Speed the Plough Part 16

_Henry._ With such severity, that even now he is about to ruin these worthy creatures, because they have protected me.

_Mor._ Indeed! misfortune has made him cruel. That should not be.

_Ash._ Noa, it should not, indeed, zur.

_Mor._ It shall not be.

_Ash._ Shan't it, zur? But how shan't it?

_Mor._ I will prevent it.

_Ash._ Wool ye faith, and troth? Now, dame, did not I zay zome good luck would turn up?

_Henry._ Oh, sir, did I hear you rightly? Will you preserve my friends?--will you avert the cruel arm of power, and make the virtuous happy? my tears must thank you. [_Taking his hand._

_Mor._ [_Disengaging his hand._] Young man, you oppress me--forbear! I do not merit thanks--pay your grat.i.tude where you are sure 'tis due--to Heaven. Observe me--here is a bond of Sir Philip Blandford's for 1000_l_.--do you present it to him, and obtain a discharge for the debt of this worthy man. The rest is at your own disposal--no thanks.

_Henry._ But, sir, to whom am I thus highly indebted?

_Mor._ My name is Morrington. At present that information must suffice.

_Henry._ Morrington.

_Ash._ [_Bowing._] Zur, if I may be so bold--

_Mor._ Nay, friend----

_Ash._ Don't be angry, I hadn't thanked you, zur, nor I won't.--Only, zur, I were going to ax, when you wou'd call again. You shall have my stamp note vor the money, you shall, indeed, zur. And in the mean time, I do hope you'll take zomeit in way of remembrance as 'twere.

_Dame._ Will your honour put a couple of turkies in your pocket?

_Ash._ Or pop a ham under your arm? don't ye zay no, if it's agreeable.

_Mor._ Farewell, good friends, I shall repeat my visit soon.

_Dame._ The sooner the better.

_Ash._ Good bye to ye, zur,--Dame and I wool go to work as merry as crickets. Good bye, Henry.

_Dame._ Heaven bless your honour--and I hope you will carry as much joy away with you, as you leave behind you--I do indeed.

[_Exeunt_ ASHFIELD _and Dame._

_Mor._ Young man, proceed to the Castle, and demand an audience of Sir Philip Blandford. In your way thither, I'll instruct you further.--Give me your hand. [_Exeunt_ MORRINGTON, _looking stedfastly_ _on_ HENRY, GERALD _following._

SCENE II.

_An Apartment in the Castle._

SIR PHILIP BLANDFORD _discovered_--MISS BLANDFORD _reading._

_Miss B._ Shall I proceed to the next essay?

_Sir Philip._ What does it treat of?

_Miss B._ Love and friendship.

_Sir Philip._ A satire?

_Miss B._ No, father;--an eulogy.

Sir _Philip._ Thus do we find, in the imaginations of men, what we in vain look for in their hearts.--Lay it by. [_A knocking at the door._]

Come in--

_Enter_ EVERGREEN.

_Everg._ My dear master, I am a pet.i.tioner to you.

_Sir Philip._ [_Rises._] None possesses a better claim to my favour--ask, and receive.

_Everg._ I thank you, sir. The unhappy Henry--

_Miss B._ What of him?

_Sir Philip._ Emma, go to your apartment.

_Miss B._ Poor Henry!

_Sir Philip._ Imprudent man!

_Everg._ [SIR PHILIP _turns from hint with resentment._] Nay, be not angry; he is without, and entreats to be admitted.

_Sir Philip._ I cannot, will not, again behold him.

_Everg._ I am sorry you refuse me, as it compels me to repeat his words: "If," said he, "Sir Philip denies my humble request, tell him, I demand to see him."

_Sir Philip._ Demand to see me! well, his _high_ command shall be obeyed then [_Sarcastically_]. Bid him approach. [_Exit_ EVERGREEN.

_Enter_ HENRY.

_Sir Philip._ By what t.i.tle, sir, do you thus intrude on me?

_Henry._ By one of an imperious nature, the t.i.tle of a creditor.

_Sir Philip._ I _your_ debtor!

_Henry._ Yes; for you owe me justice. You, perhaps, withhold from me the inestimable treasure of a parent's blessing.