University of Virginia Library

SCENE VII.

Enter Angus with Guards, Stuart, Eleonora.
Angus.
What dark Resolve
By gloomy Athol plann'd, has hither led
Thy Steps presumptuous?—Eleonora, hence.—
It ill befits thee—but, no more—away—
I'll brook no Answer—
[Exit Eleonora.
—Is it not enough,
To lift Rebellion's impious Brand on high,
And scorch the Face of Faith; that ye thus creep
In ruffian Ambush, seeking to perform
The Deed ye dare not trust to open War?

Stuart.
Thou little know'st me—or thy rankling Hate
Defrauds my Courage.—Wherefore should I skulk
Like the dishonour'd Wretch, whose hireling Steel
In secret lifted, reeks with human Gore,
When valiant Athol hastens at the Head
Of warlike Thousands, to assert our Cause?

Angus.
The Cause of Treason never was confin'd
To Deeds of open War; but still adopts
The Stab of crouching Murder.—Thy Revolt,
The stern Contraction of thy sullen Brow,
And this Disguise, Apostate! speak thee bent
On fatal Errand.—

Stuart.
That thou seest me here
Unarm'd, alone, from Angus might obtain
A fair Interpretation—Stuart's Love
Pleads not in mystic Terms; nor are my Vows
To Eleonora, cancell'd or unknown—
Vows by thyself indulg'd, e'er Envy yet,
Or Folly had induc'd thee, to embrace
The Fortunes of our Foe.—Thy foul Reproach
My Soul retorts on thee! and mark, proud Lord,
Revenge will have its Turn!—

Angus.
Ha! must I bear
A beardless Traitor's Insults?—'tis not mine
To wage a fruitless War of Words with thee,
Vain-glorious Stripling.—While thine Aims were just,
I seal'd thy Title to my Daughter's Love;
But now, begrim'd with Treason, as thou art,
By Heav'n! not Diadems and Thrones shall bribe
My Approbation!—but the King himself
Shall judge thy Conduct.—Guards—