Enter Counsellor SELLING.
_Sell._ Oh, dear Sir, what shall we do now? I have read that Benniger
such a lecture, and taken the money _ad depositum_. But, good heaven!
that fellow is a wild ferocious beast. He says, it is a bargain; that
the receiver is the thief, and not the bidder. He insists on having the
patent for the monopoly dispatched; if not, he swears he will play the
deuce.
_Reiss._ So much the better; let him do his best.
_Sell._ Ah, but, dear Sir, he does not say a word against the Privy
Counsellor; you and I are the scape-goats; every nerve trembles.
_Reiss._ So you are quite alarmed?
_Sell._ Truly.
_Reiss._ The rogue intended to bribe, and of course is liable to a
heavy punishment.
_Sell._ But then he is a stranger.
_Reiss._ Have him arrested, then he can do no harm.
_Sell._ But he can talk a good deal for all that.
_Reiss._ That is my business. Have him arrested.
_Sell._ But the Prime Minister--
_Reiss._ Is at a great distance, and do not you know, though I do not
publicly affect it, that I am the prime minister of this country.
Arrest him, I say.
_Sell._ Very well. But then I have--
_Reiss._ What else? To the point!
_Sell._ A concern, that lies very near my heart. I am told the Privy
Counsellor is to resign,--and perhaps to leave this town. I could not
help making his sister considerable presents this morning, which cost a
great deal of money; and, if his power should be at an end, all would
be thrown away; he ought to reimburse me.
_Reiss._ But those presents have been returned, I understand.
_Sell._ Without the least injury! but my expence was heavy. I must lose
by those things, if I were to dispose of them. Could not you manage so
by your authority, that he should take them at prime cost?
_Reiss._ No, I employ my authority to better purposes.
_Sell._ Good heaven! the gown of rose satin alone cost me--
_Reiss._ (displeased.) Let it be converted into a morning-gown for
yourself.
_Sell._ A morning-gown!--Ay, that will do. Rose colour becomes my
complexion. I thank you, it shall. I will have it lined with lawn. I
will have it made up directly. (Going.)
_Reiss._ And have the fellow secured.
_Sell._ Directly! the morning-gown made up, and the fellow arrested! I
thank you for extricating me out of this embarrassment. [Exit.
_Reiss._ Blockhead!--My whole existence is at stake;--once won, won for
ever!