Stra. [Angry.] Silence! Dare you flatter me?
Fra. As I look to Heaven for mercy, I speak from my heart. When I observe how you are doing good around you, how you are making every individual's wants your own, and are yet yourself unhappy, alas! my heart bleeds for you.
Stra. I thank you, Francis. I can only thank you. Yet share this consolation with me:—my sufferings are unmerited.
Fra. My poor master!
Stra. Have you forgotten what the old man said this morning? "There is another and a better world!" Oh, 'twas true. Then let us hope with fervency, and yet endure with patience!—What's here?
Enter Charlotte, from the Park gate.
Char. I presume, sir, you are the strange gentleman that drew my young master out of the water?—[The Stranger reads.] Or [To Francis.] are you he? [Francis makes a wry face.] Are the creatures both dumb? [Looks at them by turns.] Surely, old Solomon has fixed two statues here, by way of ornament; for of any use there is no sign. [Approaches Francis.] No, this is alive, and breathes; yes, and moves its eyes. [Bawls in his ear.] Good friend!
Fra. I'm not deaf.
Char. No, nor dumb, I perceive at last.—Is yon lifeless thing your master?
Fra. That honest silent gentleman is my master.