P. Coun. Man does not warp all at once, but by degrees. Providence lent me a hand. (Lays Sophia's hand on his breast.) You even look kinder than you used to do.
Fred. I should never have forgiven you, if you had compelled me to give my hand to Selling.
P. Coun. Dear Frederica!
Clar. Well, well! that was done while he was intoxicated with foreign wine. The cup of pride produces that,--a good and useful beverage for those that quaff it in moderation. Whoever cannot do that, had better drink home-made wine.
Soph. But what do you intend to do with regard to your office, and the charge brought against you concerning the monopoly?
P. Coun. I mean to set off for the capital, and candidly lay the whole before the Minister; he is a good man; I will tell him I assumed a burthen too heavy for my shoulders, and entreat him to lay it on some person better suited to bear it.
Clar. That is right, Jack! When I was desired to sketch a design for the Prince's palace in our neighbourhood, I also said, "Please your Highness, I am a carpenter; the undertaking is beyond my sphere; send for an architect, and what he plans I will endeavour to execute. My head may conceive the plan for a common dwelling-house well enough, but not for a palace; and so I do not wish to step out of my line." The old Prince has since repeatedly thanked me for it, and said, with a significant nod, "You were right, master, Clarenbach! I wish some of my counsellors would do the same, and, when called on, say, I am not fit to fill that office. But they take the hatchet in hand, and slash away without any art or judgment."--My dear son, throw it down, and let some good political carpenter take it up. God be with you!
SCENE IX.
Enter Lawyer Wellenberg.
Well. Are you all here?--thank God!