_Chancellor._ Oh, fair and softly goes far; only be on your guard. (Servant entering.) The coach, my Lord! _Chancellor._ Come! [Exeunt. SCENE II. At Mr. Drave's. Enter Mr. DRAVE and PHILIP BROOK. _Mr. D._ Indeed, Brook, I must confess your inactivity vexes me. _Philip._ You mistake for inactivity, a mere external forbearance. _Mr. D._ It is easier to complain of mankind, than to act for their welfare. The first is the part of a gloomy, discontented mind; the latter, the virtue of a good citizen, and should be yours. _Philip._ Now then I will speak. By my affection for my guiltless and injured uncle, it _shall_ be mine. I am bound, as his relation, to rescue him from captivity. The rights of humanity are injured in his person. Though apparently quiet, I am seeking to revenge him; and what you call inactivity shall not prove without advantage to my country. _Mr. D._ If this be so, I commend you. _Philip._ I have pretended to bear with indifference, that my designs might not be crossed. My plan both to liberate my uncle, and to entangle a villain in his own snares, is nearly ripe. I have long sought for proofs: I now have them, and the hopes of our worthy Minister's support, if they shall appear to him convincing. The most important witness I still expect. _Mr. D._ And who is it? _Philip._ My uncle himself. I bribed his keeper to let him escape, and sent persons to meet him. They missed him, and he is gone alone, I know not whither. The Chancellor, as well as myself, is seeking him. When once I have found him, the mine shall blow up. _Mr. D._ Heaven bless you, my noble friend! Enter LEWIS BROOK. _Mr. D._ But here comes somebody you must speak to [going up to the door--returns and steps between the two brothers]. The last words of your father on his death-bed were, "Live united like brothers." [Exit. Drave. _Lewis_ [rather at a loss]. I am glad, indeed, I am happily surprised---- _Philip._ Happily surprised? I thank you, brother. _Lewis_ [with feigned interest]. Undoubtedly; it is long since we have met each other. _Philip._ It is. [A pause]. Do we live like brothers? _Lewis._ Indeed, if all is not right, you are in fault; you require too much. _Philip._ Require too much? Your own welfare! brotherly affection! is that too much? Our interviews are prepared by strangers. Things are gone far; and perhaps even this meeting may avail nothing. _Lewis_ [with seeming politeness]. For my part, you may depend upon me: upon my honour---- _Philip._ Lewis, I spoke with a full heart, and you answer with outward civilities. _Lewis._ You mistake me: I am heartily inclined to a reconciliation. _Philip._ So! I should think it unnecessary! _Lewis._ How you take that again!