 | The Father's Tragedy |  |
Scene V.
—Strathtyrum. Enter Lindsey, Ramorgny, Wright, and Selkirk.Lindsey.
Crouch! and I'll be your watchman.
Ramorgny.
What sound's that?
Lindsey.
Some bird.
Wright.
The plover.
Lindsey.
Oh!
Ramorgny.
Lie close.—Down here
The shade grows dull. Is't clouding more?
Lindsey.
Ay, fast.
Ramorgny.
A horse's neigh!
Lindsey.
Some peasant over there
Lading his heavy beast.
Wright.
'Tis peat for fires.
Lindsey.
You call it so?—A shower!
Wright.
Bo! a flood.
There's water in all parts about your head.
'Twill fall for many a day.
Lindsey.
Truly.
Wright.
A bet!
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There's something like the dumb show of a blast.
Lindsey.
It comes before a tempest.
Ramorgny.
I am chill.
Lindsey.
'Tis he—at least a man who loops his reins
Over a thorn, and throws his gaze about
As looking for the way. Now, now! He turns
Direct to us. All ready!
[Enter Rothsay, ascending a slope.]
Rothsay.
Oh the joy
Of being quite alone with land and air,
Freedom, and Youth, and Day,—'tis otherwise
With Night, but I shall reach the town ere dark.
I've not enjoyed a solitary ride
Till now, when I've the throbbing fellowship
Of Resolution, with unhindered space
Before me—
Lindsey.
You're deceived. In the king's name
I apprehend your person.
[They surround him.
Rothsay.
Do you know
I am the Prince of Scotland? How is this?
Sir William Lindsey, and Ramorgny too!
You're come to fetch me back? I'm one to four!
Lindsey.
Grip; hold him firm! Secure his sword, Sir John.
Rothsay.
Ha! You're a pack of dastards.
Lindsey.
Got it?
Ramorgny.
Yes.
Lindsey.
Fellows, a rope.
Rothsay.
I will not suffer it.
You make yourselves my enemies.
Lindsey.
And such,
Young man, we are. Draw back his wrists.
Rothsay.
God's sake!
You will not bring me home in such a guise,
Before the gaping street?
Lindsey.
No, certainly.
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What will you do with me?
Lindsay.
Convey you straight
To Falkland Castle.
Rothsay.
Where?
Lindsey.
Your uncle's hold
Hard by.
Rothsay.
Oh, take me home! Do anything
But take me there. I do not mind the street.
Oh, take me back! I'm ready.
Lindsey.
We must keep
Our orders.
Rothsay.
Let me see the warrant.
Lindsey.
Here.
Your father's name and writing.
Rothsay.
Put it up.
I hate him!—John, they cannot mean me harm
If you are here.
Lindsey.
Ramorgny, go and fetch
Yon peasant's hack. We must proceed.
Rothsay.
My horse
Is yonder.
Lindsey.
We shall want it. You must stride
The work-horse that he'll bring.
Rothsay.
What does this mean?
Lindsey.
How heavily it rains! The streams will flood;
'Twere best to move at once. Come, David Stuart,
These men will be your warders.
Rothsay.
Do not go—
Not leave me all alone with them. Good sir,
I never injured you. Be merciful,
And take me with you,—take me home. I'll ne'er
Offend again. Indeed I will not.
Lindsey.
On!
Ramorgny brings the beast.
Rothsay.
This fellow caught
My cloak. I'm drenched.
Lindsey.
They'll tie yon peasant's rag
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Rothsay
[to Ramorgny].
Will you suffer it?
Oh, you are changed to owner of this brute,
Vile traitor!
Ramorgny.
'Tis a jest; they mean no harm.
Rothsay.
... Ramorgny, loose my sword;
You swashing blackguard, 'tis not for your use.
[Ramorgny slinks off.
Lindsey, you still look like a gentleman. ...
Lindsey.
As such condemn the thief: see to him, keep
To the letter your instructions.
Wright.
H'm.
[Exit Lindsey.
Selkirk.
Greenhorn!
An' so you do not love our company?
[To Wright.]
Drag him along. Sir John has skulked away,—
Speckles the distance;—now you're left to us,
Two merry knaves.
Rothsay.
I am forsaken—lost!
What shall I do?—Good fellows ...
Wright.
Gulp your lies,
And dine off 'em.
Rothsay.
My men, how far is it?
Wright.
Five miles, sweet boy.
Rothsay.
You look good fellows ...
Selkirk.
Ay,
So says a throat that's almost stiff with fright.
Rothsay.
No, no!
Selkirk.
The liar! Hold your tongue, and come.
[Exeunt.
| The Father's Tragedy | |