own. (_Exit Bates._) Who's there?

SCENE IV.

_Enter LEWSON._

_Lew._ An enemy. An open and avowed one.

_Stu._ Why am I thus broke in upon? This house is mine, Sir; and
should protect me from insult and ill-manners.

_Lew._ Guilt has no place of sanctuary; wherever found, 'tis
virtue's lawful game. The fox's hold, and tyger's den, are no
security against the hunter.

_Stu._ Your business, Sir?

_Lew._ To tell you that I know you--Why this confusion? That look of
guilt and terror? Is Beverley awake? Or has his wife told tales? The
man that dares like You, should have a soul to justify his deeds,
and courage to confront accusers. Not with a coward's fear to shrink
beneath reproof.

_Stu._ Who waits there?
[_Aloud, and in confusion._

_Lew._ By heaven, he dies that interrupts us. (_Shutting the door._)
You should have weighed your strength, Sir; and then, instead of
climbing to high fortune, the world had marked you for what you are,
a little paultry villain.

_Stu._ You think I fear you.

_Lew._ I know you fear me. This is to prove it. (_Pulls him by the
sleeve._) You wanted privacy! A lady's presence took up your
attention! Now we are alone, Sir.--Why, what a wretch! (_Flings him
from him._) The vilest insect in creation will turn when trampled
on; yet has this Thing undone a man--by cunning and mean arts undone
him. But we have found you, Sir; traced you through all your
labyrinths. If you would save yourself, fall to confession: no mercy
will be shewn else.

_Stu._ First prove me what you think me. Till then, your threatenings
are in vain. And for this insult, vengeance may yet be mine.

_Lew._ Infamous coward! Why, take it now then-- (_Draws, and Stukely
retires._) Alas! I pity thee. Yet that a wretch like this should
overcome a Beverley! it fills me with astonishment! A wretch, so
mean of soul, that even desperation cannot animate him to look upon
an enemy. You should not thus have soared, Sir, unless, like others
of your black profession, you had a sword to keep the fools in awe,
your villainy has ruined.

_Stu._ Villainy! 'Twere best to curb this licence of your tongue;
for know, Sir, while there are laws, this outrage on my reputation
will not be borne with.

_Lew._ Laws! Dar'st Thou seek shelter from the laws? those laws,
which thou and thy infernal crew live in the constant violation of?
Talk'st thou of reputation too? when under friendship's sacred name,
thou hast betrayed, robbed,