De Mon. Then let him enter.[Exit Jerome.
A pause. Enter Grimbald.
De Mon. You are the stranger who would speak with me?
Grim. I am so far unfortunate, my lord,
That, though my fortune on your favour hangs,
I am to you a stranger.
De Mon. How may this be? What can I do for you?
Grim. Since thus your lordship does so frankly ask,
The tiresome preface of apology
I will forbear, and tell my tale at once.—
In plodding drudgery I've spent my youth,
A careful penman in another's office;
And now, my master and employer dead,
They seek to set a stripling o'er my head,
And leave me on to drudge, e'en to old age,
Because I have no friend to take my part.
It is an office in your native town,
For I am come from thence, and I am told
You can procure it for me. Thus, my lord,
From the repute of goodness which you bear,
I have presum'd to beg.
De Mon. They have befool'd thee with a false report.
Grim. Alas! I see it is in vain to plead.
Your mind is pre-possess'd against a wretch,
Who has, unfortunately for his weal,
Offended the revengeful Rezenvelt.
