admonished that, the next time, he will not escape so easily.

Secretary. A letter from your steward. He writes that money comes in
slowly, he can with difficulty send you the required sum within the week;
the late disturbances have thrown everything into the greatest confusion,

Egmont. Money must be had! It is for him to look to the means.

Secretary. He says he will do his utmost, and at length proposes to sue and
imprison Raymond, who has been so long in your debt.

Egmont. But he has promised to pay!

Secretary. The last time he fixed a fortnight himself.

Egmont. Well, grant him another fortnight; after that he may proceed
against him.

Secretary. You do well. His non-payment of the money proceeds not from
inability, but from want of inclination. He will trifle no longer when he
sees that you are in earnest. The steward further proposes to withhold, for
half a month, the pensions which you allow to the old soldiers, widows,
and others. In the meantime some expedient may be devised; they must
make their arrangements accordingly.

Egmont. But what arrangements can be made here? These poor people
want the money more than I do. He must not think of it.

Secretary. How then, my lord, is he to raise the required sum?