The Nephews: A Play, in Five Acts. Part 14

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 a.s.sertions, 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 G.o.d!----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 pet.i.tioner, 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 a.s.sist 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 a.s.sist 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 a.s.sist me, my good friend, help me to arrange my papers. Do you, my wife and Augusta, behave with fort.i.tude; 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 G.o.d above, the father of innocent sufferers.

(Enter a Servant hastily).

_Serv._ For G.o.d'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 G.o.d!

_Mr. D._ So publicly! 'tis hard.--Fortune, character, perhaps life----all in one day----Well, well, take it wretch, and G.o.d 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!