University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

A Royal Hall. Sir Ronald as King, seated on high, in a Chair of State; an empty one on his right hand; a Herald at his left. Nobles, Ladies, Attendants, &c.
Enter Drummond and Annabel, introduced by the Lord in waiting. The King whispers the Herald.
Her.
The king commands, if any knight in court
Have wed, or plighted troth to this fair maiden,
That instantly he do step forth and own her.
(A pause.—The King whispers as before.)
No one appears.—Then, lady, be it known,
All the court lords who hunted in disguise
Are here before thee, save one knight alone,
Whose feigned name 'tis deem'd was Badenoch.
If it was he, or if you point the knight,
And bring fair evidence of your accusal,
You shall have ample justice.

(Annabel and Drummond walk arm in arm around the Court, viewing all the Nobles attentively; then return to the front of the Stage, as if to talk apart.)
Drum.
O daughter, fears for thee have so benumb'd me,
I can't distinguish one lord from another!

Anna.
I noted some I knew for nothing good.
Sir Ronald is not there; or if he is,
I do not know him.

Drum.
Then all is over!—I'll move heaven and earth
For thee, my Annabel.
(They turn to the King—Drummond kneels.)
O gracious king,
Behold a doating, a distress'd old man,
And this poor harmless maiden, with compassion!
When thou becom'st a parent, thou may'st feel
What I now suffer—

(The King rises much agitated—Annabel screams, then exclaims,)
Anna.
Sir Ronald!

Drum.
(Starting up.)
What dost thou mean, fond girl?
Sir Ronald!—Where is Sir Ronald?

Anna.
The—the—king—

(Leans on Drummond's bosom.—The King comes down, and takes Annabel's hand.)
King.
My love! my beauteous Annabel, forgive me!
Yes, Annabel, Sir Ronald is the king,—
Fair Scotland's king,—who has not yet done that
He blushes to acknowledge.
(Seating her by his side.)
Thou art my queen!
For love, and not for state, thou wedded'st me;
Therefore I love and value thee the more.
Thy sovereign is thy husband, Annabel:—
My dames and nobles all, this is your queen.

(All come forward, and make obeisance at once.)
Omnes.
Long life to our good king and beauteous queen!
King Robert and Queen Annabel of Scotland!

(Drummond runs up greatly agitated—Kneels at their knees, taking hold of their hands.— Curtain drops.)