ewis._ He shall be dead.

_Counsellor._ But----

_Lewis._ Why a live man is as easily declared to be dead, as a man in
his senses to be mad; and if he should make his appearance, you can
secure him again.

_Counsellor._ No! who would do that?

_Lewis._ Zounds! what a tender conscience! If my uncle could be
declared mad, by your good-nature, that you might shew your Christian
charity, in managing his estate, I am sure your noble heart would have
no scruple to advance a part of the inheritance to the lawful heir.

_Counsellor._ My dear friend, your expressions are so harsh--so----

_Lewis._ His madness was not so very clear. The old fellow was
reasonable enough at times.

_Counsellor._ Quite out of his senses, I assure you: mad as a March
hare.

_Lewis_ I don't know how--but indeed, I sometimes pity him.

_Counsellor._ It was the will of God.

_Lewis._ Oh, I have nothing to do with that: 'tis a subject too deep
for me. But beware of my brother: he suspects foul play, and has spies
drawn up every where.

Enter CHANCELLOR FLEFFEL.

_Counsellor._ Good morning, dear father.

_Lewis_ [bowing]. My Lord!

_Chancellor._ Good morning, my son,--your most obedient, Sir.

_Lewis._ Engaged so early?

_Chancellor._ Can I avoid it, my dear Sir?

_Lewis._ The State is much indebted to you.

_Chancellor._ Yet my zeal is frequently overlooked--no attention paid.
[To his son] No news, Samuel?

_Counsellor._ No, father.

_Chancellor._ I feel quite tired.

_Counsellor._ You have had no breakfast.

_Chancellor._ No; and the cold marble floor of the Palace has quite
chilled me. What have you here? [Seats himself at the breakfast table.]
Our most excellent Prince has been heaping new favours upon me. You
have heard, no doubt, [to Lewis] of the bustle there has been. An
underclerk of the Treasury, a man of no extraction, accused me of a
fraud, in executing the late regulations for the distribution of corn
to the poor.

_Lewis._ So I have been informed--and what is our Prince's pleasure?

_Chancellor._ As the man could bring no evidence whatever, his Serene
Highness, for the reparation of my honour, has been graciously pleased
to punish him.

_Lewis._ And in what manner?

_Chancellor._ The warrant was signed yesterday, [drinks]--To be
cashiered and banished.

_Lewis._ He is pretty well rewarded.

_Chancellor._ I have supplicated, my dear Sir, for a mitigation of the
sentence--but in va