_Bates._ Like one (so Dawson says) whose senses had been numbed by misery. When all was lost, he fixed his eyes upon the ground, and stood some time, with folded arms, stupid and motionless. Then snatching his sword, that hung against the wainscot, he sat him down; and with a look of fixt attention, drew figures on the floor. At last he started up, looked wild, and trembled; and like a woman, seized with her sex's fits, laughed out aloud, while the tears trickled down his face--so left the room. _Stu._ Why, this was madness. _Bates._ The madness of despair. _Stu._ We must confine him then. A prison would do well. (_A knocking at the door._) Hark! that knocking may be his. Go that way down. (_Exit Bates._) Who's there? SCENE IV. _Enter LEWSON._ _Lew._ An enemy. An open and avowed one. _Stu._ Why am I thus broke in upon? This house is mine, Sir; and should protect me from insult and ill-manners. _Lew._ Guilt has no place of sanctuary; wherever found, 'tis virtue's lawful game. The fox's hold, and tyger's den, are no security against the hunter. _Stu._ Your business, Sir? _Lew._ To tell you that I know you--Why this confusion? That look of guilt and terror? Is Beverley awake? Or has his wife told tales? The man that dares like You, should have a soul to justify his deeds, and courage to confront accusers. Not with a coward's fear to shrink beneath reproof. _Stu._ Who waits there? [_Aloud, and in confusion._ _Lew._ By heaven, he dies that interrupts us. (_Shutting the door._) You should have weighed your strength, Sir; and then, instead of climbing to high fortune, the world had marked you for what you are, a little paultry villain. _Stu._ You think I fear you. _Lew._ I know you fear me. This is to prove it. (_Pulls him by the sleeve._) You wanted privacy! A lady's presence took up your attention! Now we are alone, Sir.--Why, what a wretch! (_Flings him from him._) The vilest insect in creation will turn when trampled on; yet has this Thing undone a man--by cunning and mean arts undone him. But we have found you, Sir; traced you through all your labyrinths. If you would save yourself, fall to confession: no mercy will be shewn else. _Stu._ First prove me what you think me. Till then, your threatenings are in vain. And for this insult, vengeance may yet be mine. _Lew._ Infamous coward! Why, take it now then-- (_Draws, and Stukely retires._) Alas! I pity thee. Yet that a wretch like this should overcome a Beverley! it fills me with astonishment! A wretch, so mean of soul, that even desperation cannot animate him to look upon an enemy. You should not thus have soared, Sir, unless, like others of your black profession, you had a sword to keep the fools in awe, your villainy has ruined. _Stu._ Villainy! 'Twere best to curb this licence of your tongue; for know, Sir, while there are laws, this outrage on my reputation will not be borne with.