ory fail, and which, indeed,
is weak, may interest prevail with you?

_Sir Simon._ No; rather than consent, I'd give up every acre of my
estate.

_Pereg._ Your conduct proves you unworthy of your estate; and,
unluckily for you, you have roused the indignation of an elder
brother, who now stands before you, and claims it.

_Sir Simon._ Eh!--Zounds!--Peregrine!

_Pereg._ I can make my title too good, in an instant, for you to
dispute it. My agent in London has long had documents on the secret
he has kept; and several old inhabitants here, I know, are prepared
to identify me.

_Sir Simon._ I had a run-away brother--a boy that every body
thought dead. How came he not to claim till now?

_Pereg._ Because, knowing he had given deep cause of offence, he
never would have asserted his abandon'd right, had he not found a
brother neglecting, what no Englishman should neglect--justice and
humanity to his inferiors.

_Enter DENNIS BRULGRUDDERY._

_Dennis._ Stand asy, all of you; for I've big news for my
half-drown'd customer. Och! bless your mug! and is it there you are?

_Sir Simon._ What's the matter now?

_Dennis._ Hould your tongue, you little man!--There's a great post
just come to your Manor-house, and the Indiaman's work'd into port.

_Job._ What, the vessel with all your property? [_To PEREG._

_Dennis._ By all that's amazing, they say you have a hundred
thousand pounds in that ship.

_Pereg._ My losses might have been somewhat more without this
recovery. I have entered into a sort of partnership with you, my
friend, this morning. How can we dissolve it?

_Job._ You are an honest man; so am I; so settle that account as you
like.

_Pereg._ Come forth, then, injured simplicity;--of your own cause
you shall be now the arbitress.

_Mary._ Do not make me speak, sir, I am so humbled--so abash'd----

_Job._ Nonsense! we are sticking up for right.

_Pereg._ Will you then speak, Mr. Rochdale?

_Frank._ My father is bereft of a fortune, sir; but I must hesitate
till his fiat is obtained, as much as if he possess'd it.

_Sir Simon._ Nay, nay; follow your own inclinations now

_Frank._ May I, sir? Oh, then, let the libertine now make
reparation, and claim a wife.
[_Running to MARY, and embracing her._

_Dennis._ His wife! Och! what a big dinner we'll have at the Red
Cow!

_Pereg._ What am I to say, sir? [_To SIR SIMON._

_Sir Simon._ Oh! you