His just reproach I fear.

Forgive, forgive!

[DOUGLAS turns and sees him.

Can'st thou forgive the man, the selfish man, Who bred Sir Malcolm's heir a shepherd's son? Doug. Kneel not to me; thou art my father still:

Thy wish'd-for presence now completes my joy. Welcome to me, my fortunes thou shalt share, And ever hononr'd with thy Douglas live.

Old Norv. And dost thou call me father? O my son !

I think that I could die to make amends

For the great wrong I did thee. 'Twas my crime
Which in the wilderness so long conceal'd
The blossom of thy youth.

Doug. Not worse the fruit,

That in the wilderness the blossom blow'd.
Amongst the shepherds, in the humble cot,
I learn'd some lessons, which I'll not forget
When I inhabit yonder lofty towers.

I, who was once a swain, will ever prove

The poor man's friend; and, when my vassals bow, Norval shall smooth the crested pride of Douglas.

Old Norv. Let me but live to see thine exalta

tion !

Yet grievous are my fears. O leave this place, And those unfriendly towers.

Doug. Why should I leave them?

Old Norv. Lord Randolph and his kinsman seek your life.

Doug. How know'st thou that?

Old Norv. I will inform you how.
When evening came, I left the secret place
Appointed for me by your mother's care,

And fondly trod in each accustom❜d path
That to the castle leads. Whilst thus I ranged,
I was alarm'd with unexpected sounds
Of earnest voices. On the persons came;
Unseen I lurk'd, and overheard them name
Each other as they talk'd, Lord Randolph this,
And that Glenalvon: still of you they spoke,
And of the lady; threat'ning was their speech,
Though but imperfectly my ear could hear it.
'Twas strange, they said, a wonderful discovery;
And ever and anon they vow'd revenge.

Doug. Revenge! for what?

Old Norv. For being what you are,

Sir Malcolm's heir: how else have

you

offended?

When they were gone, I hied me to my cottage,
And there sat musing how I best might find
Means to inform you of their wicked purpose.
But I could think of none: at last perplex'd,
I issued forth, encompassing the tower
With many a weary step and wishful look.
Now Providence hath brought you to my sight,
Let not your too courageous spirit scorn
The caution which I give.

Doug. I scorn it not.

My mother warn'd me of Glenalvon's baseness;
But I will not suspect the noble Randolph.
In our encounter with the vile assassins,

I mark'd his brave demeanour: him I'll trust.
Old Norv. I fear you will, too far.
Doug. Here in this place,

I wait my mother's coming: she shall know
What thou hast told: her counsel I will follow;

And cautious ever are a mother's counsels.

You must depart; your presence may prevent
Our interview.

Old Norv. My blessing rest upon thee!

may heaven's hand, which saved thee from the

wave,

And from the sword of foes, be near thee still;

Turning mischance, if aught hangs o'er thy head,

All upon mine!

[Exit OLD NOrval.

Doug. He loves me like a parent;

And must not, shall not, lose the son he loves,
Although his son has found a nobler father.-
Eventful day! how hast thou changed my state!
Once on the cold and winter-shaded side
Of a bleak hill mischance had rooted me,
Never to thrive, child of another soil:
Transplanted now to the gay sunny vale,
Like the green thorn of May my fortune flowers.
Ye glorious stars! high heaven's resplendent host!
To whom I oft have of my lot complain'd,
Hear and record my soul's unalter'd wish!
Dead or alive, let me but be renown'd!
May heaven inspire some fierce gigantic Dane,
To give a bold defiance to our host!

Before he speaks it out I will accept;
Like Douglas conquer, or like Douglas die,

Enter LADY RANDOLPH.

Lady Rand. My son! I heard a voice

Doug, -The voice was mine.

Lady Rand. Didst thou complain aloud to

Nature's ear,

That thus in dusky shades, at midnight hours, By stealth the mother and the son should meet? [Embracing him.

Doug. No; on this happy day, this better birth

day,

My thoughts and words are all of hope and joy. Lady Rand. Sad fear and melancholy still di

vide

The empire of my breast with hope and joy.
Now hear what I advise.

Doug. First, let me tell

What may the tenor of your counsel change.
Lady Rand. My heart forebodes some evil!
Doug. "Tis not good.-

At eve, unseen by Randolph and Glenalvon,
The good old Norval in the grove o'erheard
Their conversation; oft they mention'd me
With dreadful threat'nings; you they sometimes
named.

'Twas strange, they said, a wonderful discovery; And ever and anon they vow'd revenge.

Lady Rand. Defend us, gracious God! we are betray'd:

They have found out the secret of thy birth;
It must be so. That is the great discovery.