_Old Man._ Be not angry, my good Sir. I will tell you every thing----but do not beat me [Kneels]. I will tell you all----[Augusta raises him]. Yes, it was in the year----have patience--my head always aches so, when I try to recollect any thing--but I shall soon do it--Yes--I was carried away, and imprisoned for many, many years: I was strictly guarded in a close dark vault. It was for high treason, they said--It was a favour I was not beheaded. _Lewis._ Go on, go on. _Old Man._ I soon learned to bear it. But sometimes when I heard the sound of music, or of people walking over my head, oh! then I wished to be in the world again. Often in the cold nights I could not forbear to weep; but they used to beat me, and so I broke myself of that, and now I can weep no more. _Mrs. D._ Poor old man! _Lewis_ [doubtfully]. Old man, who are you? _Old Man._ At last, as I grew so old, they watched me more carelessly.--One night I found my door left unlocked, and went away: ever since I have been wandering about, and lived by begging alms. _Lewis._ And your relations? _Old Man._ Oh, yes, yes, I had relations; but they are dead--their children confined me, for the sake of my fortune. Yet I saved only for them--Oh, when I remember that, my eyes grow hot, but I cannot weep----They are my sister's children. _Lewis_ [kneeling]. Merciful Heaven! _Mrs. D._ It is he! _Augusta._ Who? _Lewis_ [hastily rising]. My uncle! my uncle! I am Brook; your nephew, your sister's son; the son of your dear Maria. _Old Man_ [turning from him]. He will betray me. Oh, speak to him not to put me into jail again. _Lewis._ Cease, cease! _Old Man._ Keep all my property; but for your dear mother's sake, do not let me be imprisoned again. _Mrs. D._ He loves you, sincerely loves you. _Augusta._ What a scene! _Old Man_ [goodnaturedly]. Will you not shut me up again then?--tell me--No, I am sure you will not. _Lewis._ Brother of my revered mother in heaven, can you ask? Do not you feel it? It is the son of your good Maria who weeps before you. _Old Man._ Let me look at your face--yes--I believe--I have been away fifteen years, and cannot recollect every thing--but I believe you are he---- _Mrs. D._ It is he. _Old Man._ Is it Philip or Lewis? _Lewis._ I am Lewis, Lewis the youngest. _Old Man_ [wiping his eyes]. Come to my arms, Lewis! _Lewis_ [with emotion]. Oh, did not the weight of my guilt lie so heavy on me!--Here I vow severe revenge. _Servant entering._ My Lord the Chancellor is coming up stairs. _Lewis._ Well, well, I'll to them. Orders to release Drave and my brother, are my first requests: I shall also strongly urge reparation. If they refuse--if they even hesitate--woe on the villains! [Exit. _Old Man._ What does he mean? Where is he going? _Mrs. D._ Good old man, it is a decisive hour--pray to Heaven to assist us. _Old Man._ You are not happy? _Mrs. D._ No, oh no! [Enter Rose hastily, with a Servant].