COTTON. And how is it with thee since I have seen thee last?
ADONIJAH. My business prospereth [mournfully], but not so finely as it might well do.
[The clock strikes four, but is unnoticed by the two men.
COTTON. Thou hast suffered some great loss?
ADONIJAH. But yes—and no—this matter of lending money hath many and grievous complications, not the least of which is the duplicity of the borrower. I but insist on the thirty pounds to the hundred as my due recompense, and when I demand it they respond not, but let my kindness lie under the clods of ingratitude. [Straightening up, and speaking with conviction.] They shall come before the council. I will have what is mine own.
COTTON. [Righteously.] And it is not unbecoming of thee to demand it. I wist not what the present generation is coming to.
ADONIJAH. They have no sense of the value of money. They know not how to demean themselves properly in due proportion to their worldly goods, as the Lord hath prospered them. There be many that have nothing and do hold their heads above us that be worthy of our possessions.
COTTON. The wicked stand in slippery places. It will not always be thus. Judgment shall come upon them.
ADONIJAH. Aye, let them fall. I for one have upheld them too far. They squander their means in riotous living, and walk not in the ways of their fathers.
COTTON. There be many such—many such—but thou, my lad, thou art not one of the multitude. As I have often observed to my Betty, thou standest out as a most upright and God-fearing young man.