_Mr. Carv._ No, no--stand still till I have breath.--What I want is a copy of a letter I dropped some where or other--here I think it must have been, when I took out my handkerchief--a copy of a letter to his Excellency--of great consequence. (_Mr. CARVER sits down and takes breath._) _Pat._ (_searching about with officious haste_) If it’s above ground, I’ll find it. What’s this?--an old bill: that is not it. Would it be this, crumpled up?--“To His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.” _Mr. Carv._ (_snatching_) No farther, for your life! _Pat._ Well then I was lucky I found it, and proud. _Mr. Carv._ And well you may be, young man; for I can assure you, on this letter the fate of Ireland may depend. (_Smoothing the letter on his knee._) _Pat._ I wouldn’t doubt it--when it’s a letter of your honour’s--I know your honour’s a great man at the castle. And plase your honour, I take this opportunity of tanking your honour for the encouragement I got about that little clerk’s place--and here’s a copy of my hand-writing I’d wish to show your honour, to see I’m capable--and a scholard. _Mr. Carv._ Hand-writing! Bless me, young man, I have no time to look at your hand-writing, sir. With the affairs of the nation on my shoulders--can you possibly think?--is the boy mad?--that I’ve time to revise every poor scholar’s copy-book? _Pat._ I humbly beg your honour’s pardon, but it was only becaase I’d wish to show I was not quite so unworthy to be under (whin you’ve time) your honour’s protection, as promised. _Mr. Carv._ My protection?--you are not under my protection, sir:--promised clerk’s place?--I do not conceive what you are aiming at, sir. _Pat._ The little clerk’s place, plase your honour--that my master, Counshillor O’Blaney, tould me he spoke about to your honour, and was recommending me for to your honour. _Mr. Carv._ Never--never heard one syllable about it, till this moment. _Pat._ Oh! murder:--but I expict your honour’s goodness will-- _Mr. Carv._ To make your mind easy, I promised to appoint a young man to that place, a week ago, by Counsellor O’Blaney’s special recommendation. So there must be some mistake. [_Exit Mr. CARVER._] _PAT, alone._