"Tis certain she contemns me; nay, commands me, Darkly a project peers upon my mind, [Exit, ACT III. SCENE,-A Court, &c. as before. Enter ANNA. Anna. Thy vassals, Grief! great nature's order And change the noon-tide to the midnight hour. Enter Servant. 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 heart, The chosen crest of Douglas' valiant name! These are no vulgar jewels.-Guard the wretch. [Exit ANNA. Enter Servants with a Prisoner. Pris. I know no more than does the child un born 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 You speak with him. Your dignity, your fame, Are now at stake. Think of the fatal secret, Which in a moment from your lips may fly. Lady Rand. Thou shalt behold me, with a des perate heart, Hear how my infant perish'd. See, he kneels. [The Prisoner kneels. Pris. Heaven bless that countenance so sweet and mild! A judge like thee makes innocence more bold. 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. And old in villainy. Permit us try His stubbornness against the torture's force. Pris. O, gentle lady! by your lord's dear life, Which these weak hands, I swear, did ne'er assail; And by your children's welfare, spare my age! Let not the iron tear my ancient joints, And my grey hairs bring to the grave with pain. Lady Rand. Account for these; thine own they cannot be : For these, I say: be stedfast to the truth; [ANNA removes the Servants and returns. I, guiltless now, must former guilt reveal. Lady Rand. O! Anna, hear!-Once more I charge thee speak The truth direct: for these to me foretell And certify a part of thy narration ; An instant and a dreadful death abides thee. Pris. Then, thus adjured, I'll speak to you as just |