And with ironical derisive counsel Explore his spirit. If he is no more Than humble Norval, by thy favour raised, Lord R. 'Tis shrewdly thought. Glen. When we grow loud, draw near. my lord His rising wrath restrain. 'Tis strange, by Heaven! But let [Exit RANDOLPH. That she should run full tilt her fond career His port I love: he's in a proper mood Nor. The setting sun With yellow radiance lighten'd all the vale; [Aside. Glen. Thou talk'st it well; no leader of our host Now prompts my tongue, and youthful admiration Glen. You wrong yourself, brave sir, your martial deeds Have rank'd you with the great. But mark me Lord Randolph's favour now exalts your youtli Let me, who know these soldiers, counsel you. Nor. Sir, I have been accustom'd all my days Glen. I did not mean To gall your pride, which now I see is great. Glen. Suppress it, as you wish to prosper. If thus you swell, and frown at high-born men, Glen. Yes, if you presume To bend on soldiers these disdainful eyes, And said in secret, you're no match for ine, Hast thou no fears for thy presumptuous self? Nor. Didst thou not hear? [Aside. Glen. Unwillingly I did; a nobler foe Had not been question'd thus. But such as thee- Glen. Norval. Nor. So I am— And who is Norval in Glenalvon's eye ? Glen. A peasant's son, a wandering beggar boy; At best no more; even if he speaks the truth. Nor. False as thou art, dost thou suspect my truth? Glen. Thy truth! thou'rt all a lie; and false as hell Is the vain-glorious tale thou told'st to Randolph. Did I not fear to freeze thy shallow valour, And make thee sink too soon beneath my sword, Ten thousand slaves like thee Nor. Villain, no more! Draw and defend thy life. I did design To have defy'd thee in another cause; But Heaven accelerates its vengeance on thee. Enter LORD Randolph. Lord R. Hold, I command you both. The man that stirs, Makes me his foe. Nor. Another voice than thine That threat had vainly sounded, noble Randolph. Glen. Hear him, my lord; he's wond'rous conde scending! Mark the humility of shepherd Norval! Nor. Now you may scoff in safety. Lord R. Speak not thus, [Sheathes his sword. Taunting each other; but unfold to me The cause of quarrel; then I judge betwixt you. My cause I plead not, nor demand your judgment. The opprobrious words, that I from him have borne. I owe a subject's homage: but even him Lord R. Thus far I'll mediate with impartial voice; The ancient foe of Caledonia's land Now waves his banners o'er her frighted fields; The private quarrel. Glen. I agree to this. Nor. And I. Enter SERVANT. Serv. The banquet waits. Lord R. We come. Glen. Norval, [Exit with SERVANT, Let not our variance mar the social hour, Shall stain my countenance. Smooth thou thy brow: Nor let our strife disturb the gentle dame. Nor. Think not so lightly, sir, of my resentment. When we contend again, our strife is mortal. [Exeunt ACT THE FIFTH, SCENE 1. A Wood. Enter DOUGLAS. Doug. This is the place, the centre of the grove; In such a place as this, at such an hour, Enter OLD NORVAL. Old Nor. 'Tis he. But what if he should chide me hence ? His just reproach I fear. Forgive, forgive ; [DOUGLAS turns aside, and sees him. Canst thou forgive the man, the selfish man, Who bred Sir Malcom's heir a shepherd's son? Doug. Welcome to me. Thou art my father still : |