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.