The boy’s destruction, were’t not done in earnest

And backed by force.

Agr.Then, since the case demands

All earnestness, and since we lack not force .....

Bur. Between your son’s rule and your stepson’s claim

There lies no middle way.

Agr.I never held

That a stout purpose chose a middle way.

Sen. What, what! Consider, madam, what you urge

Is to dethrone your son.