Rose [tenderly]. Would you not have it so? Drave?
Drave. Yes, yes.
Lewis. I am sensible of my faults, and exerted all my efforts to repair the mischief I had occasioned: but my brother alone was worthy, by his virtues, to restore the happiness I had destroyed. Oh, Drave, my father, much-injured father! my mother—Augusta, my Augusta, can you forgive? Can repentance——
Philip. Drave, he is my brother, and his heart is good.
Lewis. Oh, forgive—deny me not this——Augusta, my tutelary angel.
Drave [taking Augusta's hand]. Lewis, I believe your repentance sincere. Yet, dear as my daughter is, you will not wonder that I should refuse to resign her to you, till I shall see reason to be satisfied that you are entirely reformed. I confess, however, that I do not feel disposed to put your patience to a very long trial. Those downcast eyes, and this trembling hand, convince me that my decision will be approved. Take it then, Lewis, [giving him Augusta's hand] and live with the hope, I might say the certainty, that I shall shortly bestow it on you for ever.
Lewis. Oh, my father! it is more than I deserved, or could have dared to hope—never will I give you cause to repent of your confidence.
Drave [leading Augusta to Rose]. Rose, I give you a daughter, who shall console you in your old-age! [To the old man] Good old father, here are your children again.
(PHILIP and LEWIS embrace their uncle.)
Old Man. God's blessings be upon you, my children! Children of my dear Maria in Heaven—support me in your arms, which broke my chains—In them I will expire, with prayers for your happiness, with blessings on thee, Philip, my supporter and guardian angel.