 | The Merchant of London |  |
SCENE I.
—Street.Enter Richard.
Nor him—nor her! and my short respite passes
Like the last hour of a poor culprit's life,
That waits the executioner. Yet 'tis not
Myself I heed; let me wear out my life
The tenant of a prison—I deserve it!
But she, the beautiful! the innocent!
She who placed all her trust, her love, on me,
To be the victim of my folly!—Ha!
Who passes there? 'Tis he! I'll rush—No, no;
Patience—a moment's patience—lest he 'scape me.
[Enter Edward; he is passing quickly.
[Richard comes close to him.
'Tis he!
EDWARD.
Ah, Richard! I have business—
RICHARD.
Stay!
I've sought you—
EDWARD.
Then be brief. Had not my father
Commanded my attendance, I'd not spar'd
One instant from the affair that calls on me.
RICHARD.
It is an earnest one. Where is she?
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Who?
RICHARD.
Mariana!—Speak!
EDWARD.
You rave.
RICHARD.
Tear from the wolf
Her young and strive to parley; but dare not
Trifle with me. Where is she?
EDWARD.
You are jesting!
Farewell!
RICHARD.
To stir a step is death!
EDWARD.
Ha! ha!
Go! order thine inferior, if thou hast one,
To search her out; for me, I am no lacquey
To obey a foundling page, or watch the steps
Of a base usurer's niece.
RICHARD.
We are man to man now!
And well thou know'st thy life is at my will,
If thou durst meet my sword in manly conflict—
Brave heaven's fierce lightnings with thy pride of birth!
Wert thou a king, and I thy meanest slave
My wrath would spurn thy rank.—Where is my bride?
She should have been so—thou, and none but thou,
Hast torn her—nay, hast basely stolen her from me.
Thy life, or mine, or both, are on the stake.
EDWARD.
If I had known—
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Coward! speak not the lie,
Lest I should strangle it in thy foul throat!
The letter that thou urged'st me to write—
Thy base equivocations—all proclaim it.
Yield her, or meet thy death!
EDWARD.
From thee?
RICHARD.
From me!
Yield her—but yield her to her father's arms,
And I will cast me at thy feet and bless thee:
I'll beg of him forgiveness for thee—nay,
I'll yield her to thee, win her father's blessing
Upon your union, doom myself to banishment;
Let me but wipe the foul stain from my soul,
That I've dishonour'd her who trusted me!
EDWARD.
I am a fool to listen to thy ravings.
Stand from before me—I will pass—
RICHARD.
Then be it so! (draws.)
Here let me perish if I slay thee not!
Draw!—traitor to thy friend!—poor, paltry villain!
Draw!—or I will not spare thee!—
[Edward draws. They fight. Richard attacking Edward with uncontrolled and wild fury. Edward defends himself coolly, and at length disarms and wounds Richard.
EDWARD.
So, my brave sworder!—you are in my power—
I'd slay thee, with as small remorse as crush
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Ere you again brave noblemen, and learn
To fight with temper, or your fencer's skill,
With all its boast, may meet its match.—Your sword
Is there, if your arm hath strength to wield it still.—
Now, on thy life, dare not to dog my steps!
But that I think thou can'st not, or I'll end
Thy folly and presumption at a blow!
[Exit.
RICHARD
(supporting himself against a pillar).
I have no strength to follow him. Is life
Ebbing, or is't but weakness? She is lost!
He hath confined her in some hellish den
To accomplish his damn'd purpose! Oh! for bu
One hour of strength, and then to die! Ho! friends,
Help, for heaven's charity! help! help!
Enter two Officers.
FIRST OFFICER.
You're hurt, sir.
Let us convey him straight into a house,
For we have urgent business. Edward Beaufort.
RICHARD.
What of him?
FIRST OFFICER.
We must straight attach his person.
RICHARD.
Leave me! he's yonder! fly! leave me! I'm strong.
If thou wouldst save my life, my very soul
Lose not a moment; leave me, if to perish!
But fly! secure him and I'll bless you! Ah!
I've scarce the power to speak it—Mariana!
(Falls in their arms.)
[Exeunt.
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