University of Virginia Library

SCENE—A Thicket in a Wood near the mouth of a Cave.
Raymond and Bramville,
RAYMOND.
Here Ronsard was to meet us—What a horror
Coldly glides through me! like a lurking felon
Must I approach my castle, while the robbers
Revel within—Oh parent Heaven, how awful
What now I feel! That solemn pleasing dread
Unspeakable! the grave's chill invitation
Sent to the good man's heart when verging on it.
That unnam'd touch, which man, ordain'd to live,
Did never feel, now thrills me: and inspiring
A drear affection for the darksome gulph,
Whose shore was never seen by human eye,
Shews smiling peace prepar'd to waft me through.

BRAMVILLE.
When Grief's hot fever has burn'd out its rage
Comes Melancholy, and with gentle hand
Throws a soft slumber o'er the wearied passions;
And then, while Reason sleeps, bending the vigour
Of manly action down, thro' mournful shades
Of listless pleasing woe, she impious leads
The dreamful fancy.—Thus, my Lord, she leads you;
The touch you feel is Melancholy's soothing:
But rouse your nobler temper to the deeds
Your honour and your wrongs impose upon you.

RAYMOND.
Yes, I will rouse me—Hark! the sounds of tumult
Struggle on the forest's edge—

BRAMVILLE.
Bourbon, I deem,
Disturbs the Tyrant's revels; and on speed
Comes Ronsard—

Enter Ronsard.
RONSARD.
Deeper to the Cave, my Lord,
Let us retire—

RAYMOND.
Say, where my joyful Traitress?

RONSARD.
Just when I mark'd her party, and the route,
The hounds pursued, the shout of Bourbon's army
Echo'd along the dales, and his bold van
Gave their first thunder. Instant o'er the downs,
Raging as burning Hercules, the King
Led forth his trembling Host. In wild dismay
The hunters fled, some to the Castle, some
Plung'd into the wood—

RAYMOND.
Oh Heaven, and is my vengeance,
And thy dread justice, yet again delay'd!

RONSARD.
Erminia's party to the Castle sped:
There may we seize her. Let one little hour
But half expire, then will the battle rage
In its full strength; then may our purpose fear
Wayward delay no more—

BRAMVILLE.
Hah, 'tis the sound
Of horsemen rushing through the neighbouring glades;
Retire, my Lord; a price is on your blood.
'Ere to full meeting flame the battle rise,
I'll arm your faithful servants to assist
Our honour's cause—

RAYMOND.
Oh speed thee—
[Ex. Bramville.
—Here to lurk;
Here watch the time, to poignard that fair bosom
Where yesterday my soul was all enshrined!
Dreadful necessity! O living horror!
Good Heaven, couldst thou restore me yesterday!

[Ex. Raym. and Rons. into the Cave.