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 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, Doug. I scorn it not. My mother warn'd me of Glenalvon's baseness; I mark'd his brave demeanour: him I'll trust. I wait my mother's coming: she shall know And cautious ever are a mother's counsels. You must depart; your presence may prevent Old Norv. My blessing rest upon thee! O may heaven's hand, which saved thee from the wave, And from the sword of foes, be near thee still; 1 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, Of a bleak hill mischance had rooted me, Like the green thorn of May my fortune flowers." 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 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. Doug. First, let me tell What may the tenor of your counsel change. At eve, unseen by Randolph and Glenalvon, '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. Sir Malcolm's heir is come to claim his own; Fly to the camp, my son ! Doug. And leave you here? No to the castle let us go together, Call up the ancient servants of your house, Some in your cause will arm. I ask but few Thou genuine offspring of the daring Douglas! And I am safe. To me they mean no harm. |