University of Virginia Library

SCENE VII.

Lucy, Nithsdale.
LUCY.
'Tis the wolf. Spare me; spare!

(Kneeling, and hiding her face.)
NITHSDALE.
She's a witch, and has changed herself!

LUCY.
Do not come near me.

NITHSDALE.
Nay, young lady, look up!

LUCY.
'Tis a woman!

NITHSDALE.
Why fear me?
Perchance, like myself, you're a prisoner?

LUCY.
Ah yes!

NITHSDALE.
And your kinsfolk are true to the Stuart, I guess.

LUCY.
My poor father took arms for King James.

NITHSDALE.
So did I.

LUCY.
You!—a woman! How brave!

NITHSDALE.
For that crime I must die
If you will not assist me.

LUCY.
Assist you—how? Say.

NITHSDALE.
That she-Judas will sell me, and goes to betray.

LUCY.
Fly! Alas! she has locked the street-door!

NITHSDALE.
Lady fair,
Does not Love laugh at locksmiths? Well, so does Despair!
(Glancing at the window.)
Flight is here. But this dress my detection ensures.
If I could but exchange hood and mantle for yours!
Dare I ask you to save me?

LUCY.
Nay, doubt not my will;
But my own door is locked.

NITHSDALE
(raising the poker).
And the key is here still.

(Bursts the door of Lucy's room and enters.)
LUCY.
I have read of the Amazons; this must be one.

NITHSDALE
(coming from the door with hood, gown, and mantle on his arm).
I have found all I need for the risk I must run.

LUCY.
Can I help you?

NITHSDALE.
Heaven bless thee, sweet Innocence, no.
Haste, and look if no back way is open below.
Stay; your father has served the king over the water;
And this locket may please your brave father's true daughter—
The grey hair of poor Charles, interwined with the pearl.
Go; vouchsafe me this kiss.

(Kissing her hand, and exit within the door.)
LUCY.
What a wonderful girl!