University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

—Hero's Town House.
Enter Sir William Sutton and Emily.
Sir Wil.
What! Helen Mowbray come to life again?

Emily.
'Tis even so! and metamorphosed as
You ne'er would dream. But pray you, use despatch.
On the reverse of this she gave your niece,
And which, unthinkingly, no doubt, was given
To her, 'tis clear some mortal work 's on hand—
For here are time, and place, and weapon named,
Upon the part of base Lord Athunree.
There yet is time! Prevent it, while you may!

Sir Wil.
[Rings the bell. Attendant enters.]
Hark, sir! Take charge of this, and have it straight
Put into execution by the chief
O' the city officers—Look to it well!
And now, what means this full assembly call'd
Of friends and relatives, to feast with Hero?

Emily.
I must not tell—but guess.

Sir Wil.
I cannot guess
The shapes particular of women's fancies,
Especially in one of Hero's vein.
Retains she her disguise?

Emily.
No; casts it off—
And with it, habit, more a part of her.
She is changed beyond belief.

Sir Wil.
Not my belief,
When I shall see it.

Emily.
I must hie to her,
And set her mind at rest on this affair,
Touching her friend, which chance reveal'd to her,
In time, I trust, the issue to prevent.
You have given order they be hither brought?

Sir Wil.
I have. Where's Hero?

Emily.
In the library,
In earnest converse still with that strange man,
Who pray'd an audience with her, and I think,
Brought news that has surprised her. Dinner-time
Will see an end and clearing up of all.

[They go out severally.