Groom. No; I left it all to chance,
And trusted to my genius.
Sir T. I relied
On friendship and the world's goodwill.
Groom. Cheats, both!
You were my friend, and therefore you betrayed me;
Only a friend it is that can betray;
And every friend's a traitor, first and last.
Sir T. Friendship and treachery synonymous?
Mine was the stronger nature.
Groom. The craftier!
You stole my love, you robbed me of my place,
Applause, consideration, ease, renown,
Riches and power that come of eminence;
And this you did by every mean device—
Sad revelation, innuendo, shrug,
Suggestive pity, supercilious smile——
Sir T. And you?
Groom. Oh!—I … I was magnanimous:
I wished to kill; but to the very last
Hugged the idea of a great eclipse
Of you and yours to send you sighing down
The bitter road, my foot upon the neck
Of all your fame.
Sir T. You lost the hope of that?
Groom. Therefore I struck.
Sir T. A candid murderer.