Cross where thou seest a broad and beaten way, Which running eastward leads thee to the camp. Instant demand admittance to Lord Douglas. Shew him these jewels which his brother wore. Thy look, thy voice, will make him feel the truth, Which I by certain proof will soon confirm. Doug. I yield me, and obey: but yet my heart Bleeds at this parting. Something bids me stay, And guard a mother's life. Oft have I read Of wond'rous deeds by one bold arm achieved. Our foes are two; no more: let me go forth, And see if any shield can guard Glenalvon. Lady Rand. If thou regard'st thy mother, or reverest Thy father's mem'ry, think of this no more. Long wert thou lost; and thou art found, my child, War and battle I have great cause to dread. Too well I see The love of thee, before thou saw'st the light, Sustain'd my life when thy brave father fell. comfort? The God of battles of my life dispose As may be best for you; for whose dear sake But yet consider, as no vulgar name That which I boast sounds amongst martial men, feels. Too well I love that valour which I warn. Farewell, my son! my counsels are but vain ; [Embracing. And as high Heaven hath will'd it, all must be. [They are about to separate. Gaze not on me, thou wilt mistake the path; I'll point it out again. [Just as they are separating, enter from the Wood Lord RANDOLPH and GLENALVON. Lord Rand. Not in her presence. Now I [Exeunt, at different sides, DOUGLAS and Lady RANDOLPH. Glen. I'm prepared. Lord Rand. No; I command thee stay. go alone it never shall be said That I took odds to combat mortal man. The noblest vengeance is the most complete. [Exit Lord RANDOLPH. [GLENALVON makes some steps to the same side of the stage, listens and speaks. Glen. Demons of death, come, settle on my sword, And to a double slaughter guide it home! [Lord RANDOLPH behind the scenes. Lord Rand. Draw, villain! draw. Doug. Assail me not, Lord Randolph! Not, as thou lovest thyself. [Clashing of swords. Glen. Now is the time. [Running out. Enter Lady RANDOLPH at the opposite side of the stage, faint and breathless. Lady Rand. Lord Randolph, hear me; all shall be thine own : But spare! Oh spare my son! Enter DOUGLAS, with a sword in each hand. Doug. My mother's voice! I can protect thee still. Lady Rand. He lives, he lives! For this, for this to Heaven eternal praise! But sure I saw thee fall. Doug. It was Glenalvon. Just as my arm had master'd Randolph's sword, The villain came behind me; but I slew him. Lady Rand. Behind thee! Ah, thou'rt wounded! O my child, How pale thou look'st! And shall I lose thee now? Doug. Do not despair: I feel a little faint ness; I hope it will not last. [Leans upon his sword. Lady Rand. There is no hope! And we must part! the hand of death is on thee! my beloved child! O Douglas, Douglas! [DOUGLAS growing more and more faint. Doug. Too soon we part; I have not long been Douglas. O destiny! hardly thou deal'st with me: In low and poor obscurity I lived. Lady Rand. Has heaven preserved thee for an end like this? Doug. O had I fall'n as my brave fathers fell, Turning with effort great the tide of battle! Like them I should have smiled and welcom'd death. But thus to perish by a villain's hand! Cut off from nature's and from glory's course, Lady Rand. Hear, justice! hear! stretch thine [DOUGLAS falls. avenging arm. Doug. Unknown I die; no tongue shall speak of me. Some noble spirits, judging by themselves, May yet conjecture what I might have proved, But who shall comfort thee? |