Philip. I will. Our Prince is benevolent and just. What is your support in your crimes? The chain of ceremony?—I break it [Chancellor laughs] I break it: my despair will give me strength—and—before sun-set—woe on thee, and thy house! [Exit hastily with Augusta].
[Chancellor rings the bell, and walks eagerly up and down.—Philip enters surrounded by Officers of Justice.]
Chancellor. Nearer, Mr. Brook! [To the officers] Leave us till I call.
Philip [with firmness]. What have you to say?
Chancellor. Terrified? Pale? starting eyes? So amazed, conqueror of the world? You have thrown off the mask—I will do the same. [Pause]. Young man, you are too weak to take a grain of this power; a single grain is sufficient to destroy you.—Will you implore my forgiveness, and bind yourself to eternal silence? Then quit the country, and I will forget.
Philip. No!
Chancellor. Man, who gave me half an hour's delay, I now give it to you. Answer me; will you submit, or never see the day-light more?
Philip. Thy banishments, thy imprisonments, will avail nothing, as long as thy sworn enemy lives.—Murder is thy only security, and on that thy coward heart dares not venture.
Chancellor. Thou art in my hands, worm! Who cares if I trample upon thee? Who dares to rise up against me, possessed, as I am, of the chief authority of the State, and of the confidence of the Prince? What remains to thee, thou poor wretch?
Philip. My heart.