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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.
One thing I have to say before we part;

Long wert thou lost; and thou art found, my child,
In a most fearful season.

War and battle

I have great cause to dread. Too well I see
Which way the current of thy temper sets:
To-day I've found thee. Oh! my long-lost hope!
If thou to giddy valour givest the rein,
To-morrow I may lose my son for ever.

The love of thee, before thou saw'st the light,

Sustain'd my life when thy brave father fell.
If thou shalt fall, I have nor love nor hope
In this waste world! My son, remember me!
Doug. What shall I say? how can I give you

comfort?

The God of battles of my life dispose

As may be best for you; for whose dear sake
I will not bear myself as I resolved.

But yet consider, as no vulgar name

That which I boast sounds amongst martial men,
How will inglorious caution suit my claim?
The post of fate unshrinking I maintain:
My country's foes must witness who I am.
On the invaders' heads I'll prove my birth,
Till friends and foes confess the genuine strain.
If in this strife I fall, blame not your son,
Who, if he lives not honour'd, must not live.
Lady Rand. I will not utter what my bosom

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!
The lover and the husband both must die.

[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!

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[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:
Clouded and hid, a stranger to myself,

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,
Which never mortal was so fond to run.

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,
And think life only wanting to my fame :

But who shall comfort thee?

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