University of Virginia Library

SCENE VII.

Changes to another Apartment.
Athol, Grime.
Athol.
What we to Fortune ow'd, our Arms have paid:
But let us now, the Changeling Pow'r renounce.—
Unhappy those, who hazard their Designs
On her without Reserve!—

Grime.
Our Plan pursu'd
A Purpose more assur'd:—With Conquest crown'd,
Our Aim indeed, a fairer Wreath had worn:
But that deny'd, on Terms of darker Hue
Our Swords shall force Success!—

Athol.
Th'approaching Scene
Demands our utmost Art! not with tame Sighs
To bend before his Throne, and supplicate
His Clemency, like Slaves; nor to provoke
With Pride of Speech, his Anger half appeas'd:
But with Submission mingle (as we speak)
A conscious Dignity of Soul, prepar'd
For all Events.—

Grime.
Without the City-Walls,
The Southern Troops encamp'd, already fill
The festal Bowl, to celebrate the Day.—

Athol.
By Heav'n! their flush'd Intemperance will yield
Occasion undisturb'd.—For while they lie,
With Wine and Sleep o'erwhelm'd; the Clans that lurk
Behind th'adjacent Hills, shall in the Dark,
Approach the Gate when our Associate Cattan
Commands the Guard; then introduc'd by him,
We take, with Ease, Possession of the Town,
And hither move unmark'd.—

Grime.
Here, if we fail,
May my shrunk Sinew never more unsheath
My well-try'd Dagger; nor my hungry Hate
Enjoy the sav'ry Steam of hostile Gore!

Athol.
How my fir'd Soul anticipates the Joy!
I see me seated in the regal Chair,
Enthron'd by Grime, the Partner of my Power!—
But this important Enterprize demands
More secret Conference.—The Sword of Stuart
Will much avail: But his unpractic'd Youth
To Doubts and Scruples subject, hitherto
Declines our last Resolve.—

Grime.
It shall be mine,
To rouse his Passion to the Pitch requir'd.—
But soft!—who comes?—Ten thousand Curses load
Th'ambitious Stripling!

Enter Dunbar.
By the King's Command,
I come to guide you to the Throne.

Athol.
'Tis well.—

[Exeunt.