University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

—A Road-side Copse.
Enter George Fenwicke, L. U. E.
Fen.
My steed is jaded, let him browse awhile,
I'm now as near the city as my safety
May well permit. Here I may chance to meet
Some wayfarer, who will inform me justly
Of Wyndebanke's position. Horner's words
Were utter'd in the flood of indignation,
And thus o'er shot, I hope, the bound of truth:
Yet should they prove correct—alas, alas!
Why could I not foresee this misery?
Why not forestate the nauseous self contempt,
Most unendurable of all shame's adjuncts,
Which this untoward consequence entails?
Some one approaches; I'll aside and judge
If it be wise to accost.

(Retires 2 E. R.
Enter Edith, R. H.
Edith.
Already faint! oh, shame—is this the bravery
That is to save my husband? on, on, on!
Alas, I cannot! my swoln veins will burst
With dread anxiety; yet if I tarry
He'll surely die—on, on!

(Attempts to proceed, and sinks exhausted.)
Re-enter Fenwicke, 2 E. R. H.
Fen.
A female—swooning! Let me aid thee. (Raising her.)
Ah!
Edith!

Edith.
George!

Fen.
Dear sister!

Edith.
No, I'm no more a sister, George, of thine;
Would I had never felt for you as one
And then— (Weeping.)
George, George, what had I done to you,
That you should load me with this misery?

Fen.
(Aside.)
Then Horner told me truly. I've heard all.
Oh, could you know the deep remorse—my—

Edith.
Hence!
Let me away—detain me not! time fleets,
And here I loiter; hold me not, I pray you!

Fen.
Even now you are exhausted with fatigue;
Where would you go?

Edith.
The king is now at Burford,
I go to plead for my poor Edward's life—
Let me proceed, Goerge, I command you!

Fen.
Hold sister! hear me. I will to the king
Myself.

Edith.
You!

Fen.
Yes, I will confess my treachery
And offer up myself to sate due vengeance.
I will so prove your husband's innocence
His loyalty and truth—so strongly prove it,
The king shall have no choice but pardon him.
When was the time appointed for—for—

Edith.
His death?
To-morrow morning at the hour of eight.

Fen.
I'll save him, doubt not: and do you return
Direct into the city and prevent
The consequence of possible delay
In the arrival of the pardon. Go,
Comfort your husband. Once more I repeat,
I'll save him, Edith.

Edith.
Do it, and again
Be my own brother, but—Oh, George, I fear—
You have deceived me once, and dare I trust you!
Will you be true?

Fen.
(Kneeling.)
I swear it, Edith!

Edith.
Mount!
Mount, then, lose not a moment! you may judge
With what impatient terror I shall wait
The coming messenger.

Fen.
He shall be saved!
Think on my words and fear not.

(Exit L. H.
Edith.
Now heaven prosper him, and save my husband!

(Exit R. H.