_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! did you ever hear any man talk of conscience in political matters? Conscience, quotha? I have been in Parliament these three and thraty years, and never heard the term made use of before:--sir, it is an unparliamentary word, and you will be laughed at for it;--therefore I desire you will not offer to impose upon me with sic phantoms, but let me know your reason for thus slighting my friends and disobeying my commands.--Sir, give me an immediate and an explicit answer.
_Eger_. Then, sir, I must frankly tell you, that you work against my nature; you would connect me with men I despise, and press me into measures I abhor; would make me a devoted slave to selfish leaders, who have no friendship but in faction--no merit but in corruption--nor interest in any measure, but their own;--and to such men I cannot submit; for know, sir, that the malignant ferment which the venal ambition of the times provokes in the heads and hearts of other men, I detest.
_Sir Per_. What are you about, sir? malignant ferment! and venal ambition! Sir, every man should be ambitious to serve his country--and every man should be rewarded for it: and pray, sir, would nai you wish to serve your country? Answer me that.--I say, would nai you wish to serve your country?
_Eger_. Only shew me how I can serve my country, and my life is hers. Were I qualified to lead her armies, to steer her fleets, and deal her honest vengeance on her insulting foes;--or could my eloquence pull down a state leviathan, mighty by the plunder of his country--black with the treasons of her disgrace, and send his infamy down to a free posterity, as a monumental terror to corrupt ambition, I would be foremost in such service, and act it with the unremitting ardour of a Roman spirit.