University of Virginia Library

SCENE VIII.

Changes.
King, Queen, attended.
King.
Couragious Angus shall not be o'erpower'd—
Myself will bring him Aid.—

Queen.
Alas! my Prince!

King.
What means the gentle Part'ner of my Heart?
Dismiss thy Fears.—This Day will dissipate
The Cause of thy Dismay.—Ev'n now, I go
To pluck the Wreath of Victory, and lay
Fresh Laurels in thy Lap.

Queen.
Ah! why let in
A Train of harpy Sorrows to my Breast!—
—Ah! why in your own precious Life, expose
Your Kingdom's Safety, and your Consort's Peace!
—Let me restrain you from the Field to Day.—
There is no Fame—no Glory to be won
From a Revolter's Brow.—

King.
The Public-weal
Commands to arm—Dishonour taint my Name,
When I reject the Call!—

Queen.
Ill-omen'd Call!
That like the Raven's Croak, invades my Quiet!
O! would to Heaven, our Minutes smoothly roll'd
In humble Solitude, with meek-ey'd Peace!
Remote from Royalty, and all the Cares
That brood around the Throne!—

King.
No, let us scorn
Unfeeling Ease, and private Bliss forego,
When public Misery implores our Aid.—
What Dignity of Transport feels the Prince,
Who, from the Fangs of fierce oppressive Power,
A People rescues?

Queen.
What a dreadful Host
Of Dangers 'circle him!

King.
Disease confers
The Stamp of Value upon Health; and Glory
Is the fair Child of Peril.—Thou thyself
My Conduct wilt applaud, soon as thy Mind
Its native Calm regains, and Reason sways
Uncheck'd by Fear.—Secure 'till my Return
Remain within, and ev'ry Thought indulge
Foreboding my Success.—

Queen.
Adieu—Adieu!
Heav'n crown your Valour with a happy Wreath.
[Exit Queen.

King
, to an Attendant.
Swift, hie thee to Dunbar, and bid him lead
The chosen Citizens—

Enter Ramsay.