FREDERICK. My father's cruelty.

BARON. You have a father then?

FREDERICK. I have, and a rich one--Nay, one that's reputed virtuous,
and honourable. A great man, possessing estates and patronage in
abundance; much esteemed at court, and beloved by his tenants; kind,
benevolent, honest, generous--

BARON. And with all those great qualities, abandons you?

FREDERICK. He does, with all the qualities I mention.

BARON. Your father may do right; a dissipated, desperate youth, whom
kindness cannot draw from vicious habits, severity may.

FREDERICK. You are mistaken--My father does not discard me for my
vices--He does not know me--has never seen me--He abandoned me, even
before I was born.

BARON. What do you say?

FREDERICK. The tears of my mother are all that I inherit from my
father. Never has he protected or supported me--never protected her.

BARON. Why don't you apply to his relations?

FREDERICK. They disown me, too--I am, they say, related to no one--All
the world disclaim me, except my mother--and there again, I have to