University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Douglas's House in Edinburgh.
Lenox
solus.
Eternal curses blast the villain's name
Who thus betray'd thee! hapless generous youth!
Farewel society! farewel to government!
To publick order, and to private peace,
If such accumulated guilt escape
Its due reward—It cannot: heav'n is just!—
The very multitude abhor the deed;
Ev'n now they throng the streets, in wild amaze,
Each questioning his fellow, “Is it true!”
And mutt'ring curses on the impious actors.
O where's the spirit of our brave fore-fathers!
When mushrooms such as these can bid defiance
To law and justice—Scotland! how distrest!
Thy King a child! thy noblest blood thus spilt,
By impious men, who revel in thy spoils!—
O what a wound hath publick faith receiv'd!
What feuds must this nefarious deed produce!
Ye guardian Powr's to whom high Heav'n commits
The care of states, where are you? Why retir'd!—
Our crimes have driv'n you hence! O my poor country!
Impartial Judge! lift thine avenging arm!
Why should the sons of Belial thus prevail?—
But why complaint!—There is another world,
Where injur'd worth shall have a full amends.
Here, times may change, new factions rise and fall,
But sacred Virtue shall out-live them all.
Happy the man! that chuseth for his guide
This best conductress, by experience tried:
Whate'er befals him, firm his mind remains,
Resign'd to bear what ruling-heav'n ordains:
Serene, tho' round him storms and tempests roar,
Secure of bliss, when time and chance are o'er.

[Exit.