Chancellor. No; and the cold marble floor of the Palace has quite chilled me. What have you here? [Seats himself at the breakfast table.] Our most excellent Prince has been heaping new favours upon me. You have heard, no doubt, [to Lewis] of the bustle there has been. An underclerk of the Treasury, a man of no extraction, accused me of a fraud, in executing the late regulations for the distribution of corn to the poor.
Lewis. So I have been informed—and what is our Prince's pleasure?
Chancellor. As the man could bring no evidence whatever, his Serene Highness, for the reparation of my honour, has been graciously pleased to punish him.
Lewis. And in what manner?
Chancellor. The warrant was signed yesterday, [drinks]—To be cashiered and banished.
Lewis. He is pretty well rewarded.
Chancellor. I have supplicated, my dear Sir, for a mitigation of the sentence—but in vain——Samuel, cut me a wing of that fowl——I have sent another letter, on your account, to Mr. Drave.
Lewis. Too kind, my Lord.
Chancellor. I long to see his answer. To my last he sent an absolute refusal.
Lewis. Is it possible? Can he dare?