University of Virginia Library

Scene, A wood on the edge of the Waste.
Enter Oswald and a Forester.
For.
He leaned upon the bridge that spans the glen,
And down into the bottom cast his eye,
That fastened there, as it would check the current.

Osw.
He listened too; did you not say he listened?

For.
As if there came such moaning from the flood
As is heard often after stormy nights.

Osw.
But did he utter nothing?

For.
See him there!

Marmaduke appearing.
Mar.
Buzz, buzz, ye black and winged freebooters;
That is no substance which ye settle on!

For.
His senses play him false; and see, his arms
Outspread, as if to save himself from falling!—
Some terrible phantom I believe is now
Passing before him, such as God will not
Permit to visit any but a man
Who has been guilty of some horrid crime.

[Marmaduke disappears.
Osw.
The game is up!—

For.
If it be needful, Sir,
I will assist you to lay hands upon him.

Osw.
No, no, my Friend, you may pursue your business—
'Tis a poor wretch of an unsettled mind,
Who has a trick of straying from his keepers;
We must be gentle. Leave him to my care.
[Exit Forester.
If his own eyes play false with him, these freaks
Of fancy shall be quickly tamed by mine;
The goal is reached. My Master shall become
A shadow of myself—made by myself.