University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

Angus, Cattan.
Cattan.
My noble Lord,
Within the Portal as I kept my Watch,
Swift gliding Shadows by the glimm'ring Moon,
I could perceive in Forms of armed Men,
Possess the Space that borders on the Porch—
I question'd thrice; they yielded no Reply:
And now the Soldiers, rang'd in close Array,
Wait your Command.

Angus.
Quick, lead me to the Place—
Foul Treason is at work!—

Cattan.
It were not good
To venture forth unarm'd.—Couragious Thane,
Receive this Dagger.—

[Attempts to stab Angus, who wrests the Dagger from him, and kills him.
Angus.
Ha, perfidious Slave!
What means this base Attempt?—Thou shalt not 'scape.

Cattan.
Curse on my feeble Arm that fail'd to strike
The Poignard to thy Heart!—How like a Dog
I tamely fall despis'd!

Angus.
Fell Ruffian! say,
Who set thee on?—This Treachery, I fear,
Is but the prelude to some dreadful Scene!—

Cattan.
Just are thy Terrors.—By the infernal Gulph
That opens to receive me! I would plunge
Into the Abyss with Joy, could the Success
Of Athol feast my Sense!
[A Noise of clashing Swords and Shreiks.
—Hah!—now the Sword
Of Slaughter smoaks!—Th'exulting Thane surveys
Th'imperial Scene; while grimly smiling Grime
With purple Honours deck'd.—

Angus.
Tremend'ous Powers!

Cattan.
O'er the faln Tyrant strides—

[Dies.
Angus.
Heav'n sheild us all!
Amazing Horror chills me!—Ha, Dunbar!
Then Treason triumphs!—O my Son! my Son!