LXXIII. Confirmed of purpose, fearlessly prepared He journeyed, and forthwith his crime declared: "O welcome sentence which will end, though late," He said, "the pangs that to my conscience came Out of that deed. My trust, Saviour! is in thy name!" His fate was pitied. LXXIV. Him in iron case (Reader, forgive the intolerable thought) When into storms the evening sky is wrought, 1793-4. SCENE, Borders of England and Scotland. TIME, the Reign of Henry III. READERS already acquainted with my Poems will recognize, in the following composition, some eight or ten lines, which I have not scrupled to retain in the places where they originally stood. It is proper, however, to add, that they would not have been used elsewhere, if I had foreseen the time when I might be induced to publish this Tragedy. February 28, 1842. ACT I. SCENE, road in a wood. WALLACE and LACY. Lacy. The Troop will be impatient; let us hie Back to our post, and strip the Scottish Foray Of their rich spoil, ere they recross the Border. - Pity that our young Chief will have no part In this good service. Wal. Rather let us grieve That, in the undertaking which has caused Lacy. True; and, remembering how the Band have proved That Oswald finds small favor in our sight, Wal. I have heard Of some dark deed to which in early life Lacy. Where he despised alike Mohammedan and Christian. But enough; Enter MARMADUKE and WILFRED. Let us begone, the Band may else be foiled. [Exeunt. I perceive Wil. Be cautious, my dear Master ! That fear is like a cloak which old men huddle About their love, as if to keep it warm. Wil. Nay, but I grieve that we should part. Mar. Your busy fancies, Wilfred, Might tempt me to a smile; but what of him? Wil. And that he hates you! Pardon me, perhaps That word was hasty. Mar. Fy! no more of it. Wil. Dear Master! gratitude's a heavy burden To a proud soul. Nobody loves this Oswald, Yourself, you do not love him. Mar. I do more, I honor him. Strong feelings to his heart Are natural; and from no one can be learnt More of man's thoughts and ways than his expe- ' rience Has given him power to teach: and then for courage And enterprise, what perils hath he shunned? What obstacles hath he failed to overcome? Answer these questions, from our common knowl Repair to Liddesdale, and tell the Band I shall be with them in two days, at farthest. [Exit. Enter OSWALD (a bunch of plants in his hand.) Osw. This wood is rich in plants and curious simples. Mar. (looking at them.) The wild rose, and the poppy, and the nightshade: Which is your favorite, Oswald? Osw. That which, while it is Strong to destroy, is also strong to heal. [Looking forward. Not yet in sight!· We'll saunter here awhile; They cannot mount the hill, by us unseen. Mar. (a letter in his hand.) It is no common thing when one like you Performs these delicate services, and therefore Osw. And saw the tears with which she blotted it. No less; For that another in his Child's affection To guard the Innocent, he calls us "Outlaws"; And, for yourself, in plain terms he asserts Might want no cover, and rapacity Be better fed. Mar. Ne'er may I own the heart That cannot feel for one, helpless as he is. |