Whose favourites I know thou hast supplanted.
Thou look'st at me, as if thou fain would'st pry Into my heart: "Tis open as my speech.
I give this early caution; and put on The curb, before thy temper breaks away. The friendless stranger my protection claims: His friend I am, and be not thou his foe. [Exit.
Glen. Child that I was, to start at my own sha- dow,
And be the shallow fool of coward conscience! I am not what I have been; what I should be. The darts of destiny have almost pierced My marble heart. Had I one grain of faith In holy legends, and religious tales,
I should conclude there was an arm above That fought against me, and malignant turn'd, To catch myself, the subtle snare I set.
Why, rape and murder are not simple means! Th' imperfect rape to Randolph gave a spouse; And the intended murder introduced
A favourite to hide the sun from me;
And, worst of all, a rival. Burning hell!
This were thy centre, if I thought she loved him!
"Tis certain she contemns me; nay, commands me, And waves the flag of her displeasure o'er me, In his behalf. And shall I thus be braved? Curb'd, as she calls it, by dame chastity? Infernal fiends, if any fiends there are More fierce than hate, ambition, and revenge, Rise up, and fill my bosom with your fires, And policy remorseless! Chance may spoil A single aim; but perseverance must Prosper at last. For chance and fate are words: Persistive wisdom is the fate of man.
Darkly a project peers upon my mind, Like the red moon when rising in the east, Cross'd and divided by strange-colour'd clouds. I'll seek the slave who came with Norval hither, And for his cowardice was spurned from him. I've known a follower's rankled bosom breed Venom most fatal to his heedless lord.
SCENE, A Court, &c. as before.
Anna. Thy vassals, Grief! great nature's order break,
And change the noon-tide to the midnight hour. Whilst Lady Randolph sleeps, I will walk forth, And taste the air that breathes on yonder bank. Sweet may her slumbers be! Ye ministers Of gracious heav'n who love the human race, Angels and seraphs who delight in goodness, Forsake your skies, and to her couch descend! There from her fancy chase those dismal forms That haunt her waking; her sad spirit charm With images celestial, such as please The bless'd above upon their golden beds.
Serv. One of the vile assassins is secured.
We found the villain lurking in the wood:
With dreadful imprecations he denies
All knowledge of the crime. But this is not His first essay these jewels were conceal'd In the most secret places of his garment; Belike the spoils of some that he has murder'd. Anna. Let me look on them. Ha! here is a
The chosen crest of Douglas' valiant name! These are no vulgar jewels.-Guard the wretch.
Enter Servants with a Prisoner.
Pris. I know no more than does the child un
Of what you charge me with.
1 Serv. You say so, sir!
But torture soon shall make you speak the truth. Behold, the lady of Lord Randolph comes: Prepare yourself to meet her just revenge.
Enter Lady RANDOLPH and ANNA.
Anna. Summon your utmost fortitude, before
Think of the fatal secret,
Which in a moment from your lips may fly.
Lady Rand. Thou shalt behold me, with a des
Hear how my infant perish'd. See, he kneels.
Pris. Heaven bless that countenance so sweet
A judge like thee makes innocence more bold. O save me, lady! from these cruel men, Who have attack'd and seized me; who accuse Me of intended murder. As I hope For mercy at the judgment-seat of God, The tender lamb, that never nipt the grass, Is not more innocent than I of murder.
Lady Rand. Of this man's guilt what proof can ye produce?
1 Serv. We found him lurking in the hollow glen.
When view'd and call'd upon, amazed he fled. We overtook him, and inquired from whence And what he was: he said he came from far, And was upon his journey to the camp. Not satisfied with this, we search'd his clothes, And found these jewels, whose rich value plead Most powerfully against him. Hard he seems,
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