University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Mother Kirkton's House.
Livingston.
(disguised as a servant)
I wish this creature had not been at home,
I blush to know my self—But hush! she comes—
Enter Kirkton.
Mother, I come to have my fortune told;
But first accept your fee—

(gives money)
Kirkton.
Shew me your hand—
If I mistake not, fortune is your friend,
Your master generous, your appointments large—
Distrust and envy, lately have produc'd
Unseemly quarrels 'twixt you and a man
Whom now you call your friend—He loves you not.

Livingston.
Shall he prevail against me?

Kirkton.
That depends
Much on yourself—Ambition leads you on—
She is a dangerous guide—Beware a Douglas!

Livingston.
That's to the point indeed! (aside)
Why of a Douglas?

Kirkton.
No more!—Thou know'st if the advice concerns thee.

Livingston.
Be more explicit mother—double fee—

Kirkton.
In vain thou urgest—In the womb of time
Deep hid the rest remains—Enough to thee
Be virtuous, and be happy—Ask no more!

(Exit Livingston.
Kirkton
, sola.
'Tis strange a man of sense should weakly think
A poor illiterate woman can unfold
The dark recesses of futurity!
How strange! that he, who, conscious of his crimes,
With reason dreads the future, should attempt
To draw aside the curtain which divides
'Twixt guilt and punishment—The soul unblest,
Which dares not turn its eyes upon itself,
Incessant roams through folly's ample field,
In quest of happiness, till tir'd and spent,
It droops and owns the foreign pursuit vain.

(Exit.