I like you very much—but not, perhaps, as much as you like me. LORD TOLL. George, you're a noble fellow, but that tell-tale tear betrays you. No, George; you are very fond of me, and I cannot consent to give you a week's uneasiness on my account. LORD MOUNT. But, dear Thomas, it would not last a week! Remember, you lead the House of Lords! On your demise I shall take your place! Oh, Thomas, it would not last a day! PHYL. (coming down). Now, I do hope you're not going to fight about me, because it's really not worth while. LORD TOLL. (looking at her). Well, I don't believe it is! LORD MOUNT. Nor I. The sacred ties of Friendship are paramount. QUARTET—LORD MOUNTARARAT, LORD TOLLOLLER, PHYLLIS, and PRIVATE WILLIS. LORD TOLL. Though p'r'aps I may incur your blame, The things are few I would not do In Friendship's name! LORD MOUNT. And I may say I think the same; Not even love Should rank above True Friendship's name! PHYL. Then free me, pray; be mine the blame; Forget your craze And go your ways In Friendship's name! ALL. Oh, many a man, in Friendship's name, Has yielded fortune, rank, and fame! But no one yet, in the world so wide, Has yielded up a promised bride! WILLIS. Accept, O Friendship, all the same, ALL. This sacrifice to thy dear name! (Exeunt Lord Mountararat and Lord Tolloller, lovingly, in one direction, and Phyllis in another. Exit Sentry.) (Enter Lord Chancellor, very miserable.) RECITATIVE—LORD CHANCELLOR. Love, unrequited, robs me of my rest: Love, hopeless love, my ardent soul encumbers: Love, nightmare-like, lies heavy on my chest, And weaves itself into my midnight slumbers! SONG—LORD CHANCELLOR.