Did I not fear to freeze thy shallow valour, Glen. Dost thou know Glenalvon, born to com mand Ten thousand slaves like thee ! Norv. Villain, no more: Draw and defend thy life. I did design Enter LORD RANDOLPH. Lord Rand. Hold, I command you both. The man that stirs Makes me his foe. Norv. Another voice than thine That threat had vainly sounded, noble Randolph. Glen. Hear him, my lord; he's wond'rous con descending! Mark the humility of shepherd Norval! Norv. Now you may scoff in safety. [Sheaths his sword. Lord Rand. Speak not thus, Taunting each other; but unfold to me The cause of quarrel, then I judge betwixt you. Norv. Nay, my good lord, though I revere you much, My cause I plead not, nor demand your judgment. you, noble Randolph, Revoke your favours, and let Norval go Hence as he came, alone but not dishonour'd. Lord Rand. Thus far I'll mediate with impartial voice: The ancient foe of Caledonia's land Now waves his banners o'er her frighted fields; Repel the bold invader: then decide Glen. I agree to this. Norv. And I. Enter Servant. Serv. The banquet waits. Lord Rand. We come. Glen. Norval, [Exit with Servant. Let not our variance mar the social hour, brow; Smooth thou thy Nor let our strife disturb the gentle dame. Norv. Think not so lightly, sir, of my resent ment. When we contend again, our strife is mortal. [Exeunt. ACT V. SCENE, The Wood. Enter DOUGLAS. Doug. This is the place, the centre of the grove; In such a place as this, at such an hour, Enter OLD NORVAL. Old Norv. "Tis he. But what if he should chide me hence? 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 Doug. Not worse the fruit, That in the wilderness the blossom blow'd. 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. |