Lewis [hastily]. Speak! who are you?
Old Man. Be not angry, my good Sir. I will tell you every thing——but do not beat me [Kneels]. I will tell you all——[Augusta raises him]. Yes, it was in the year——have patience—my head always aches so, when I try to recollect any thing—but I shall soon do it—Yes—I was carried away, and imprisoned for many, many years: I was strictly guarded in a close dark vault. It was for high treason, they said—It was a favour I was not beheaded.
Lewis. Go on, go on.
Old Man. I soon learned to bear it. But sometimes when I heard the sound of music, or of people walking over my head, oh! then I wished to be in the world again. Often in the cold nights I could not forbear to weep; but they used to beat me, and so I broke myself of that, and now I can weep no more.
Mrs. D. Poor old man!
Lewis [doubtfully]. Old man, who are you?
Old Man. At last, as I grew so old, they watched me more carelessly.—One night I found my door left unlocked, and went away: ever since I have been wandering about, and lived by begging alms.
Lewis. And your relations?
Old Man. Oh, yes, yes, I had relations; but they are dead—their children confined me, for the sake of my fortune. Yet I saved only for them—Oh, when I remember that, my eyes grow hot, but I cannot weep——They are my sister's children.
Lewis [kneeling]. Merciful Heaven!