_Counsellor enters._ Is he gone? _Clerk._ No, he waits in the gallery. _Counsellor._ Go to my father, he wants you--I will see after him. Enter COUNSELLOR and PHILIP. _Counsellor._ Forgive me, dear Sir--but you know---- _Philip._ May I hope to speak to My Lord now? _Counsellor._ Immediately--business, you know, sometimes occurs---- _Philip_ [going up to the Chancellor's room door]. My Lord is there, I presume. _Chancellor entering._ Your most obedient, Mr. Brook--Chairs, my son----an unexpected honour indeed! _Philip._ My Lord, I wish to speak to you in private. _Chancellor._ Most willingly. [Looks significantly at his son--exit Counsellor]. What can I do for you? _Philip._ My Lord, I ask your assistance to save an honest man from ruin. _Chancellor._ What assistance? for whom? speak, my dear Sir! _Philip._ Mr. Drave is the person I mean--whatever you may do for him, I shall consider as a favour---- _Chancellor._ So, so! Mr. Drave the merchant--But you speak of ruin--why so? _Philip._ Of ruin, into which the literal application of the law will plunge him, if his well-known integrity, and ability to pay gradually, be not attended to. _Chancellor._ The law, my dear Sir, must take its course. _Philip._ Certainly; but remember, it dictates equity. _Chancellor._ You are a noble young man, of the best intentions: [takes his hand] I am rejoiced at this opportunity of contracting an acquaintance with you. _Philip._ May I hope for Mr. Drave? _Chancellor._ Give me leave to say, in this case, the unaccountable disposal of your brother's property, without any authority, cannot be overlooked. _Philip._ Mr. Rose was the richest merchant in the city. _Chancellor._ Yet he has failed. _Philip._ Drave has given security. _Chancellor._ Very true; and his property is seized, that your brother may not lose. _Philip._ But why is he confined? _Chancellor._ Not for that; but to prevent farther trouble from his violence. _Philip._ But there is no plaintiff. _Chancellor._ Undoubtedly there is. _Philip._ Who? _Chancellor._ Your brother. _Philip._ No! impossible! _Chancellor._ 'Tis however true. _Philip._ Very well; but notwithstanding, all farther proceedings must cease. Drave is free [rises and puts his chair aside]. _Chancellor_ [does the same]. How so? free? _Philip._ I give bail. _Chancellor._ Very noble, very christian-like indeed!--but it will not do. _Philip._ Why not? _Chancellor._ You are not of age. _Philip_ [astonished]. But you rob him of every thing; credit, honour, fortune---- _Chancellor._ He may always recover himself. _Philip._ Drive him, his wife and daughter, to despair! _Chancellor._ Good God! I am very sorry; but what can I do? _Philip._ Then you are determined, my Lord, to proceed your own way. _Chancellor._ It is the law. _Philip._ To ruin Mr. Drave? _Chancellor._ No, not that. _Philip._ It is downright injustice.