University of Virginia Library

Scene 3.

The apartment of Lady Agnes Seaton. Herself and the Friar in conversation.
LADY AGNES.
Now, holy father, blessings on thy head,
Here and hereafter, for that charity!

FRIAR.
In aught to comfort thee hath more than paid me.

LADY AGNES.
I did not think ever to weep again,
But thou hast touched the spring within the rock,
And healing waters flow.

(Enter Dunbar and Seaton.)
SEATON.
How fares my Agnes?
How is it with thee now?

LADY AGNES.
Better, my lord;
And not unmindful of the kind solicitude
That prompts the asking.

SEATON.
I could not rely
On the reports they of the household brought,
But stole a moment from the cares of office,
(Though at the heaviest now,) to satisfy me.

DUNBAR.
I, too, a respite snatch from the like duties,
To hail my precious cousin's restoration;
And, in the name of Berwick and of Scotland,
To thank that pair to whom all thanks are due.

SEATON.
Pay them to her. None to myself are owing.
To Agnes, only, doth that debt belong.

LADY AGNES.
(To Seaton.)
Nay, prithee, nay! (to Dunbar)
and if it were so, kinsman,
Thou know'st it chanceth for the fragile skiff
Sometimes to bear itself above the waves
From very lightness—when the braver bark,
Borne down by its rich freight and pressed with sail,
Had well-nigh parted.

DUNBAR.
Such lowly estimate of thy own merits
Does but enhance the worth it seeks to lower.

LADY AGNES.
Forbear! my friend, thy plaudits overpower me.
Even with the duty done, so highly rated,
Mingled enough to shame the sense of pride!
A dark and stormy interval has left
Its clouds between me and my memory,
Spreading o'er much a dreamy indistinctness;
Yet I recall—albeit confusedly—
I do remember, in my agony,
(That cast me, as a prey, to frantic impulse,)
Venting strange words of fearful imprecation.
I would they were unsaid! 'Tis not for me,
O, not for me, a weak and tempted woman,
(Daughter of dust, which every breath is bearing
Back to its source,) to teach the steadfast Heavens
Where to direct their thunders! O, forbid it!
If, in my frenzy, I have cursed King Edward,
I do revoke—

(Donaldus, entering, speaks.)
DONALDUS.
In vain! 'tis registered!
Eternal retribution is concerned
It should be so, howe'er thy generous nature
Relenteth thus toward so fell a foe.
The righteous wrath of man hath sometimes proved
Prompting of Providence; the cry of anguish
Forced from the tortured spirit (like the groan
Wrung from the writhing martyr on the rack)
Is heard of Heaven; aye, heard and answered, too!
Thy curse shall fasten, yet, on him and his,
Sharp as the eagle's talons! and I go
To warn him of it.
[Exit Donaldus.

SEATON.
Did I hear aright?
And dares he front that merciless destroyer
In his own place?

DUNBAR.
Donaldus is not one
To fear the face of man—of guilty man
The least of any—since to such his tidings
Of solemn import may be most effectual
To probe past crimes, or to preserve from future.
But time has sped, and I must leave you, cousin,
And seek a ruder presence.

SEATON.
True, my Agnes;
Yes, our short furlough has expired already.
I do commend thee to thy own best caution,
And leave thee, dearest, to the care of Heaven,
And this, its holy minister.

FRIAR.
Her comfort,
My son, shall be my care. The saints direct you,
(To S. and D.)
Giving to each good fortune, or the grace
That draws the sting from bad!

LADY AGNES.
Amen; so be it!
Husband and kinsman, all good go with you!

[Exit Seaton and Dunbar.
FRIAR.
Daughter, thine ancient harper had produced
His wonted tribute of a brief lament
To suit thy circumstance; but did reserve it
Until the season of bewilderment
Had passed away, and left thee to thyself.
But now, wilt please thee listen to his lay,
Whene'er the mood shall favor?

LADY AGNES.
It will soothe me,
To hear the strain whose burden is to be
Of what I loved and lost. Within the oratory
We will await it.

[Exit both.
(Scene changes to the oratory. Lady Agnes, Friar, Harper.)
LADY AGNES.
(To Harper.)
Mine ancient follower, I am now prepared
To lend the funeral chant thy zeal hath offered
A renovated ear. The holy father
Made known to me this proof of fealty,
My good old Gildus! that my heart has answered,
And thanks thee, for the living—and the dead!

HARPER.
(Sings, accompanied by the harp. During the strain Lady Agnes covers her face with her hand.
(The Friar now rises and joins the chant of the Harper.)

[Curtain falls.