University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

Douglas-Castle.
Lady Beatrix
sola, a note in her hand.

'Tis Fleming's hand— (reads)
“This morning
we set out from Crichton-Castle for Edinburgh
—since we have been here, many circumstances have
induced me to believe, that some wicked design is carrying
on between the ministers against my Lord—I have
in vain endeavoured to alarm him—time permits not
further particulars—I have sworn the bearer to make
dispatch—may heav'n dissapoint my fears!”

“Angels and ministers of grace defend him!”—

Going out, meets Lord William , and returns.

Lord William
, after reading the note.
Perdition seize the villains! dare they hope
To hurt my Lord of Douglas, and to live?

Lady Beatrix.
What dare not wicked men, of pow'r possest?
O fly my cousin! fly to their relief!
My friend! my guardian! ev'ry tender name
Would be too little for the man that saves—
Lord Douglas, and his brother—

Lord William.
That shall I,
Or perish in th'attempt—

Lady Beatrix.
Heav'n lend its aid!

Enter Grame.
Lady Beatrix
, to Grame.
Alas my cousin! had your advice prevail'd,
My brothers had not thus—

Grame.
Ha! what of them?

Lady Beatrix.
This form sir Malcom—

(giving him the note)
(a short pause)
Grame.
'Tis what I always fear'd
I've liv'd too long to be surpriz'd at aught.

Enter a Servant.
Lord William
, to the Servant.
Straight let a thousand men be summon'd here,
Each with his horse and armour; men of mettle,
Who will not shrink at danger—On thy life!
Let all be here before to-morrow's sun.

[Exit Servant.
Lady Beatrix.
Down down my heart!—This is a time for action,
A female tear will not divert the storm.

Grame
, to Lord William.
Alas my Lord! you think not of the danger,
That must attend so rash an enterprise;
The danger, not your own, I know you fear not,
But to the noble friends you mean to serve.
Unarm'd, and unattended as they are,
Perhaps their generous confidence may turn
Aside the wicked purpose of their foes,
Whate'er it is. But should a hostile band,
Approach the capital, you on their head,
I dread the consequence!—The States alarm'd,
Might rashly judge Lord Douglas had contriv'd
This plan, to forward some undue attempt;
Perhaps on that presumption!—O forbear,
Your friends are in their power, to urge their fate!

Lord William.
I would not, heav'n can witness! But to stay
Inactive here, Lord Douglas' life in danger,
Can honour dictate? Could my friend approve?
What would you else propose? I'll patient hear
For wisdom is in age.

Grame.
That you, my Lord,
Should countermand the orders you have giv'n,
And only send a chosen friend to town,
To learn the truth of things; then coolly act
As prudence may suggest.

Lord William.
How can I thus—

Lady Beatrix.
I do approve our cousin's cool advice,
And beg it may be follow'd, think, my Lord,
How strong the reasons he has urg'd; how dire
The consequence he fears!

Lord William.
Thus far I yield,
To wait till a return from Fleming shews
The ground of his suspicions. If my Lord
Enjoys his freedom, and was well receiv'd,
Then I'm their friend—But if his life or liberty
Shall be attempted, hear and help me heav'n!
As I with unremitting zeal pursue
The just revenge of innocence betray'd.

[Exit.
Grame.
O what a world is this!—Where righteous heav'n
Can innocence be safe?—O why prevail
The slaves of vice o'er virtue's free born sons!

[Exeunt.