Crime & punishment > Peveril of the peak, or, The days of Charles II

PEVERIL OF THE PEAK.
s ingham bend to the artifices of a wanton ? Never,
K Christian,—devise what means you please—try my
i (power to the uttermost—it shall not fail you.
Chris. I have the means to chase, for ever, from
i the king’s affection the high-plumed duchess who
» now thwarts your Gracegrant but my terms.
Duke. Name them, and doubt me not.
« Chris. First, then, the destruction of the house
i of Derby, in vengeance for my brother’s death.
Duke. ’Tis decreed, most Christian Christian—
'i What more?
Chris. Your Grace must stand between the king
tr and one Sir Geoffry Peveril, now in hold, as partner
in the plot against the government, and must use
• your interest for the quick arrestment of his son on
i the same charge.
Duke. What ? Peveril of the Peak! the very
it heart of loyalty ! I will not aid his ruin;—and for
v what? the plot forsooth,—the fabrication of villains
■ and of spies. They must be lashed off such scents,
t and will be when the country wakes and sees the
folly of its present fears.
Chris. Sir, you speak well; but, if it chanced this
■ Julian Peveril should bear those papers that I spake
> of; and if, moreover, his interest with a certain
maiden should cross our plans upon her Grace of
Portsmouth,—how would your lordship then decide ?
Duke. ’Sdeath, you have me in the toils, Let
me but see that harlot crushed, and the vile party
who support her grovelling at my feet; and gratify
thy vengeance as thou listest. Some trusty followers
shall secure this Julian; meanwhile, Christian, I
must behold this beauteous engine by which such
wonders are to be effected.
Chris. Under your lordship’s favour, that cannot
be.