The Nephews: A Play, in Five Acts. Part 17

_Chancellor._ You are a n.o.ble 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 n.o.ble, 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 G.o.d! 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----