Thro' skies where I could count each little star. Enter Old NORVAL. Old Nor. 'Tis he. But what if he should chide me hence? His just reproach I fear. Forgive, forgive, [Douglas turns aside and sees him. Canst thou forgive the man, the selfish man, Doug. Kneel not to me; thou art my father still: Old Nor. And dost thou call me father; Oh, my son! I think that I could die, to make amends For the great wrong I did thee. 'Twas my crime Doug. Not worse the fruit, That in the wilderness the blossom blow'd. I, who was once a swain, will ever prove Nor. Let me but live to see thine exaltation! Doug. Why should I leave them? Nor. Lord Randolph and his kinsman seek your life. Doug. How know'st thou that? Old Nor. I will inform you how : When evening came, I left the secret place Doug. Revenge! for what? Old Nor. For being what you are, Sir Malcolm's heir: how else have you offended? At last, perplex'd, 4I 60 I will not bear myself as I resolv'd. But yet consider, as no vulgar name, That which I boast, sounds amongst martial men, Who, if he lives not honour'd, must not live. Lady R. I will not utter what my bosom feels. Too well I love that valour which I warn. Farewel, my son! my counsels are but vain, 640 [Embracing. And as high Heav'n hath will'd it, all must be. [Separate. Gaze not on me, thou wilt mistake the path; I'll point it out again. [Just as they are separating, Enter from the wood Lord RANDOLPH and GLENALVON. Lord R. Not in her presence. Now Glen. I'm prepar'd. Lord R. No: I command thee stay. I go alone: it never shall be said That I took odds to combat mortal man. The noblest vengeance is the most compleat. Exit. [GLENALVON makes some steps to the same side of the stage, listens and speaks. Glen. Demons of death come settle on my sword, H And to a double slaughter guide it home! The lover and the husband both must die. Lord R. [Behind the scenes.] Draw, villain! draw! Doug [Without.] Assail me not, lord Randolph; Not as thou lov'st thyself. [Clashing of swords. Glen. [Running out.] Now is the time. Enter Lady RANDOLPH, at the opposite side of the stage, faint and breathless. Lady R. Lord Randolph, hear me; all shall be thine own! But spare! Oh, spare my son! Enter DOUGLAS, with a sword in each hand. Doug. My mother's voice! I can protect thee still. Lady R. He lives, he lives; For this, for this to Heav'n eternal praise ! Doug. It was Glenalvon, Just as my arm had master'd Randolph's sword, 680 Lady R. Behind thee! ah! thou'rt wounded! Oh, my child, How pale thou look'st! And shall I lose thee now ? Doug. Do not despair: I feel a little faintness; [Leans upon his sword. I hope it will not last. Lady R. There is no hope!` And we must part! The hand of death is on thee! Oh! my beloved child! O Douglas, Douglas! [DOUGLAS growing more and more faint. Doug. Too soon we part: I have not long been Douglas ; O destiny! hardly thou deal'st with me ; Lady R. Has Heav'n preserv'd thee for an end like Doug. Oh! had I fall'n as my brave fathers fell, Turning with fatal arm the tide of battle! 860 'Like them I should have smil'd and welcom'd death: But thus to perish by a villain's hand! Cut off from nature's and from glory's course, Lady R. Hear justice; hear! stretch thy avenging arm. [DOUGLAS falls. Doug. Unknown I die; no tongue shall speak of me. Some noble spirits, judging by themselves May yet conjecture what I might have prov'd, Lady R. Despair, despair! Doug. Oh, had it pleas'd high Heav'n to let me live A little while!my eyes that gaze on thee Grow dim apace! my mother-O! my mother! [Dies. Enter Lord RANDOLPH and ANNA. Lord R. Thy words, thy words of truth, have pierc'd my heart; |