[_Exit singing, 'Sons of care,' &c._

_Sir Per_. So! a little flattery mixt with the finesse of a gilded promise
on one side, and a quantum sufficit of the aurum palpabile on the other,
have at last made me the happiest father in Great-Britain. Hah! my
heart expands itself, as it were thro' every part of my whole body, at
the completion of this business, and feels nothing but dignity and
elevation.--Hauld! hauld! bide a wee! bide a wee! I have but one little
matter mair in this affair to adjust, and then, Sir Pertinax, you may
dictate till Fortune herself, and send her to govern fools, while you shew
and convince the world that wise men always govern her. Wha's there?
[_Enter Footman._]--Tell my son Egerton, I would speak with him here in
the library. [_Exit Footman_]--Now I have settled the grand point with my
lord, this, I think, is the proper juncture to feel the political pulse of
my spark, and, once for aw, to set it to the exact measure that I would
have it constantly beat. [_Enter_ Egerton.]--Come hither, Charles.

_Eger_. Your pleasure, sir.

_Sir Per_. About twa hours since I told you, Charles, that I received this
letter express, complaining of your brother's activity at an election in
Scotland against a particular friend of mine, which has given great
offence; and, sir, you are mentioned in the letter as weel as he: to be
plain, I must roundly tell you, that on this interview depends my
happiness as a father and as a man; and my affection to you, sir, as a son
for the remainder of our days.

_Eger_. I hope, sir, I shall never do any thing either to forfeit your
affection, or disturb your happiness.

_Sir Per_. I hope so too--but to the point.--The fact is this: there has
been a motion made this vary day to bring on the grand affair--which is
settled for Friday seven-night:--now, sir, as you are popular--have
talents, and are weel heard, it is expected, and I insist upon it, that
you endeavour to atone, sir, for your late misconduct, by preparing, and
taking a large share in that question, and supporting it with aw your
power.

_Eger_, Sir, I have always divided as you directed, except on one
occasion; never voted against your friends, only in that affair.--But,
sir, I hope you will not so exert your influence as to insist upon my
supporting a measure by an obvious, prostituted sophistry, in direct
opposition to my character and my conscience.

_Sir Per_. Conscience! why, you are mad!