You see, my Lord, I find it necessary to be very plain with you, and to say, that however you may feel yourself disposed to follow the one course, I shall not rival you in the other.

I cannot become a scourge inflicted by your necessities, not to use a harsher word, upon a suffering people, who are already exhausted and provoked by an excess of severity and neglect.

Think of the predicament in which you would have me stand--of the defence which you place, in my lips.

Should your tenantry ask me--'why are you thus cruel and oppressive-upon us ?' what reply could I make but this--'I am thus cruel because his lordship is profligate.

He wants money to support his-mistress, to feed her vanities and excesses, and you must endure distress and privation, that the insatiable rapacity of a courtezan may be gratified.