Burgum. That doggerel in the "Town and County"? [Taking a paper from table.] Here is more of it. [Glances at paper.] What's this? [Reads.]
"Gods! what would Burgum give to get a name
And snatch his blundering dialect from shame?"
The ingrate!
"What would he give to hand his memory down
To time's remotest boundary—a crown.
Would you ask more, his swelling face looks blue;
Futurity he rates at two pounds two."
Zounds! this of a de Burgum—a descendant of Simon de Seyncte Lyze, a companion of William the Conqueror!
Mrs. Angell. Be not angry with him, sir; he is not like one of us.
Enter Chatterton, who pauses near doorway.
Burgum. Thank heaven for that! I will not longer brook
The impudence of this ungrateful boy,
Who mutters, rants, and doth himself opine
One of the brooding darlings of the world.
By what right is he moody and revengeful?
Bertha. He is as nature made him: full of pride
And fierce resentment 'gainst a callous race.
Give him but patience to endure neglect—
Quell his rebellious spirit, and you take
From his tossed soul God's gift of poesy.
Chatterton. [Coming forward.]
Lady, were I the poet of my dreams,
Instead of Chatterton, I could not word
My gratitude to you.