Sheva. That is a noble speech; but moneys does not lessen merit, at least not always, as I hope, for Mr. Ratcliffe's sake, for he is heir of all that I possess. Sir S. I trust that Mr. Ratcliffe will remember to whom he owes this happiness, and emulate his benefactor's virtues. Fred. The treasure that integrity has collected, cannot be better lodged than in the hands of honor. Sir S. It is a mine of wealth. Sheva. Excuse me, goot Sir Stephen it is not a mine, for it was never out of sight of those who searched for it. The poor man did not dig to find it; and where I now bestow it, it will be found by him again. I do not bury it in a synagogue, or any other pile; I do not waste it upon vanity, or public works; I leave it to a charitable heir, and build my hospital in the human heart. [Exeunt.] XXXIII.—FROM THE LADY OF THE LAKE-Scott. KING JAMES-RODERIC DHU. Scene -A rock, with a watch-fire burning near it. A Scotch Highlander, Roderic Dhu, wrapped in his tartan, is discovered sleeping by it. [Enter King James in a warrior's garb.] Roderic. Grasping his sword and springing on his feet.] Thy name and purpose, Saxon ?-Stand! James. A stranger. Rod. What dost thou require? James. Rest and a guide, and food and fire. My life's beset, my path is lost, The gale has chilled my limbs with frost. Rod. James. Art thou a friend to Roderic? No. Rod. Thou durst not call thyself his foe? James. I dare to him and all the band He brings to aid his murderous hand. Rod. Bold words! But, though the beast of game The privilege of chase may claim; Though space and law the stag we lend, Come Roderic Dhu, Thus treacherous scouts, yet sure they lie, I'll write the falsehood on their crest. Thou bearest the belt and spur of knight. James. Then by these tokens mayst thou know Each proud oppressor's mortal foe. Rod. Enough, enough; sit down and share A soldier's couch, a soldier's fare. [They sit down and eat together, and in a few minutes the soldier continues the conversation.] Rod. Stranger, I am to Rhoderic Dhu, A clansman born, a kinsman true; From thence thy warrant is thy sword. As freely as 'tis nobly given. Rod. Why seek these wilds, traversed by few, Without a pass from Roderic Dhu? James. Brave man, my pass, in danger tried, Hangs in my belt, and by my side. Yet sooth to tell, though naught I dread, Thy dangerous chief was then afar, Rod. Thy secret keep; I urge thee not, James. No, by my word; of bands prepared Rod. Free be they flung! for we are loath Their silken folds should feed the moth. Free be they flung! as free shall wave Clan Alpine's pine in banner brave. But, stranger, peaceful since you came, Bewildered in the mountain game, Whence the bold boast, by which we know Vich Alpine's vowed and mortal foe? James. Warrior, but yester morn, I knew Naught of thy chieftain, Roderic Dhu, Save as an outlawed, desperate man, The chief of a rebellious clan, Who in the regent's court and sight, With ruffian dagger stabbed a knight. Yet this alone should from his part Sever each true and loyal heart. Rod. [Frowning, and both rising hastily.] And heardst thou why he drew his blade? Heardst thou, that shameful word, and blow Brought Roderic's vengeance on his foe? What recked the chieftain, if he stood James. Still it was outrage; yet, 'tis true, . Is aught but re'ribution due ? James. Seek other cause 'gainst Roderic Dhu. Rod. As a reward to rashness due; James. Well, let it pass; nor will I now To chafe thy mood and cloud thy brow. To match me with this man of pride. This rebel chieftain and his band. Rod. Have then thy wish. [He whistles, and soldiers rush in on all sides.] How sayest thou now? These are Clan Alpine's warriors true; AND, SAXON, I AM RODERIC DнU. [King James starts back a little, then draws his sword and places his back against the rock.] |