Cuore in catene

James Mink: We have been to the Queen's militia, Lord Elgin, and to the American embassy and no one's been able to do a thing about it. Now then, I'm desperate. We need your help.

Lord Elgin: Well of course. I'll file letters of protest with President Fillmore and the Governor of Virginia.

[sighs]

Lord Elgin: But apart from that, there's little I can do.

James Mink: Are you saying that there's nothing you can do to get the Americans to co-operate?

Lord Elgin: Mr. Mink, please try to understand. Our relations with the States is - strained at best. Now, giving refuge to their fugitive slaves hasn't helped matters. We're in no position to make strong demands against Washington. I'm sorry.

James Mink: Lord Elgin, my daughter is being held against her will in a foreign country. Are you saying that the Governor General of Upper Canada is just going to *abandon* her!?

Elizabeth Mink: James, we've taken enough of Lord Elgin's time.