SCENE XI.
Enter Gernau and Frederica.
Clar. Jack is my son once more,--vivat! huzza! husband and wife! (steps between them,) son and daughter! (Embraces him.)
Fred. What?
Gern. How?
Clar. More of it another time.
P. Coun. I will resign.
Clar. Look you here, my sweet girl! he was not calculated for it, no more than a true genuine christian Privy Counsellor is calculated for a carpenter. He has had some learning indeed; but then all that solid by-work, such as is requisite for a Privy Counsellor, of that he never was possessed; and so sit down to work. I must work too; we will scrape plenty of money together, without wronging any one. Daughter-in-law, Frederica, and I, will nurse him as the best soul we know. Now pray give the girl a kiss, that I may believe in the relationship.--(Sophia kisses her.)--And Jack too, that I may be quite happy!--(Sophia gives him a kiss.)--And so God bless you in your pursuits!
Soph. (to the Privy Counsellor.) My father will be your father; and, if ever he could forget it, spare him, and treat him with filial affection.
P. Coun. I promise it. I shall apply once more for his consent, which I once obtained.
Fred. Before you resign?
Clar. No, that were a cheat.--But, dear Jack, all,--how shall I call it? (half audible,) all the earnings of unjust Privy Counsellors,--return them to whom they may belong, then you can work with heart-felt satisfaction.