University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

—A Room in the Provost's House.
Enter Sir James Learmont, Duncan, and Melvil.
LEARMONT.
I, too, should have been there along with you,
As Lumsdaine's letter was significant,
And full of urgency; but this mine office
Of Provostship detains me, t'over-rule
And keep the peace of this community;
Which now is more endanger'd by th'afflux
Of strangers, clerk and lay, that stream in fast,
Heated with hostile passions; which might soon,
Coming into such dangerous contact,
Explode in some disturbance.

MELVIL.
I will go,
And catch the Sheriff's tidings from the west:
He does not bustle for a bauble so;
There must be something special and of weight,
That he convenes us so imperiously.
I'll make excuse for you, Sir James; and will
Anon be with you, to communicate
What is disclosed, or what concerted there.
Till then, farewell.

LEARMONT.
Good night to thee, good Melvil.

[Exit Melvil.
DUNCAN.
And I will tarry in this town a while,
T'observe the diet's doings, and to watch
If yet some golden chance may not betide
Of rescuing him I love.

LEARMONT.
Remain with me,
Amid such comforts as my city-house
Can well supply.—Come, let us to the hall.

[Exeunt.