University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

—Exterior of the Prison, as before.
Enter Foster, Mrs. Foster, Robert, and Officers, from the Prison Door in the back ground.
Fos.
(R. C.)
How? Free!

Officer.
(R.)
As air, sir.

Fos.
You do mock me, surely!
My creditors—

Officer.
Are satisfied.

Fos.
By whom?

Officer.
I may not say; it must suffice you, sir,
Your debts are paid, and you at liberty.

Fos.
Then let us hence, my son, and—

Officer.
Pardon me,
But this young man is still my prisoner.
You heard the Sheriff's charge.

Fos.
Thy prisoner!
Then tell me not I am at liberty!
My child—my own true boy—I will not leave him;
One dungeon shall contain us; 'twas for me
He dared the anger of that cruel Sheriff,
And I will suffer with him—so lead on, sir.

Officer.
I dare not let you bear him company:
You must part here. He goes to Newgate straight.

Rob.
(L. C.)
Adieu, dear father. Hie thee home—be happy—
My uncle will relent and—

Fos.
Never! Never!
He knows not pity. You have been the footstool
Of his new fortunes; and now, like a footstool,
He spurns you from him! But I'll do some deed
Shall force him lodge me in the same dark den.
[Trumpets without.
Ha! Excellent! He's riding now through London
In all the pomp of his new dignity.
I'll beard him in his pride!—Before his officers,
I'the face of the whole city, will I cry
Shame on him!

Mrs. F.
(L.)
Husband! pray thee, patience!

Officer.
Hold, sir!—
You know not what you do. The King himself
Returns from Westminster with the procession
To dine with the new Mayor, and should your boldness—

Fos.
The King! The King! Why, better still! The King
Shall hear and judge between us! He is bound
To do all justice! At his feet I'll fall,
And shame the Sheriff in his own proud Hall!

[Rushes out, L.
Rob.
[To Officer.]
I pray thee, good friend, let us follow him;
His griefs have made him mad; in his despair
He will do some rash act will bring dishonour
On his grey hairs! Pray let us follow him.

Officer.
[Aside.]
Perhaps 'twere best so.
[Aloud.
Well, have with you, sir.

[Exeunt hastily.