Clar. Your faults are many and great; your native town knows them, and despises you. I cannot see you lowered thus, Jack. It has not been in my power to make a great man of you, but I have educated you to be an honest man. I have taken care of the tree, while young, and now it is grown up, one branch decays after the other. And if it must be so, that no green sprig shall henceforth flourish, then I will turn my eyes from it, visit it no more, nor live on the spot where the withered stem, that I am so fond of, shall fall.
P. Coun. Father!
Clar. I cannot weep; but I feel myself very ill on your account. Enter a Servant.
Serv. The company is waiting for the Privy Counsellor.
P. Coun. I am coming.
[Exit Servant.
Clar. Dear son, do not let me go without you. Behold! you may still go with me as half a good man; we will all strive to mend the other bad half.--Have pity on yourself and me; you stand, upon my word, on the spot where the road divides,--the bad people in there, and here your old father. They hold out to you good and high life; I offer you peace and happiness.--For God's sake, Jack, follow me!
P. Coun. (embraces him.) I cannot do that; but I vow to you I will yet do much.
Clar. That is a good word, and no more. Farewell, I will set off.--I shall not see you again. Once more give me your hand.
P. Coun. No, I shall not do that. I will not part with you in this manner.