Page:Passions 2.pdf/467

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''Sea. (vehemently.)'' Rather than not place my children in the situation I desire for them, I would have no children at all.

''Bea. (with warmth.)'' What, will you say of creatures passing onward to the noblest destination, you had rather they had never been, unless they can gather up so much dust and trash on their way? You think yourself an ambitious parent—O I would be for them a thousand times more ambitious than thou art.

Sea. Yes, you will shape your son's fortune out of the clouds, I make no doubt. (smiling contemptuously.)

''Will. B. (who has modestly kept behind, now coming forward with spirit.)'' Wherever my fortune may be shaped for me, to be the honest, well principled son of an honest, and good father, is a distinction I would not give up for all that you, and men like you, are scrambling for. (turning to Beau.) Come away, father; they but mock at what you say.

Bea. Let him mock if he will, but let him hear me.

Plau. He will hear your advice with great pleasure from the pulpit, Mr. Beaumont.

''Will. B.'' It would have been happy for the unfortunate men who have listened to yours, Mr. Plausible, if they had received it from the same place. (pulling Beaumont away.) Come away, father, you but waste words upon them.