The Nephews: A Play, in Five Acts. Part 8

_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 a.s.sured 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: n.o.body 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 G.o.d'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 n.o.ble 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 pa.s.sion, 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.