University of Virginia Library

Scene IV.

—Courtyard. Dawn. Randolph in a drunken sleep. Allan and Walter.
Walter.
The lie-a-bed!

Allan.
I halted by his room.
Lord, he was snoring! and when thus he sleeps,
He cries out when he's waked.

Walter.
I'll watch no more.
This time o' day puts sickness into me.
The air is strange and empty, as just left
By mouldy ghosts and all the crew o' sprites.

Allan.
A purple, sodden dawn.

Walter.
That's overdrunk
Of water.

Allan.
Is he coming?

Walter.
Heigh-ho! heigh!

Allan.
A step! You hear 'em far off at this hour.
Hist!

Walter.
He's a very sluggard.

[Enter Rothsay.]
Rothsay.
Where's my horse?

Allan.
Beyond the archway yonder. But, my lord,
I could not find your bridle.

Rothsay.
Here it is.
I took it to give Jamie, for he rides
This morning his first charger: give it him;
He likes its fashion, and he loves me. There!
Ha, ha, ha, ha! I'm making no bequest.
Cheer up, old Allan.

Allan.
This is food for you,
Some scraps of dainty meat such as you love.

Rothsay.
The early cold will make me hungry. Thanks.
How solemn Walter looks!

Walter.
'Tis a queer hour,
That makes you sink within and flap your lids.
Heigh-ho! heigh-ho!

Allan.
'Tis five o'clock.

Rothsay.
St. Andrew! I am late.—
Give me the food.—See, 'tis a heavy sky.—
Farewell, farewell! I'll make your pockets bright.
Bid Randolph watch for me to-morrow night.

Walter.
God speed!

Allan.
God keep you!

Rothsay.
To you from my heart! [waving].

Father, I'm going!

[Exit.
Allan.
Walt, I cannot think
Why he's so under cloud; a little wild,
But that's youth's wont, and most affectionate.—
He's turning now. A thousand shames say I.

Walter.
Oh, 'tis his uncle's doing, and the stiff,
Grave set o' the king's virtue. Let us feed,
To make sure we're not standing in a dream.

[Exeunt.