father—blow for blow—that's our rule here. No offence, I hope!     

       MRS. MILLER. God have mercy on us! Now the old man has begun—we shall all catch it with a vengeance!     

       PRESIDENT (who has not understood what MILLER said). What? is the old pander stirred up? We shall have something to settle together presently, Mr. Pander!     

       MILLER. You mistake me, my lord. My name is Miller, at your service for an adagio—but, as to ladybirds, I cannot serve you. As long as there is such an assortment at court, we poor citizens can't afford to lay in stock! No offence, I hope!     

       MRS. MILLER. For Heaven's sake, man, hold your tongue! would you ruin both wife and child?     

       FERDINAND (to his father). You play but a sorry part here, my lord, and might well have dispensed with these witnesses.     

       MILLER (coming nearer, with increasing confidence). To be plain and above board—No offence, I hope—your excellency may have it all your own way in the Cabinet—but this is my house. I'm your most obedient,       very humble servant when I wait upon you with a petition, but the rude, unmannerly intruder I have the right to bundle out—no offence, I hope!     

       PRESIDENT (pale with anger, and approaching MILLER). What? What's that you dare to utter?     

       MILLER (retreating a few steps). Only a little bit of my mind sir—no offence, I hope!     

       PRESIDENT (furiously). Insolent villain! Your impertinence shall procure you a lodging in prison. (To his servants). Call in the officers of justice! Away! (Some of the attendants go out. The PRESIDENT paces the stage with a furious air.) The father shall to prison; the mother and her strumpet daughter to the pillory! Justice shall lend her sword to my rage! For this insult will I have ample amends. Shall such contemptible creatures thwart my plans, and set father and son against each other with impunity? Tremble, miscreants! I will glut my hate in your destruction—the whole brood of you—father, mother, and daughter shall be sacrificed to my vengeance!     

       FERDINAND (to MILLER, in a collected and firm manner). Oh! not so! Fear not, friends! I am 

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