University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

—An Apartment; partly hung with Armour, in Athlin Castle—a martial Trophy in the centre.

Donald and Archibald, one of Malcolm's Clan, enter warily, the latter displaying the following scroll:

Donald appears yielding to his wish, when the voice of Bella without alarms him, and they retire.

—Enter Mary, followed by Bella and attendants— she mournfully throws herself into a chair—Bella presents a book—she attempts to read, but, absorbed in love-fraught reflection, discards it—the martial trophy attracts her eye, and she strives to wield a sword and shield, which, accomplishing, she turns over the correspondent armour, and, inspired with a desire to follow Alleyn and her Brother to the field, selects a suit, which she orders Vassals to follow her with, commanding Bella to remain there till her return— Donald re-enters, and pays court to her, but appears surprised at perceiving the dismantled trophy, &c. and enquires the cause.

RECITATIVE—BELLA.
La Donald! can't you guess? 'tis as you see!
We've quite ransack'd your little Armoury;
With trusty broad sword, and in armour bright,
Soon will you view—oh! such a daring knight!
'Tis—'tis—'tis—my young Lady! who gallantly swears,
To follow him she doats on to the Wars;
This is a secret tho', indeed it is—
I'd not divulge it—not for—not—a kiss!
But Donald, be prepar'd, 'tis her desire!
A Female Knight should have a Female's Squire! (significantly.)

Prepare yourself, while I watch here resigned,
Exit Donald.
And hum the ditty that best speaks my mind!
LIVELY BALLAD.

Exit on the side Mary went off.
Re-enter Donald, armed, cautiously taking leave of Archibald, who, forcing on him the bribe for which he is to betray his Mistress, takes his leave— after which, on the opposite side, Bella precedes her Mistress, arrayed in compleat armour—Donald swears fealty, and they exeunt.