Beg. The Saints reward you For this good deed!-Well, Sirs, this passed away; And afterwards I fancied a strange dog, Trotting alone along the beaten road, Came to my child as by my side he slept, Osw. When next inclined to sleep, take my advice, And put your head, good Woman, under cover. Beg. O, Sir, you would not talk thus, if you knew What life is this of ours, how sleep will master The darkness overtook me, But two nights gone, wind and rain and yet I saw A glowworm, through the covert of the furze, At which I half accused the God in Heaven. · You must forgive me. Osw. Ay, and if you think The Fairies are to blame, and you should chide Your favorite saint, - no matter, this good day Has made amends. Beg. Thanks to you both; but, O Sir How would you like to travel on whole hours As I have done, my eyes upon the ground, Do you tell fortunes? O Sir, you are like the rest. it cuts me to the heart, Well! they might turn a beggar from their doors, But there are mothers who can see the babe Here at my breast, and ask me where I bought it: This they can do, and look upon my face; But you, Sir, should be kinder. Mar. Come hither, Fathers, And learn what nature is from this poor wretch! Beg. Ay, Sir, there's nobody that feels for us. Why now, but yesterday I overtook A blind old graybeard and accosted him, I' th' name of all the Saints, and by the Mass I'll point him out; a Maiden is his guide, Lovely as Spring's first rose; a little dog, I owe him no ill-will, but in good sooth Mar. Tis Herbert and no other! Beg. As I live, 'Tis a feast to see him, - yet evermore, Lank as a ghost and tall, his shoulders bent, And long beard white with age; As if he were the only Saint on earth, Isw. Against this venerable man? Beg. But why so violent I'll tell you : He has the very hardest heart on earth; I had as lief turn to the Friar's school Mar. But to your story. Beg. -- As if my heart would burst; and so I left him. Osw. I think, good Woman, you are the very person Whom, but some few days past, I saw in Eskdale, At Herbert's door. Beg. Ay; and if truth were known, I have good business there, Osw. And he seemed angry. Beg. I met you at the threshold, Angry! well he might ; And long as I can stir I 'll dog him. -Yesterday, To serve me so, and knowing that he owes But 't is all over now. - That good old Lady Has left a power of riches; and I say it, If there's a lawyer in the land, the knave Shall give me half. I spied him skulking in his peasant's dress. Osw. How say you? in disguise? With Herbert or his Daughter? Beg. But how's the day? I fear, my little Boy, But what's your business Daughter! truly! An inch, till I am answered. Know you aught That doth concern this Herbert? Beg. And will misuse me, Sir! Mar. You are provoked, No trifling, Woman! Osw. You are as safe as in a sanctuary; Speak. And I will tell you all! -You know not, Sir, Beg. O Sir, I've been a wicked Woman. Osu. Nay, but speak out! Beg. He flattered me, and said What harvest it would bring us both; and so, I parted with the Child. Mar. Parted with whom? Beg. Idonea, as he calls her; but the Girl Is mine. Mar. Yours, Woman! are you Herbert's wife? Beg. Wife, Sir! his wife!-not I; my husband, Sir, Was of Kirkoswald, many a snowy winter We've weathered out together. My poor Gilfred! He has been two years in his grave. Mar. Enough. Osw. We've solved the riddle. - Miscreant! Mar Do you, Good Dame, repair to Liddesdale and wait For my return; be sure you shall have justice. Osw. A lucky woman! go, you have done good service. [Aside. Mar. (to himself.) Eternal praises on the power that saved her! |