University of Virginia Library

SCENE VI.

Angus, Eleonora.
Angus.
Eleonora,
Behold th'undaunted Youth, who stept between
The Stroke of Fate and me.—O'erpow'r'd, unhors'd,
And by the Foe surrounded, I had sunk
A Victim to Barbarity enrag'd;
If brave Dunbar, to his own Peril blind,
Had not that Instant, to my Rescue sprung.—
Nay, when that youthful Traitor—by whose Arm
Releas'd, I know not, headlong rush'd against me;
My vigilant Deliverer, oppos'd
The fierce Aggressor, whose aspiring Crest
Soon prostrate fell.—

Eleonora.
Ha! fell!—Is Stuart slain?
O! speak my Father.—

Angus.
Wherefore this Alarm!
Let me not find thy Bosom entertain
A Sentiment unworthy of thy Name!—
The gen'rous Victor gave him back his Life;
And cry'd aloud, “This Sacrifice I make
“For Eleonora's Love.”—

Eleonora.
O matchless Youth!
His Virtues conquer'd my Esteem, before:
But now, my grateful Sentiment inflames
Ev'n to a Sister's Zeal!

Angus.
With rigid Power
I would not bridle thy reluctant Thought:
Yet, let me, with parental Care, commend
The Passion of Dunbar.—

Eleonora.
A fairer Garb
His Title could not wear:—But when I think
What Rocks in secret he—what Tempests rise
On Love's deceitful Voyage; my timid Soul
Recoils affrighted, and with Horror shuns
Th'inviting Calm!—

Angus.
Retire, my Child, and weigh
The diff'rent Claims.—Here, Glory, Love and Truth
Implore thy Smiles:—There, Vice with brutal Rage
Would force thee to his Wishes.—But too long
I tarry in this Place.—I must attend
My Sov'reign in his Interview with Athol.

[Exeunt.