and bind yourself to eternal silence? Then quit the country, and I will +forget. + +_Philip._ No! + +_Chancellor._ Man, who gave me half an hour's delay, I now give it to +you. Answer me; will you submit, or never see the day-light more? + +_Philip._ Thy banishments, thy imprisonments, will avail nothing, as +long as thy sworn enemy lives.--Murder is thy only security, and on +that thy coward heart dares not venture. + +_Chancellor._ Thou art in my hands, worm! Who cares if I trample upon +thee? Who dares to rise up against me, possessed, as I am, of the chief +authority of the State, and of the confidence of the Prince? What +remains to thee, thou poor wretch? + +_Philip._ My heart. + +_Chancellor._ Go, grovel in fetters; there wait thy fate, while thy +wiser brother laughs at thee. + +_Philip._ My brother? my brother? Hah! perhaps now--[going towards the +door, followed hastily by the Chancellor, who locks it]. Lewis, Lewis! + +_Chancellor._ Frantic villain! + +_Philip._ Lewis! Lewis! brother! help! + +_Chancellor_ [rings the bell and calls]. Stop him, stop him! + +_Lewis_ [from without]. I will go in! + +_Philip._ Lewis! Lewis! for the last time, I call, help, help! + +_Lewis_ [from without]. I come [forcing the door. Constables from the +other side. Counsellor and Clerk, with Lewis, enter]. What is the +matter? + +_Counsellor._ You villain! To assault me, to accuse your brother, to +seek his life!--[To the constables] Off with him! [they seize Philip.] + +_Philip._ No! No! Lewis! [throws a pocket-book to him] Take this book +[Couns. snatches the book]. Lewis, your uncle--remember, remember. +[Exit with constables.] + +_Lewis_ [attempting to follow him, withheld by the Chancellor and the +Counsellor]. Let me go. + +_Chancellor._ For God's sake, do not approach him; he seeks your ruin, +your life; he is dangerous. [They lead Lewis into the Chancellor's +Room.] + + + END OF THE FOURTH ACT. + + + + _ACT V._ + + + SCENE I. + + Apartment at Mr. Drave's House. + + Mrs. DRAVE.--AUGUSTA. + + (Augusta entering with a letter in her hand, which + she gives to her Mother.) + +_Augusta._ Here is a letter from Philip Brook's landlord. + +_Mrs. D._ [reads]--How! + +_Augusta._ What does it contain? + +_Mrs. D._ I'll read it you. "Madam---Counsellor Fleffel has come with a +warrant to examine Mr. Brook's apartment. He has forced the locks of +his bureau and drawers, and seized the papers. I think they must be of +great importance, for he is in a violent passion, and talks of +treasonable practices, of libels, of revenge."----Our worthy friend, +too, the prey of powerful enemies! It is hard. + +_Augusta._ But what can he have to apprehend from them? + +_Mrs. D._ The abuse or suppression of his papers. + +_A Servant entering._ Mr. Lewis Brook, Ma'am, wishes to see you. + +_Mrs. D._ [angrily]. How? he dares---- + +_Serv._ I denied you twice, but he insists on seeing you. + +_Mrs. D._ Tell him I can have no concern with one who has acted as he +has done. [Exit Servant. + +_Augusta._ His very name terrifies me so much.-- + + Enter LEWIS with the Servant. + +_Lewis._ I must speak to her [perceiving Mrs. D. he casts his eyes upon +the ground. Augusta hastily leaves the room]. + +_Mrs. D._ Frederick, did you deliver my answer to the gentleman? + +_Lewis._ He did; but, Madam--pray leave us Frederick--[Exit Servant]. I +beg, Madam---- + +_Mrs. D._ What do you desire? Have you any demands upon me in +particular? [shrugs her shoulders]. I am unable to pay, for they have +taken every thing from me. + +_Lewis._ You think me a villain: you are deceived; let me therefore +explain---- + +_Mrs. D._ Explain, Sir? This empty room, our misery, my husband in +prison these are explanations sufficient. + +_Lewis._ As my presence is so disagreeable to you, I will immediately +retire.--But let me first promise you, that the day I come of age, I +will entirely restore what you have lost. [Lays a paper on the table]. +I leave with you this paper, legally drawn up to that effect. Thus I +hope to make reparation for my want of thought, and for the uneasiness +I have caused. [Going. + +_Mrs. D._ One moment, Mr. Brook! [She takes the paper and reads it]. +You restore all, you say? + +_Lewis._ Yes. + +_Mrs. D._ Our confidence in mankind, which you have destroyed; our +honour, of which you have robbed us; our credit, which you have +blasted; can you restore these? Can you erase the deep characters of +misery from the heart of an afflicted husband? Can you restore a +wretched daughter, once more in the bloom of health, to her parents +arms? Will you restore all this, with this paper? + +_Lewis._ If you accuse me of all this, Madam, you are unjust, and I +must speak. + +_Mrs. D._ Speak, Sir. + +_Lewis._ What I do, I will freely confess, is not so much for Mr. +Drave as for your and Augusta's sake. His abuse of my property, his +secret plans to undo one brother by the other--that, Madam, that hurts +me.--With respect to what has happened, God be my witness, that I had +not the smallest presentiment of it. I am frail, and I have erred; yet +I hope I now atone for my fault. + +_Mrs. D._ This requires an answer. My husband, who placed this sum with +the most respectable house in the city, in order to provide a better +fortune for his prodigal ward--who, unsolicited, in order to secure +this ward from all accidents, gave security to the amount of all he was +worth, and who now makes it good with the loss of all his fortune--he +is an honest man. + +_Lewis_ [astonished]. Gave security? + +_Mrs. D._ [not attending to him]. A perverted mind may misinterpret his +actions. Kindnesses bestowed on the ungrateful will one day have their +reward.--A man like my Drave can lay his hand on his heart, and look +with hope to the day when he shall appear before his Almighty Judge; he +can, amidst all his losses, despise such a wretched thing as this--[She +tears the paper in two, and drops it on the ground]. + +_Lewis._ I am astonished. Mr. Drave gave security? + +_Mrs. D._ He did. + +_Lewis._ That, Madam, was entirely unknown to me. + +_Mrs. D._ Henceforth we have nothing to say to each other; but, before +we part, let me remember one thing--You once made a serious application +to me concerning my daughter. + +_Lewis._ Pray, Madam---- + +_Mrs. D._ It is over--an abused mother, a deceived fool more or less, +what does it signify to a man of fashion? The girl may weep; the mother +may be angry--your companions will laugh at such gallantry--why should +you alter your conduct? + +_Lewis._ You touch closely there--[hastily]. No, that is too much. +[With intreaty] Madam, for God's sake---- + +_Mrs. D._ You, Mr. Brook, who never gave us a single hour's comfort, +you have reduced us to misery in a single hour. It hurts not your +feelings, to see your foster parents ruined, undone by the son of her +who was my dearest friend and your mother; by the son of Maria! + +_Lewis._ Oh, forbear! + +_Mrs. D._ You have feigned love to my daughter, have vowed fidelity to +her: she loves, and must ever love you.--You forsake her now--She +will decline by degrees, and at length sink into her grave, which +perhaps--we must beg for her. + +_Lewis._ Oh, cease! cease! + +_Mrs. D._ Should you become a husband, a father--then, when you regard +your child as I now do mine, may the remembrance of these moments never +sit heavy on your heart!--Now my last word: I release you from all your +promises--I forgive you. With this wish let us part for ever--God +forgive you, as I do! [Going. + +_Lewis_ [detaining her]. Oh, Madam! had not Mr. Drave been so unkind to +me, I should now perhaps have been happy with Augusta!--Yes, yes, I +love her still; and Heaven be my witness---- + +_Mrs. D._ Do not mistake me; I mean not to awaken compassion for my +daughter. If you arc sincere, restore my husband. + +_Lewis._ I here vow---- + +_Mrs. D._ Then first save your brother, who is persecuted for a noble +action. + +_Lewis._ A noble action? Which of his mean attempts can you call by +that title? + +_Mrs. D._ [surprised]. What did you say? + +_Lewis._ Shall I release him, when he only seeks, my destruction? + +_Mrs. D._ He? he seek your destruction? + +_Lewis._ His design was to enforce the clause of my father's will: for +this purpose, he went to-day to the Chancellor's; but his scheme +failing, he forgot the mask of virtue which he had assumed, and +exhibited the rage of a disappointed demon. + +_Mrs. D._ Who imposed this falsehood upon you?--No! no. He came forward +to defend Drave, threatened to disclose secrets.--They fear him! and +for this reason he was arrested. + +_Lewis._ But still his pocket-book contains the proofs of his base +intentions. + +_Mrs. D._ Have you seen it? + +_Lewis._ No! + +_Mrs. D._ And believe so lightly? + +_Lewis._ Why, the Chancellor---- + +_Mrs. D._ Is the person who put your uncle in prison. Lewis, save your +brother, he is innocent. + +_Lewis._ Well, they shall shew me the pocket-book; but you will +find---- + +_Mrs. D._ Go rather to your brother's lodgings; the Counsellor is +there, examining his writings--go immediately--be speedy. + +_Lewis._ Well, I will satisfy you. It is not far--Under some pretext I +will bring the Counsellor himself into this very room; then you shall +be witness---- + +_Mrs. D._ Why? + +_Lewis._ If you prefer it, you can go into that room, and over-hear our +conversation: but depend upon it, notwithstanding all outward +appearances, my brother's heart is full of malice. [Exit. + + Enter AUGUSTA. + +_Mrs. D._ Be not afflicted, my dear Augusta--compose yourself. He +appears to be misled rather than wicked. Yet they have drawn so artful +a snare about him, that I fear it will be difficult to destroy it. + +_Augusta._ Will it? + +_Mrs. D._ God grant this moment may prove fortunate, and fully convince +him of their villainy! + +_Counsellor_ [without]. I can't, upon my honour, I am so busy---- + +_Lewis_ [without]. Pshaw! don't stand on ceremony. + +_Mrs. D._ They are coming, let us be gone. + +_Augusta._ Who? + +_Mrs. D._ Come, come. [Exeunt. + + Enter LEWIS and COUNSELLOR. + +_Lewis._ It would be too late afterwards, I assure you. + +_Counsellor._ Very singular! Suppose you had not met with me? + +_Lewis._ I should have gone in search of you. + +_Counsellor_ [going]. Let us rather go to your house. + +_Lewis._ As we are now here-- + +_Counsellor._ But it is very unpleasant to me.--The people will trouble +me with their complaints and lamentations--Besides, I am in haste--my +father waits for me. + +_Lewis._ Only a few words. You have instituted a suit against Drave in +my name. + +_Counsellor._ Certainly. + +_Lewis._ Very well: as soon as I am of age, I shall restore Drave every +thing. + +_Counsellor._ God forbid! + +_Lewis._ He may then pay by degrees: but--we parted so abruptly to +day--why have you secured my brother? + +_Counsellor._ He wished to have you declared a prodigal--protested +against your marriage--and, as your father refused, to listen to him, +flew into a passion with him, and vehemently threatened you. + +_Lewis._ But why lock the door? + +_Counsellor._ Does not my father know your passionate temper?--He did +it to avoid mischief. + +_Lewis._ And why refuse me that pocket-book? + +_Counsellor._ Aye, the pocket-book--yes--it was forgotten in this +confusion: you shall have it--it contains the materials on which the +whole project was founded--attestations of your prodigality, of +trifling errors artfully perverted into flagrant vices, and such +things---- + +_Lewis._ Well, well, let me see them, I will have these proofs of his +hypocrisy printed--come, come---- + +_Counsellor_ [at a loss]. Yes--but my father will perhaps be gone +out---- + +_Lewis._ How? you told me before, he waited for you. + +_Counsellor._ Besides--they are only copies--the originals---- + +_Lewis._ No doubt you have those also, as you opened his bureau; shew +me those papers. + +_Counsellor._ Don't be so impatient: the originals--they are not +amongst them. + +_Lewis._ No? + +_Counsellor._ No! + +_Lewis_ [coldly]. Let me see; shew me the papers. + +_Counsellor._ Why will you see them particularly _now_? + +_Lewis_ [earnestly]. Be so good. + +_Counsellor._ Who can look over them now? all incoherent +pieces--thoughts--tracts--odes on despotism--addresses to liberty. It +is not worth while. + +_Lewis_ [crossing his arms]. It is a very strange refusal. + +_Counsellor_ [offended]. Have I deserved such mistrust? + +_Lewis._ Your question would inspire it. + +_Counsellor._ Well, well. [Unlocks a pocket-book; and, as he takes out +the papers, slips a small packet into his pocket]. Here--there--and +there--that is all--now look at them. + +_Lewis_ [looking at the papers]. Yes, yes, all trifles, it is +true--poetical dreams--philosophical nonsense--you may take them. + +_Counsellor._ Your behaviour, I must say, offends me much, and I beg to +be spared in future---- + +_Lewis._ Why, every body would call me a villain, if I proceeded to act +against my own brother without full conviction--therefore [with great +earnestness] give me that other packet. + +_Counsellor_ [thunderstruck]. What--which--what packet? + +_Lewis._ That which you took from the rest, and put into your pocket. + +_Counsellor._ But--why? + +_Lewis._ Out with it! + +_Counsellor._ I will---- + +_Lewis._ Out with it, I say. [Counsellor gives the packet; and, while +Lewis is reading it, endeavours to put on an air of indifference.] + +_Lewis_ [reading]. "Original documents relating to my design: one copy +is in my red pocketbook, another in possession of Dr. Arends."----Ha! +now we shall soon see clearly.--[Opens the packet and reads] +"Attestation of Dr. Aarbach, in behalf of my uncle."--"At the gates of +eternity, being still sound in mind though weak in body--in order to +relieve my conscience, I declare that I have given wicked and false +evidence in the case of your uncle, seduced thereto by bribes, as the +inclosed original letters will shew. He was thus declared mad, having +never been so, and is treated like a condemned criminal. Pity his +old-age, save him, and forgive me, and pray to God to forgive me, to +whose righteous judgment I look with deep repentance."----Signed +_Aarbach_. + +Now for the letters--[opens a paper containing a portrait]. My uncle's +portrait! He was my mother's dearest brother, [takes another paper] +How! Letters in your father's own hand-writing, full of bribes! [Takes +another packet] "Letters of Mr. Verrini at Petersburgh, shewing that +the expences of the corn distributed, amounted to only to 20,000 +rix-dollars; and the attestations of the clerks employed, shewing that +38,000 were charged." [Looks at another packet] What is this? "My will, +in case I should die suddenly." [Opens it] "On condition that my +brother Lewis Brook saves and supports my uncle, in case I shall not +have done it, I declare him the sole heir of all my property." + +_Lewis_ [after a pause, to the Counsellor]. Look at me. + +_Counsellor_ [with coldness, and slowly]. Why? + +_Lewis_ [with rising passion]. Do you observe nothing? + +_Counsellor._ What? No! + +_Lewis._ You have no presentiment? + +_Counsellor._ Why? + +_Lewis._ Does no secret foreboding tell you, that some, merciful angel +comes to bring back a deluded heart?--You see, observe nothing? +Approach--feel here--feel how my heart beats--repentance, compassion on +my unhappy uncle; and perdition, revenge on you! + +_Counsellor._ What? what, Lewis! + +_Lewis._ You are discovered, villain; you and your father are lost for +ever. + +_Counsellor._ Surely you will not--why? + +_Lewis._ From frailties you lead me to faults, from faults to +crimes--now you would lead me to horrors----I am esteemed a sharer in +your villainy; every body despises me: the worst of criminals will +blush at my company. + +_Counsellor._ But you have promised---- + +_Lewis._ Silence! sit down--write to your father: tell him the family +will make some discoveries. I will have him in my power, to prevent his +schemes, and to dictate my will to him. + +_Counsellor._ No, never. + +_Lewis_ [drawing his sword]. Write, or in one instant thou art a dead +man. + +_Counsellor_ [sits down and writes a note. Lewis examines it, and takes +it with the other papers]. I see very well, Sir! but triumph not too +soon. + +_Lewis_ [takes his arm and leads him off].--Go on--What farther we have +to say, you may expect----go on. [Exeunt. + + Enter MRS. DRAVE and AUGUSTA. + +_Mrs. D._ Was ever such malicious treachery heard of? Should Brook +cowardly delay to make use of these proofs, I will develope their +crimes myself. [A gentle knock is heard at the door of the room.] + +_Augusta._ What was that? + +_Mrs. D._ Nothing--be quiet--our misfortunes cannot increase. [The +knock repeated twice. + +_Augusta._ Do you hear? + +_Mrs. D._ Is any body there? Come in. [The door opens; an old man with +grey hairs, dressed in an old-fashioned lace suit, much tarnished, +enters, and approaches timidly]. + +_Mrs. D._ What do you wish, my good friend? + +_Old Man_ [shyly]. Madam--pray, does not somebody live here--in this +house----I mean Mr. Drave? + +_Mrs. D._ Alas! my good friend! + +_Old Man._ He lived here once, I think--does he not live here still? + +_Augusta._ Yes. + +_Old Man._ Can I speak to him? if you please-- + +_Mrs. D._ He is--he is--not here. + +_Old Man_ [mildly]. But he will come back? [looking at them] or is he +dead? [Tenderly] Oh, if he be dead, he is happy, and I will not +interrupt his peace. + + Enter LEWIS hastily, kisses Mrs. DRAVE's hand. + +_Lewis._ Too true, Madam, too true.--What had become of me but for your +advice?--You are my good angel, Augusta; you will rather pity than hate +me. [Perceiving the Old Man] What Old man is that? + +_Mrs. D._ Somebody in distress, I fear--he wants to see my husband. + +_Lewis_ [giving him a purse]. There, my friend, take that. + +_Old Man._ I do not want money. + +_Lewis_ [hastily]. Well, well, but pray go. + +_Old Man._ I want but little, Sir. + +_Lewis._ And what? speak! quickly. + +_Old Man._ Only a little place under ground, to rest in peace. + +_Lewis._ I pity you, good Old man--but pray take it, and go.--We have +not time to hear you [leads him towards the door, and returns]. Madam, +the Counsellor is secured up stairs; the Chancellor is coming---- + +_Old Man_ [returning slowly.] I will not leave this house again. + +_Lewis._ But---- + +_Old Man._ I cannot walk any farther [sits down]. Let me stay here, my +good Sir. I shall not trouble you long; God will soon release me---- + +_Lewis._ But tell me, what do you want? + +_Old Man_ [looking round]. Good God! yes--I have often been in this +house--once--long ago--but it is long, long since---- + +_Mrs. D._ Tell me, who are you? + +_Old Man._ Yes--I will tell you; for my death is not far off--observe I +am terribly pursued. I was a rich--rich man: I had whole chests full of +plate----lived in a great house. It is long since I wore this dress: it +is in some disorder, I fear. + +_Lewis_ [hastily]. Speak! who are you? + +_Old Man._ Be not angry, my good Sir. I will tell you every +thing----but do not beat me [Kneels]. I will tell you all----[Augusta +raises him]. Yes, it was in the year----have patience--my head always +aches so, when I try to recollect any thing--but I shall soon do +it--Yes--I was carried away, and imprisoned for many, many years: I was +strictly guarded in a close dark vault. It was for high treason, they +said--It was a favour I was not beheaded. + +_Lewis._ Go on, go on. + +_Old Man._ I soon learned to bear it. But sometimes when I heard the +sound of music, or of people walking over my head, oh! then I wished to +be in the world again. Often in the cold nights I could not forbear to +weep; but they used to beat me, and so I broke myself of that, and now +I can weep no more. + +_Mrs. D._ Poor old man! + +_Lewis_ [doubtfully]. Old man, who are you? + +_Old Man._ At last, as I grew so old, they watched me more +carelessly.--One night I found my door left unlocked, and went away: +ever since I have been wandering about, and lived by begging alms. + +_Lewis._ And your relations? + +_Old Man._ Oh, yes, yes, I had relations; but they are dead--their +children confined me, for the sake of my fortune. Yet I saved only +for them--Oh, when I remember that, my eyes grow hot, but I cannot +weep----They are my sister's children. + +_Lewis_ [kneeling]. Merciful Heaven! + +_Mrs. D._ It is he! + +_Augusta._ Who? + +_Lewis_ [hastily rising]. My uncle! my uncle! I am Brook; your nephew, +your sister's son; the son of your dear Maria. + +_Old Man_ [turning from him]. He will betray me. Oh, speak to him not +to put me into jail again. + +_Lewis._ Cease, cease! + +_Old Man._ Keep all my property; but for your dear mother's sake, do +not let me be imprisoned again. + +_Mrs. D._ He loves you, sincerely loves you. + +_Augusta._ What a scene! + +_Old Man_ [goodnaturedly]. Will you not shut me up again then?--tell +me--No, I am sure you will not. + +_Lewis._ Brother of my revered mother in heaven, can you ask? Do not +you feel it? It is the son of your good Maria who weeps before you. + +_Old Man._ Let me look at your face--yes--I believe--I have been away +fifteen years, and cannot recollect every thing--but I believe you are +he---- + +_Mrs. D._ It is he. + +_Old Man._ Is it Philip or Lewis? + +_Lewis._ I am Lewis, Lewis the youngest. + +_Old Man_ [wiping his eyes]. Come to my arms, Lewis! + +_Lewis_ [with emotion]. Oh, did not the weight of my guilt lie so heavy +on me!--Here I vow severe revenge. + +_Servant entering._ My Lord the Chancellor is coming up stairs. + +_Lewis._ Well, well, I'll to them. Orders to release Drave and my +brother, are my first requests: I shall also strongly urge reparation. +If they refuse--if they even hesitate--woe on the villains! [Exit. + +_Old Man._ What does he mean? Where is he going? + +_Mrs. D._ Good old man, it is a decisive hour--pray to Heaven to assist +us. + +_Old Man._ You are not happy? + +_Mrs. D._ No, oh no! [Enter Rose hastily, with a Servant]. + +_Mr. R._ Madam, I dare not conceal--I heard--Mr. Drave is suddenly +taken ill. + +_Mrs. D._ Merciful Heaven! Frederick, our cloaks. [Exit Servant. + +_Mr. R._ Can you bear to look at me? + +_Mrs. D._ Come, come, we'll go to him--come, Augusta. [Servant brings +cloaks]. + +_Mr. R._ [whilst Mrs. D. takes her cloak]. But, Madam, it will affect +him too much to see you thus. + +_Mrs. D._ [not attending to him, and going, followed by Augusta and +Rose]. + +_Old Man._ You leave me? Who will have pity on me? who will---- + +_Mrs. D._ Stay, Augusta, make him comfortable.--Frederick, put him out +of the way. + +_Servant._ Where, Madam? + +_Mrs. D._ I don't know--any where. + +_Servant._ I'll take him to my mother's. + +_Mrs. D._ Well, well.--[Old Man led off by Augusta and Frederick--Mrs. +Drave and Rose going off on the opposite side]. + +_Old Man_ [as he is going]. You leave me; you will betray me; I have +nothing except these grey hairs. + + [As Mrs. Drave and Rose are going out at the door, + they meet the Chancellor's Clerk.) + +_Clerk._ Stop; where are you going? + +_Mr. R._ Where an honest man is sacrificed by villains. + +_Clerk._ A few words, Madam, if you please. + +_Mrs. D._ Let me go, Sir! do not rob my suffering husband of his only +comfort--let me go. + +_Clerk._ You must stop, Madam. + +_Mr. R._ By what authority do you dare act thus? + +_Clerk._ Do you know me? + +_Mr. R._ Too well, too well. + +_Clerk._ Then you should know that when I order, it is your part to +submit in silence. + +_Mr. R._ You shall not drive her to despair. + +_Clerk._ Pray, who are you? + +_Mr. R._ One who has been made a beggar by thee and thy master, thou +knave; a formidable beggar. + +_Clerk._ Are you mad? + +_Mr. R._ So well in my senses, that I should apprehend being confined +under pretence of madness, if I were still rich enough. + +_Clerk._ Beware, Sir, how you speak! + +_Mr. R._ Do thou beware of thy life. + +_Clerk._ That is going too far. + +_Mr. R._ Have I not weapons? cannot I fell thee to the earth with this +stick, thou prime agent of villainy? + +_Clerk._ I pity you: but remember, I have persons with me, and full +power to check all resistance; therefore take my advice, and go. + +_Mr. R._ I will go--but, thou fellow! yes, I wilt go, and if I can only +see Philip---- [Exit. + +_Mrs. D._ Oh, Sir! if ever you loved--if ever you trembled for an +unfortunate wife, for a brother, or for a child--then feel my +affliction; be softened, and let me go to my husband. + +_Clerk._ Madam, I have orders to examine you, touching a certain point. +The means of discovering truth I have at hand. Sincerity and +submission, will be your best choice. + +_Mrs. D._ What must I tell? quickly--I beg. + +_Clerk._ If you satisfy me entirely, I promise you shall see Mr. Drave. + +_Mrs. D._ But your questions? + +_Clerk._ You shall be allowed to remain with him, if you desire it. + +_Mrs. D._ Were he in the grave I should desire it. Quick--your +questions. + +_Clerk._ Well--who is here in the house? + +_Mrs. D._ Here? + +_Clerk._ A stranger. + +_Mrs. D._ A stranger? + +_Clerk._ Of acquaintance rather. + +_Mrs. D._ [at a loss]. I think not. + +_Clerk_ [harshly]. No evasion, Madam! That he is in the house, I know: +where is he? + +_Mrs. D._ Sir! + +_Clerk._ Answer! where is he? My attendants can open doors, and +concealment will be dangerous. Where is he? + +_Mrs. D._ [sits down]. Up stairs. + +_Clerk_ [going]. Alone, or somebody with him? + +_Mrs. D._ Mr. Brook and his son are with him. + +_Clerk._ His son? what do you mean? + +_Mrs. D._ The Counsellor. + +_Clerk._ What Counsellor? + +_Mrs. D._ Do not torment me so.--Counsellor Fleffel. + +_Clerk._ So; My Lord has doubtless come to examine himself. Did he say +any thing? + +_Mrs. D._ No! + +_Clerk._ Is there no fourth person with him? no old man? + +_Mrs. D._ No! yes! Oh, torture me no more! + +_Clerk._ I shall examine--do you remain here, Madam. [Exit. + +_Mrs. D._ [goes up to the door and calls]. Augusta! Frederick! Augusta! + + Enter AUGUSTA and FREDERICK. + +_Mrs. D._ What an accident! The Chancellor's clerk is here, in search +of the old man. I misunderstood him, and told him the Chancellor was +here; he is gone up stairs. Frederick, see if the house be free; we +must save the old man. [Exit Serv. + +_Augusta._ Have you heard of my father? + +_Mrs. D._ No, good God! no!--The old man, how is he? does he sleep? + +_Augusta._ So softly, so quietly! Alas! it is long, I fear, since he +has slept so. + +_Mrs. D._ Wake him; he must go: wake him. [Exit Augusta. + +_Servant entering._ The hall is full of constables; but, I will try to +lead him down the back stairs, and through the warehouse. + +_Mrs. D._ Go, quick; lead him away, before the clerk returns. + + (Enter Augusta, with the Old Man.) + +_Old Man._ You tear me from my sleep; what will you do with me? + + (Chancellor and Clerk from behind the Scenes). + +_Clerk._ Where? answer, My Lord, where? + +_Chancellor._ Here! help! here! + +_Mrs. D._ Almighty God, they are discovered! + +From behind / _Chancellor._ Break the door open. +the Scenes. \ _Lewis._ Stop! on your life, stop! + + (Noise of forcing a door). + +_Clerk._ _From behind._ God be praised! + + Enter CLERK, a handkerchief round his head, + calling at the door. + +_Clerk._ A surgeon! quick!----Villains. + +_Chancellor_ [entering hastily, embraces the Clerk]. You are my saving +angel. Thank God. + +_Clerk._ My hand is crushed. + +_Chancellor._ I'll pay for the cure. [To the Constables who enter] You +are come? [To the Clerk]. Now, my friend--be Brook secured--my coach, +called--the orders of release countermanded--the other Brook and Drave +secured again; [exit Clerk] you--you shall pay---- + +_Mrs. D._ Have compassion, My Lord! + +_Chancellor._ On you? To assault me! to extort orders from me by +violence! Oh, you shall pay for it, I promise you. + + (Enter CLERK with some papers). + +_Clerk_ [tears the papers to pieces]. There--there are your treacherous +schemes. [Aside to the Chancellor] How happy for me that I got hold of +them! [To Mrs. D.] Now, where is the old man? Out with him! + +_Mrs. D._ [with firmness]. Yes! he is here. You shall see him--see him, +if you can bear it. [Exit]. + +_Chancellor._ Is the old uncle here? + +_Clerk._ Yes, I found him out at last. + +_Mrs. D._ [entering]. He cannot stir. Go yourself. You may kill him, he +says--but he will not stir. + +_Clerk._ Nonsense! [Exit. + + Enter Mr. DRAVE. + +_Mr. D._ Released!--Released! [is going to embrace Mrs. Drave]. + +_Mrs. D._ [retiring]. Away! unhappy man--go away! + +_Mr. D._ [perceiving the Chancellor]. You here? + +_Chancellor._ Yes, fortunately. + +_Mrs. D._ [embracing Drave.] Now, now, you may kill us--separate us you +cannot--never-- + +_Mr. D._ Who shall dare that? + +_Chancellor._ The jail. + +_Mr. D._ What? am I not released by your warrant? + +_Chancellor._ By an extorted warrant. You would bring me to contempt +and shame; but I will have ample revenge. + + (Servant endeavouring to hold the Old Man, while + the Clerk tries to tear him away from him). + +_Clerk._ Villain! let him go! + +_Mr. D._ Merciful God! the old Gronau! + +_Old Man._ Drave, it is your voice--help, save me! + +_Chancellor._ Off with him! + +_Mr. D._ Look, at him; he is almost expiring. Rob him of his money, but +let his soul depart in peace. + +_Clerk._ Silence! + +_Mr. D._ Cease, torturer! He is a dying man--In one hour, perhaps, his +soul will be in Heaven, accusing thee of murder----cease! + +_Chancellor._ Here! Constables! + +_Mr. D._ My last strength for his grey hairs. + + (CLERK going, meets PHILIP BROOK.) + +_Philip_ [joyfully]. Drave, we are saved, we are saved! + +_Mr. D._ Is it true? + +_Philip._ It is! it is. + +_Chancellor._ What mean you, Sir? + +_Philip_ [seeing the Old Man]. My uncle? kind Heaven, I thank thee! + +_Old Man._ Who is it? + +_Mr. D._ Philip! your nephew Philip. + +_Philip_ [turning to the Chancellor]. Look as him--at this face--those +grey hairs--those hands which you put in fetters: fifteen years of his +life, of liberty, thou hast stolen from him. + +_Chancellor_ [laughs]. + +_Philip._ Feign tranquillity--cover thy horror with hypocrisy: this +scene thou canst not bear. Look--look here, at the marks of the chains +upon these hands--here I place him before thee: so will he stand before +thee in Heaven, with all those whom thou hast wronged and undone; then +before the Almighty Judge will he say, "Thou hast given thy soul to +eternal perdition, for the love of gain." + +_Chancellor_ [in a fury]. Off with this fellow! + + Clerk going to take hold of him. + +_Philip._ Stop! [gives the Clerk a paper, which he overlooks, and hands +to the Chancellor]. Read that--[To the company] From my prison I wrote +to our excellent Minister--being released by his warrant, and hearing +from Rose what passed here, I hastened to my noble protector, who gave +me an order by which all farther proceedings here are stopped, and that +wretch is suspended from all his employments, till the justice of his +country shall have decided on the punishment so long due to his +unparalleled crimes. Oh, my good uncle, my dear Drave, we are now safe. + +(The Clerk makes off unperceived. The Chancellor starts at the paper, +and continues to read it, as if he would never have done). + +_Philip._ You know the hand writing? + +_Chancellor_ [folds up the paper with a forced laugh]. + +_Philip._ Laugh thyself to convulsions, if thou canst. + +_Chancellor._ Take care, Sir! take care! [Going. + +_Philip_ [stopping him]. I must look thee in the face once more. Thou +art a distinguished villain--Thou hast raised thyself by complicated +knavery, from the dust, to exalted power. Thy soul was the price, and +thou hast paid it.--Under the mask of religion thou hast been the +scourge of many a noble and honest heart.--Now, behold me!--Without +blood, without intrigue, armed only with a just cause, I have levelled +thee with thy original dust. Go; and if thou seriously believest in a +strict trial to come--repent, repent, before the gates of Eternity +close upon thy dark spirit for ever. [Exit Chancellor in manifest +confusion. + +_Rose._ Then it is true! + +_Philip._ Our Minister has observed him with attention; he has long +suspected--I have given the blow--his fall is inevitable. + +_Lewis_ [enters hastily, and embraces Philip]. Oh, my dear brother! + +_Philip._ My dear Lewis! + +_Rose_ [tenderly]. Would you not have it so? Drave? + +_Drave._ Yes, yes. + +_Lewis._ I am sensible of my faults, and exerted all my efforts to +repair the mischief I had occasioned: but my brother alone was worthy, +by his virtues, to restore the happiness I had destroyed. Oh, Drave, my +father, much-injured father! my mother--Augusta, my Augusta, can you +forgive? Can repentance---- + +_Philip._ Drave, he is my brother, and his heart is good. + +_Lewis._ Oh, forgive--deny me not this----Augusta, my tutelary angel. + +_Drave_ [taking Augusta's hand]. Lewis, I believe your repentance +sincere. Yet, dear as my daughter is, you will not wonder that I should +refuse to resign her to you, till I shall see reason to be satisfied +that you are entirely reformed. I confess, however, that I do not feel +disposed to put your patience to a very long trial. Those downcast +eyes, and this trembling hand, convince me that my decision will be +approved. Take it then, Lewis, [giving him Augusta's hand] and live +with the hope, I might say the certainty, that I shall shortly bestow +it on you for ever. + +_Lewis._ Oh, my father! it is more than I deserved, or could have dared +to hope--never will I give you cause to repent of your confidence. + +_Drave_ [leading Augusta to Rose]. Rose, I give you a daughter, who +shall console you in your old-age! [To the old man] Good old father, +here are your children again. + + (PHILIP and LEWIS embrace their uncle.) + +_Old Man._ God's blessings be upon you, my children! Children of +my dear Maria in Heaven--support me in your arms, which broke my +chains--In them I will expire, with prayers for your happiness, with +blessings on thee, Philip, my supporter and guardian angel. + + + + + F I N I S + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nephews: A Play, in Five Acts., by +William Augustus Iffland + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NEPHEWS: A PLAY, IN FIVE ACTS. *** + +***** This file should be named 31667-8.txt or 31667-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/1/6/6/31667/ + +Produced by Charles Bowen, from scans provided by Google Books + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/31667-8.zip b/31667-8.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..4cc0e9d --- /dev/null +++ b/31667-8.zip diff --git a/31667.txt b/31667.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..49b85e0 --- /dev/null +++ b/31667.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3924 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nephews: A Play, in Five Acts., by +William Augustus Iffland + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Nephews: A Play, in Five Acts. + +Author: William Augustus Iffland + +Translator: Hannibal Evans Lloyd + +Release Date: March 16, 2010 [EBook #31667] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NEPHEWS: A PLAY, IN FIVE ACTS. *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Bowen, from scans provided by Google Books + + + + +Source: books.google.com + +http://books.google.com/books?pg=PP8&dq=the+nephews&id=tSgHAAAAQAAJ#v=o +nepage&q=&f=false + + + + + + THE + + NEPHEWS: + + A PLAY, + + IN FIVE ACTS. + + + * * * * * + + + FREELY TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN OF + + _WILLIAM AUGUSTUS IFFLAND,_ + + BY + + HANNIBAL EVANS LLOYD, ESQ. + + + * * * * * + + + LONDON: + + PRINTED BY W. AND C. SPILSBURY, SNOWHILL; + + AND SOLD BY G. G. AND J. ROBINSON, PATERNOSTER-ROW; + CADELL AND DAVIES, STRAND; J. DEBRETT, + PICCADILLY; AND J. BELL, OXFORD-STREET. + + M.DCC.XCIX. + + + + + + + DRAMATIS PERSONAE + +CHANCELLOR FLEFFEL. + +COUNSELLOR FLEFFEL, his Son. + +MR. DRAVE, a Merchant, Guardian to the two BROOKS. + +LEWIS BROOK, \ + > Brothers +PHILIP BROOK, / + +MR. ROSE, a Banker. + +Clerk to the Chancellor. + +Old Man. + +FREDERICK DRAVE's Servant. + +MRS. DRAVE. + +AUGUSTA. + + + + + + + THE NEPHEWS. + + + + _ACT I._ + + + SCENE I. + + At the Chancellor's House. + + COUNSELLOR FLEFFEL, LEWIS BROOK, at Breakfast. + + Enter a Servant. + + Counsellor (to the Servant). + +Take away. But, no--let it stand; my father may chuse some: is he +returned? + +_Servant._ I'll enquire, Sir. [Exit Servant. + +_Counsellor_ [rising and viewing himself]. We've made a long breakfast. + +_Lewis._ But _you_ have eaten nothing. + +_Counsellor._ Why, my dear friend, I'm quite uneasy about my growing so +fat. + +_Lewis_ [ironically]. Oh, certainly; All the affecting graces of a +pining love-sick swain will be destroyed: you'll lose all your credit +with the ladies.--Apropos of ladies, how do you stand with Miss Drave? + +_Counsellor._ Ill enough. Your worthy guardian and the whole family are +so intolerably stiff. + +_Lewis._ Don't say I told you; but you certainly are the happy man. + +_Counsellor._ I?--No indeed; it is rather you. + +_Lewis._ You have nothing to fear from me. You know my passion for your +sister. But for that grave, melancholy gentleman, my dear brother, I'd +have you beware of him. + +_Counsellor_ [laughs] Excellent! As if such a sour misanthrope could +please any one, particularly a young girl. + +_Lewis._ Tastes are different; and besides, my serious guardian is his +friend. + +_Counsellor._ So much the worse for _you_. + +_Lewis._ No matter. + +_Counsellor._ How! Believe me, this excellent brother of yours is +continually defaming you. + +_Lewis._ I know it very well. + +_Counsellor._ And he is now striving---- + +_Lewis._ I know what you would say; to enforce the clause of my +father's will. + +_Counsellor._ Tell me, how is this clause worded? + +_Lewis._ If one of his sons should turn out a prodigal, the other is +declared his tutor. + +_Counsellor._ It is a shocking clause. + +_Lewis._ It is indeed. Yet, should they attempt it--by heavens!--But to +the purpose--your father is still willing to give me your sister? + +_Counsellor._ Certainly. + +_Lewis._ But take care then I have some of the ready with her. + +_Counsellor._ Oh, you may depend upon that. + +_Lewis._ Not any of your father's own; only my share of the fortune of +old Crack-brains. + +_Counsellor._ Old Crack-brains! What do you mean? + +_Lewis._ As if you did not know! Why my old uncle, to whom you have +prescribed a little wholesome confinement, by way of cure for his +pretended madness. + +_Counsellor._ Oh! that old man! So, so. + +_Lewis._ Exactly. You always seem wonderfully at a loss when that point +is touch'd. + +_Counsellor._ But--I was going to observe--yes--it might be done, had +he not escaped--but now it is uncertain whether he is alive, or what is +become of him. + +_Lewis._ I say he is dead. + +_Counsellor._ But we have not heard. + +_Lewis._ He shall be dead. + +_Counsellor._ But---- + +_Lewis._ Why a live man is as easily declared to be dead, as a man in +his senses to be mad; and if he should make his appearance, you can +secure him again. + +_Counsellor._ No! who would do that? + +_Lewis._ Zounds! what a tender conscience! If my uncle could be +declared mad, by your good-nature, that you might shew your Christian +charity, in managing his estate, I am sure your noble heart would have +no scruple to advance a part of the inheritance to the lawful heir. + +_Counsellor._ My dear friend, your expressions are so harsh--so---- + +_Lewis._ His madness was not so very clear. The old fellow was +reasonable enough at times. + +_Counsellor._ Quite out of his senses, I assure you: mad as a March +hare. + +_Lewis_ I don't know how--but indeed, I sometimes pity him. + +_Counsellor._ It was the will of God. + +_Lewis._ Oh, I have nothing to do with that: 'tis a subject too deep +for me. But beware of my brother: he suspects foul play, and has spies +drawn up every where. + + Enter CHANCELLOR FLEFFEL. + +_Counsellor._ Good morning, dear father. + +_Lewis_ [bowing]. My Lord! + +_Chancellor._ Good morning, my son,--your most obedient, Sir. + +_Lewis._ Engaged so early? + +_Chancellor._ Can I avoid it, my dear Sir? + +_Lewis._ The State is much indebted to you. + +_Chancellor._ Yet my zeal is frequently overlooked--no attention paid. +[To his son] No news, Samuel? + +_Counsellor._ No, father. + +_Chancellor._ I feel quite tired. + +_Counsellor._ You have had no breakfast. + +_Chancellor._ No; and the cold marble floor of the Palace has quite +chilled me. What have you here? [Seats himself at the breakfast table.] +Our most excellent Prince has been heaping new favours upon me. You +have heard, no doubt, [to Lewis] of the bustle there has been. An +underclerk of the Treasury, a man of no extraction, accused me of a +fraud, in executing the late regulations for the distribution of corn +to the poor. + +_Lewis._ So I have been informed--and what is our Prince's pleasure? + +_Chancellor._ As the man could bring no evidence whatever, his Serene +Highness, for the reparation of my honour, has been graciously pleased +to punish him. + +_Lewis._ And in what manner? + +_Chancellor._ The warrant was signed yesterday, [drinks]--To be +cashiered and banished. + +_Lewis._ He is pretty well rewarded. + +_Chancellor._ I have supplicated, my dear Sir, for a mitigation of the +sentence--but in vain----Samuel, cut me a wing of that fowl----I have +sent another letter, on your account, to Mr. Drave. + +_Lewis._ Too kind, my Lord. + +_Chancellor._ I long to see his answer. To my last he sent an absolute +refusal. + +_Lewis._ Is it possible? Can he dare? + +_Chancellor_ [rising]. He has not gathered roses by it, my dear +Sir--No, no, [laughs] L.4000, which I had in his hands, I withdrew +instantly.--Your good father was wrong to put such promising sons under +this man's guardianship. + +_Lewis._ I agree with you; but some of his best friends advised him. + +_Chancellor_ [taking snuff]. Has Drave ever given any account of his +guardianship? + +_Lewis._ Not yet. + +_Chancellor._ Note that, Samuel. He _shall_ give it--I have hinted it +in Court already--You must not lose your fortune, my dear Sir. + +_Lewis._ I do not think there is any danger. + +_Chancellor._ Well, but have you drawn up a statement of your +property, as you promised? + +_Lewis_ [gives him a paper]. Here it is. + +_Chancellor_ [looking over it]. So, so; a very good fortune! +[muttering] L.10,000 in the hands of Rose--Which Rose is that? + +_Lewis._ John Frederick. + +_Chancellor._ Samuel, give me the red ink.--[Writes.] So, so--L.10,000, +at John Frederick Rose's. + +_Lewis._ May I ask why that name strikes you so much? + +_Chancellor._ For important reasons. + +_Lewis._ You think---- + +_Chancellor._ That your property is not in the best hands, my dear Sir. +Rose is rather in a ticklish situation just now. + +_Lewis._ I may lose it then! + +_Chancellor._ Not you exactly, but your worthy tutor might suffer. +[Looks at the back of the paper.] Aye, aye; many drawbacks too--you are +not the best manager, my good friend. + +_Lewis._ I know it, my Lord. + +_Chancellor._ Overcharged besides by your honest guardian now and then. +I am a plain, sincere man. Speak freely--the valuable furniture--the +plate--is there any regular inventory? + +_Lewis._ No, my Lord. It was in the will. + +_Chancellor._ You must apply to the Court then. + +_Lewis._ Yes--But-- + +_Chancellor._ Only for form sake--you just sign a little paper--a mere +form, I assure you. You are too good-natured--give so easily away--must +not be.--Come, we will go to my room, and examine your affairs more +closely. [Exeunt. + + + SCENE II. + + Apartment in Drave's House. + + Mr. DRAVE writing.--Mrs. DRAVE enters. + +_Mrs. D._ Good morning, my dear--you have not come down. + +_Mr. D._ [gives her his hand, without looking up]. Good morning. + +_Mrs. D._ You are busy. + +_Mr. D._ I shall have done in a moment. + +_Mrs. D._ I'll leave you. + +_Mr. D._ [rising]. It is done now. + +_Mrs. D._ You seem angry. + +_Mr. D._ No wonder--that man---- + +_Mrs. D._ Who? + +_Mr. D._ My hopeful ward Lewis--as I am not always ready to pay his +debts, he sets the Chancellor upon me. + +_Mrs. D._ Again? Very strange. + +_Mr. D._ I am continually pestered with applications for the payment. + +_Mrs. D._ And you---- + +_Mr. D._ With all due respect for these applications, I'll not pay. + +_Mrs. D._ Very well: but---- + +_Mr. D._ And now this Chancellor sends me a letter, desiring me to +bring him my accounts, as guardian to Lewis this afternoon that he may +overlook them. I'll not do it. [Takes a letter off the table, and gives +it to Mrs. Drave--walks angrily up and down while she reads it--takes +it back]. What do you think of it? + +_Mrs. D._ It is unpleasant--but why send a positive refusal? + +_Mr. D._ And why not? + +_Mrs. D._ The Chancellor is a very powerful man. + +_Mr. D._ I do not fear him. + +_Mrs. D._ He takes every opportunity to injure us; his hatred is +implacable. What can you oppose to his base intrigues? + +_Mr. D._ My heart, and plain dealing. + +_Mrs. D._ Do not offend him so sensibly: rather send the accounts. + +_Mr. D._ Never! The very sum he now troubles me for is to pay himself. +He lent it to Lewis, through a third person, upon exorbitant interest. + +_Mrs. D._ Base enough. But, I repeat it, he is powerful, and will +revenge himself. + + [Mr. D. seals the letter, rings the bell.--Enter + a Servant.] + +_Mrs. D._ You will have it so. I wish all may be well. + +_Mr. D._ [giving the letter to the Servant]. To the Chancellor's. +[Exit Servant. + +_Mrs. D._ Had you only done it in a better manner--You may remember +'twas for your rashness he withdrew the L.4000. + +_Mr. D._ For my rashness? Oh, no.--To place it out at higher interest +somewhere else.--At such an unseasonable time too--there again--thus to +undermine good houses, that he may have full scope for his unfair +practices. + +_Mrs. D._ It may be so--But in regard to Lewis--I wish your behaviour +were different: it may have such unpleasant consequences--for I must +inform you, he seems to have an attachment to Augusta. + +_Mr. D._ [surprised]. So?--and Augusta? + +_Mrs. D._ She loves him. + +_Mr. D._ Merciful God! + +_Mrs. D._ What is it you mean? + +_Mr. D._ Too well have I feared--too well have I guessed at such +things. Hence it is that Augusta looks always as if oppressed by +conscious guilt--hence her reserve towards me.--Has not this unhappy +guardianship given me uneasiness enough? Has not my life been +sufficiently embittered? Have I not sacrificed enough of my peace? must +I also sacrifice my only child? + +_Mrs. D._ I do not see why. + +_Mr. D._ No, no, you do not see--if you did, you would not stand there +so calmly. + +_Mrs. D._ And why are you so terrified? That he is lively--sometimes +wild? He is young. + +_Mr. D._ Lively? wild? young? No, no.--Immoral, dissolute, +hypocritical; that is the character of Lewis Brook.--And shall he the +husband of my Augusta? When I quit the world, shall I leave to him the +child of my heart? To him? Oh, you have brought me bad news! + +_Mrs. D._ You see every thing in such gloomy colours! I agree he is +inconsiderate--_very_ inconsiderate; and certainly while he remains as +he is, I shall not think of marriage: but love will bring him back. + +_Mr. D._ What can you hope from such levity? + +_Mrs. D._ More than from the insensibility of his brother. + +_Mr. D._ Do you speak of my good Philip thus? Oh, had you told me that +she loved _him_--whatever I could spare--my whole fortune--yes, she +should have had it all--Then we had been the happiest of parents. + +_Mrs. D._ I see no happiness, in our daughter's being shut up with such +an eternal grumbler. + +_Mr. D._ Oh! but his heart is noble! + +_Mrs. D._ An inconsiderate mind is better than such sour virtue, if +indeed it deserves the name. + +_Mr. D._ I own I am disappointed in both of them. + +_Mrs. D._ I fear, my dear Drave, your mode of education has contributed +to make them hate each other. + +_Mr. D._ Hate? Philip hate?--Never.----If Lewis does, I am sorry. + +_Mrs. D._ He cannot love such sour behaviour--he does not hate--but he +is cold--they have not spoken to each other these three months. + +_Mr. D._ We must put an end to this. They must see each other, come to +an explanation, and all will be well. Lewis esteems you--prevail on him +to meet his brother with kindness. + +_Mrs. D._ Willingly.--And now concerning Augusta--what will you do? + +_Mr. D._ [thoughtfully]. Now I see clearly--now I can account for many +strange things: it is too true--her passion is too deeply rooted to be +overcome. I will never force her inclination--but I must first be +certain that Lewis really loves her. + +_Mrs. D._ I hope to satisfy you in that point. His declarations are +sufficiently explicit. + +_Mr. D._ Suppose what you tell me to be true, the young Counsellor's +visits must be declined. + +_Mrs. D._ Why so? + +_Mr. D._ For a thousand reasons. I must beg you to comply with my +wishes in this respect.--The company of a fool can never do any good, +though his impertinences may do mischief.--I have now some engagements +abroad, and cannot speak to Augusta, till after I return. Prepare her +for it--tell her that her happiness is dearer to me than my life--she +is still the child of my heart, and her choice shall be mine.--Adieu. +[Exeunt on different sides.] + + + END OF THE FIRST ACT. + + + + _ACT II._ + + + SCENE I. + + AUGUSTA laying down a book, and wiping her eyes. + + Mrs. DRAVE entering. + +_Mrs. D._ At your books, and in tears again, Augusta? + +_Augusta._ No, dear mother. + +_Mrs. D._ Your eyes betray you. You must not be so melancholy. One +impediment is remov'd--I have acquainted your father with your +attachment. + +_Augusta._ Good God! what have you done! + +_Mrs. D._ What we ought to have done long long ago; he loves you so +tenderly. + +_Augusta._ But why should I not try to overcome this unhappy passion, +knowing---- + +_Mrs. D._ Overcome? Can you do that? I know your heart too well. But be +cheerful now--dream not of impediments that will never arise. Your +father consents to whatever can tend to make you happy. + +_Augusta._ What! my dear father will permit---- + +_Mrs. D._ He will proceed without precipitation; which is what I would +advise you to do. If Lewis loves you sincerely, you may trust your +father's heart. + +_Augusta._ If? Oh, my dear mother, my doubts about _him_, occasion me +continual uneasiness.--Could he deceive my affection----he seems of no +fixed character. + +_Mrs. D._ It must be owned he is unsteady. + +_Augusta._ His way of life, indeed, displays such a character; but his +heart is good. + +_Mrs. D._ I believe it. + +_Augusta._ He does a great deal of good in private. + +_Mrs. D._ I know he does. + +_Augusta._ And always with such a good will, without any ostentation. + +_Mrs. D._ That is true. + +_Augusta._ A _man_ cannot be so tender as we are; but he certainly has +feeling.----I am sorry he is not upon good terms with his brother. + +_Mrs. D._ There I absolve him. Who can bear his churlish temper? + +_Augusta._ And yet how deeply he was concerned about his brother's last +illness! how attentive to make him comfortable! He cannot be bad. + +_Mrs. D._ Very possibly; but think, my Augusta, if he were---- + +_Augusta._ If he were not good towards me, then--I am very unhappy! I +love him so much, even to his faults, for they arise from unsuspicious +goodness of heart. + + Enter COUNSELLOR FLEFFEL. + +_Counsellor._ Good day to you, fair ladies; your most obedient servant. + +_Mrs. D._ You honour us with your company sooner than we expected. + +_Counsellor._ I was impatient, absolutely beside myself, upon my +honour, till fashion allowed me to fly hither; I am always so happy in +your charming company! + + PHILIP BROOK entering. + +_Philip._ Good morning to you, Madam [bows to Augusta.] Pray, is Mr. +Drave at home? [To the Counsellor] Good morning, Sir. + +_Mrs. D._ No, Sir, he is just gone out. [They converse together. The +Counsellor talks to Augusta]. + +_Counsellor._ Miss Drave, we will have some sport. + +_Augusta._ How so? + +_Counsellor._ We'll make him look quite silly, by pretending to +compliment him. + +_Augusta._ I must decline taking any part, Sir. + +_Counsellor_ [to Philip]. Mr. Brook, I have the honour to pay you my +best compliments. + +_Philip_ [turning quickly towards him]. On what account? + +_Counsellor._ What account? Why--why--on having the happiness to see +you. + +_Philip._ Then, you must pay them to yourself. + +_Counsellor._ But, as I have the honour to be upon terms of strict +friendship with your---- + +_Philip._ Strict! + +_Counsellor._ Very strict. + +_Philip._ This is the first time I have heard of my brother's +strictness. + +_Counsellor._ But, Mr. Brook, you are seldom to be seen; why is this? + +_Philip._ That I may not be seen too often. + +_Counsellor._ But, you lock yourself up like a hermit; 'tis quite +inconsistent with your age and station in life. + +_Philip._ You think so? + +_Counsellor._ It does not require much thinking, it is self-evident. + +_Philip._ Indeed? + +_Counsellor._ For instance--you live quite secluded from your friends. + +_Philip_ [stepping back]. I distinguish between friends and +acquaintance. + +_Counsellor._ And you neglect the favour and protection of the great. + +_Philip._ Do not flatter me to my face. + +_Counsellor._ With your fortune, I wonder you do not buy an office and +title. + +_Philip._ Because----but your question answers itself. + +_Counsellor._ How so? + +_Philip._ Because they are to be bought. + +_Counsellor_ [with an affected laugh].--A fine reason; an excellent +one, indeed! Plain Mr. Brook! it sounds very well [laughing]. Don't you +think so, ladies? plain Mr. Brook! + +_Philip._ Yet, in one respect I find that a bought office may be very +useful. + +_Counsellor_ [laughing]. See, ladies, he yields--he submits. + +_Philip._ A bought office may be of use to a fool, who has no other +means of recommending himself. + +_Counsellor_ [at a loss]. That is indeed true, very true---- + +_Philip._ And a title--you will certainly agree--is often an excellent +protection for a knave. Excuse me, Sir!----This dry conversation-- +[Going. + +_Counsellor_ [detaining him]. Bravo, bravo, Mr. Ecclesiasticus! + +_Philip._ Are you acquainted with his book? + +_Counsellor._ Certainly. + +_Philip._ And read it? + +_Counsellor._ Oh, often, very often [laughing]; and I fancy I hear him +now. + +_Philip._ Yet, you have forgotten one of his best sayings. + +_Counsellor._ Which? + +_Philip._ A wife man smiles--a fool, a fool, Mr. Counsellor, laughs +aloud. [Exit. + +_Counsellor._ It is a pity he is gone; the best part of the jest was to +come. + +_Mrs. D._ But the laugh was not entirely on your side. + +_Counsellor._ Why, I kept my best things to the last--but we will +certainly christen him Mr. Ecclesiasticus [laughs]. When I tell his +brother, he will enjoy it heartily. + + Enter Mr. DRAVE. + +_Mr. D._ Good morning, Sir! + +_Counsellor._ Your most obedient, my dear Mr. Drave: I am happy to see +you in health; I was much afflicted by your late indisposition. + +_Mr. D._ I am obliged to you. [To Mrs. D.] Will you be so good as to go +down awhile with Augusta? + +_Mrs. D._ [aside to Mr. D.] But keep your temper. [Exeunt Mrs. D. and +Augusta. + +_Counsellor_ [is going after them]. Give me leave, Sir. + +_Mr. D._ I will thank you for a few minutes conversation. + +_Counsellor._ With all my heart. What do you wish? + +_Mr. D._ Sir, you have honoured my family with your visits. + +_Counsellor._ Pray, Sir--too kind--the pleasure of your company---- + +_Mr. D._ It is time to come to an explanation: therefore, Sir--without +farther preface, my daughter, I think, is the object of your visits? + +_Counsellor._ She is, Sir. + +_Mr. D._ You wish, doubtless, to marry her? + +_Counsellor._ Yes--yes--if--to be sure, for my part--I---- + +_Mr. D._ [earnestly]. You certainly can mean nothing else. You will +permit me to say, that my daughter cannot comply with your wishes; and +therefore, as marriage is out of the question,--[mildly] I must entreat +you, Sir, for the sake of her reputation, to forbear your visits for +the future. + +_Counsellor._ How? I am astonished! Mr. Drave-- + +_Mr. D._ Forgive me, Sir! regard for Augusta forced me to this +unpleasant conversation. + +_Counsellor._ But what objection can you have? If a marriage cannot +take place, must I for that reason avoid your house? + +_Mr. D._ I fear my daughter might forget the duties of a wife, in +listening to the flatteries of a lover. + +_Counsellor._ Vain excuses, Mr. Drave; mere pretexts to palliate your +hatred. + +_Mr. D._ I have no hatred against you, Sir. + +_Counsellor._ Oh, but I see very clearly you have: but I warrant +you---- + +_Mr. D._ You are not to my mind--you see I do not attempt to conceal +it. + +_Counsellor._ Well, of my passion for Miss Drave I will speak no +more--but I am now obliged in honour to frequent your house. + +_Mr. D._ Say you were tired of our company; I give you my word never to +contradict you. + +_Counsellor._ It would be much to the credit of your house, and your +daughter. + +_Mr. D._ [smiling]. I know what I venture. + +_Counsellor._ You are insupportable--but take warning; remember, Sir, +to whom you speak! + +_Mr. D._ [earnestly]. I remember but too well! + +_Counsellor._ You may repent, Sir--you may repent very soon! + +_Mr. D._ God forbid! + +_Counsellor._ Sir, I give you one hour's time to atone for this +insolence, or I can shew you---- + +_Mr. D._ [angrily]. And I, Sir, give you one minute to leave my house! +or--[recollecting himself, and taking a key out of his socket, which he +lays upon a chair] here is the key; when you leave the room, be so good +as to lock the door. [Going. + +_Counsellor._ Nay! I go, Sir! I go--but by heavens, Sir, you shall pay +for this. [Exit. + + Mrs. DRAVE enters hastily. + +_Mrs. D._ Good God! Drave, what have you done? the Counsellor flew down +stairs in such a fury---- + +_Mr. D._ A fool! I kept my temper long enough. + +_Mrs. D._ [in a tone of reproach]. This is one of your usual passions. + +_Mr. D._ What you call passion in me, is too often necessary to correct +the faults you fall into through supineness. + +_Mrs. D._ How? what is my fault here? + +_Mr. D._ Between ourselves, my dear, was not thy maternal pride too +much flattered, by seeing a crowd of lovers about your daughter? Had +you taken less pleasure in their idle flattery, you would have saved us +a great deal of trouble about her. + +_Mrs. D._ And what is the matter now? The girl---- + +_Mr. D._ Loves one; why then the rest? Why, by high flown compliments, +excite her pride? why, by unmeaning sentiments, corrupt her heart? +Speak yourself; is that my fault or yours? + +_Mrs. D._ But let me tell you---- + +_Mr. D._ Your caprices always cross our best plans; and when all is +entangled and lost, who is to assist? who can?--The husband, the +father--happy if you still allow him to do that. + +_Mrs. D._ You speak, as if every thing were lost. + +_Mr. D._ Lost enough.--How often have I spoken against the affected +sensibility inculcated by what are called sentimental novels! I +provided good books, but in vain. You were proud of her refined +feelings; delighted with her ecstatic sensibility. I advised, warned, +entreated; but was not heard. + +_Mrs. D._ Nature has given her a susceptible heart--will you call its +emotions weakness? then-- + +_Mr. D._ I distinguish, very well. Nature has given her a generous +heart, sensible to the miseries of mankind.--It was enough; but not for +_you_; and so you have suffered the noblest feelings of an excellent +disposition to be perverted by the overstrained and effeminate +sensibility of frivolous affectation. + +_Mrs. D._ [hastily]. Here you are mistaken-- + +_Mr. D._ [much affected]. From me her heart is entirely alienated---- + +_Mrs. D._ [sits down]. Oh! you tear my heart with these reproaches! + +_Mr. D._ [taking her hand]. Forgive me, my dear! I am deeply afflicted, +I know no more how to speak to her.--Her heart bleeds; advice is +unwelcome. With sufficient grounds for real unhappiness, she increases +it by imaginary misfortunes. It was my first care to shew her the world +as it is; to dispose her mind to bear her part with fortitude. But she +dreams of a world, that does not exist; of a husband, as he never will, +never _dare_ be----What comfort can she bring to a husband in his +misfortunes? What a mother can she be to her children, who meets +affliction with tears instead of courage, and who regards the common +pleasures of life as scarcely worthy of a smile? + +_Mrs. D._ What shall I answer? I see too well I cannot satisfy you. + +_Mr. D._ No! you cannot.--I see her fade and wither in the bloom of +youth; I see her pining after an imaginary happiness, which she cannot +attain.--I see myself, her father, once her best friend, avoided, +shunned, distrusted. When she shall have wept till she can weep no +more, when her grief shall be terminated in untimely death--oh! then, +when I mourn over the grave of my only child, what consolation can you +give me in my despair? + + (Pause----Enter AUGUSTA.) + +_Mr. D._ Come to my arms, Augusta. We have a long account to settle +together [they embrace]: closer! as you used to do! from the bottom of +your heart: so [he kisses her, and gently lets her go]. + +_Augusta._ Oh! my father! + +_Mr. D._ You have behaved to me, Augusta, as if I were a stranger. God +knows, it is not my fault. Whether awake, or in my dreams, I never +cease to bless you. + +_Augusta_ [with a downcast look]. My dearest father, can you forgive +me? + +_Mr. D._ You love. Heaven crown your love with happiness! It is not for +that I blame you: love is involuntary. + +_Augusta._ But I did not open my heart to you. + +_Mr. D._ Yes, there you hurt me severely. + +_Augusta._ I love nobody as I do yourself and my mother. Speak, dear +mother; how often did the confession of my attachment tremble upon my +lips! + +_Mr. D._ And why not avow it? + +_Augusta._ I never had a favourable opportunity. + +_Mr. D._ [hastily]. That is the effect of those unhappy books again---- + +_Mrs. D._ Be gentle, my dear Drave. + +_Mr. D._ [composed]. You were not always thus: formerly, you thought me +worthy of your confidence. + +_Augusta._ I will behave so again. + +_Mr. D._ Do I wait for favourable opportunities to love you? Oh, no! in +things the most indifferent, I ask myself, will it give pleasure to my +Augusta? I close my eyes with prayers for the happiness of my child; +and my first thoughts, when I rise, are on the means of gratifying her +wishes; while she, for whose sake only I live, waits for opportunities +to be good and sincere! + +_Augusta_ [leaning on her mother]. Oh! my mother! + +_Mrs. D._ Cease, I intreat you! + +_Mr. D._ Why turn to your mother? come to this wounded bosom. [She +embraces him]. Think no more of what is past; only treat me with +sincerity. Believe me, in all your books you will not find a father +whose affection for his daughter equals mine. + +_Augusta._ Oh! were I dead! then no suspicion of ingratitude could tear +my heart. + +_Mr. D._ No, Augusta! not dead--then I could forgive no more. [He +presses her affectionately to his heart]. Now my child is restored to +me. What happiness can equal mine? Here I hold the only hope of my +life, in my arms. + +_Mrs. D._ Am not I her mother? + +_Mr. D._ Forgive me. What would life be to me, without you? forgive me +[takes her hand and kisses it]----Now I will seek your fugitive lover: +God grant I may find him worthy of my Augusta! [Exit Drave. + +_Mrs. D._ I wish, Augusta, your future husband may have the heart of +your father. He is, indeed, sometimes passionate; and in every family, +differences will arise; but they have always ended in rendering us more +attached to each other. + + Enter PHILIP BROOK. + +_Philip._ Madam-- + +_Mrs. D._ Mr. Brook--we----pardon me--why should I deny it?--we were +engaged in a conversation--which---- + +_Philip._ Which I interrupted? I will, therefore, with your permission, +take my leave. + +_Mrs. D._ Stay, Sir!--We are, indeed, unable to continue--my heart is +too full---- + +_Philip._ Have you had any disappointment, any sorrows I dare not +partake? + +_Mrs. D._ Neither, Sir. + +_Philip._ But you have wept. I will stay: every mourner has a claim +upon me; and when I see your tears, Augusta---- + +_Augusta._ Mr. Brook, the tears you see are tears of joy, shed by a +happy daughter, for the tenderness of a father. + +_Philip._ Tears of joy? It is long, my dear Madam, since I have been +witness to such. Peace be on him for whom they flow! He will never want +an epitaph. + +_Mrs. D._ Do not mention that: you keep us in our melancholy train of +thinking. + +_Philip._ Melancholy? I am always cheerful in your company. But Miss +Augusta then had a cloud over her eyes. + +_Augusta._ Do _you_ reproach me _that_? + +_Philip._ I do, and justly. All who are acquainted with you, love and +esteem you. You are young and amiable; why then mourn? + +_Mrs. D._ Pardon me, Sir, if I repeat my daughter's words; you should +be the last to utter such a reproach. + +_Philip._ Why so? + +_Mrs. D._ Can you ask? + +_Philip._ Yes, Madam; for I cannot believe that you have the same +opinion of my character, that is generally entertained. + +_Mrs. D._ Mr. Brook! + +_Philip._ You make no answer. Your opinion is either too favourable, or +the contrary. + +_Mrs. D._ Be assured, we esteem you as a man. + +_Philip._ I wished not for a polite turn, but for the true judgment of +your heart. + +_Mrs. D._ [at a loss]. If, perhaps, our ideas may be in some respects +different---- + +_Philip._ Well? + +_Mrs. D._ But, my dear Sir! we have just been conversing on a subject +so opposite to this! and this moment---- + +_Philip._ I beg you to bestow upon me. I am unable to give an account +of myself, at every moment, and to every body; but now, and to you, I +feel myself bound to do it. + +_Mrs. D._ But, am I prepared for a cold enquiry? + +_Philip._ It is not a cold enquiry I ask [with warmth]. Let your +generous friendly mind, [to Augusta] let your pure soul, Augusta, be +the judge. + +_Augusta._ Dear Sir! + +_Philip._ Well--Fashion, ceremony, all that we will lay aside. Have +some parts of my behaviour here been such as you cannot approve?--it +was by chance only. Nay, there was no one whom I could please, by +behaving otherwise. + +_Mrs. D._ We will pass that; though such behaviour takes from the +pleasures of society. + +_Philip_ [with warmth]. I have high ideas of the pleasures of society. + +_Mrs. D._ And yet you do not contribute your share? + +_Philip_ [with agitation]. Ah! there, indeed-- + +_Mrs. D._ You take delight in misanthropical retirement. + +_Philip._ Oh, if you knew my feelings! my good will for mankind, as God +knows it--I--it is hard to need a defence in this particular--But, I +can calmly and truly say, I love mankind. But, if my compassion for +their unhappy fate has been ridiculed, and if this abuse of my dearest +feelings has made me reserved, does it follow that I am a misanthrope? + +_Mrs. D._ Mr. Brook! + +_Philip._ If my ideas of good company are too refined, too just, too +high, to be satisfied in the slandering circles of coquettes, dunces, +and gamblers, am I to be called unsociable? + +_Augusta_ [quickly]. Oh, no, my good friend. + +_Philip._ If, in any profession, for which my talents might qualify +me, the best wishes of my heart would be checked by interested +connections--my enthusiasm for suffering mankind, opposed by +uncharitable selfishness--can you blame me for remaining as I am? + +_Augusta._ Certainly not. + +_Philip._ And now, my ardent zeal for human happiness being mistaken, +the best designs of my heart condemned and overthrown by prejudice and +self-conceit; perceiving that the most admired and virtuous outsides +were too often only masks for hypocrisy--that impure avarice stalked +abroad under the name of philanthrophy--perceiving this, I drew back, +and forgot a flattering dream, of successful attention to the welfare +of all the unfortunate wanderers upon earth.--Yet soon--in one serious +hour, I hope to discharge the debt of a citizen to my native land--in +one hour; yes, only one--but the deed will mark it.--Till that hour, I +shall proceed in silence; endeavour, if possible, to be calm; and seek +my comfort in friendship and a good conscience. The sneers of the +superficial, the senseless judgments of a seduced multitude, shall not +rob me of a moment's tranquillity. + +_Mrs. D._ Forgive me, Sir! I mistook your character. + +_Augusta._ I feel the truth of your remarks. May domestic happiness +afford you the reward which you are refused by the world! + +_Philip._ Do you wish me that, Augusta? + +_Augusta._ Yes, my noble friend! I esteem you, and have still more +reason to wish it heartily. + +_Philip_ [joyfully]. You have?--[pause]. My desires lie in a narrow +compass. My fortune allows me to assist others; I have a friend, with +whom I share my joys and my sorrows; and now, all is heightened by the +emotions of love. + +_Mrs. D._ You love? + +_Philip._ Yes. + +_Augusta._ And happily? + +_Philip._ I know not yet.--My love may increase, but can never +diminish--[he approaches Augusta]--Augusta, I love you. + +_Augusta._ How? + +_Mrs. D._ My daughter? + +_Philip._ Make me happy: 'tis in your power. + +_Augusta._ Oh! good heaven! 'tis too much! + +_Philip_ [hastily, but tenderly taking her hand]. Speak! I am serious, +in high emotion--be gentle, Augusta. + +_Augusta_ [leaning on her mother; without withdrawing her hand]. Oh! +mother! + +_Mrs. D._ What shall I say? + +_Augusta_ [forcibly]. I love--your brother! + +_Philip_ [deeply moved]. In vain! he--[looking at Augusta] while +here--[lets go her hand] Be happy! [going.] + +_Mrs. D._ Brook! for God's sake! + +_Augusta._ My noble suffering friend, why on me---- + +_Philip._ Let me go!-- + +_Augusta._ Leave me not without hopes, that all the affection of a +brother, of a sister, may content you. + +_Philip._ I can no more---- + +_Augusta._ Do not leave me, till you know how much I value---- + +_Philip._ Upon you I had placed my hopes. You would have endeared life +to me again.--The dream is fled.--Well--I will hide my sufferings in +retirement, and wait with patience for the hour which shall end all my +afflictions. + + [Exeunt omnes. + + + END OF THE SECOND ACT. + + + + _ACT III._ + + + SCENE I. + + At the Chancellor's. + + The CHANCELLOR and a CLERK entering on + different sides. + +_Chancellor._ I was looking for you. What news? + +_Clerk._ Every thing goes on very well, Sir. + +_Chancellor._ How so, my friend? + +_Clerk._ I have just spoken to Mr. Drave's clerk, who told me, that his +master had given security for young Brook's L.10,000, at Rose's. + +_Chancellor._ Excellent, excellent! + +_Clerk._ He added, that his master must inevitably stop payment, if +this sum were demanded immediately. + +_Chancellor._ That shall be my care. I have already given orders to our +Jew Broker; he is to join with some other creditors of young Brook, and +insist on immediate payment. + +_Clerk._ The man also assured me, that the inventory of old Brook's +property was drawn up in a hasty, and rather irregular manner. + +_Chancellor._ Better and better! now we are sure of him.--I prevailed +on young Brook to sign a protest against this inventory, as being +illegally drawn up--It will soon be all over with them. + +_Clerk._ But, it will make a great noise: nobody dares to speak freely, +it is true. But, then there is the Minister--his patriotic fancies---- + +_Chancellor_ [laughing], _are_ fancies.---- + +_Clerk._ Yet our Prince is every day more pleased with him. They are +frequently whole hours together. + +_Chancellor._ I am an old servant, and know the Prince well. Fear +nothing. Drave shall at length suffer for all his calumnies: when we +have once got rid of him, we shall have every thing to ourselves. It +will be an additional profit of at least two thousand a year. + +_Clerk._ Certainly it will. + +_Chancellor._ You will therefore draw immediately for the above sum. If +he cannot pay, a warrant must be issued, seals put on, and he will be a +bankrupt, and ruined at once: but at the same time do not forget to +look after the old uncle. + +_Clerk._ I have heard of an old man who, from the description, appears +to resemble him exactly. + +_Chancellor._ For God's sake, take care. + +_Clerk._ Rely upon me.--But, I do not at all like the elder Brook. + +_Chancellor._ Oh, fair and softly goes far; only be on your guard. + +(Servant entering.) The coach, my Lord! + +_Chancellor._ Come! [Exeunt. + + + SCENE II. + + At Mr. Drave's. + + Enter Mr. DRAVE and PHILIP BROOK. + +_Mr. D._ Indeed, Brook, I must confess your inactivity vexes me. + +_Philip._ You mistake for inactivity, a mere external forbearance. + +_Mr. D._ It is easier to complain of mankind, than to act for their +welfare. The first is the part of a gloomy, discontented mind; the +latter, the virtue of a good citizen, and should be yours. + +_Philip._ Now then I will speak. By my affection for my guiltless and +injured uncle, it _shall_ be mine. I am bound, as his relation, to +rescue him from captivity. The rights of humanity are injured in his +person. Though apparently quiet, I am seeking to revenge him; and what +you call inactivity shall not prove without advantage to my country. + +_Mr. D._ If this be so, I commend you. + +_Philip._ I have pretended to bear with indifference, that my designs +might not be crossed. My plan both to liberate my uncle, and to +entangle a villain in his own snares, is nearly ripe. I have long +sought for proofs: I now have them, and the hopes of our worthy +Minister's support, if they shall appear to him convincing. The most +important witness I still expect. + +_Mr. D._ And who is it? + +_Philip._ My uncle himself. I bribed his keeper to let him escape, and +sent persons to meet him. They missed him, and he is gone alone, I know +not whither. The Chancellor, as well as myself, is seeking him. When +once I have found him, the mine shall blow up. + +_Mr. D._ Heaven bless you, my noble friend! + + Enter LEWIS BROOK. + +_Mr. D._ But here comes somebody you must speak to [going up to the +door--returns and steps between the two brothers]. The last words of +your father on his death-bed were, "Live united like brothers." [Exit. +Drave. + +_Lewis_ [rather at a loss]. I am glad, indeed, I am happily +surprised---- + +_Philip._ Happily surprised? I thank you, brother. + +_Lewis_ [with feigned interest]. Undoubtedly; it is long since we have +met each other. + +_Philip._ It is. [A pause]. Do we live like brothers? + +_Lewis._ Indeed, if all is not right, you are in fault; you require too +much. + +_Philip._ Require too much? Your own welfare! brotherly affection! is +that too much? Our interviews are prepared by strangers. Things are +gone far; and perhaps even this meeting may avail nothing. + +_Lewis_ [with seeming politeness]. For my part, you may depend upon me: +upon my honour---- + +_Philip._ Lewis, I spoke with a full heart, and you answer with outward +civilities. + +_Lewis._ You mistake me: I am heartily inclined to a reconciliation. + +_Philip._ So! I should think it unnecessary! + +_Lewis._ How you take that again! + +_Philip._ I apprehended your passion, your reproaches, but was not +prepared for your coldness. Well; suspect me, mistake me, offend me, my +heart will be still the same. We are brothers; they should never want +reconciliation. + +_Lewis._ But why all this? + +_Philip_ [with warmth]. If the moment should ever arrive when your +confidence in mankind shall be lost--if unexpected misfortunes, or +discordant interests, should cause those who now call themselves your +friends to desert you, at that moment remember me; entrust your cares +with confidence to my bosom! this heart, which you now reject, will +ever rejoice to receive you with the affection of a brother. [Exit. + +_Lewis._ Excellent, upon my soul! There he goes, and leaves me like a +downright sinner. What have I done to him? was ever such insolence +heard of? Fine sentiments upon his lips, and malice in his heart. I +have borne with all these hypocrites, till I am tired; and now they +shall pay for all. + + Enter LISETTE. + +_Lisette._ What, are you here, Mr. Brook! I can hardly believe my eyes. + +_Lewis._ Not trust those charming eyes? + +_Lisette._ You're really here at last? + +_Lewis._ And now I _am_ here?---- + +_Lisette._ I am glad you have not forgotten us. [Going. + +_Lewis._ Why in such a hurry to run away? + +_Lisette._ I am looking for Mr. Drave; he is wanted at Rose's Bank; Mr. +Rose himself called for him. Has not he been here? + +_Lewis._ Yes, a few minutes ago. + +_Lisette._ Then I will go after him. + +_Lewis._ No, no; let the old fellows look for each other, while we are +happy at having met here. + +_Lisette._ You have always some obliging turn ready, but you are never +in earnest. + + (AUGUSTA enters). + +_Lewis._ Not in earnest, my little charmer! [kisses her.] + +_Lisette._ Mr. Brook! Mr. Brook! [she turns him towards Augusta, and +leaves the room, making a low curt'sy]. + +_Lewis._ So! my fair Augusta [kisses her hand]. + +_Augusta._ In truth, I seem to have made my appearance rather +mal-apropos. + +_Lewis_ [smiling]. Only offerings at the entrance of the temple of +Love. + +_Augusta._ It is long since we have seen you. + +_Lewis._ Only five days; truly happy am I, if they have seemed long. + +_Augusta._ I know your talent for compliments, + +_Lewis._ Truth is not a compliment. + +_Augusta._ Truth towards women is perhaps not your fault. + +_Lewis._ How? + +_Augusta._ In general not the most striking feature in the character of +your sex. + +_Lewis._ A sad prejudice, indeed, against our sex! [ironically] but you +must except me. + +_Augusta_ [smiling]. Dare I? + +_Lewis._ Certainly. I am---- + +_Augusta._ Sincerity, constancy itself. + +_Lewis._ Certainly. + +_Augusta_ [pointing to the door at which Lisette went out]. There went +a proof of your unparalleled fidelity! + +_Lewis_ [laughing]. Nay, now, you are---- + +_Augusta._ Fortunately, I was the only witness; yet think if your +favourite lady had seen it! + +_Lewis._ She would excuse me. + +_Augusta._ But if she also loved you? + +_Lewis._ Then she would still more readily overlook such a trifle. + +_Augusta._ Your lightness must grieve her. + +_Lewis_ [laughing]. Then hers would be quite an old-fashioned love. + +_Augusta_ [surprised]. Old-fashioned! What am I to understand by that? + +_Lewis._ I mean, [with affected seriousness] a love, such as does not +now exist; a true, sincere love. + +_Augusta._ Have you any reason to doubt the existence of such a love? + +_Lewis._ Too many. + +_Augusta._ You have been deceived then? + +_Lewis._ Oh, a thousand times--and undoubtedly shall again. + +_Augusta._ You exaggerate. + +_Lewis._ No, no. With the first object of my passion, I was up to the +ears in love. My goddess, to reward my cruel sufferings, allowed me +only a place by her chair, and the honour of being marked as her most +obedient slave; I sighed, languished, complained, despaired: saw at +last, what she meant, and was cured--forever, as I presumed; but, alas! +I soon trusted another. Well; there I was made use of to excite the +jealousy of her inconstant favourite. + +_Augusta._ You misrepresent, Mr. Brook. + +_Lewis._ Another bright angel then delighted to have an attendant to +hand her to her carriage, to accompany her wherever she thought proper; +there again I was--but I tire you with all these melancholy instances +of my delusion. + +_Augusta._ If all this be true, I pity you. + +_Lewis._ Once, indeed, I got a dangerous illness by my folly; but it +cured me effectually. + +_Augusta._ And now you chuse the way of retaliation? + +_Lewis._ Why not? + +_Augusta._ But did you ever reflect how many an innocent breast you +robbed of its peace? + +_Lewis._ I cannot reproach myself with that. + +_Augusta._ How many you have plunged in sorrow? + +_Lewis_ [goodnaturedly]. Not a single one. As for protestations of +love, extravagant praises of their beauty, and so forth, they are mere +words of course; ladies know that very well from their childhood--a +woman of sense never trusts them. + +_Augusta._ Yet how unfortunate must she be, who loves sincerely! + +_Lewis._ Why so? + +_Augusta._ Who loves only one, and, if deceived, can never love +another? + +_Lewis._ Why, indeed, true love holds for ever, and is not dependant +upon circumstances. A man may be obliged to marry against his +inclination, to make his fortune: but this is a cold prudential +bargain, with which love has nothing to do. True love is ever the same; +and----But what is the matter with you? + +_Augusta_ [with difficulty holding herself upright]. Nothing of +consequence. + +_Lewis._ But---- + +_Augusta._ You put me in mind of one of my friends. She was deceived +so, and now---- + +_Lewis._ Well? + +_Augusta._ She is unhappy for ever. [Exit Augusta. + +_Lewis._ Bless me! how deeply in love! Such tenderness I have never +before met with. When I remember my other coquette sweetheart, I have +almost a mind to run after her----but liberty, dear liberty--no, I dare +not. + + Enter DRAVE. + +_Mr. D._ Good morning, Lewis; I did not expect to meet you, we are so +seldom favoured with your visits. + +_Lewis._ I am afraid of interfering with more important concerns. + +_Mr. D._ I am indeed much concerned for you. + +_Lewis_ [with politeness]. You have always been so attentive to my +interest, I am entirely convinced. + +_Mr. D._ You are not convinced. + +_Lewis._ Upon my honour. + +_Mr. D._ Why this forced politeness? I do not wish it. You cannot judge +of my actions, or their motives; but I am still your friend. The common +frailties of youth I can overlook; but dissimulation, it is true, I +cannot bear. + +_Lewis._ You cannot surely accuse me of that. + +_Mr. D._ Give me proofs, and I will thank you. + +_Lewis._ How can I, being entirely misunderstood? + +_Mr. D._ Convince me of your sincere attachment to my house. + +_Lewis._ I protest---- + +_Mr. D._ No protestations! proofs! Besides shall enquire more deeply +to-day, and would fain believe you if possible. + +_Lewis._ You may securely. + +_Mr. D._ Your way of life is not the best. It is time to think of +entering on some more settled plan. + +_Lewis._ I am glad you mention it; it was for this very purpose I came +here. I am determined to seek for a fixed employment. + +_Mr. D._ You give me pleasure; with your talents you cannot fail of +success. + +_Lewis._ I flatter myself the more, as for a long while---- + +_Mr. D._ What! + +_Lewis._ I will unfold my heart. Be not severe, or you will drive me to +despair. + +_Mr. D._ [kindly]. Well; speak. + +_Lewis_ [flatteringly]. I beg you to look upon my wishes, not as a +guardian, but as a friend, as a father--I--I love--and your consent to +a marriage will make me happy. + +_Mr. D._ Brook! [with warmth] you really love the girl, and sincerely? + +_Lewis._ Not to madness, but truly and honourably. + +_Mr. D._ Are you perfectly sincere? + +_Lewis._ Why should you doubt? + +_Mr. D._ Brook! I never was at a wedding, but the question arose, Will +it be happy? To be unhappily married is dreadful. + +_Lewis._ I have considered maturely. + +_Mr. D._ The means of amending an inconsiderate step afterwards are +shocking; still worse than the misfortune itself. + +_Lewis._ It is too true. But why this to me? You disquiet yourself +without cause. Love, our best reformer, has inspired me with juster +sentiments. + +_Mr. D._ Then God be praised! both will be happy. + +_Lewis._ It was for the sole purpose of asking your consent that I came +hither. + +_Mr. D._ But why did not you speak sooner? + +_Lewis._ My doubts--the disorder of my affairs-- + +_Mr. D._ [smiling]. We will soon put them in order. + +_Lewis._ Then you give your consent? + +_Mr. D._ [earnestly]. Yes!--But you will alter your mode of living? + +_Lewis._ You shall be satisfied with my conduct. + +_Mr. D._ Yes, yes. I always said you had many excellent qualities, and +would turn out well, if once they were awakened; thank God, they are! + +_Lewis._ Besides, this marriage gives me some hopes of an honourable +place. + +_Mr. D._ Not exactly the marriage; but---- + +_Lewis._ Why not? has any body more interest than the Chancellor? + +_Mr. D._ No; but he may not interest himself much about your affairs +for the future. + +_Lewis._ Now more than ever, most assuredly. + +_Mr. D._ Now? + +_Lewis._ As I marry his daughter. + +_Mr. D._ What do you say? + +_Lewis._ As I marry his daughter. + +_Mr. D._ Whom do you marry? + +_Lewis._ Miss Fleffel. + +_Mr. D._ No, never! + +_Lewis._ How? why not? + +_Mr. D._ No! by all that is sacred you shall not marry her! + +_Lewis._ Inconceivable! you gave your consent. + +_Mr. D._ I withdraw it. + +_Lewis._ [sneeringly] Very extraordinary! then why give it? + +_Mr. D._ [harshly]. I misunderstood you. + +_Lewis._ So! cunning enough! to put me first off my guard. + +_Mr. D._ Be so good as to leave me. + +_Lewis._ To give me confidence! + +_Mr. D._ Leave me, I say. + +_Lewis._ That you might more easily draw my secret from me! + +_Mr. D._ For God's sake leave me! + +_Lewis._ A fine trick for a man who glories in his sincerity! + +_Mr. D._ Sir, I warn you---- + +_Lewis._ Who boasts of his plain dealing; yet, in spite of his honesty, +commits acts---- + +_Mr. D._ Young man, be silent! + +_Lewis._ Acts that any body would be ashamed of. Sir, you may know I +have always seen through your mask. We have only two years more to be +concerned with each other. You may release yourself before, if you +please.--I thank you for all your cares. + +_Mr. D._ Ungrateful miscreant!--Oh, my child, my poor child! + +_Lewis._ So! you perhaps had other designs? + +_Mr. D._ Yes, yes, I had. My child--I would have confided her to +you.--She loves you--Now go, relate your triumphs; defame her, and me +also. + +_Lewis._ Indeed, Sir, I am grieved. + +_Mr. D._ Say that I made offers; that I proposed the match, and was +refused.--Oh, my unhappy Augusta!--Go, leave my house--never let me see +you more! + +_Lewis_ [hastily]. I assure you I have the highest esteem for Miss +Augusta. + +_Mr. D._ My daughter is virtuous, and wants not the testimony of +a----, not yours. + +_Lewis._ I protest. + +_Mr. D._ I hate your protestations. Never mention her again; promise me +that solemnly. + +_Lewis._ I give---- + +_Mr. D._ It is to no purpose; speak no more--but if you, in any +respect whatever, insult my daughter----you know me. [Wipes his +forehead--pause] We have done--adieu, Sir! + +_Lewis_ [coldly]. And in respect to my marriage---- + +_Mr. D._ I will tell you in the afternoon. + +_Lewis._ Very well. [Exit Lewis. + +_Mr. D._ Is it come to this? Now I see my misfortune clearly [throws +himself into a chair]. Is this my reward! What must be done now? + + Enter Mr. ROSE. + +_Mr. R._ Forgive me, dear Drave, if I interrupt---- + +_Mr. D._ Do not take it amiss, Rose; but indeed you have come at a +wrong time---- + +_Mr. R._ 'Tis too true; I _have_ come at a wrong time; would to God +there had been no necessity! yet hear me. + +_Mr. D._ I cannot; my heart is distracted-- + +_Mr. R._ For heaven's sake, hear an unfortunate man. + +_Mr. D._ If your misfortune is greater than mine, I will hear you. + +_Mr. R._ You knew me once as a rich, as a wealthy man. + +_Mr. D._ Yes. + +_Mr. R._ I am so no longer. + +_Mr. D._ Impossible! + +_Mr. R._ By a bankruptcy in Amsterdam, I am entirely ruined. + +_Mr. D._ Can I assist, support you, dear Rose? I am at your service. + +_Mr. R._ Merciful heaven! can you forget-- + +_Mr. D._ What? + +_Mr. R._ Your ward's property. + +_Mr. D._ Almighty God! + +_Mr. R._ Unhappy man! you gave security. + +_Mr. D._ Oh my family, my child!' + +_Mr. R._ Can you forgive me? + +_Mr. D._ [lost in thought]. Insulted first; then reduced to beggary. + +_Mr. R._ I have been seeking in vain for you, and for Brook: now the +seals are put on every thing, and I have undone my best friend. + +_Mr. D._ [as before]. The trial is hard.--Oh heaven! from wealth to +poverty, in a single day! [Rose sits down, quite dejected]. + +_Mr. D._ [with emotion]. God's will be done! + +_Mr. R._ [rises hastily and takes Drave's hand]. Hard is your fate; yet +God knows, mine is still more so. I am reduced to nothing. + +_Mr. D._ [softly]. I also shall have little remaining. + +_Mr. R._ My helpless children! + +_Mr. D._ And my poor daughter! + +_Mr. R._ Here our fate is the same. Yet you are only unfortunate; and +I--shall be regarded as a villain. You are a sufferer, and I the cause: +I cannot bear this thought. Hear me--Brook is still rich.--The +preservation of a worthy family, is a duty, and will excuse it--Let us +deny the security----you can then pay him half, and he may lose the +rest. + +_Mr. D._ No! + +_Mr. R._ Do it while there is yet time.--I will bear my lot in +patience; but let not the thought of having ruined you imbitter my +wretched existence. Do it. + +_Mr. D._ Never! + +_Mr. R._ For God's sake, do it. The Chancellor is your enemy; I know it +too well: this makes him now so busy about my affairs. + +_Mr. D._ I will not, cannot.--Have I risked my ward's property too +inconsiderately, I must bear the consequences. + +_Mr. R._ Who can blame you? Where was there a safer house than mine? + +_Mr. D._ They can seize all my fortune, and undoubtedly will; I hope it +is sufficient. + +_Mr. R._ You cannot avoid blaming me. + +_Mr. D._ Do not be uneasy on my account. I have still strength and +activity. I may prosper again: if not, God will support my wife and +daughter, and in the grave at least I shall find repose. + +_Mr. R._ I look at you with awful repentance. Father in heaven, I thank +thee for this man!--I sought comfort from my friends, and met +reproaches--I fled to my daughter--Oh, my daughter! + +_Mr. D._ Go to her now; she will cheer the remainder of your days. + +_Mr. R._ No, no, never! + +_Mr. D._ Why not? + +_Mr. R._ I went to her.--She was my darling--a kind look from her was +my greatest delight--I gave her a large portion. I came from the +Chancellor's--my agitation--my anxiety--I was overheated.--I threw +myself into her arms--Nancy, said I, give me something to drink--I +sought for consolation from her, and she----she upbraided me for my +careless management. + +_Mr. D._ Horror! + +_Mr. R._ She went away--her children felt in my pockets, and asked what +I had brought them. I had nothing.--A servant brought me a glass of +water, and took the children. + +_Mr. D._ Come to my arms, most injured sufferer! my Augusta will not +desert you.----Oh, I am happy--I am rich; highly blessed----Come--we +will bear our misfortunes together--will share our sufferings and our +comforts, even to the last morsel of bread. + +_Mr. R._ All deserted me. You only, whom I have ruined, remain my +friend. Oh, hear and tremble--you prevented----suicide---- + +_Mr. D._ How! + +_Mr. R._ Yes. My unfeeling child brought me to despair--God bless you! + +_Mr. D._ Unhappy father! + +_Mr. R._ When your last hour approaches, may this action insure your +repose!--Many a distressed heart have you comforted--many tears have +you wiped away.--Your kindness to me--oh, on that day when Virtue shall +triumph, merciful God! let it be rewarded! [Exit. + + + END OF THE THIRD ACT. + + + + _ACT IV._ + + + SCENE I. + + A small Room at Mr. Drave's. + + Mrs. DRAVE and AUGUSTA. + +_Mrs. D._ I know not how to act. My husband suffers, and I am too much +affected myself, to be able to afford him consolation--Oh, this Brook! +who would have thought him so mean? + +_Augusta._ Do not mention him, dear mother. + +_Mrs. D._ To accuse your father of having made a false inventory! 'Tis +an unheard-of baseness--and your father behaves with such fortitude and +composure--gives up all he is worth, and----Hush! who is coming? + + Enter DRAVE, a Magistrate and his attendants. + +_Mag._ What room is this? + +_Mr. D._ My fitting room. + +_Mag._ So! N deg. 14. [writes it down: an attendant marks it on the +door].--No closets in the wainscot here? + +_Mr. D._ No. + +_Mag._ Nothing concealed? + +_Mr. D._ No. + +_Mag._ Unlock this desk. [Drave unlocks it, Mag. tumbles over the +papers]. + +_Mr. D._ Softly, Sir; you disorder---- + +_Mag._ You can put them to rights again [takes up a book].--What is +this? + +_Mr. D._ My account-book. + +_Mag._ Is it? + +_Mr. D._ 'Tis in your hands, you may examine it. + +_Mag._ [giving the book to the attendants]. Put that with the +rest--[sits down]. + +_Mr. D._ Have you done here? + +_Mag._ Patience [fans his face with the papers he has in his hand]. +Very hot to-day. [Pointing to a small trunk]? What is that? + +_Augusta._ Trifles: some ladies dresses. + +_Mag._ Open it. + +_Mrs. D._ 'Tis only some linen. + +_Mag._ Turn it upside down, that I may see if there is nothing else. + +_Mr. D._ [hastily]. Sir! [Mrs. D. steps between him and the Mag]. + +_Mag._ [rising]. What's the matter? + +_Mr. D._ [more calm]. Must that be? + +_Mag._ [turning over the things without looking at Drave]. +Perhaps--[Looking round to an attendant] Take that desk into the +drawing-room to the rest. + +_Mr. D._ Stay, Sir; I want it here, to shut up my papers. + +_Mag._ Afterwards, afterwards. Besides, this is not a time to shut up +any thing. [Drave walks up and down]. Where are the accounts of your +guardianship? + +_Mr. D._ Down stairs. + +_Mag._ I must have a look there. Now, Sir, if you please! [Mag. and D. +exeunt. + + Enter a Servant. + +_Serv._ [to Augusta]. I have done as you desired, Ma'am; he will come +immediately. [Exit Serv. + +_Mrs. D._ Who, Augusta? + +_Augusta._ Dear mother, forgive me! I sent for the Counsellor. + +_Mrs. D._ How? the Counsellor? + +_Augusta._ I will try this once. But you must go; you shall not be +witness of my humiliation. + +_Mrs. D._ But your father? + +_Augusta._ If I succeed, he will forgive me.--I hear somebody at the +door: leave me now. + +_Mrs. D._ Take my best wishes, my dear girl. [Exit. + + Enter the COUNSELLOR. + +_Counsellor._ You have had the goodness to desire---- + +_Augusta_ [with dignity]. I requested your company. + +_Counsellor._ Notwithstanding your father's ill treatment of me this +morning, I willingly forget it, as you desire my return. And now my +fair sufferer, in what can I serve you? + +_Augusta._ You have often told me, that you were interested in my +happiness, that you loved me.--I am now unhappy--prove the truth of +your assertions, by acting as becomes you--Help us. + +_Counsellor._ With all my heart, if it were in my power; you may +rely---- + +_Augusta._ Mr. Rose's misfortune bears hard upon my father. By +moderation and indulgence, he may be saved; and it is for this purpose +that I apply to you. + +_Counsellor_ [walking up and down in seeming agitation]. Yes, yes--good +God!----but---- + +_Augusta._ He can pay, but not instantly--not now--by degrees only. + +_Counsellor._ My charming lady, I have no power in these things. + +_Augusta._ Yes, Sir! you have power to soften your father's heart. + +_Counsellor._ I am grieved indeed--truly sorry to refuse you any +thing--I have so much esteem for you! + +_Augusta._ Be generous, Sir, I intreat you. + +_Counsellor._ You are such a lovely petitioner, that I could almost +forgive adversity, as it unfolds so many charms in you: but indeed your +father has offended all his friends--it is impossible. + +_Augusta._ In the name of humanity, be generous. + +_Counsellor._ Charming good lady! I cannot assist you--not now, +afterwards perhaps---- + +_Augusta_ [in tears]. Unfeeling man! + +_Counsellor._ Dear young lady! be comforted--things may turn out better +than you expect.--Indeed I am deeply afflicted: if I could assist you, +you might depend upon me--forgive me, my dear Augusta! I must leave you +now. I humbly thank you for your flattering attention. [Exit. + +_Mrs. D._ [entering hastily]. Merciful heaven! must it come to that? + +_Augusta._ Speak, mother; what is the matter? + +[Mr. D. enters, followed by Philip Brook]. Such an infamous fellow! I +could bear no longer. + +_Mrs. D._ To strike a magistrate! Oh, what will be the consequence? + +_Philip._ Do not alarm yourself on this account, Madam. I am witness he +exceeded his power. Be composed. We have no time to lose. In the first +place, we must prevent this affair from proceeding farther; you will +therefore consider my property as your own. + +_Mr. D._ No! + +_Philip._ Why not? I cannot lose by it. + +_Mr. D._ You do not know that. A merchant is above all people liable to +accidents. + +_Philip._ But, my dear Sir! + +_Mr. D._ My refusal does not proceed from pride. Heaven sent me this +trial. Supported by the consciousness of having done my duty, I can +bear misfortune; but dare not throw it upon you. If you will assist me, +my good friend, help me to arrange my papers. Do you, my wife and +Augusta, behave with fortitude; your courage will console me.----Look +at me, Brook. Do I appear dejected? Do not I seem rather to be upheld +by an unknown, sacred power? I cannot account for it, but this change +does not affect me so sensibly.--Come, my friend! why so serious? + +_Philip._ Then you deny my wishes? + +_Mr. D._ I dare not consent. + +_Philip._ You are the father of a family. + +_Mr. D._ And God above, the father of innocent sufferers. + + (Enter a Servant hastily). + +_Serv._ For God's sake, Sir, what has happened? there are two men come +to arrest you. + +_Mr. D._ Whom? + +_Serv._ You! A writ from the Chancellor. + +_Mr. D._ That is too much. + +_Philip._ Too much? No! just enough; exactly what I wanted! [With +coldness] Go, in the name of God! + +_Mr. D._ So publicly! 'tis hard.--Fortune, character, perhaps +life----all in one day----Well, well, take it wretch, and God forgive +thee!----[embraces his wife and daughter]. Brook, support my wife and +child--[leaving them]. Soon, soon, we shall meet again! [Exit. + + [Mrs. Drave and Augusta following him]. + +_Philip_ [stopping them]. Stay; you must be composed. Go into your own +room; promise me not to leave it. + +_Mrs. D._ What do you require? + +_Philip._ Go in there. I must leave you now. I shall return--Adieu! + +_Augusta._ Pray, Sir, stop! + +_Mrs. D._ Where are you going, my dear friend? + +_Philip_ [with forced coldness]. A short way. [Looking at his watch] In +half an hour I shall return. Should I not--but you will certainly see +me then. [Exit, leading Mrs. D. and Augusta to the door.] + + + SCENE II. + + A Room at the Chancellor's. + + Counsellor entering with papers in his hand. + +John! + +[Serv. enters]. Sir! + +_Counsellor._ Send in the porter. [Exit Servant. Counsellor looking at +the papers]. That will do very well. As Brook stands plaintiff, all the +odium will fall upon him; we only give him what the law prescribes. +[Enter Porter.] Take that immediately to the Commissioners--say, I +shall have the honour of waiting on them myself towards evening. +[Porter going] I request them to be expeditious. [Exit Porter]. Well, +well, Mr. Drave, I think you will learn better manners, and take care +how you forbid people your house again. + + Enter LEWIS BROOK. + +_Counsellor._ Where, in the name of fortune, have you been raking all +this time? Your affair with Drave is in great forwardness. + +_Lewis._ So? Already? + +_Counsellor._ Certainly--'Tis singular enough, that you should live +next door to him, and know nothing of the matter. + +_Lewis._ Yes; but I seldom come home. I was with Paulino. We had such +excellent wine, and such a pleasant party! + +_Counsellor._ Very well; but for the present you must let your +excellent wine and agreeable parties alone, and keep out of the way, to +avoid troublesome questions or entreaties. Now attend to me. + +_Lewis._ Must I absolutely hear? + +_Counsellor._ Yes, yes, + +_Lewis._ From agreeable company, to your tiresome law-suits, I hate it. + +_Counsellor._ Drave hinted an intention of making a declaration. + +_Lewis_ [stretching in his chair and yawning]. Well; to what effect? + +_Counsellor._ That he could not pay instantly--by degrees only; and +asked for delay. + +_Lewis_ [as before]. Go on, go on. + +_Counsellor._ You understand. Your claims must be enforced; seals +therefore were put on. + +_Lewis_ [hastily rising]. How? what do you say? Seals put on? No, I +disapprove that! + +_Counsellor._ Why? it was unavoidable! quite so, I assure you. + +_Lewis_ [with warmth]. But he will be entirely ruined. + +_Counsellor_ [smiling]. Oh, no, depend upon it. They have made pretty +good use of your property at Rose's--They have embezzled enough--every +body knows it, and we have proofs. + +_Lewis._ Then, indeed, a slight correction will not hurt this prating +moralist. + +_Counsellor._ By this means too, I hope to pave the way for my love to +Augusta. + +_Lewis._ How so? + +_Counsellor._ Why, what will she do now? Reduced to poverty, she must +thank me for my protection. I will procure her a situation with my aunt +at Bonn. + +_Lewis._ For shame! + +_Counsellor._ Why so? she is clever--understands music--Depend upon it +she will be comfortable. She shall keep the old lady company, and read +or sing to her. + +_Lewis._ What a mean fellow you are! + +_Counsellor._ Is not that better than an abandoned life? + +_Lewis._ How? Could I ever drive her to that? + +_Counsellor._ You are like a baby; if you have not playthings, you cry. + +_Lewis._ But dam'me, 'tis downright baseness! + +_Counsellor_ [laughing]. Fantastical nonsense! Things have different +sides: that which in common life, you call honesty, is bungler's work +in politics. + +_Lewis_ [looking sharply at him]. So! + +_Counsellor._ Apropos--the accounts of Drave's guardianship are +brought; there we shall discover his impositions. + +_Lewis._ I don't mind him; but Augusta, and her mother----No, that +shall not be. + + Enter the Chancellor's Clerk. + +_Clerk._ Gentlemen, there is a person waiting for My Lord; guess who? + +_Lewis._ I don't care. + +_Clerk._ One I should never have expected to see here. + +_Counsellor._ Who is it? + +_Clerk_ [to Lewis]. Your brother. + +_Lewis._ My brother? + +_Counsellor._ God bless me! Mr. Philip. + +_Clerk_ [to the Counsellor]. Will you ask My Lord, if agreeable-- + +_Counsellor._ Yes, yes, immediately [going]. Astonishing! Mr. Philip +here! [Exit. + +_Lewis._ My brother? here! in this house? It is strange. + +_Clerk._ So I think: my curiosity is raised. I never spoke to him. + +_Counsellor_ [returning]. Very happy to see him. + +_Clerk_ [rings the bell. To a servant who enters] Bid the gentleman +walk up. + +_Lewis._ I'll go. I have nothing to do with him. + +_Counsellor._ Well; go awhile to my father. Do you, Mr. Worms, keep him +company till my father comes.--He conceives that he is come to +intercede. We must try to gain a little time. + +_Clerk._ Very well; I long to get acquainted with him---- + +_Counsellor._ Hush! he is coming. [Exit with Lewis.--Clerk steps +aside]. + + (Enter Servant, followed by PHILIP.) + +_Serv._ Be so good as to wait here a few minutes; My Lord will come +directly. [Exit. + +_Philip_ [not observing the Clerk]. Now I am here.----At length--Oh, my +heart---- + +_Clerk._ Sir! + +_Philip_ [turning hastily]. Hah! I beg your pardon; I did not know---- + +_Clerk._ My Lord is very sorry that indispensable business obliges +him to detain you for a few moments, but he will hasten to have the +honour---- + +_Philip_ [walking up and down]. Very well. + +_Clerk._ I am very happy that chance thus gives me an opportunity of +commencing an acquaintance with you. + +_Philip._ You cannot tell how long this business may last; it grows +late, and I am in haste. + +_Clerk._ Not long, I dare say---Be seated, Mr. Brook. [Both sit down]. +Indeed the future alliance of My Lord's family and yours---- + +_Philip._ By what means? + +_Clerk._ By the marriage of Miss Fleffel with your brother. + +_Philip_ [surprised]. So! [Politely) I did not know it before [looks at +his watch]. + +_Clerk._ It will afford My Lord great satisfaction, as the honour of +your company---- + +_Philip._ It grows very late; must I wait long? + +_Clerk._ No, Sir! but [pointing to the chair], be so kind---- + +_Philip._ Pardon me, I cannot sit--[aside] my blood, my blood---- + +_Clerk._ Are you indisposed? + +_Philip._ Yes--but you think he will come soon? + +Clerk [offended]. Mr. Brook dislikes my company! + +_Philip._ Company in general. [Pointing to a door, and going up to it] +Is that the room? + +_Clerk._ Give me leave, Sir: I will inform My Lord of your haste. +[Exit. + +_Philip._ Oh, patience, patience! good heaven! in this very +room--here--here have I supplicated for my uncle; here have I wept, +gone on my knees, to obtain his liberty. My tears were derided, I was +driven away.--Then I was but a child--now I am a man; outraged humanity +calls upon me. At this very moment, perhaps, my uncle is suffering the +extremities of hunger, of misery and despair.--Gracious Heaven, grant +me a composed mind! + +_Clerk entering._ My Lord will immediately do himself the honour-- +please to be seated, Sir. + +_Philip._ I am not fit for conversation: I will walk into the +gallery--you will call me. [Exit. + +_Clerk._ A very strange man this! + +_Counsellor enters._ Is he gone? + +_Clerk._ No, he waits in the gallery. + +_Counsellor._ Go to my father, he wants you--I will see after him. + + Enter COUNSELLOR and PHILIP. + +_Counsellor._ Forgive me, dear Sir--but you know---- + +_Philip._ May I hope to speak to My Lord now? + +_Counsellor._ Immediately--business, you know, sometimes occurs---- + +_Philip_ [going up to the Chancellor's room door]. My Lord is there, I +presume. + +_Chancellor entering._ Your most obedient, Mr. Brook--Chairs, my +son----an unexpected honour indeed! + +_Philip._ My Lord, I wish to speak to you in private. + +_Chancellor._ Most willingly. [Looks significantly at his son--exit +Counsellor]. What can I do for you? + +_Philip._ My Lord, I ask your assistance to save an honest man from +ruin. + +_Chancellor._ What assistance? for whom? speak, my dear Sir! + +_Philip._ Mr. Drave is the person I mean--whatever you may do for him, +I shall consider as a favour---- + +_Chancellor._ So, so! Mr. Drave the merchant--But you speak of +ruin--why so? + +_Philip._ Of ruin, into which the literal application of the law will +plunge him, if his well-known integrity, and ability to pay gradually, +be not attended to. + +_Chancellor._ The law, my dear Sir, must take its course. + +_Philip._ Certainly; but remember, it dictates equity. + +_Chancellor._ You are a noble young man, of the best intentions: [takes +his hand] I am rejoiced at this opportunity of contracting an +acquaintance with you. + +_Philip._ May I hope for Mr. Drave? + +_Chancellor._ Give me leave to say, in this case, the unaccountable +disposal of your brother's property, without any authority, cannot be +overlooked. + +_Philip._ Mr. Rose was the richest merchant in the city. + +_Chancellor._ Yet he has failed. + +_Philip._ Drave has given security. + +_Chancellor._ Very true; and his property is seized, that your brother +may not lose. + +_Philip._ But why is he confined? + +_Chancellor._ Not for that; but to prevent farther trouble from his +violence. + +_Philip._ But there is no plaintiff. + +_Chancellor._ Undoubtedly there is. + +_Philip._ Who? + +_Chancellor._ Your brother. + +_Philip._ No! impossible! + +_Chancellor._ 'Tis however true. + +_Philip._ Very well; but notwithstanding, all farther proceedings must +cease. Drave is free [rises and puts his chair aside]. + +_Chancellor_ [does the same]. How so? free? + +_Philip._ I give bail. + +_Chancellor._ Very noble, very christian-like indeed!--but it will not +do. + +_Philip._ Why not? + +_Chancellor._ You are not of age. + +_Philip_ [astonished]. But you rob him of every thing; credit, honour, +fortune---- + +_Chancellor._ He may always recover himself. + +_Philip._ Drive him, his wife and daughter, to despair! + +_Chancellor._ Good God! I am very sorry; but what can I do? + +_Philip._ Then you are determined, my Lord, to proceed your own way. + +_Chancellor._ It is the law. + +_Philip._ To ruin Mr. Drave? + +_Chancellor._ No, not that. + +_Philip._ It is downright injustice. + +_Chancellor_ [angrily]. Injustice! [composing himself] Young man, young +man! + +_Philip._ I wish to give you warning---- + +_Chancellor._ I thank you! + +_Philip._ While it is still time. + +_Chancellor_ [laughing]. So? and when will it not be time? + +_Philip_ [looking at his watch]. In half an hour; no more. [Chancellor +laughs]. + +_Philip._ Rouse me not; for your own sake, rouse me not. + + (Augusta rushes into the Room, and throws herself + on her knees before the Chancellor). + +_Augusta._ Spare my father! for pity's sake, spare my father! + +_Philip_ [raising her]. What are you doing? + +_Chancellor._ What is your request? + +_Augusta_ [hastily rising]. Give me back my father. + +_Philip._ Compose yourself, Augusta. + +_Augusta._ We will depart immediately; yes, yes, I promise you we will +depart; I know you cannot bear our presence; but give me my father. + +_Chancellor._ Why did he strike a magistrate? + +_Philip._ I was witness to the impropriety of this magistrate's +conduct. Drave had great reason to be provoked. + +_Augusta._ Forgive, forgive--Destroy my happiness, my hopes--only my +father---- + +_Philip._ Look at her; behold the anguish of death on her countenance; +look at her, and speak. + +_Chancellor._ Mr. Brook, do not interfere where you have no concern. + +_Philip._ No concern! I love her. Her father is my guardian. I speak as +a son, and warn you that your cruelty and chicanery---- + +_Chancellor._ And I, young man, warn _you_ that this language---- + +_Philip._ You shall hear the language of outraged humanity. Suffering +innocence calls for a defender; he lives, and possesses both strength +and courage. + +_Chancellor_ [contemptuously]. And who may this defender be? + +_Philip._ I! [Chancellor laughs.] Answer now. Will you persist? + +_Chancellor._ Must I answer? + +_Philip._ Yes, you shall. + +_Chancellor._ Then good bye, Mr. Brook: go home, and wait for the rest. +In the mean time try to recollect yourself a little. + +_Philip_ [going]. Well then-- + +_Augusta_ [withholding Philip.] Stay, for God's sake, stay! + +_Philip_ [turning back]. Believe me, My Lord, I am not acting the Don +Quixote. Once more, in the name of justice, for the sake of your +conscience, and of the serious trial to which you will one day be +inevitably brought, are you resolved to persist? + +_Chancellor_ [in anger]. I am. + +_Philip._ I have it in my power to act against you: I shall be a +formidable enemy. [Pause] Will you persist? Yes, or no? + +_Chancellor_ [in a fury]. Yes, yes. + +_Philip._ The hour of revenge is come; I feel it through all my veins, +and I begin---- + +_Chancellor_ [as before]. Do it, do it---- + +_Philip._ I shake the building to its foundation. You or I must be +crushed beneath the ruins: you exposed to universal hatred and +contempt, or I punished as a calumniator. + +_Chancellor._ It shall be your fate. + +_Philip._ Then be it so! The die is cast. The cause of justice animates +me; and the remembrance of my uncle's sufferings, gives me redoubled +energy.--I--you may know it--I was the man who excited and supported +the honest clerk. + +_Chancellor._ You were? [rings a bell]. + +_Philip._ He was overpowered. Your crimes were not then ripe: now they +are.----In silence I have collected proofs of your treachery, of your +cruelty to my uncle, whom you confined for pretended insanity: answer +that. + + Enter Servant.--CHANCELLOR speaks to him. + +_Augusta._ Oh, Brook, Brook! what are you doing? I beg you---- + +_Philip._ Let me proceed. He may contrive----I have full conviction of +his crimes, and will lay them open to our Prince. + +_Chancellor._ Go, go, frantic fool! try what your mad dreams can effect +there. + +_Philip._ I will. Our Prince is benevolent and just. What is your +support in your crimes? The chain of ceremony?--I break it [Chancellor +laughs] I break it: my despair will give me strength--and--before +sun-set--woe on thee, and thy house! [Exit hastily with Augusta]. + +[Chancellor rings the bell, and walks eagerly up and down.--Philip +enters surrounded by Officers of Justice.] + +_Chancellor._ Nearer, Mr. Brook! [To the officers] Leave us till I +call. + +_Philip_ [with firmness]. What have you to say? + +_Chancellor._ Terrified? Pale? starting eyes? So amazed, conqueror of +the world? You have thrown off the mask--I will do the same. [Pause]. +Young man, you are too weak to take a grain of this power; a single +grain is sufficient to destroy you.--Will you implore my forgiveness, +and bind yourself to eternal silence? Then quit the country, and I will +forget. + +_Philip._ No! + +_Chancellor._ Man, who gave me half an hour's delay, I now give it to +you. Answer me; will you submit, or never see the day-light more? + +_Philip._ Thy banishments, thy imprisonments, will avail nothing, as +long as thy sworn enemy lives.--Murder is thy only security, and on +that thy coward heart dares not venture. + +_Chancellor._ Thou art in my hands, worm! Who cares if I trample upon +thee? Who dares to rise up against me, possessed, as I am, of the chief +authority of the State, and of the confidence of the Prince? What +remains to thee, thou poor wretch? + +_Philip._ My heart. + +_Chancellor._ Go, grovel in fetters; there wait thy fate, while thy +wiser brother laughs at thee. + +_Philip._ My brother? my brother? Hah! perhaps now--[going towards the +door, followed hastily by the Chancellor, who locks it]. Lewis, Lewis! + +_Chancellor._ Frantic villain! + +_Philip._ Lewis! Lewis! brother! help! + +_Chancellor_ [rings the bell and calls]. Stop him, stop him! + +_Lewis_ [from without]. I will go in! + +_Philip._ Lewis! Lewis! for the last time, I call, help, help! + +_Lewis_ [from without]. I come [forcing the door. Constables from the +other side. Counsellor and Clerk, with Lewis, enter]. What is the +matter? + +_Counsellor._ You villain! To assault me, to accuse your brother, to +seek his life!--[To the constables] Off with him! [they seize Philip.] + +_Philip._ No! No! Lewis! [throws a pocket-book to him] Take this book +[Couns. snatches the book]. Lewis, your uncle--remember, remember. +[Exit with constables.] + +_Lewis_ [attempting to follow him, withheld by the Chancellor and the +Counsellor]. Let me go. + +_Chancellor._ For God's sake, do not approach him; he seeks your ruin, +your life; he is dangerous. [They lead Lewis into the Chancellor's +Room.] + + + END OF THE FOURTH ACT. + + + + _ACT V._ + + + SCENE I. + + Apartment at Mr. Drave's House. + + Mrs. DRAVE.--AUGUSTA. + + (Augusta entering with a letter in her hand, which + she gives to her Mother.) + +_Augusta._ Here is a letter from Philip Brook's landlord. + +_Mrs. D._ [reads]--How! + +_Augusta._ What does it contain? + +_Mrs. D._ I'll read it you. "Madam---Counsellor Fleffel has come with a +warrant to examine Mr. Brook's apartment. He has forced the locks of +his bureau and drawers, and seized the papers. I think they must be of +great importance, for he is in a violent passion, and talks of +treasonable practices, of libels, of revenge."----Our worthy friend, +too, the prey of powerful enemies! It is hard. + +_Augusta._ But what can he have to apprehend from them? + +_Mrs. D._ The abuse or suppression of his papers. + +_A Servant entering._ Mr. Lewis Brook, Ma'am, wishes to see you. + +_Mrs. D._ [angrily]. How? he dares---- + +_Serv._ I denied you twice, but he insists on seeing you. + +_Mrs. D._ Tell him I can have no concern with one who has acted as he +has done. [Exit Servant. + +_Augusta._ His very name terrifies me so much.-- + + Enter LEWIS with the Servant. + +_Lewis._ I must speak to her [perceiving Mrs. D. he casts his eyes upon +the ground. Augusta hastily leaves the room]. + +_Mrs. D._ Frederick, did you deliver my answer to the gentleman? + +_Lewis._ He did; but, Madam--pray leave us Frederick--[Exit Servant]. I +beg, Madam---- + +_Mrs. D._ What do you desire? Have you any demands upon me in +particular? [shrugs her shoulders]. I am unable to pay, for they have +taken every thing from me. + +_Lewis._ You think me a villain: you are deceived; let me therefore +explain---- + +_Mrs. D._ Explain, Sir? This empty room, our misery, my husband in +prison these are explanations sufficient. + +_Lewis._ As my presence is so disagreeable to you, I will immediately +retire.--But let me first promise you, that the day I come of age, I +will entirely restore what you have lost. [Lays a paper on the table]. +I leave with you this paper, legally drawn up to that effect. Thus I +hope to make reparation for my want of thought, and for the uneasiness +I have caused. [Going. + +_Mrs. D._ One moment, Mr. Brook! [She takes the paper and reads it]. +You restore all, you say? + +_Lewis._ Yes. + +_Mrs. D._ Our confidence in mankind, which you have destroyed; our +honour, of which you have robbed us; our credit, which you have +blasted; can you restore these? Can you erase the deep characters of +misery from the heart of an afflicted husband? Can you restore a +wretched daughter, once more in the bloom of health, to her parents +arms? Will you restore all this, with this paper? + +_Lewis._ If you accuse me of all this, Madam, you are unjust, and I +must speak. + +_Mrs. D._ Speak, Sir. + +_Lewis._ What I do, I will freely confess, is not so much for Mr. +Drave as for your and Augusta's sake. His abuse of my property, his +secret plans to undo one brother by the other--that, Madam, that hurts +me.--With respect to what has happened, God be my witness, that I had +not the smallest presentiment of it. I am frail, and I have erred; yet +I hope I now atone for my fault. + +_Mrs. D._ This requires an answer. My husband, who placed this sum with +the most respectable house in the city, in order to provide a better +fortune for his prodigal ward--who, unsolicited, in order to secure +this ward from all accidents, gave security to the amount of all he was +worth, and who now makes it good with the loss of all his fortune--he +is an honest man. + +_Lewis_ [astonished]. Gave security? + +_Mrs. D._ [not attending to him]. A perverted mind may misinterpret his +actions. Kindnesses bestowed on the ungrateful will one day have their +reward.--A man like my Drave can lay his hand on his heart, and look +with hope to the day when he shall appear before his Almighty Judge; he +can, amidst all his losses, despise such a wretched thing as this--[She +tears the paper in two, and drops it on the ground]. + +_Lewis._ I am astonished. Mr. Drave gave security? + +_Mrs. D._ He did. + +_Lewis._ That, Madam, was entirely unknown to me. + +_Mrs. D._ Henceforth we have nothing to say to each other; but, before +we part, let me remember one thing--You once made a serious application +to me concerning my daughter. + +_Lewis._ Pray, Madam---- + +_Mrs. D._ It is over--an abused mother, a deceived fool more or less, +what does it signify to a man of fashion? The girl may weep; the mother +may be angry--your companions will laugh at such gallantry--why should +you alter your conduct? + +_Lewis._ You touch closely there--[hastily]. No, that is too much. +[With intreaty] Madam, for God's sake---- + +_Mrs. D._ You, Mr. Brook, who never gave us a single hour's comfort, +you have reduced us to misery in a single hour. It hurts not your +feelings, to see your foster parents ruined, undone by the son of her +who was my dearest friend and your mother; by the son of Maria! + +_Lewis._ Oh, forbear! + +_Mrs. D._ You have feigned love to my daughter, have vowed fidelity to +her: she loves, and must ever love you.--You forsake her now--She +will decline by degrees, and at length sink into her grave, which +perhaps--we must beg for her. + +_Lewis._ Oh, cease! cease! + +_Mrs. D._ Should you become a husband, a father--then, when you regard +your child as I now do mine, may the remembrance of these moments never +sit heavy on your heart!--Now my last word: I release you from all your +promises--I forgive you. With this wish let us part for ever--God +forgive you, as I do! [Going. + +_Lewis_ [detaining her]. Oh, Madam! had not Mr. Drave been so unkind to +me, I should now perhaps have been happy with Augusta!--Yes, yes, I +love her still; and Heaven be my witness---- + +_Mrs. D._ Do not mistake me; I mean not to awaken compassion for my +daughter. If you arc sincere, restore my husband. + +_Lewis._ I here vow---- + +_Mrs. D._ Then first save your brother, who is persecuted for a noble +action. + +_Lewis._ A noble action? Which of his mean attempts can you call by +that title? + +_Mrs. D._ [surprised]. What did you say? + +_Lewis._ Shall I release him, when he only seeks, my destruction? + +_Mrs. D._ He? he seek your destruction? + +_Lewis._ His design was to enforce the clause of my father's will: for +this purpose, he went to-day to the Chancellor's; but his scheme +failing, he forgot the mask of virtue which he had assumed, and +exhibited the rage of a disappointed demon. + +_Mrs. D._ Who imposed this falsehood upon you?--No! no. He came forward +to defend Drave, threatened to disclose secrets.--They fear him! and +for this reason he was arrested. + +_Lewis._ But still his pocket-book contains the proofs of his base +intentions. + +_Mrs. D._ Have you seen it? + +_Lewis._ No! + +_Mrs. D._ And believe so lightly? + +_Lewis._ Why, the Chancellor---- + +_Mrs. D._ Is the person who put your uncle in prison. Lewis, save your +brother, he is innocent. + +_Lewis._ Well, they shall shew me the pocket-book; but you will +find---- + +_Mrs. D._ Go rather to your brother's lodgings; the Counsellor is +there, examining his writings--go immediately--be speedy. + +_Lewis._ Well, I will satisfy you. It is not far--Under some pretext I +will bring the Counsellor himself into this very room; then you shall +be witness---- + +_Mrs. D._ Why? + +_Lewis._ If you prefer it, you can go into that room, and over-hear our +conversation: but depend upon it, notwithstanding all outward +appearances, my brother's heart is full of malice. [Exit. + + Enter AUGUSTA. + +_Mrs. D._ Be not afflicted, my dear Augusta--compose yourself. He +appears to be misled rather than wicked. Yet they have drawn so artful +a snare about him, that I fear it will be difficult to destroy it. + +_Augusta._ Will it? + +_Mrs. D._ God grant this moment may prove fortunate, and fully convince +him of their villainy! + +_Counsellor_ [without]. I can't, upon my honour, I am so busy---- + +_Lewis_ [without]. Pshaw! don't stand on ceremony. + +_Mrs. D._ They are coming, let us be gone. + +_Augusta._ Who? + +_Mrs. D._ Come, come. [Exeunt. + + Enter LEWIS and COUNSELLOR. + +_Lewis._ It would be too late afterwards, I assure you. + +_Counsellor._ Very singular! Suppose you had not met with me? + +_Lewis._ I should have gone in search of you. + +_Counsellor_ [going]. Let us rather go to your house. + +_Lewis._ As we are now here-- + +_Counsellor._ But it is very unpleasant to me.--The people will trouble +me with their complaints and lamentations--Besides, I am in haste--my +father waits for me. + +_Lewis._ Only a few words. You have instituted a suit against Drave in +my name. + +_Counsellor._ Certainly. + +_Lewis._ Very well: as soon as I am of age, I shall restore Drave every +thing. + +_Counsellor._ God forbid! + +_Lewis._ He may then pay by degrees: but--we parted so abruptly to +day--why have you secured my brother? + +_Counsellor._ He wished to have you declared a prodigal--protested +against your marriage--and, as your father refused, to listen to him, +flew into a passion with him, and vehemently threatened you. + +_Lewis._ But why lock the door? + +_Counsellor._ Does not my father know your passionate temper?--He did +it to avoid mischief. + +_Lewis._ And why refuse me that pocket-book? + +_Counsellor._ Aye, the pocket-book--yes--it was forgotten in this +confusion: you shall have it--it contains the materials on which the +whole project was founded--attestations of your prodigality, of +trifling errors artfully perverted into flagrant vices, and such +things---- + +_Lewis._ Well, well, let me see them, I will have these proofs of his +hypocrisy printed--come, come---- + +_Counsellor_ [at a loss]. Yes--but my father will perhaps be gone +out---- + +_Lewis._ How? you told me before, he waited for you. + +_Counsellor._ Besides--they are only copies--the originals---- + +_Lewis._ No doubt you have those also, as you opened his bureau; shew +me those papers. + +_Counsellor._ Don't be so impatient: the originals--they are not +amongst them. + +_Lewis._ No? + +_Counsellor._ No! + +_Lewis_ [coldly]. Let me see; shew me the papers. + +_Counsellor._ Why will you see them particularly _now_? + +_Lewis_ [earnestly]. Be so good. + +_Counsellor._ Who can look over them now? all incoherent +pieces--thoughts--tracts--odes on despotism--addresses to liberty. It +is not worth while. + +_Lewis_ [crossing his arms]. It is a very strange refusal. + +_Counsellor_ [offended]. Have I deserved such mistrust? + +_Lewis._ Your question would inspire it. + +_Counsellor._ Well, well. [Unlocks a pocket-book; and, as he takes out +the papers, slips a small packet into his pocket]. Here--there--and +there--that is all--now look at them. + +_Lewis_ [looking at the papers]. Yes, yes, all trifles, it is +true--poetical dreams--philosophical nonsense--you may take them. + +_Counsellor._ Your behaviour, I must say, offends me much, and I beg to +be spared in future---- + +_Lewis._ Why, every body would call me a villain, if I proceeded to act +against my own brother without full conviction--therefore [with great +earnestness] give me that other packet. + +_Counsellor_ [thunderstruck]. What--which--what packet? + +_Lewis._ That which you took from the rest, and put into your pocket. + +_Counsellor._ But--why? + +_Lewis._ Out with it! + +_Counsellor._ I will---- + +_Lewis._ Out with it, I say. [Counsellor gives the packet; and, while +Lewis is reading it, endeavours to put on an air of indifference.] + +_Lewis_ [reading]. "Original documents relating to my design: one copy +is in my red pocketbook, another in possession of Dr. Arends."----Ha! +now we shall soon see clearly.--[Opens the packet and reads] +"Attestation of Dr. Aarbach, in behalf of my uncle."--"At the gates of +eternity, being still sound in mind though weak in body--in order to +relieve my conscience, I declare that I have given wicked and false +evidence in the case of your uncle, seduced thereto by bribes, as the +inclosed original letters will shew. He was thus declared mad, having +never been so, and is treated like a condemned criminal. Pity his +old-age, save him, and forgive me, and pray to God to forgive me, to +whose righteous judgment I look with deep repentance."----Signed +_Aarbach_. + +Now for the letters--[opens a paper containing a portrait]. My uncle's +portrait! He was my mother's dearest brother, [takes another paper] +How! Letters in your father's own hand-writing, full of bribes! [Takes +another packet] "Letters of Mr. Verrini at Petersburgh, shewing that +the expences of the corn distributed, amounted to only to 20,000 +rix-dollars; and the attestations of the clerks employed, shewing that +38,000 were charged." [Looks at another packet] What is this? "My will, +in case I should die suddenly." [Opens it] "On condition that my +brother Lewis Brook saves and supports my uncle, in case I shall not +have done it, I declare him the sole heir of all my property." + +_Lewis_ [after a pause, to the Counsellor]. Look at me. + +_Counsellor_ [with coldness, and slowly]. Why? + +_Lewis_ [with rising passion]. Do you observe nothing? + +_Counsellor._ What? No! + +_Lewis._ You have no presentiment? + +_Counsellor._ Why? + +_Lewis._ Does no secret foreboding tell you, that some, merciful angel +comes to bring back a deluded heart?--You see, observe nothing? +Approach--feel here--feel how my heart beats--repentance, compassion on +my unhappy uncle; and perdition, revenge on you! + +_Counsellor._ What? what, Lewis! + +_Lewis._ You are discovered, villain; you and your father are lost for +ever. + +_Counsellor._ Surely you will not--why? + +_Lewis._ From frailties you lead me to faults, from faults to +crimes--now you would lead me to horrors----I am esteemed a sharer in +your villainy; every body despises me: the worst of criminals will +blush at my company. + +_Counsellor._ But you have promised---- + +_Lewis._ Silence! sit down--write to your father: tell him the family +will make some discoveries. I will have him in my power, to prevent his +schemes, and to dictate my will to him. + +_Counsellor._ No, never. + +_Lewis_ [drawing his sword]. Write, or in one instant thou art a dead +man. + +_Counsellor_ [sits down and writes a note. Lewis examines it, and takes +it with the other papers]. I see very well, Sir! but triumph not too +soon. + +_Lewis_ [takes his arm and leads him off].--Go on--What farther we have +to say, you may expect----go on. [Exeunt. + + Enter MRS. DRAVE and AUGUSTA. + +_Mrs. D._ Was ever such malicious treachery heard of? Should Brook +cowardly delay to make use of these proofs, I will develope their +crimes myself. [A gentle knock is heard at the door of the room.] + +_Augusta._ What was that? + +_Mrs. D._ Nothing--be quiet--our misfortunes cannot increase. [The +knock repeated twice. + +_Augusta._ Do you hear? + +_Mrs. D._ Is any body there? Come in. [The door opens; an old man with +grey hairs, dressed in an old-fashioned lace suit, much tarnished, +enters, and approaches timidly]. + +_Mrs. D._ What do you wish, my good friend? + +_Old Man_ [shyly]. Madam--pray, does not somebody live here--in this +house----I mean Mr. Drave? + +_Mrs. D._ Alas! my good friend! + +_Old Man._ He lived here once, I think--does he not live here still? + +_Augusta._ Yes. + +_Old Man._ Can I speak to him? if you please-- + +_Mrs. D._ He is--he is--not here. + +_Old Man_ [mildly]. But he will come back? [looking at them] or is he +dead? [Tenderly] Oh, if he be dead, he is happy, and I will not +interrupt his peace. + + Enter LEWIS hastily, kisses Mrs. DRAVE's hand. + +_Lewis._ Too true, Madam, too true.--What had become of me but for your +advice?--You are my good angel, Augusta; you will rather pity than hate +me. [Perceiving the Old Man] What Old man is that? + +_Mrs. D._ Somebody in distress, I fear--he wants to see my husband. + +_Lewis_ [giving him a purse]. There, my friend, take that. + +_Old Man._ I do not want money. + +_Lewis_ [hastily]. Well, well, but pray go. + +_Old Man._ I want but little, Sir. + +_Lewis._ And what? speak! quickly. + +_Old Man._ Only a little place under ground, to rest in peace. + +_Lewis._ I pity you, good Old man--but pray take it, and go.--We have +not time to hear you [leads him towards the door, and returns]. Madam, +the Counsellor is secured up stairs; the Chancellor is coming---- + +_Old Man_ [returning slowly.] I will not leave this house again. + +_Lewis._ But---- + +_Old Man._ I cannot walk any farther [sits down]. Let me stay here, my +good Sir. I shall not trouble you long; God will soon release me---- + +_Lewis._ But tell me, what do you want? + +_Old Man_ [looking round]. Good God! yes--I have often been in this +house--once--long ago--but it is long, long since---- + +_Mrs. D._ Tell me, who are you? + +_Old Man._ Yes--I will tell you; for my death is not far off--observe I +am terribly pursued. I was a rich--rich man: I had whole chests full of +plate----lived in a great house. It is long since I wore this dress: it +is in some disorder, I fear. + +_Lewis_ [hastily]. Speak! who are you? + +_Old Man._ Be not angry, my good Sir. I will tell you every +thing----but do not beat me [Kneels]. I will tell you all----[Augusta +raises him]. Yes, it was in the year----have patience--my head always +aches so, when I try to recollect any thing--but I shall soon do +it--Yes--I was carried away, and imprisoned for many, many years: I was +strictly guarded in a close dark vault. It was for high treason, they +said--It was a favour I was not beheaded. + +_Lewis._ Go on, go on. + +_Old Man._ I soon learned to bear it. But sometimes when I heard the +sound of music, or of people walking over my head, oh! then I wished to +be in the world again. Often in the cold nights I could not forbear to +weep; but they used to beat me, and so I broke myself of that, and now +I can weep no more. + +_Mrs. D._ Poor old man! + +_Lewis_ [doubtfully]. Old man, who are you? + +_Old Man._ At last, as I grew so old, they watched me more +carelessly.--One night I found my door left unlocked, and went away: +ever since I have been wandering about, and lived by begging alms. + +_Lewis._ And your relations? + +_Old Man._ Oh, yes, yes, I had relations; but they are dead--their +children confined me, for the sake of my fortune. Yet I saved only +for them--Oh, when I remember that, my eyes grow hot, but I cannot +weep----They are my sister's children. + +_Lewis_ [kneeling]. Merciful Heaven! + +_Mrs. D._ It is he! + +_Augusta._ Who? + +_Lewis_ [hastily rising]. My uncle! my uncle! I am Brook; your nephew, +your sister's son; the son of your dear Maria. + +_Old Man_ [turning from him]. He will betray me. Oh, speak to him not +to put me into jail again. + +_Lewis._ Cease, cease! + +_Old Man._ Keep all my property; but for your dear mother's sake, do +not let me be imprisoned again. + +_Mrs. D._ He loves you, sincerely loves you. + +_Augusta._ What a scene! + +_Old Man_ [goodnaturedly]. Will you not shut me up again then?--tell +me--No, I am sure you will not. + +_Lewis._ Brother of my revered mother in heaven, can you ask? Do not +you feel it? It is the son of your good Maria who weeps before you. + +_Old Man._ Let me look at your face--yes--I believe--I have been away +fifteen years, and cannot recollect every thing--but I believe you are +he---- + +_Mrs. D._ It is he. + +_Old Man._ Is it Philip or Lewis? + +_Lewis._ I am Lewis, Lewis the youngest. + +_Old Man_ [wiping his eyes]. Come to my arms, Lewis! + +_Lewis_ [with emotion]. Oh, did not the weight of my guilt lie so heavy +on me!--Here I vow severe revenge. + +_Servant entering._ My Lord the Chancellor is coming up stairs. + +_Lewis._ Well, well, I'll to them. Orders to release Drave and my +brother, are my first requests: I shall also strongly urge reparation. +If they refuse--if they even hesitate--woe on the villains! [Exit. + +_Old Man._ What does he mean? Where is he going? + +_Mrs. D._ Good old man, it is a decisive hour--pray to Heaven to assist +us. + +_Old Man._ You are not happy? + +_Mrs. D._ No, oh no! [Enter Rose hastily, with a Servant]. + +_Mr. R._ Madam, I dare not conceal--I heard--Mr. Drave is suddenly +taken ill. + +_Mrs. D._ Merciful Heaven! Frederick, our cloaks. [Exit Servant. + +_Mr. R._ Can you bear to look at me? + +_Mrs. D._ Come, come, we'll go to him--come, Augusta. [Servant brings +cloaks]. + +_Mr. R._ [whilst Mrs. D. takes her cloak]. But, Madam, it will affect +him too much to see you thus. + +_Mrs. D._ [not attending to him, and going, followed by Augusta and +Rose]. + +_Old Man._ You leave me? Who will have pity on me? who will---- + +_Mrs. D._ Stay, Augusta, make him comfortable.--Frederick, put him out +of the way. + +_Servant._ Where, Madam? + +_Mrs. D._ I don't know--any where. + +_Servant._ I'll take him to my mother's. + +_Mrs. D._ Well, well.--[Old Man led off by Augusta and Frederick--Mrs. +Drave and Rose going off on the opposite side]. + +_Old Man_ [as he is going]. You leave me; you will betray me; I have +nothing except these grey hairs. + + [As Mrs. Drave and Rose are going out at the door, + they meet the Chancellor's Clerk.) + +_Clerk._ Stop; where are you going? + +_Mr. R._ Where an honest man is sacrificed by villains. + +_Clerk._ A few words, Madam, if you please. + +_Mrs. D._ Let me go, Sir! do not rob my suffering husband of his only +comfort--let me go. + +_Clerk._ You must stop, Madam. + +_Mr. R._ By what authority do you dare act thus? + +_Clerk._ Do you know me? + +_Mr. R._ Too well, too well. + +_Clerk._ Then you should know that when I order, it is your part to +submit in silence. + +_Mr. R._ You shall not drive her to despair. + +_Clerk._ Pray, who are you? + +_Mr. R._ One who has been made a beggar by thee and thy master, thou +knave; a formidable beggar. + +_Clerk._ Are you mad? + +_Mr. R._ So well in my senses, that I should apprehend being confined +under pretence of madness, if I were still rich enough. + +_Clerk._ Beware, Sir, how you speak! + +_Mr. R._ Do thou beware of thy life. + +_Clerk._ That is going too far. + +_Mr. R._ Have I not weapons? cannot I fell thee to the earth with this +stick, thou prime agent of villainy? + +_Clerk._ I pity you: but remember, I have persons with me, and full +power to check all resistance; therefore take my advice, and go. + +_Mr. R._ I will go--but, thou fellow! yes, I wilt go, and if I can only +see Philip---- [Exit. + +_Mrs. D._ Oh, Sir! if ever you loved--if ever you trembled for an +unfortunate wife, for a brother, or for a child--then feel my +affliction; be softened, and let me go to my husband. + +_Clerk._ Madam, I have orders to examine you, touching a certain point. +The means of discovering truth I have at hand. Sincerity and +submission, will be your best choice. + +_Mrs. D._ What must I tell? quickly--I beg. + +_Clerk._ If you satisfy me entirely, I promise you shall see Mr. Drave. + +_Mrs. D._ But your questions? + +_Clerk._ You shall be allowed to remain with him, if you desire it. + +_Mrs. D._ Were he in the grave I should desire it. Quick--your +questions. + +_Clerk._ Well--who is here in the house? + +_Mrs. D._ Here? + +_Clerk._ A stranger. + +_Mrs. D._ A stranger? + +_Clerk._ Of acquaintance rather. + +_Mrs. D._ [at a loss]. I think not. + +_Clerk_ [harshly]. No evasion, Madam! That he is in the house, I know: +where is he? + +_Mrs. D._ Sir! + +_Clerk._ Answer! where is he? My attendants can open doors, and +concealment will be dangerous. Where is he? + +_Mrs. D._ [sits down]. Up stairs. + +_Clerk_ [going]. Alone, or somebody with him? + +_Mrs. D._ Mr. Brook and his son are with him. + +_Clerk._ His son? what do you mean? + +_Mrs. D._ The Counsellor. + +_Clerk._ What Counsellor? + +_Mrs. D._ Do not torment me so.--Counsellor Fleffel. + +_Clerk._ So; My Lord has doubtless come to examine himself. Did he say +any thing? + +_Mrs. D._ No! + +_Clerk._ Is there no fourth person with him? no old man? + +_Mrs. D._ No! yes! Oh, torture me no more! + +_Clerk._ I shall examine--do you remain here, Madam. [Exit. + +_Mrs. D._ [goes up to the door and calls]. Augusta! Frederick! Augusta! + + Enter AUGUSTA and FREDERICK. + +_Mrs. D._ What an accident! The Chancellor's clerk is here, in search +of the old man. I misunderstood him, and told him the Chancellor was +here; he is gone up stairs. Frederick, see if the house be free; we +must save the old man. [Exit Serv. + +_Augusta._ Have you heard of my father? + +_Mrs. D._ No, good God! no!--The old man, how is he? does he sleep? + +_Augusta._ So softly, so quietly! Alas! it is long, I fear, since he +has slept so. + +_Mrs. D._ Wake him; he must go: wake him. [Exit Augusta. + +_Servant entering._ The hall is full of constables; but, I will try to +lead him down the back stairs, and through the warehouse. + +_Mrs. D._ Go, quick; lead him away, before the clerk returns. + + (Enter Augusta, with the Old Man.) + +_Old Man._ You tear me from my sleep; what will you do with me? + + (Chancellor and Clerk from behind the Scenes). + +_Clerk._ Where? answer, My Lord, where? + +_Chancellor._ Here! help! here! + +_Mrs. D._ Almighty God, they are discovered! + +From behind / _Chancellor._ Break the door open. +the Scenes. \ _Lewis._ Stop! on your life, stop! + + (Noise of forcing a door). + +_Clerk._ _From behind._ God be praised! + + Enter CLERK, a handkerchief round his head, + calling at the door. + +_Clerk._ A surgeon! quick!----Villains. + +_Chancellor_ [entering hastily, embraces the Clerk]. You are my saving +angel. Thank God. + +_Clerk._ My hand is crushed. + +_Chancellor._ I'll pay for the cure. [To the Constables who enter] You +are come? [To the Clerk]. Now, my friend--be Brook secured--my coach, +called--the orders of release countermanded--the other Brook and Drave +secured again; [exit Clerk] you--you shall pay---- + +_Mrs. D._ Have compassion, My Lord! + +_Chancellor._ On you? To assault me! to extort orders from me by +violence! Oh, you shall pay for it, I promise you. + + (Enter CLERK with some papers). + +_Clerk_ [tears the papers to pieces]. There--there are your treacherous +schemes. [Aside to the Chancellor] How happy for me that I got hold of +them! [To Mrs. D.] Now, where is the old man? Out with him! + +_Mrs. D._ [with firmness]. Yes! he is here. You shall see him--see him, +if you can bear it. [Exit]. + +_Chancellor._ Is the old uncle here? + +_Clerk._ Yes, I found him out at last. + +_Mrs. D._ [entering]. He cannot stir. Go yourself. You may kill him, he +says--but he will not stir. + +_Clerk._ Nonsense! [Exit. + + Enter Mr. DRAVE. + +_Mr. D._ Released!--Released! [is going to embrace Mrs. Drave]. + +_Mrs. D._ [retiring]. Away! unhappy man--go away! + +_Mr. D._ [perceiving the Chancellor]. You here? + +_Chancellor._ Yes, fortunately. + +_Mrs. D._ [embracing Drave.] Now, now, you may kill us--separate us you +cannot--never-- + +_Mr. D._ Who shall dare that? + +_Chancellor._ The jail. + +_Mr. D._ What? am I not released by your warrant? + +_Chancellor._ By an extorted warrant. You would bring me to contempt +and shame; but I will have ample revenge. + + (Servant endeavouring to hold the Old Man, while + the Clerk tries to tear him away from him). + +_Clerk._ Villain! let him go! + +_Mr. D._ Merciful God! the old Gronau! + +_Old Man._ Drave, it is your voice--help, save me! + +_Chancellor._ Off with him! + +_Mr. D._ Look, at him; he is almost expiring. Rob him of his money, but +let his soul depart in peace. + +_Clerk._ Silence! + +_Mr. D._ Cease, torturer! He is a dying man--In one hour, perhaps, his +soul will be in Heaven, accusing thee of murder----cease! + +_Chancellor._ Here! Constables! + +_Mr. D._ My last strength for his grey hairs. + + (CLERK going, meets PHILIP BROOK.) + +_Philip_ [joyfully]. Drave, we are saved, we are saved! + +_Mr. D._ Is it true? + +_Philip._ It is! it is. + +_Chancellor._ What mean you, Sir? + +_Philip_ [seeing the Old Man]. My uncle? kind Heaven, I thank thee! + +_Old Man._ Who is it? + +_Mr. D._ Philip! your nephew Philip. + +_Philip_ [turning to the Chancellor]. Look as him--at this face--those +grey hairs--those hands which you put in fetters: fifteen years of his +life, of liberty, thou hast stolen from him. + +_Chancellor_ [laughs]. + +_Philip._ Feign tranquillity--cover thy horror with hypocrisy: this +scene thou canst not bear. Look--look here, at the marks of the chains +upon these hands--here I place him before thee: so will he stand before +thee in Heaven, with all those whom thou hast wronged and undone; then +before the Almighty Judge will he say, "Thou hast given thy soul to +eternal perdition, for the love of gain." + +_Chancellor_ [in a fury]. Off with this fellow! + + Clerk going to take hold of him. + +_Philip._ Stop! [gives the Clerk a paper, which he overlooks, and hands +to the Chancellor]. Read that--[To the company] From my prison I wrote +to our excellent Minister--being released by his warrant, and hearing +from Rose what passed here, I hastened to my noble protector, who gave +me an order by which all farther proceedings here are stopped, and that +wretch is suspended from all his employments, till the justice of his +country shall have decided on the punishment so long due to his +unparalleled crimes. Oh, my good uncle, my dear Drave, we are now safe. + +(The Clerk makes off unperceived. The Chancellor starts at the paper, +and continues to read it, as if he would never have done). + +_Philip._ You know the hand writing? + +_Chancellor_ [folds up the paper with a forced laugh]. + +_Philip._ Laugh thyself to convulsions, if thou canst. + +_Chancellor._ Take care, Sir! take care! [Going. + +_Philip_ [stopping him]. I must look thee in the face once more. Thou +art a distinguished villain--Thou hast raised thyself by complicated +knavery, from the dust, to exalted power. Thy soul was the price, and +thou hast paid it.--Under the mask of religion thou hast been the +scourge of many a noble and honest heart.--Now, behold me!--Without +blood, without intrigue, armed only with a just cause, I have levelled +thee with thy original dust. Go; and if thou seriously believest in a +strict trial to come--repent, repent, before the gates of Eternity +close upon thy dark spirit for ever. [Exit Chancellor in manifest +confusion. + +_Rose._ Then it is true! + +_Philip._ Our Minister has observed him with attention; he has long +suspected--I have given the blow--his fall is inevitable. + +_Lewis_ [enters hastily, and embraces Philip]. Oh, my dear brother! + +_Philip._ My dear Lewis! + +_Rose_ [tenderly]. Would you not have it so? Drave? + +_Drave._ Yes, yes. + +_Lewis._ I am sensible of my faults, and exerted all my efforts to +repair the mischief I had occasioned: but my brother alone was worthy, +by his virtues, to restore the happiness I had destroyed. Oh, Drave, my +father, much-injured father! my mother--Augusta, my Augusta, can you +forgive? Can repentance---- + +_Philip._ Drave, he is my brother, and his heart is good. + +_Lewis._ Oh, forgive--deny me not this----Augusta, my tutelary angel. + +_Drave_ [taking Augusta's hand]. Lewis, I believe your repentance +sincere. Yet, dear as my daughter is, you will not wonder that I should +refuse to resign her to you, till I shall see reason to be satisfied +that you are entirely reformed. I confess, however, that I do not feel +disposed to put your patience to a very long trial. Those downcast +eyes, and this trembling hand, convince me that my decision will be +approved. Take it then, Lewis, [giving him Augusta's hand] and live +with the hope, I might say the certainty, that I shall shortly bestow +it on you for ever. + +_Lewis._ Oh, my father! it is more than I deserved, or could have dared +to hope--never will I give you cause to repent of your confidence. + +_Drave_ [leading Augusta to Rose]. Rose, I give you a daughter, who +shall console you in your old-age! [To the old man] Good old father, +here are your children again. + + (PHILIP and LEWIS embrace their uncle.) + +_Old Man._ God's blessings be upon you, my children! Children of +my dear Maria in Heaven--support me in your arms, which broke my +chains--In them I will expire, with prayers for your happiness, with +blessings on thee, Philip, my supporter and guardian angel. + + + + + F I N I S + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nephews: A Play, in Five Acts., by +William Augustus Iffland + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NEPHEWS: A PLAY, IN FIVE ACTS. *** + +***** This file should be named 31667.txt or 31667.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/1/6/6/31667/ + +Produced by Charles Bowen, from scans provided by Google Books + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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