_Philip._ Do not alarm yourself on this account, Madam. I am witness he exceeded his power. Be composed. We have no time to lose. In the first place, we must prevent this affair from proceeding farther; you will therefore consider my property as your own. _Mr. D._ No! _Philip._ Why not? I cannot lose by it. _Mr. D._ You do not know that. A merchant is above all people liable to accidents. _Philip._ But, my dear Sir! _Mr. D._ My refusal does not proceed from pride. Heaven sent me this trial. Supported by the consciousness of having done my duty, I can bear misfortune; but dare not throw it upon you. If you will assist me, my good friend, help me to arrange my papers. Do you, my wife and Augusta, behave with fortitude; your courage will console me.----Look at me, Brook. Do I appear dejected? Do not I seem rather to be upheld by an unknown, sacred power? I cannot account for it, but this change does not affect me so sensibly.--Come, my friend! why so serious? _Philip._ Then you deny my wishes? _Mr. D._ I dare not consent. _Philip._ You are the father of a family. _Mr. D._ And God above, the father of innocent sufferers. (Enter a Servant hastily). _Serv._ For God's sake, Sir, what has happened? there are two men come to arrest you. _Mr. D._ Whom? _Serv._ You! A writ from the Chancellor. _Mr. D._ That is too much. _Philip._ Too much? No! just enough; exactly what I wanted! [With coldness] Go, in the name of God! _Mr. D._ So publicly! 'tis hard.--Fortune, character, perhaps life----all in one day----Well, well, take it wretch, and God forgive thee!----[embraces his wife and daughter]. Brook, support my wife and child--[leaving them]. Soon, soon, we shall meet again! [Exit. [Mrs. Drave and Augusta following him]. _Philip_ [stopping them]. Stay; you must be composed. Go into your own room; promise me not to leave it. _Mrs. D._ What do you require? _Philip._ Go in there. I must leave you now. I shall return--Adieu! _Augusta._ Pray, Sir, stop! _Mrs. D._ Where are you going, my dear friend? _Philip_ [with forced coldness]. A short way. [Looking at his watch] In half an hour I shall return. Should I not--but you will certainly see me then. [Exit, leading Mrs. D. and Augusta to the door.] SCENE II. A Room at the Chancellor's. Counsellor entering with papers in his hand. John! [Serv. enters]. Sir! _Counsellor._ Send in the porter. [Exit Servant. Counsellor looking at the papers]. That will do very well. As Brook stands plaintiff, all the odium will fall upon him; we only give him what the law prescribes. [Enter Porter.] Take that immediately to the Commissioners--say, I shall have the honour of waiting on them myself towards evening. [Porter going] I request them to be expeditious. [Exit Porter]. Well, well, Mr. Drave, I think you will learn better manners, and take care how you forbid people your house again.