You would not flatter a poor citizen?
Clif. Indeed, I flatter not!
Wal. I like your face -
A frank and honest one! Your frame's well knit,
Proportioned, shaped!
Clif. Good sir!
Wal. Your name is Clifford -
Sir Thomas Clifford. Humph! You're not the heir
Direct to the fair baronetcy? He
That was, was drowned abroad. Am I not right?
Your cousin, was't not?--so succeeded you
To rank and wealth, your birth ne'er promised you.
Clif. I see you know my history.
Wal. I do.
You're lucky who conjoin the benefits
Of penury and abundance; for I know
Your father was a man of slender means.
You do not blush, I see. That's right! Why should you?
What merit to be dropped on fortune's hill?
The honour is to mount it. You'd have done it;
For you were trained to knowledge, industry,
Frugality, and honesty,--the sinews
That surest help the climber to the top,
And keep him there. I have a clerk, Sir Thomas,
Once served your father; there's the riddle for you.
Humph! I may thank you for my life to-day.
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