The Nephews: A Play, in Five Acts.

by August Wilhelm Iffland

Mrs. D. Be assured, we esteem you as a man.

Philip. I wished not for a polite turn, but for the true judgment of your heart.

Mrs. D. [at a loss]. If, perhaps, our ideas may be in some respects different——

Philip. Well?

Mrs. D. But, my dear Sir! we have just been conversing on a subject so opposite to this! and this moment——

Philip. I beg you to bestow upon me. I am unable to give an account of myself, at every moment, and to every body; but now, and to you, I feel myself bound to do it.

Mrs. D. But, am I prepared for a cold enquiry?

Philip. It is not a cold enquiry I ask [with warmth]. Let your generous friendly mind, [to Augusta] let your pure soul, Augusta, be the judge.

Augusta. Dear Sir!

Philip. Well—Fashion, ceremony, all that we will lay aside. Have some parts of my behaviour here been such as you cannot approve?—it was by chance only. Nay, there was no one whom I could please, by behaving otherwise.