University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

Crichton-Castle.
Lenox, Fleming.
Lenox.
I like it not sir Malcom—ten to one,
These over-courtesies are only meant
To hide a hollow heart.

Fleming.
The generous youth
Unpractis'd in deceit, receives as gold,
Th'adult'rate coin they spread before his eyes.
And much I doubt, our joint attemps will fail,
To save him from the snare we justly dread.

Lenox.
We must endeavour it, whate'er the issue,
We cannot, must not, see him blindly run
In such a dangerous path—Admit we fail,
Our conscience will acquit us. I have mark'd
The countenance of the Chancellor, and can see
He loves him not—Scarce has an hour elaps'd
Since we were here, but messengers have past
From hence to town—Some dark design's in view,
May heav'n dissappoint it!

Fleming.
Have you mark'd,
With what assiduous care he tends my Lord?

Lenox.
I have. In ev'ry different point of view
The danger heightens, and my doubts encrease.
'Tis true their honour, and the publick faith,
Are both engag'd; but what are these to men,
Who practis'd in deceit, can coolly act,
As faith and virtue were but empty names;
Religion, but a bug-bear of the State,
To frighten fools, and keep the world in awe.
Oaths or engagements cannot bind the man,
Of pow'r possest, who holds religion cheap.

Fleming.
The observation's just. Tho' laws are made
The vicious to restrain, the good alone,
Regard them in their moral view, and yield
Obedience, where they safely might transgress.
Yonder he comes—The Chancellor with him still!
Let us retire to think upon the means,
That prudence my suggest to 'scape the snare.

[Exeunt.