Chapter 4

At the Chancellor's.

The CHANCELLOR and a CLERK entering on different sides.

_Chancellor._ I was looking for you. What news?

_Clerk._ Every thing goes on very well, Sir.

_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 L.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 assured 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: nobody 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 God'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.