PERCY. Ay, misery!--beggary !—what you will! LESTER. I pray you, by remembrance of young days, PERCY. Lester! thou knowest the wandering life I've led; What riddle's this? LESTER. PERCY (occasionally walking the stage). (Crossing.) Oh, shame on me! Oh, sin of all most vile ! And makes man wail his immortality! LESTER (advancing to Percy, and taking him by Speak-speak! PERCY. Oh, deem me not what I have seemed to be! LESTER. What horrid deed is that which thou hast done? PERCY (advancing to Lester). Lester! that Grimes does hold a bond from me Of twice two thousand pounds! This very day (Lester starts.) 'Tis due, and I have not the means to meet it. LESTER. And is that all which makes my friend so sad? You have outrun your rents? Nay, is 't not so? (Percy buries his face in his hands.) PERCY (in a most impassioned tone). Worse-worse than that: for in an evil hour (violently) Oh, that were light, indeed, to th' heavy weight LESTER. Why hast concealed this sickening news from me? PERCY. Look on this world, and tell me what thou seest: Or golden clouds, that shade the blue of heaven, Of beings who have been their source of life! LESTER (in a most impassioned tone). Thou wrong'st the world by judging, as thou dost, Breathes many a soul which lives not to itself; That, like the sparkling crystal in the mine, Sheds a pure light, unnoticed and alone. Then shake from thee, like dust, these wretched thoughts; And, as I freely offer ample means To liquidate thy most unhappy debt, Believe that hearts are ever to be found, Whose friendship neither can be bought with gold, Nor lost for lack of it. (Takes out a note-book.) PERCY (buries his face in his hands). I cannot speak my thanks! LESTER (looking over bills, and selecting). And by a house in Guernsey will be paid: These shall be drawn by Master Grimes: (Exeunt.) SCENE II.-An old-fashioned apartment in Grimes's house; a table in flat, with account-books, pens, and ink. Grimes seated, in an attitude of thought. A lighted lamp on the table. GRIMES (reading a note). SIR William Stanton will be here By eight o' th' clock. (Throwing note on table.) The man I've hunted over half the globe;- Nor eyes half-drowned with tears, nor the memory (Takes watch out.) Why, this is well. That Percy Manley, too, Who spends his gold with such a lavish hand, He's beggared, past a doubt; or I have sadly missed My aim. Hark! (Knocking goes to the door.) What! Percy Manley! and at this late hour! PERCY (outside). Better so late, than later, to be ruined; My friend, good Master Grimes. pay for time and room. He cannot enter. (As if to person outside) Sir, you will oblige Me greatly, by retiring from the door. (Enter Percy.) Now, gallant cavalier. (Grimes closes door as Percy enters.) PERCY (crossing to R.). Your manners are ATLANTIC I presume! At least your heart's as deep, though not so OPEN! GRIMES (sits down in his chair). You've known me ere this day! Pray take a seat! PERCY. Pray, Master Grimes, what is your private charge GRIMES. Five thousand pounds to you! PERCY. Dost let thy rooms? GRIMES. Yes! but not to beggars. PERCY. My purse was once well filled, good Master Grimes: |