As if you were the minister of heaven, All that I had, and then turn'd me and mine Received us there hard labour, and the skill lost: But, looking sad and earnest on the waters, By the moon's light I saw, whirl'd round and round, A basket soon I drew it to the bank, And nestled curious there an infant lay. Pris. He was. Lady Rand. Inhuman that thou art! How could'st thou kill what waves and tempests spared? Pris. I was not so inhuman. Lady Rand. Didst thou not? Anna. My noble mistress, you are moved too much : This man has not the aspect of stern murder; One whom distress has spited at the world, them: And such a man was I; a man declined, Who saw no end of black adversity: Yet, for the wealth of kingdoms, I would not Have touch'd that infant with a hand of harm. Lady Rand. Ha! dost thou say so? Then perhaps he lives! Pris. Not many days ago he was alive. Lady Rand. O God of heaven! Did he then die so lately? Pris. I did not say he died; I hope he lives. Not many days ago these eyes beheld Him, flourishing in youth, and health, and beauty. Lady Rand. Where is he now? Pris. Alas! I know not where. Lady Rand. Oh, fate! I fear thee still. Thou riddler, speak Direct and clear; else I will search thy soul. Anna. Permit me, ever honour'd! Keen impa tience, -- Though hard to be restrain'd, defeats itself. Within the cradle where the infant lay Was stow'd a mighty store of gold and jewels ; Tempted by which, we did resolve to hide, forth Our secret wealth. But God's all-seeing eye For one by one all our own children died, Meanwhile the stripling grew in years and beauty; Lady Rand. Eternal Providence! What is thy name? Pris. My name is Norval; and my name he bears. Lady Rand. 'Tis he; 'tis he himself! It is my son! O, sovereign mercy! "Twas my child I saw !— Anna. Just are your transports: ne'er was woman's heart Proved with such fierce extremes. High-fated dame! But yet remember that you are beheld By servile eyes; your gestures may be seen Impassion❜d, strange; perhaps your words o'er heard. Lady Rand. Well dost thou counsel, Anna: On me that wisdom which my state requires! Pris. If I, amidst astonishment and fear, Have of your words and gestures rightly judged, |