University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Enter CRICHTON, Jun.
My father's gone to swear,—and—to deceive!
[Aside.
Yes.—Like the dire hyæna he usurps
The voice and actions of humanity
T'allure and to devour.—If I reveal it,
He dies,—and justly;—most unjust from me,
Returning death for life.—To one I must.
At his life's peril, Douglas rescu'd mine.
O father! friend! for either could I die:
But if I save the one, I kill the other.
O happy they, who see fair virtue's path!
Tho' rocks rise high across, and furies guard it:
But darkness broods on my benighted way!
But O what joy to save that heav'nly Wonder
From such impending griefs! Now love resolves me.

[She observing him, offers to retire.
Crichton
advancing.
O grant one pitying look to ease despair!
Knew'st thou my heart, sure thou wouldst grant me hearing.

Lady Beatrix.
What signifies my pity, or my hearing;
I never can, nor will be thine. Adieu.

Crichton.
Yet hear me.—Stay.—If thou regard'st the life
Of Douglas.—If thine own most precious life.—

[Seizing her gently.
Lady Beatrix.
O save my brother's life.—Let mine suffice.

Crichton.
Sure death attends.

Lady Beatrix.
Heav'n guard me.
Re-enter Sir William Douglas, with his sword drawn.
Brutal ravisher!
Unhand her.—Draw,—speak not,—but guard thy heart.

[They fight; Crichton is wounded.
Lady Beatrix,
interposing.
Stain not my brother's hospitality.

Crichton.
O rival! had thy sword but pierc'd my heart.

Sir William Douglas,
in disdain.
My rival thou, and in this lady's love!

Crichton.
One word,—Lord Douglas' life.

Sir William Douglas.
Tempt fate no further;
But fly,—and tremble at the name of Douglas.

[Exit Sir W. D. and L. B.
Crichton
solus.
How dreadful is a Douglas in his wrath!
Oh parricide, thou most gigantic crime!
All other murders, tho' most deadly crimes,
To thee are pigmies. I have nearly 'scap'd thee!
But base ingratitude! Must Douglas die?
Who sav'd my life at peril of his own.
Unjust reward! I'll drop a written warning,
To keep them from the castle: here they're safe,