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THE 
 
 HOUSE OF MORVILLE: 
 
 BKAMA IN FIVE ACTS* 
 
 AS 
 
 PERFORMED AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, 
 
 LYCEUM. 
 
 BY 
 
 JOHN LAKE, 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 PRINTED FOR C. CH APPLE, 66, PALL-MALL. 
 
 1812. 
 
 i 
 
 Price Three Shillings. 
 
/sly 
 
 to 
 
 W. M'Dowall, Printer, Pemberton Roic, G 
 
 ough Square, London. 
 
DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
 
 I $ 12- MEN - 
 
 Sir Thomas de Morville (a wealthy Baron J Mr. Wroughton. 
 
 Hugo de Morville (his banished Son) Mr. Decamp. 
 
 Lord Redmond (Nephew to Sir Tho. de Morville) . . Mr, Raymond. 
 
 Mordred (an Officer under Lord llodmond) Mr. Palmer. 
 
 Argaldus (a learned Sage) Mr. Holland. 
 
 Lord P^uthven (Colonel of' a Regiment) Mr. Powell. 
 
 Mawbry (an Officer under Lord Ruthven) Mr. Ray. 
 
 Forrester (an Agent employed by Lord Rodmond) . . Mr. Putnam. 
 Kenneth (a faithful Servant to Sir T. de Morville) . . Mr. Carr. 
 Bartholomy (a Lawyer, Friend to Sir T. de Morville) M r. Marshall. 
 
 Kerr (a Lawyer) , Mr. Penley. 
 
 Porter (at Rodmond Castle) Mr. Oxberry. 
 
 Greenlaw Mr. Webb. 
 
 Officers of Justice Mr. Chatterley, and Mr. Evans. 
 
 Putler at Highly-house Mr. Penson. 
 
 " Bosco (a recruiting Serjeant) Mr. Smith. 
 
 Principal Recruit Mr. Dignum. 
 
 Lauder (a Peasant) Mr. Sparks. 
 
 Furbrass (a drunken Soldier) Mr. Knight. 
 
 Landlord of an Inn Mr. Maddocks. 
 
 Servant to Lord Rodmond Mr. Bu.xton, 
 
 OUTLAWS. 
 
 Fingusk (Chief of a Banditti) Mr. J. Smith. 
 
 Gowry Mr. Waldegrave.. 
 
 . Knowles Mr. Goodman. 
 
 Polwart Mr Hope. 
 
 Beaton . * Mr. Gussio. 
 
 SfiEPHERDS. 
 
 Cadwell Mr. Fisher. 
 
 Quincey Mr. M iller. 
 
 Cummins Mr. Vials 
 
 Cadyow '. Mr. Matters* 
 
 Officers, Soldiers, Servants, &c. 
 
 WOMEN. 
 
 Mis. Villemore (Mother to Agnes de Mofi)ille) . . Mrs. Breretou, 
 Agnes de Morville (Wife to the banished Son) .... Mrs. Edwin. 
 
 Hostess of the Jim Miss TidsweB. 
 
 ■ 
 
 CHORUS OF SOLDIERS. 
 
 •m 
 
 , Messrs. Danby, Caulfield, Cook, Wilson, Mead, Jones, DibbLe, 
 and Whilmhurst. 
 
THE HOUSE OF MORVILLK 
 
 ACT I. SCENE L 
 
 A barren rocky prospect, with the Mouth of 
 Cavern in View, 
 
 Enter Two Shepherds, 
 
 First Shepherd. 
 
 iN OR are they hereabout, or sheep or goats. 
 Well, master, mine, I'll seek to-night no farther, 
 If there be not another flock in England. 
 I'll this way home. Eh! 
 
 [Starts at seeing the Cave, 
 Whither have we wander'd? 
 2 Shep. This is the cavern where the wizard 
 lives. Hi 
 
6 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act I. 
 
 1 Shep. I fear to pass: hush! I'll heboid, and 
 
 listen. 
 There's nothing stirs; and yet I fear and tremble. 
 As if ten thunders roar'd. In this dark cave, 
 Tis said, the old man nightly mixes charms 
 That conjure up the spirits of the dead 
 Out of their graves, to serve him. And they say, 
 He can cajole the devils to do his errands; 
 And, in the dark and dismal hours of night, 
 Make horrid riots here. 
 
 2 Shep. And yet the shepherds, 
 Among these mountains, hold him harmless too. 
 
 1 Shep. Hush! hear I nothing? — Hark! he's 
 coming forth; 
 Fll off, as fast as feet can carry me. 
 
 [Shepherds run off. 
 
 Enter Forrester, with a Packet, with great 
 Caution. 
 
 Forr. So ! I have found the wizard's cave at 
 last. 
 The errand I am sent upon is black, 
 And will not bear the good day's looking on. 
 Would I w r ere landed safe, at Rodmond castle, 
 Pikes should not drive me back : and yet I think, 
 My way of life speaks me to be no coward; 
 But valour cannot face a conjuror. 
 I am sent by Lord Rodmond to this mountain : 
 Where I am to deliver up rfiy charge, 
 
Sc. I. THE HOUSF OV MORVIXXE. 7 
 
 These papers and this basket. This performed, 
 I am to journey with this secret packet, 
 (Which bears a hasty summons to the castle,) 
 To my Lord's agent, the Lieutenant Mordred, 
 Plague on such roads, I say. Ha! here's the den: 
 I freeze with terror, and I know not how 
 I shall deliver them. Enter I dare not, 
 And I have not the breath to call him out. 
 He'll come abroad : I'll hence to yonder rock, 
 And wait. — No, I'll go in. He'shere; I'llhide. 
 
 [Retires and listens. 
 
 Enter Argaldus from his Cave, dressed as a 
 Hermit, with Papers. 
 
 Arg. Another day is given to the world: 
 Another day of solitude and thought, 
 Is added to my pilgrimage on earth ! 
 Again the sun his bright effulgence sheds 
 On proud ungrateful man ! This silent cave, 
 For many a ling'ring year my calm retreat, 
 Is bitter, bitter cold. The length of time 
 That I have been its solitary tenant, 
 Has scarce inured me to the c: iHing blast 
 That howls at midnight through che fretted roof 
 And keeps the heavy lid from slumber free. 
 Night after night, my wakeful thoughts are fix'd 
 On things of other worlds; and, as my life 
 Must soon, beneath the weight of age so desolate, 
 Fade ; like the meteor, to be seen no more, 
 
& THE HOUSE OF MORVlLLE. Act L 
 
 Those whom hard fortune leads to tread this deserfc 
 May, in these pages, read what I have been. 
 
 [Lays the Papers on a Rock. 
 
 Forrester comes forward with Fear and Caution. 
 
 Forr. Hail, father ! I am charged with mes- 
 sages 
 From Rodmond castle, (aside. ) How hi* looks 
 affright me ! 
 Arg. Speak, speak my son; you must not tarry 
 
 here. 
 Forr. (trembling.) This letter, worthy Sir — or 
 this-.no, this: 
 And now, with all respect, I take my leave. 
 
 [Delivers the Letter, and is goings 
 Arg. Remain, remain, and streight I'll give an 
 answer. [Reads with great Surprise. 
 
 Ha! what do I behold? (reads again) Oh! vil- 
 lain, villain! 
 What is here? 
 
 {Looking at the Letter directed to Mordred, *uhicfy 
 by Mistake has been given to him. 
 
 How! "To the Lieutenant MordredT' 
 Given by this slave in his mistake, no doubt. 
 I guess the purport; and, as I know the wretch, 
 J will make bold to look at the contents. , 
 
 [With Force, and much agitated. 
 it is as I suspected; and just Heav'n 
 Hits inajje an agent in this trembling coward, 
 
Sc. I. THE HOUSE OF MORVlLLfc, * 
 
 To thwart a villain's purpose ^and his po\tfer. 
 Remain, and bear my answer to your Lo> 
 
 [Exit into i he . Cave, 
 
 Forr. {alarmed.) He is reported kind; : $NHJ ^ 
 will hold \ 
 
 My shaking joints; yet cannot chuse bi I ''* ean 
 
 lie-enter Akgaldus, in Agitation, witi? a sm ®*& 
 Packet. 
 
 Arg. Deliver this with safety to your Lord; 
 His orders are obey'd. Now leave this solitude: 
 It is not safe to tarry longer here. 
 Forr. Nay, chide not, worthy father: I obey. 
 
 [Exit, in Fear. 
 
 Arg, Can I give faith to what I've seen an4 
 
 read?™ 
 
 I may have err'd ? No, no : 'tis Redmond's hand^ 
 
 Black, black and deadly as his thoughts. Read, 
 
 read 
 Again, to prove thy eyes are not deceived. 
 
 [Reads* 
 " Worthy Mordred, 
 
 fi Let the messenger who bears this notice, 
 " convey thee instantly to Rodmond castle. De 
 ** Morville, from the various rumours spread forth 
 " against his banished son, resolves instantly t© 
 " leave the castle; which to prevent, lies within, 
 " my power. I have sent to the Hermit of the. 
 •" mountain, to secure the rank mixture that is to. 
 
10 THE HOUSE OF MORVI1LE. Act L 
 
 " lull ray fears. De Morville must be dispatched, 
 " andl speedily. Be secret, and be here ' to- 
 " ntght , Rodmond." 
 
 Thou venom 'd scroll, now do I understand thee, 
 And pra 5 se the happy chance that brought thee 
 
 hither. 
 I have deceivd this high and crafty Lord; 
 And sent him, in the room of deadly drugs, 
 A vapour, that but for a while procures 
 The outward show of death: and I will hence, 
 And guard its operation on the Knight, 
 Who soon beneath its influence, as dead, 
 Will be entomb'd with those that lifeless are. 
 Ev'n now I must from hence, and be prepar'd 
 To watch his grave against his waking- time; 
 Which I'll contrive to make the dead of night, 
 The more to keep me and my pow'r from view. 
 
 [Exit. 
 
Sc, JL THE HOUSE OF aiORVUXE. 11 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Mrs. Villemores Cottage. 
 
 Enter Mus. Villemoke and Hugo de 
 Morville. 
 
 Hugo. Offended too? I did not look for this. 
 
 Mrs. Vil. Oh! it was rash and desperate, Sir, 
 indeed. 
 Your father's anger lowers already o'er you, 
 And for your faults you re banish'd from his house; 
 But now what will he say, when he shall hear 
 That you have married an obscure low girl, 
 Whose friends, but me, alas! are all no more? 
 
 Hugo. Dear mother, do not yield to grief for 
 this. 
 My father has, 'tis true, in his displeasure 
 At my offences, shut his doors against me; 
 But now I see my folly and my faults, 
 And have resolv'd to mend. My heated youth, 
 That mock'd at its allegiance to my reason, 
 Soon robb'd me of the empire of myself: 
 Then, mother dear, could I do aught more wise 
 Than fly for shelter from my nature's frenzy, 
 
1% 
 
 THE HOUSE OP MORVILLE. Act L 
 
 Into the arms of virtue? Can you think 
 
 My father will not joyfully forgive 
 
 My marriage, when 'tis followed with amend- 
 ment? 
 
 He will, lie must. I'll go to him again ; 
 
 I'll kneel before him. He will pardon me: 
 
 I shall not sue in vain. 
 
 Mrs. Vil. Well, go, my son; 
 
 And when he shall make question of your mar- 
 riage, 
 Tell him, that though your wife is not exalted 
 By birth so high as you, she's not so low 
 As altogether to disgrace his name. 
 Her father was a soldier, serv'd his king 
 In offices that do his memory honour: 
 But the inclement chances of the field, 
 Soon brought him to his grave, ere he had ga- 
 
 ther'd 
 The means of comfort for his family, 
 That his affection sought. Go, tell him this: 
 And add, that want has still been banish'd from 
 Our lowly roof by sober industry; 
 And the affection of a gen'rous brother, 
 In Flanders now, or on his way from thence. 
 He has supported us above distress; 
 And should he live to reach the English shores, 
 He may perhaps exalt our humble state, 
 Higher than fortune now will let us hope. 
 
SC. IL THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. . IS 
 
 Hugo, All, all, I'll tell my father — But my 
 wife: 
 
 'Twill be our first adieu; yet she must bear it , 
 
 But she is here, to try my fortitude. 
 
 Enter Agnes, cheerful, and simply drest. 
 
 Dearest, you must prepare you for the change 
 Which strong necessity compels us to : 
 I must from hence, and leave you for a time, 
 On urgent business of the greatest import. 
 
 Agn. From hence ! from hence ! — But not so 
 
 speedily? \JVith Tenderness. 
 
 Hugo. Aye, Sweet, I must — O! I would ra- 
 ther now 
 Have spar'd this painful parting ; but, dear Agnes, 
 Let it have currency in your belief 
 That I will hasten my return. Adieu! 
 
 [Embracing her. 
 
 Agn* So sudden! Well, if strong necessity 
 
 Command you hence, we surely must submit; 
 But such dispatch adds to our parting pain. ' 
 A long to-morrow may not bring you back; 
 Yet is to-morrow, Love, the widest date 
 That I can name your term of absence by: 
 For ah! the while, my heavy thoughts shall load 
 So much the wing of time, that my to-day 
 Shall pass me with the lingering pace of years* 
 Yet go, my love: let not my silly thoughts 
 
14 THK HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act L 
 
 Balance a moment with your urgency : 
 Go, go, and prosper. 
 
 Hugo. Nothing else, my Love, 
 
 Can now suffice. Adieu, my dearest Agnes! 
 
 Agn. Farewell, and may kind fortune be your 
 guide? [Exeunt severally. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 A Gothic Chamber in Rodmond Castle. 
 
 Enter Rodmond, dark and sullen. 
 
 Rodm. So! all goes well. De Morville's son is 
 banislrd, 
 And I myself stand his next heir in blood. 
 The house of Rodmond, with De Morville johi'd, 
 In w r ealth might soar the highest in the land. 
 I, from the waste that youth did plunge me in. 
 Have secretly reduc'd my fair estates 
 To heavy mortgage ; so this family, 
 The Morville branch, which I have ever hated, 
 Buoy'd up by wealth, has stood of late as high 
 As that of Rodmond; nay, it has o'ertopp'd us; . 
 
Sc. III. THE HOUSE OF M0RVILLE, 15 
 
 And my old dignity, at sight thereof, 
 
 Sits on me crest-fall'n. But it shall not be 
 
 This lawyer is the counsel for his son ; 
 
 Yet something seems to stir against his cause: 
 
 1 hope it will come forth — but they are here, 
 
 I'll not disturb them. Tis my business now 
 
 To fawn, and play the kind officious host, 
 
 And soothing friend: and, for the stake I have, 
 
 Wh^ would not, with his best endeavour, try? 
 
 [Retires. 
 
 Enter Sir Thomas de Morville, agitated, and 
 Bartholomy, 
 
 Sir Tho. So! you at length have found the pro- 
 fligate? 
 I'll hear your news, whatever shape they bear; 
 For I may tarry here at Rodmond castle, 
 Upon this visit, for some length of time. 
 I'll hear it now, the very worst of it: 
 I am prepared for every circumstance. 
 
 "Earth. Then, gentle master, let not what I 
 say, 
 Lead forth your auger more against your son; 
 For what has now occurred to him, is not 
 Allied with that licentiousness in which 
 He has of late offended. 
 
 Sir Tho. Speak, and boldly. 
 
 Earth., (zvith Mildness.) I have to tell you, Sir # 
 your son is married. 
 
*6 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLB. Act I. 
 
 Sir Tho. (with mingled Affection and hidigna- 
 tion.) Ha ! married?— Profligate!— Well, say to 
 
 whom? 
 He cannot gall* me more. 
 
 Bartk. You may remember 
 
 That some few years before my Lady died, 
 She kept about her a poor orphan girl, 
 The daughter of a widow of the village, 
 And rear d her as her own* 
 Sir Tho. (greatly agitated.) I do remember, 
 Barth, And that beneath her kind and fost'ring 
 hand 
 The tender creature prosper'd. She grew fair, 
 
 And I did never think she grew presuming. 
 
 Well, on the death of her kind patroness, 
 The child retunvd to her now hapless mother, 
 Who left in grief the village instantly; 
 And this so many years ago, that now 
 She is arriv'd at beauteous womanhood, 
 Then let that goodness she so early learnt, 
 Have hearing where her fortune cannot speak : 
 'Tis she, your son has taken for his wife. 
 
 Sir Tho. Shame, shame! No more: 'tis poisoa 
 to mine ear. 
 But it is fitting he should suit him with 
 Associates for his state. No doubt, a wife 
 
 Of higher birth had troubled him Well, well; 
 
 [Much agitated. 
 My fond regard is gone. — But go, my friend — 
 
Sc. III. THE HOUSE OF MORVJLLE. 17 
 
 The cases where the charters of my lands 
 And moneys are disposed, are here with me : 
 Go, and unlock them, and sit down to write; 
 I'll follow you anon. 
 
 Barth. Alas, my master! 
 
 Your charters and your deeds are all prepar'd, 
 Well written and secur'd. 
 
 Sir Tho< You're bidden, Sir.. — i 
 
 [Bartholomy hesitates, and exit, 
 (after a Pause.) Have I not had the heaviest pro- 
 vocation 
 To this that I'm about? His youth has been 
 A blot upon my name, e'er since he first 
 Arriv'd at age to be licentious. 
 From ev'ry shape of low debauchery 
 I've o'er and o'er redeem'd him. 
 I've paid his debts, till prudence would be heard, 
 And many an earnest counsel have I giv'n him, 
 Which he has set at nought: and now, to boot 
 And recompense me for the restless hours, 
 Anxieties, and cares, that he has cost me, 
 He has profan'd, and fasten'd with the law 
 A beggar on, my blood. But I will wring 
 From his disloyal and rebellious heart, 
 A bitter price for -this, I am resolv'd. 
 My fortune and my pow'r I will bestow 
 Upon my noble nephew here, Lord Rodmond; 
 And cut off from my name and family 
 This reprobate, with his desert — his shilling. 
 
 c "[Exit. 
 
18 'I HE HOUSE OF MORVILLE Ad L 
 
 Enter Rodmond, as from listening. 
 
 Rodin. Can it be possible I've heard aright? 
 u I will bestow my power and fortune, on 
 " My noble nephew Rodmond ! " — 'Twas even so, 
 
 Enter Servant. 
 
 Serv. My Lord, Sir Thomas Morville sends to 
 beg 
 Your presence in his chamber. 
 Rodm, I'll attend him. 
 
 [Exit Servant. 
 Now, let me call to aid the feigning tear, 
 And make my tongue belie my heart with grace. 
 Thus tygers, prowling from their savage dens, 
 Lurk, crouch, and leap upon their destin'd prey. 
 
 [Exit. 
 
$C. IF, THE HOUSE OF M0RVILLE, 19 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 
 An ancient Chamber in Rodmond Castle, 
 
 Sir Thomas de Morvjlle tfwtf Bartholomy 
 discovered. 
 
 Sir Tho, Peace, peace! no more: he is no son 
 of mine. 
 He bears my name, 'tis true; a name that he 
 The first has put a stain or shade upon: 
 But he shall bear it low as he has cast it; 
 Shall bear it now in beggary and rags. 
 
 Enter Rodmond. 
 
 How-fares my nephew Rodmond? Now, my Lord, 
 Methinks you seem as if you griev'd for me. 
 But let not my distresses move you, Sir: 
 I shall surmount them. 
 
 Rodm. Aye, my gracious uncle, 
 
 They'll sink before you: my dear erring cousin, 
 I hope, will soon amend. 
 
 Sir Tho. I thank vour sorrow : 
 
 But, that our peace and happiness no more 
 May be dis tur b'd by such a reprobate, 
 
20 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Ad L 
 
 Know, I have disinherited this son; 
 
 Have cut him off from ev'ry privilege 
 
 Belonging to his birth and family; 
 
 And, in the place where his fair title stood, 
 
 My nephew Rodmond, I have planted you. 
 
 You are mine heir; I have possess'd you here 
 
 Of all that's mine, abating but supplies 
 
 For some few benefactions and bequests, 
 
 That are declared in these several deeds; 
 
 And, lest mischance should thwart my purposes, 
 
 I give you here the writings in your hands: 
 
 [Gives the Deeds. 
 Take them away; and never may a thought 
 Of them again intrude to mar my peace. 
 
 Barth. (aside with fetling.) O heavy day ! 
 
 that I should live to see it! 
 
 Rodm. Alas for this ! And yet, my gracious 
 uncle, 
 For all that's past, my cousin may amend. 
 I cannot bear to see him quite cast off: 
 Reserve a little for him, Sir; a little. 
 
 Barth. A little for his offspring, Sir, at least 
 
 SirTho. No more of this: I have already 
 said it ; 
 My will shall be respected — Come, my nephew; 
 The troubles that have weigh'd my spirits down 
 Are now dispers'd : we henceforth shall be merry. 
 The air of Rodmond castle likes me much, 
 And 1 shall take my summer sport with you. 
 
Sc. IF. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. SI 
 
 Rodm. I shall be happy, Sir; and do my best 
 To make those hours you stay, glide pleasantly. 
 
 Enter Servant. 
 
 Serv. These letters for Sir Thomas Morville. 
 Sir Tho. (to Barth.) Read. 
 
 Barth. (reads.) M To the Knight, Sir Thomas 
 
 f Morville. 
 " Honoured Sir, 
 
 " lam the aged widow of a tenant on 
 H your lands, who by a misdemeanour oifended 
 " you, and thereby lost his farm : for the which, 
 " grief soon broke his heart; since which 
 " time, my sole support has been the bounty of 
 " your generous son. I am now in want, and 
 " know not where to seek relief. What has be- 
 " fallen your dear son, that I now see him no 
 " more? Satisfy your poor servant of this, who 
 " will for ever pray for you. 
 
 \\ Mary Heather." 
 Sir Tho. (thoughtfully.) Know you, my worthy 
 
 friend, who this may be? 
 Barth. An aged widow, Sir : I know her well. 
 Sir Tho. Well, let her be reliev'd — You may 
 depart: 
 
 See well to my commands at Morville-house , 
 
 {Ruminating. 
 <% ' The bounty of my son !" Know you of this? 
 Bartholomy, have you remark'd that he 
 
%% THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act L 
 
 Was e'er benevolent to the distressed? 
 
 Barth. (with much feeling.) Sir, there arfe* 
 
 many objects of his bounty, 
 Will suffer from his narrow circumstances. 
 
 Sir Tho. My Lord, I feel an anxious wish for 
 
 rest 
 To-night: excuse me; and I think, again 
 I shall return to Morville-house to-morrow, 
 I shall not any where so well recover 
 From my late sufferings of mind as there. 
 Good night: we shall have leisure yet for mirth ; 
 And shall not, trust me, let it pass us idly. 
 
 [Exeunt Sir Thomas and Bartholomy. 
 Modm, (alone.) n I shall return to Morville-house 
 
 to-morrow. * 
 Ha! is it so? Is Rodmond to be foil'd? 
 No, no. These parchments, let me read them o'er, 
 
 And see if all be sure. But there's no doubt: , 
 
 They're sign'd and seal'd, and all securely mine; 
 Mine by his will to-night: and lest to-morrow 
 Should change that will, (as will is changeable,) 
 By Heav'n I'll put a spell on him this night 
 Shall bind them fast, and hold them mine for 
 
 ever. [Exit. 
 
Sc. V. THE HOUSE OF MORVILI^. %3 
 
 SCENE V. 
 
 The Hall in Rocbnond Castle, 
 
 Enter a Porter, yawning and looking round. 
 
 Port. Aye, let me see : I have been porter here, 
 At Rodmond castle, more than twenty yeaTs^ 
 And, till this plaguy night, I always found 
 My kindly sleep come on me regularly. 
 Tis late, I reckon; and I've been disturb'd 
 With odious creaking noises round my lodge, - 
 Which cannot truly be accounted for. 
 My dog too, that, save at his eating-times, 
 Will almost sleep from Christmas-tide till June, 
 Has bark'd to-night: it must be ominous. 
 
 [Knocking is heard: he seems alarmed. 
 I come, for swiftness is a porter's duty; 
 And there is none in England knows it better. 
 
 [Knocking again. 
 Perhaps the stranger that attends my Lord. 
 Well, patience is a virtue he has not : 
 I'll let him in; and then I'll to my lodge, 
 
 And bolt me there The devil is surely loose: 
 
 And he may take his rounds alone for me. 
 I come— Eh! what? my Lord! — I'm hence with 
 speed, [Hurries off. 
 
£4 THE HOUSE OF MORVILI Act I 
 
 » 
 
 Enter Rodmon'd. 
 
 Rodm. Tisdark without, as chaos : heavy night 
 Shuts ev'ry eye: the very stars are hid, 
 And all things seem to suit my purposes. 
 The clock is twelve: 1 would, the slave were here 
 Whom I have sent for mixtures to the sage. 
 Loud rumour gives him strange capacity: 
 As, that he holds in potipns made from herbs 
 A power of death, such that all those to whom 
 It is administer'd shall he dispatched 
 As secretly, and free from sign of force, 
 As they who die by nature's ordinance.. 
 Such is the drug I've sent for; and to-night 
 
 I'll try its force I must not ruminate; 
 
 It is resolv'd? and here my slave approaches. 
 
 Enter Forrester, 
 
 Now, sirrah, have you found my agents? Say, 
 Forr. I have, my Lord, and us'd my utmost. 
 p, speed. 
 Lieutenant Mord red was awhile from home, 
 But shortly with all haste he'll journey hither. 
 Here is a packet from the wizard sage. 
 
 Rodm. (fixed on the contents of the Letter, reads.) 
 " You have, enclos'd, the subtlest of death's mi- 
 nisters; 
 " For if you hold it to the breathing nostril^ 
 
Sc. V. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. £5 
 
 " It kills at once. the spirit-feeding air, 
 
 4< And he who breathes it dies." — Enough, I've 
 
 read 
 Enough: here are the crowns I promised thee 
 For this thy speedy service; these are left 
 For the next hand shall help my purposes. 
 
 Forr. You spoke of further services, my Lord. 
 
 [Hesitating, 
 
 Rodm. I spoke of those which you dare not per- 
 form. 
 
 Forr. I have not yet been idle in your service. 
 
 Rodm. Could you repress half of your faculties 
 Thus with one hand; and with the other do 
 A deed, about the which, were they uncheck'd, 
 They might rebel ? 
 
 Forr. I understand not, Sir. 
 
 Rodm.- Then, speaking plain to your plain in- 
 tellect, 
 Could you apply a deadly drug I have, 
 To its mortal purpose; and possess yourself 
 Of these bright fifty crowns, and fifty more 
 To be for ever dumb upon the deed ? 
 
 Forr, I'm bound in gratitude. Conduct me, 
 Sir, 
 To where the rat's tooth chafes your substances, 
 And I will give him bane. 
 
 Rodm, Ha! step aside. 
 
 In yonder chamber, where the door's ajar, 
 There lieth one asleep; here, take the means, 
 
£6 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Ad I. 
 
 And change that shape of death to death itself. 
 Favour shall follow }'ou, and high reward. 
 
 Forr. I'm firm, my Lord; and thus it is resolv'd. 
 [Advances towards the Door. 
 Eodm. Should aught approach to drive you from 
 your purpose, 
 
 This secret door affords a safe retreat 
 
 [Exit Forrester. 
 If thus 'tis done, my hands are clear of it, 
 Tfis said, I think, that consanguinity 
 Doth highly aggravate the crime of murder: 
 Graves open at it; and the buried dead 
 Do rise, they say, and mutter of revenge. 
 I do not ofttimes yield to vulgar faith ; 
 But now it shakes me, and I sink with terror. — 
 All yet is still; but soon the heavy sound 
 And loud alarm of death will strike the ears 
 Of those who heedless lie in sleep. I'll hence, 
 And wait th' event that crowns my golden pro- 
 spects. 
 
 [Exit. 
 
 End of Act the First. 
 
Act II. THE HOUSE OF MOBVIILE. 27 
 
 ACT II. SCENE I. 
 
 A Hall in Mormlle-house. 
 
 Enter Rodmond. 
 
 Rodmond. 
 
 SO ! all is over; and, as yet, all well. 
 The knight is dead, and I securely hold 
 The large possessions of the House of Morville: 
 And this low slave that I have in my secret, 
 As he is apt, I will provide for him, 
 And set him on to watch the banish'd son, 
 Whose scrutiny I yet have cause to dread. 
 So far 'tis well; but by to-morrow's sun, 
 Morville will hear of news. If here he comes, 
 I'll hold out favor to him, seem to pity him, 
 And earth suspicion up in kindnesses. 
 But whilst I hold my bounty in his eye, 
 I'll strike the sinew that would reach to grasp it. — ■ 
 But who is here ? 'Tis young De Morville's friend 
 
£$ THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act II. 
 
 And monitor. I'll slum Lis gaze. Now, dark 
 
 Dissimulation veil my Late in sorrow, 
 And let thy tears like molten lead destroy. 
 
 [Retires. 
 
 Enter Batitholomy. 
 
 Barth. I have lived too long. This house and 
 all its appurtenances will be in their new master's 
 hands to-morrow: I'll not remain to see it. Alas, 
 my poor young master! — Ha! it is he. I'll tarry 
 near, and try to learn the temper of his mind; 
 and, if it be in my soul's compass, I'll help his 
 harden'd fortune. 
 
 Enter Hugo de Morville, in deep Thought. 
 
 Hugo. This was my father's house. Why am I 
 here ? 
 It is against the bidding of his will; 
 And wherefore should I do it violence? 
 But I am come to find some good old servant 
 Of my once kind and tender father's household, 
 
 To learn my fate No, no; not so, not so: 
 
 For that I know, even to its utmost curse. 
 Alas, my father! 'twill be mine to suffer 
 The pang of near-approaching misery;, but 
 The shame that comes with it will point reproach 
 
 At thy fresh-cover'd grave Ha! who art thou? 
 
 [ Bar tholomy approaches. 
 Away, old man! I nothing want of thee. 
 
 [Turns from him. 
 
Sc. I. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLZ. 39 
 
 Barth. Alas, young gentleman! your fathers 
 
 death 
 Was sudden; and in a luckless hour for you. 
 Hugo. His life, and not his death, has injured 
 
 me,— 
 But why, why talk to me of faihers? He 
 For whom you wear these sables, sigh, and look 
 Demure, might father well, and foster you; 
 But has, like the unnatural bird, forsook, 
 And helpless left, his own. Oh, gaze not on me, 
 With these your looks of mourning, for they 
 
 wound mc. 
 Thou art paid for these weeds thou wearest; and 
 I cannot palm thee higher to be mine. 
 But mark me: if thou ever in thy life 
 Didst take advantage of my father's weakness; 
 Or, in his anger, thou didst counsel him 
 To disinherit me; 'twere better far 
 That thou wert in thy grave: for there's a hell 
 Burns here, whose fiends must have employment. 
 
 Look, 
 Look to thy conscience well, old man. 
 
 Barth. Alas! 
 
 You would not make your blow so heavy, Sir, 
 Did you but know the tender place you strike. 
 Indeed you do me wrong: for though I wear . m 
 The sables of the law, (the hue that is 
 Too oft the reverend garb of villany) 
 I'm not the wretch could set me down and feed 
 
SO THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act II. 
 
 Upon the sad misfortunes of my kind; 
 
 And trust me, youth, I do not meet you here 
 
 To gall, but offer comfort to your wounds. 
 
 Hugo. Ha ! said you ? Is there aught can give 
 
 me comfort? 
 
 Btirth. Hope, Sir, for better days. What if the 
 law, 
 
 That's now your enemy, should be indued 
 
 To loose its iron hold, and be your friend? 
 
 Hugo, (strongly agitated.) Go, go thy ways, 
 
 and leave me to myself. 
 
 I have no means to bribe the law, nor has 
 
 It pow'r to heal the pangs inflicted by 
 
 A father's cruelty. Go, go, and leave me. 
 
 'Earth. v (very affectionately.) Farewell: you 
 
 hold me as your enemy, 
 
 And spurn the counsel that is kindly meant. 
 
 Were I to advise, 
 
 [Hugo makes action to leave him. 
 
 but no, you will not hear me : 
 
 Farewell, and try the means to know me better. 
 
 (aside, going off.) I yet will sue, and find the 
 
 means to serve him. {Exit Bartholomy. 
 
 Hugo, (after a Pause.) Oh! whither shall I 
 
 turn, to sue for aid? 
 
 Where seek some kind relief? He seem'd to think, 
 
 Justice might still be mine; and was perhaps 
 
 About to offer me his help therein : 
 
 And now I've lost him Why then did he leave 
 
 me? 
 
Sc. L T3E HOUSE OF MORVIL1I. 31 [ 
 
 Yet, stretching after this last gleam of hopc^ 
 
 I might — And let me summon resolution 
 
 To try the law: tf has as learned agents 
 
 As this old man. I'll instantly go seek 
 
 Me such a one; and, cherishing myself 
 
 With every hope that I can gather thence, 
 
 Hie quickly to my wretched home again.—, 
 
 Farewell, parental roof! a long farewell 
 
 This proud domain, where*oft in joyous youth 
 
 I've gambol'd, thoughtless of the future day! 
 
 Farewell, ye scenes in childhood lov'd so much ? 
 
 And still to aching memory endear'd I 
 
 A long, a last farewell ! [j£js& 
 
 Enter Rodmond, followed by Forrester, a$ - 
 from listening. 
 
 Rodm. Aye, aye, away ! begone ! I thank the 
 . chance 
 That brought me here to learn your purposes. 
 Go, play a little with the ready law, 
 And soon thou shaltbesnar'd — Attend me, sirrah: 
 As thou dost hope for all I've pronys'd thee; 
 Go, follow yonder. He is gone in quest 
 Of justice; and see he have enough of it. 
 Go, seek his agents; here is gold, to palm them 
 To be my friends. But let them carry on 
 A mock pretended suit, to dry and drain 
 His last resources up ; and, if ns possible. 
 To fasten him in jail« Go after him ; 
 
3% THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act II. 
 
 For now the means have past him, he doth seem 
 Inclin'd to turn again, and reach at greatness. 
 
 Exit Forrester, 
 
 Enter Servant. 
 
 Ser. My Lord, Lieutenant Mordred waits upon 
 you. 
 
 Rodm. Conduct him in. [Exit Servant, 
 
 He comes too late for that 
 He's summon'd for; but is another tool 
 That I must use, should circumstance require.. 
 He is an ill-designed piece of clay, 
 Without a stamp of settled character ; 
 Uncouth in nature as he is in person; 
 Valiant and cruel ; a soldier and a sloven ; 
 And all things that heterogeneous are. 
 But he has serv'd me in dark purposes, 
 And may again : I'll give him countenance. 
 
 Enter Mordred. 
 
 Mori. My noble Lord, I come to give you joy 
 Of all your fortunes. 
 
 Rodm. Welcome, good Lieutenant; 
 
 And well I thank you. But how comes it, as 
 The king's abroad at war, and ev'ry soldier 
 Is call'd from England by the drums of France; 
 How comes it then, that you are left behind? 
 Mord. I am, it seems, forgot, my gracious Lord; 
 Or only look'd upon as fit to follow 
 
Sc. I. THE HOUSE OF M0RVILLE. 33 
 
 Whene'er the baggage goes. 
 
 Rodrn. I have a friend 
 
 Arriv'd from Flanders, now the seat of war; 
 And as his regiment, from the press of service, 
 Again doth lack recruit of English blood, 
 Fll try my power to get you in commission. — 
 Ha! now the smile is mantling on your cheek, 
 Your hot blood catches at it^ and you stand 
 On tiptoe at the very name of war, 
 I warrant you commission ; and I shall 
 Rejoice to hear that you are prosperous. 
 I have not yet forgot you sav'd my life. 
 
 Mord. In doing that, my Lord, I paid but in- 
 terest 
 For debts that still I owe you. 
 
 Rodm. Thou'rt my friend. 
 
 And I will serve thee still ; and in return, 
 I have some plans of weight, unsettled yet, 
 But forming here, which thou must execute. 
 Thus we'll repay each other's benefits: 
 For friendship, in this mercenary world, 
 Is but a commerce betwixt man and man; 
 Exchange of services and kindly acts. 
 Tis not the weight of obligation thrown 
 All in one scale, can fix a man your friend ; 
 For never can sincerity be found, 
 But when the scale of benefits is held, 
 ? Twixt friend and friend, in just and equal poise. 
 Thus, Mordred, while I seek to honour thee, 
 
 D 
 
34 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act II 
 
 Thou'lt not be over-scrupulous in the means 
 T© pay me back my debt; I know thou wilt not. 
 Well more of this. —Attend me to my chamber. 
 
 ^Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE XL 
 
 A mew of a Burial-ground* 
 The Gothic Entrance of a Chapel in the Centre, 
 
 Enter Argaldus, wrapt in a Mantle, with a Torch* 
 
 Arg % This is the place, and here the monument 
 How still and awful shews the face of night, 
 In such a place as this ! Here frightful death 
 Sits thron'd amidst the victims of his power, 
 And silent makes the scene. The sparkling glow- 
 worm ? s 
 Here not seen; and the gentle zephyr, too, as 
 Jt flies along 5 seems in its course subdued. 
 But let me to the tomb : I must uncase 
 
Sc. II. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. &5 
 
 My quickening helpless charge Hush ! hear I not 
 
 The tread of human foot? It nearer comes. 
 
 If in this solemn duty I'm surpris'd, 
 
 As superstition shakes the boldest spirit, 
 
 I'll use the means to frighten my disturber. 
 
 My work must be perform'd. But all harsh means 
 
 I first will try to shun, by secrecy, 
 
 [Exit through the Portal of the Chapel. 
 
 Enter Hugo de Morville. 
 
 Hugo. I have employ 'd a trusty advocate, 
 Who, for a fee, gives me great promises, 
 And sets my heart at ease ; and now, I'll home. 
 But first, hard as my father dealt by me, 
 A parent's claim lays hold upon my heart, 
 And I will see his grave ere I return. 
 And now I tread this solemn place of death, 
 That holds the ruins of extinct humanity, 
 I cannot choose but think upon the living, 
 And of their bitter dealings by each other; 
 For but to this comes all their enmity ! 
 Here stands the monument that cases in 
 My father's corpse. Let me approach the mansion 
 That's tenanted at such expence to me: 
 
 [Kneels.] 
 And O, my father ! if the sorrowing tear 
 Of a repentant son, whose vice embijter'd 
 Thy latter days, be welcome to thy spirit, 
 
36 Ttfl, HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act II. 
 
 Accept it on thy grave. 
 
 [Approaches towards the Door of the Chapel, 
 as if going* to his father's Tomb, which is 
 supposed to be within-side. The door opens 
 as he approaches, and discovers Argaldus, 
 who stands before him in an attitude of 
 resistance. Morvilie is terror-struck. 
 What myst'ry lurks within these sacred walls? 
 Speak, thou unknown, whilst I have power to hear; 
 Say, who art thou, that in this house of death 
 Wouldst stop my passage to a fathers grave? 
 
 [Argaldus waves his hand for him to retire* 
 I come not here for wanton purposes; 
 But at the urgent stimulus of nature, 
 To pour my sorrows on a father's tomb. 
 Who art thou, that forbid'st this holy duty? 
 
 [Argaldus still waves his Hand in silence* 
 Nay, speak, if thou hast faculty of tongue. 
 Arg. Retire, retire. 
 
 Hugo. What is there I should dread 
 
 To see within yon sacred monument ? 
 
 Arg. Retire, retire. Thou art no duteous son, 
 To look for vengeance for a father's wrongs. 
 Hugo. What is the dreadful import of thy 
 speech ? 
 What wrongs, what vengeance, wouldst thou have 
 me think of? 
 Arg. Ask him that now inherits his estate. — 
 Hast thou not heard enough ? But hence, away, 
 
Sell. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. 37 
 
 If thou dost hope to learn hereafter more. 
 
 [Morville attempts to speak. 
 Speak not : I'll bear no further question, Hence! 
 You tarry here at peril of your life. 
 
 [Morville bows his Head with solemnity and 
 respect ; the Door closes, 
 Hugo. Ye heav'nly powers, with whom have 
 I discours'd? 
 M Ask him that now inherits his domains!* 
 Let others find a meaning ; but to me 
 'Tis fixed in my heart, as deep as is 
 The centre-rooted mountain in the earth ? 
 My noble father has been murdered. 
 All things accord with what he utter'd, too, 
 And stamp it valid 5 and proclaim aloud, 
 Lord Rodmond was the assassin. E'en now 
 Methinks I see him in the murd'rer's gripe. 
 I'll to Lord Rodmond instantly, and lay 
 The accusation broad upon his front. 
 I'll have reprisal and revenge for this, 
 Such as shall make the guilty world look pale, 
 And bid the murd'rer tremble at his deeds. 
 
 [Exit in great agony. 
 
 \ 
 
38 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act II. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 Rodmond Castle — A grand Gothic Hall. 
 
 Enter Rodmond, Lord Ruthven, Morpred, 
 Forrester. 
 
 Rodm. I joy, my Lord, to see you safe returned, 
 Your voyage has, I hope, been short and pros- 
 perous. 
 
 Lord Ruth. It has my Lord : the fav'ring winds 
 have blown 
 As constant on the bosom of our sails, 
 As there had been no other navigation 
 
 On all the seas to woo them And, my Lord, 
 
 We did so court the wat'ry element, 
 And tir'd it with our tacking when i t veer'd, 
 That 'twixt our care, and its fair courtesy, 
 'Twas just like youthful love-making. 
 
 Rodm. Well said: 
 
 I never heard the rough-reputed sea 
 
 So smoothly talk'd of. Are you hence again, 
 
 To where our English standard is erect ; 
 Or have you bid farewell to foreign climes? 
 
 Lord Ruth. I have my sovereign's orders for 
 abroad : 
 
St. III. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE, SQ 
 
 But here, at home, I have some near relations, 
 A brother's widow, and her orphan daughter; 
 And doubt, as yet, whether my love for them, 
 Or duty to my country, shall prevail, 
 
 Rodm. Here, my good Lord, as it doth come in 
 point, 
 Is an old friend of mine, a vet'ran soldier, 
 Who, lacking no respect in any service 
 That he hath seen, is still but low in rank, 
 If you can put preferment in his way, 
 I'll hold myself a debtor to your bounty. 
 
 Lord Ruth, My Lord, I thank you: he shall b« 
 my adjutant, 
 An officer I lack. What say you, Sir? 
 
 Mora, That I receive your kindness gratefully ; 
 And where I fail in thanks, refer you to 
 The test of duty, and my services. 
 
 Lord Ruth, I do rely on you. — But pray, my 
 Lord, 
 Where is the profligate and fire-brain'd son 
 Of your so late deceased relative? 
 As hot and heedless youth doth sometimes grow 
 To solid manhood, he perhaps may mend. 
 If so you think, my Lord, and it will please you* 
 I'll do my utmost to commission him. 
 
 Rodm* My noble friend, it is humanely thought ; 
 But goodness here I fear would run to waste, 
 I doubt his doing good: his profligacy 
 Is not the casual error of green youth, 
 
40 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Ad II. 
 
 But fix'd and natural depravity. 
 
 I grieve at heart, to think what agony 
 
 His crimes have cost his father now no more, 
 
 I was his friend; but — (a loud Noise without.) Ha! 
 what rout is this? 
 
 Hugo de Morville rushes in suddenly, with 
 a drawn Sword. 
 
 Hugo. Is the Lord Rodmond here? 
 
 JRodm. Call in my servants. 
 
 Be not disturb'd, my friends — What want you, Sir, 
 That, with a front like this, you threaten me 
 In my own house? 
 
 Hugo. I would not here, proud Lord, 
 
 Before your friends, present your black account : 
 Unseemly reck'nings should be paid in private, 
 Lest they might injure credit. _Step aside. 
 
 Rodm. He rages thus because of the decision 
 Of his late father. But am I, my friends, 
 Because I hold what my deceased kinsman, 
 With reason, and the light of day, bequeath'd me; 
 Am I, for that, to be insulted thus? 
 
 Lord Ruth. I knew your father well, and lov'd 
 him truly; 
 And that he would not do a thing unjustly, 
 
 I dare be surety. Pray thee, come nothere, 
 
 To brave, with naked steel, the breast of peace; 
 Put up your sword; or I shall take it, Sir, 
 At all its length. 
 
Sc. HI. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. 41 
 
 Hugo. It is not you I seek : 
 
 Tis yonder haughty Lord that is mine enemy. 
 
 Rodm. Stand by, my friends. No living man 
 shall brave 
 Lord Rodmondthus. Had I used stratagem 
 To bend his fathers will in my behalf, 
 I had been guilty. 
 
 Hugo. Foul, accursed fiend! 
 
 Dost thou not mark in me a darker storm, 
 Than a resentment for the loss of wealth? 
 Dost thou not see a lightning in these eyes, 
 That bodes thee devastation? Yes, thou hear'st 
 A son demand of thee a father's life. 
 
 [Aside: Rodmond starts, terror-struck. 
 
 Lord Ruth. This cannot pass: approach, and 
 seize the ruffian. \Thcy seize him. 
 
 Rodm. Nay, my good friends, be gentle as you 
 can. 
 I pity his distraction : let him go. 
 I would do much to gain him to himself; 
 For what his madness charges me with now, 
 His settled reason will wash off with tears. 
 Set him at large : I do not fear his threats. 
 
 [Hugo is released, 
 
 Hugo, I am too rash : I am not yet prepared 
 To combat all this shew of innocence ; 
 For shew it is, and false as the black heart 
 That prompted thee to do so foul a deed. 
 Else has my grief so far bewildered sense, 
 
4% THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE- ActUi, 
 
 That I have listened with a maniac's ear, 
 And held, with some phantasma of the brain,, 
 
 Ideal converse -But that cannot be : 
 
 His form was human, palpable; his voice 
 Articulate and clear ; as was the charge, 
 The damning charge, that brings me to confront 
 
 thee — 
 Yet I am rash, in that, for lack of proofs* 
 I still must see thee triumph o'er the wretched. 
 Heaven, give me farther evidence; or take 
 That from my memory which thou hast imparted ! 
 
 [Exit. 
 Lord Ruth. This should not be. 
 Mord* TTis highly dangerous. 
 
 Rodm. I will be counsell'd; you are all my 
 friends : 
 Yet I am sorry at my heart, to see 
 Such deep distress so far from remedy. 
 
 Lord Ruth. Tis my advice, to put this man in 
 safety : 
 He should not be at large. 
 
 Mord* Such madness should 
 
 Not range at full. 
 
 Lord Ruth, Let y s after, and secure him. 
 [Exeunt Lord Ruthven, Mordred, and Ser- 
 vants. 
 Rodm. (after a Pause.) Now, sirrah ; see you 
 this? may I believe, 
 That what I held as lock'd within your breast, 
 
Sc, III. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. 43 
 
 Has found a treach'rous outlet? Are you true ? 
 
 \JVith vehemence. 
 Forr. You doubt me then, my Lord? 
 Rodm. I would not willingly: 
 
 Rut here my fears have taken the alarm; 
 And cry aloud, our hiding-place is found. 
 
 Forr. I am bound to you, and would not see you 
 live 
 The sport of fear. How shall I prove my truth? 
 Rodm. We have the furious conduct of his 
 frenzy 
 Avouch'd by witness ; thus we '11 work upon't : 
 Go to my counsel, tell him what has pass'd ; 
 Say that my fame, and life, are both at stake, 
 And see what surety I can have against him; 
 For, till he's bound, I can no safety find — 
 About it straight, and see he is secur'd. 
 
 [Exeunt Rodmond and Forrester. 
 
44 THE HOUSE OF M011VILLE. Act II. 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 
 A Rocky and romantic View, with the Cave of 
 Argaldus in the back. 
 
 Enter Argaldus, and Sin Thomas de 
 Morville. 
 
 Arg. Such are the means, and such the secret 
 cause, 
 That thrust you all so sudden from sweet life, 
 And then restor'd you from the frightful grave. 
 
 Sir Tho. Most strange, and wonderful ! 
 
 Arg. But you '11 be secret, 
 
 And silent as the tomb you now are rais'd from. 
 
 Sir Tho. O father ! I am all at your command. 
 
 Arg. For much, much is contain'd in my re- 
 quest 
 Of secrecy from you: the very purposes 
 Of Heav'n demand it. 
 
 Sir Tho. Worthiest, best pf men ! 
 
 Then lay what bond or oath on me you will, 
 It shall be my devotion. 
 
 Arg. You must promise, 
 
 That for a time you'Jl follow my injunctions, 
 
Sc. IV. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. 45 
 
 Which shall be for your good in every thing. 
 
 [Sir Thomas hows assent. 
 First then, you shall put on a close disguise, 
 That you may not be known to be alive. 
 Next, promise, that whate'er temptations rise, 
 From friend's distresses, or your wish for ven- 
 geance; 
 You'll not, however strong be your desire, 
 Be urg'd in public to declare yourself, 
 Till I, your, friend, unsought, present myself, 
 In time and place removed far from this, , 
 And lead you forth to peace and happiness. 
 
 Sir Tko. My friend, preserver! 
 
 Arg, Yes, thou hast indeed 
 
 A friend in me; and for this friendship, Sir, 
 ('Tis all I ask,) let me direct you thus: 
 Here is a bag of gold that I have stor'd, 
 Part from the wicked, part from tlf ignorant; 
 Which the just feeling of my heart forbids, 
 In any shape to waste,, or count my own. 
 Now, Sir, I recommend you, take this gold; 
 And travel westward, several miles from hence. 
 Take these particulars, which shall instruct you 
 Where you will find a small but pleasant manor, 
 Which you must purchase with ail swift dispatch. 
 It has appendages annex'd to it, 
 That will hereafter helpj/owr cause and mine. 
 And when, my friend, you are establish'd there, 
 Call back into your service the good lawyer 
 
46 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act II. 
 
 That you have long employ 'd; but be aware, 
 You do not e'en to him, declare yourself. 
 
 Sir Tho. In all things you shall be obey'd: 
 farewell! [Exit Sir Thomas. 
 
 Arg. Now this way, and I'm in my cave again. 
 Ye venerable rocks, and dreary cell, 
 What holy hermit excavated you, 
 And gave to you that pleasing solemn air 
 That is so dear to me? Or were ye form'd 
 When Nature shap'd her great primaeval mass, 
 That every age you might invite to you 
 Some listless solitary wretch like me; 
 Who, leading here a philosophic life, 
 Might shew ambitious, discontented man, 
 How little can his proper wants suffice? 
 To me, at least, ye've taught this useful lesson; 
 E'en in the wild, content brings happiness. 
 
 [Exit into his Cave* 
 
$C. V. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. 47 
 
 SCENE V, 
 View of an Ism on a Road. 
 
 Enter Hugo in haste : he looks back as if 
 pursued. 
 
 Hugo. Well, I will fly no farther : at this inm 
 Til halt, and meet my fate; for it were cruel 
 
 [Landlord enters and listms*, 
 To carry home my load of wretchedness, 
 T© plague the innocent Could I e^en pay 
 The heavy penalty that is demanded 
 Of me for Rodmond's safety, (on whose life 
 I'm charg'd with making an unjust attack,) 
 Twere vain to do't; for in my heart 'tis fixt 
 So firmly, that he took my father's life, 
 That J should rush again upon his throat, 
 More fatally perhaps than now Fve done. 
 Come then, pursuers, take my liberty ; 
 Freedom is useless to my misery, 
 
 [Exit into the Inn~ 
 
 Land, (coming forward.) I like not your 
 travellers ^who reckon their abilities before 
 they go into my house. I should be thin of cus~ 
 
48 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE, Act II. 
 
 tomers if my neighbours did so .Poor gen- 
 tleman! he seems in distress: if so, he shall want 
 for nothing here. 1*11 follow him, and learn his 
 
 wants. But who comes here, helter-skelter, 
 
 ding-dong? One on horse back. He looks a liberal 
 customer; at least of the spur and whip, if one 
 may judge from the heat of his horse. And here 
 come others after him in haste. My house will 
 soon be full, at this rate. I'll in, and prepare whilst 
 they dismount. 
 
 As he goes in> enter Bartholomy. 
 
 Barth. I've pass'd these harpies. Here is an 
 inn; I'll make inquiry: for while danger posts 
 so quickly at his heels, he may not 'scape its snare. 
 
 Friend, have strangers halted here with you 
 
 lately ? 
 
 Land. Many have pass'd onward, some are 
 within, and others stand at the gate unhorsed. 
 
 Barth. Have you seen a youth pass by on 
 foot, whose face bore the marks of sorrow and 
 despair. 
 
 Land. Such a one has e'en now enter'd the 
 house: I'll lead you tofnm. 
 
 Barth. Friend, a word. If I do read aright your 
 countenance, you can feel for the oppressed and 
 
 helpless He whom you have shelter'd is in want, 
 
 although born to fortune. But he hath committed 
 no crime, and every good man should be his friend. 
 Here is money : shelter him from the gripe of those 
 
Sc.V. THE HOUSE OF JtfORVILLE. 49 
 
 who now pursue him, and But they are here i 
 
 -quickly lead me to him. 
 
 Land. Poor gentleman! — This way — Poor 
 gentleman i [Exeunt into the Inn. 
 
 Enter two Officers. 
 
 1 Offi. He is here, I am certain. We should 
 have seen him, had he proceeded up the hill. 
 
 2 Offi. Aye, aye, he's here, I warrant you. 
 
 Let's in But beware : if he is arm'd, he will 
 
 fight, or story wrongs him, 
 
 [They knock at the Door: the Landlord opens 
 
 it, and speaks to them with the Door in 
 
 his Hand, to prevent their Entrances 
 
 Land. Had you used more courtesy, and les$ 
 
 violence, you would have been answer'd sooner. 
 
 What want you? 
 
 1 Offi. We have authority to search this' house 
 for one that has escaped from justice: deny him 
 not ; we are certified right well that he is here. 
 
 Land. If you stay here to disturb the peace, 
 I'll pay you in coin you may not like. 
 £ Offi. Stand by, and let us pass. 
 Land. The house is full, my frullies. 
 1 Offi. The law has bolts. [Attempts to pass. 
 Land. And so have I. 
 
 [Shkts the door in his Face. 
 1 Offi. To reason from this fellow's insolence, 
 
 E 
 
50 THE HOUSE OF MORYILLE. Act II. 
 
 he should be Justice of the Peace. But let us 
 shoulder our authority, and rummage for our 
 game, or.it will escape. We'll find another en- 
 trance. [Exeunt. 
 
 r -.1 I ■- R 
 
 SCENE VL 
 
 . \ 
 
 An Apartment in the Lin. 
 
 
 Enter Morville.- Loud knocking- is heaTtf. 
 
 Hugo. Thus am I caught: the toils close in 
 upon me; 
 And I should idly chafe, and beat the air, 
 To struggle for escape. — So, savage fortune! 
 I'll mock thy rage, and meet thee calmly here. 
 [Throws himself dozvn at the table, and covers 
 his face xvith his hands in Agony. 
 
 {Knocking repeat ed\ 
 
 Enter Officers. 
 
 1 Offi. That's he. 
 Arre6;t him, .sirrah* 
 
Sc. VL THE HOUSE OF MORVirLE. ^1 
 
 2 Off. You 're our prisoner; 
 
 And at no small expence of trouble too 
 
 Come, come along. 
 
 [They seize him; and as they are attempting 
 to carry him off, 
 
 Enter Barthqlomy. 
 
 JBarth. Plow, Officers! What means this vio- 
 lence ? 
 Let go the gentleman : you do disgrace 
 The pow'r you serve. What has he ddtae, I say, 
 That thus you dare to aggravate distress 
 By base unnecessary violence? 
 But you shall answer it. — Shew your authority. 
 
 2 Off, We pray your pardon, Sir: we thought 
 not of meeting here with you; whom to offend, 
 we know would go hard with us elsewhere. 
 
 Barth. Shew your authority. 
 
 1 Off. These papers, Sir. 
 
 [Delivers the Papers. 
 
 Barth, There's nothing deadly here. [Reads. 
 
 " For libels utter'd against Lord Rodmond, and 
 u threatening his life — a thousand pounds; an<H 
 " surety for twice as much." 
 
 A bond, a bond: 
 ITI give my bond and surety straight for this; 
 That at the time this warrant specifies, 
 This gentleman delivers up himself 
 To answer every charge. 
 
5% THE #0USE OF MOttVILLfc. Act IL 
 
 1 Offi. I am satisfied. 
 
 2 0/?£. And I; and praying for your pardon, Sir, 
 
 we take our leave. {Exeunt Officers. 
 
 Hugo. I cannot form my thoughts, nor give 
 them utterance, 
 I have offended thee, my valued friend: 
 But as resentment cannot gain thee aught 
 Against so little worth as I possess, 
 Assume the better office, and forgive me; 
 Fori am hurried in misfortunes, like 
 A vessel in the ocean, past its centre, 
 
 That sinks to rise no more Xome home with nae ; 
 
 And when the ferment of my heart subsides, 
 Youll see its penitence' and sufferings, 
 And shall refuse me pardon if you can. 
 
 [Exeii7it Morville and Bartholomy. 
 
 End of the Second Act* 
 
 ?S 
 
Act III, THE HOUSE OF' MOUVJLLJ. 53 
 
 ACT III. SCENE L 
 An Apartment in Rodmond Castle, 
 
 Enter RepuoKP, Fojtkester, and Laxvyer., 
 
 Rodrnond. 
 
 COME you to me with silly tales like these; 
 As, that because his friend has wrested from vou 
 His suit at law, you have no furthe? means 
 To work my purpose on him? It is well! 
 I thank you for your favours, Sir. I thank yoiy 
 You have been diligent. 
 
 Law. Nay but, my Lord, 
 
 I had not warrant from vou to advance 
 In any strict proceedings or attachment, 
 That could o'erpower him. This requires full 
 
 thought, 
 And puts me to my asking. 
 
 Rodm. Ask not me : 
 
 Lay him in prison, or see me no more. 
 
 Law. Nay, now, my Lord, you speak indeed in 
 point. 
 
 # 
 
54 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Ad II. 
 
 Tis true, he is my debtor in a sum 
 Which, in his present state, he cannot pay : 
 I'll forward on my business cheerfully, 
 And little fear but that I shall succeed. 
 
 [Exit Lawyer. 
 Rodm. Aye, to it straight: but if 3011 fail, beV 
 ware; 
 
 I'll look for other means Come hither, sirrah. 
 
 You say, Lord Ruthven marched yesterday 
 Towards the west, where he is to remain 
 And wait the further orders of the king. 
 Forr. He did, my Lord. ■ 
 
 Rodm. Lord Ruthven oft hath talk'd, 
 
 And doubtless in your hearing-, of a niece, 
 "Who long hath liv'd in low obscurity. 
 
 Forr. He hath, my Lord, with much regard and 
 
 favour. 
 Rodm. Strange fancies have of late so fastcn'd 
 on me, 
 And ev'ry shadow moves my apprehensions: 
 For, in the course and passage of my life, 
 I've known the most unlook'd-for things occur. 
 Know you the maiden name of Morville's wife? 
 Forr. I may not say I do ; but, my good Lord, 
 At your command I'll quickly find it out. 
 
 Rodm. It matters not to me whoe'er she be; 
 For, did the beggar's fate involve in it 
 My nearest kin, my safety urges me, 
 And I must have him down..— £o, get you hence ^ 
 
Sc. I. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE, 5$ 
 
 Yet stay : I must have farther speech with -you. 
 
 I have of late much fallen from my sleep ;■■ 
 
 And, when the little that I have of it 
 
 Comes on me, it is frighted and disturb'd 
 
 By hideous dreams. I know that they are nought, 
 
 Yet cannot shake the sleeping fantasies 
 
 From off my waking thoughts. And let me tell 
 
 you, 
 That 'mongst the phantoms and the various forms 
 My sleep of late hath oft presented to me, 
 You frequently are one. I have trusted you 
 With secrets, and I seek to honour you 
 With intimacy : see you bear it well. 
 By hell I swear, if time or circumstance 
 Should, with a voice articulate, proclaim 
 Thee traitor, and Lord Rodmond's foe; or e'en 
 Should I see cause to harbour doubt of thee; 
 Sharp torture in a thousand shapes shall wait thee. 
 Proceed upon your errand: and remember, 
 If true, I am thy friend; thou know'st the rest. 
 
 [Exit Rodmon 
 Forr. (alone.) Is this a line to fathom out 
 truth? 
 Forsooth, my master, these your sleeping tliouj 
 Do couple something with my waking ones; 
 For though I dare not be your enemy, 
 I serve you less for favour now than fe<ir, 
 Indeed there is no safety left for me, 
 
56 THE HOUSE OF M0RVILL2. Act IIL 
 
 But in obedience to your purposes. 
 
 I tremble at them: yet must play my part; 
 
 A wicked hand, to your most wicked heart. 
 
 [Exit Forrester. 
 
 scene n. 
 
 Scene changes to an apartment in Mr$. Ville- 
 more's Cottage. 
 
 Enter Lawyer and Officers, 
 
 T)ffi. What has Lord Rodmond promis'd its for 
 
 this? 
 Law. Nay, question not: if we can fleece him 
 bare, 
 Bodge him safely in the county prison, 
 vill be right; Lord Rodmond 's generous. 
 jfi. Has Morville yet received your letters, 
 Sir? 
 
 Law. He must by this but he-is here to answer, 
 
 Our road is not by stepping-$tone§ of courtesy* 
 
Sc. II. THE HOUSE OF MORVIIXE. 57 
 
 Enter Hugo de Morville. After a little Con- 
 versation, Kenneth enters, and retires to 
 the back of the Stage, and listens with much 
 Attention. 
 
 Hugo. Your visit, gentlemen, is unexpected. 
 What may its import be? 
 
 Law. Nothing of note. 
 
 The summer time invites us to the country : 
 And, posting near your residence, we came 
 To take the small arrears that now are due 
 Upon your suit; then shall we be prepared, 
 To start anew. 
 
 Hugo. Soft, soft, I pray, good Sir: 
 I wish you would have staid the sending for. 
 Small summer 'tis with me — I've had your let- 
 ters, 
 Stating that my affairs grow desperate: 
 Yet want your fees, and talk of other terms! 
 I have given orders to withdraw my suit; 
 Yet thus you come to me, as if I were 
 A mine, that, farther dug, would better pay 
 The diggers' hire. Fie ! make distress your job ! 
 
 Law. Job, Sir? job, Sir? the law's our trade. — 
 Job truly ! 
 When you have done with us, pay us our fees, 
 And we'll job you no more»«— -Sine* you vc witfr- 
 drawn 
 
SB THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Att 1IL 
 
 Your suit, pay clown the costs for doing so, 
 : Twere for your credit more. 
 
 Hugo. Your insolence 
 
 Becomes you. 
 
 Law. Sdeath! we should be puzzled much, 
 To fashion phrase were insolent to you. 
 In insolence you seem yourself well practis'd ; 
 But I will none on't : nay, my haughty Sir, 
 You should not insolence a dog of mine. 
 We want our dues, and we will have them too. 
 
 Hugo. What tempest's this that gathers round 
 me now? 
 Tell me to what amount's your charge, and all 
 You heap on me besides. 
 
 Law. (pulls out a scroll.) Expence and items . 
 
 Hugo. The sum, the sum. 
 
 Law. Expence, two hundred pounds ; 
 
 And, to withdraw your suit, two hundred more. 
 
 Hugo. How! are you men? or demons in that 
 shape? 
 Have you thus dealt by me? you, whom I trusted ! 
 How cruel are you! Can you thus select 
 Misfortune's victim for your iron gripe? 
 
 Law. Sweet Sir, we idly waste our time in talk : 
 It was to get our money we came here; 
 Pay us our money, or we must have you. 
 
 ffugo. I have no money; and, unfeeling ruf- 
 fians, 
 
Sc. II. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. 5$ 
 
 What you cau manage, you may take of me. 
 
 {Exit Morville. 
 Law. Arrest 3iim, Sir. 
 
 Kenn. (zvho has been in the greatest distress 
 during the scene, comes forward.) 
 
 And take me for your tipstaff, 
 [Places himself before the door. 
 Offi. Why, caitifflow and vile, would you disturb 
 And interrupt the instrumented law? 
 Give way, or I will force it. [Pushes Kenneth, 
 Kenn. Force^to force; (theyxvrestle: Kenneth 
 throws him down r ) 
 And honesty be umpire; Law is down. 
 
 Enter Hugo, in haste. 
 
 Hugo. Hold, hold! how Tash! Do not resisfc 
 good Kenneth : 
 Your kind intentions here would do me wrong. 
 These villains will be back'd by higher powY* 
 All innoGent of what it is about. 
 
 Law. Do you remain without, and guard th£ 
 house. 
 Fear not: I'll to the nearest magistrate, 
 Shew our authority to him, and tell him 
 How we have been abus'd ; no doubt but he 
 • Will find us pound proportion'd to our game. 
 (To Hugo and Kenneth J Justice hath fetters fof 
 this job of your's. 
 
 \Exemt Lawyer and Officer- 
 
60 THE HOUSE OF MOKVILLE. Act III. 
 
 Hugo. Good Kenneth, go and send your mis- 
 tress to me. [Exit Kenneth. 
 To chuse betwixt a jail and liberty, 
 There can be no demur: it is resolved. 
 
 Enter Agnes. 
 
 Come here, my Agnes, my beloved wife, 
 
 My only solace in adversity. 
 
 Are you prepared to take a tedious journey ? 
 
 Necessity is pitiless, my love; 
 
 And, hard as 'tis to tell you, we must suffer. 
 
 Agn. I know the cause, and am prepar'd to go. 
 Fear not for me: as your distresses gather, 
 Methinks I gather strength to bear with them/ 
 Yes, let the spoilers seize our little storey 
 The honest wants of nature are but few; 
 And if we can but hide from mock'ry's eye, 
 We'll have the chance of comfort thousands have, 
 Who earn, and eat, the coarse and scanty crust, 
 And never curse their lot. My mother's thrift, 
 And gentle precepts, long have taught me all 
 The various labours of our household-need ; 
 And, void of shame, and cheerful, will I use them ; 
 And do for honest hire, what I have done 
 Before for pleasure Come, let us away. 
 
 Hugo. This is too much ; and yet it must be so : 
 I see no hope but what you counsel to. 
 Let us prepare to hasten from this place, 
 And hide our miseries where we are not known; 
 
Sc. IIL THE HOUSE OF MORVXLLS. €T 
 
 And for your sake, niy love, I'll bend me down 
 
 To labour's yoke. But ere I see you tack d 
 
 To menial task for hire, I will sustain 
 The office of the execrated slave. — 
 Come, and prepare; and, as we journey on. 
 Be love our prop, and hope our guiding star. 
 
 SCENE III, 
 
 A View of a Camp, A Sutt l kr y sTent on one side; 
 Landlord; Sokliers and Recruits discovered 
 drinking. They huzza. 
 
 Land, Aye, this is my custom: with the mer- 
 chant, I drink trade; with the farmer, I drink 
 
 plenty; and with the soldier, I drink the king . 
 
 Here's long live the king. [They all huzza, 
 
 1 Recruit, I love my king as I do drinking; 
 here's to his health again. \They huzza again* 
 But now, brothers, what think you of this same 
 powder and ball that they fight wi' now-a-days? 
 
 % Recruit, Why, I take it to be main un- 
 kindly in a man's body. But a fig for it: I care not 
 for it. 
 
€2 the house of morville. Act 111. 
 
 1 Recruit. Nor I, brother : we must all die 
 some time; heaven mend us ! 
 
 2 Recruit. Aye, that we must, if we are 
 soldiers. But here comes our superior: I vow I 
 take courage at the sight of him. 
 
 Enter Sergeant. 
 
 Serg. Strike up, drums: fall in, recruits: ws 
 should he forth, and heating up for men. Fall in. 
 [Drums beat, and the Recruits fall in awk- 
 wardly. 
 Oh, monstrous! I have no patience. Corporal- 
 draw them up: touch them on the shoulder thus; 
 feeling is a hue teacher of understanding. This 
 way, Sir: face. to the right. Hold your head up, 
 sirrah: this shoulder is the highest': we must 
 have bolstering and bracing; drawing of teeth.- 
 and setting of knees. Zounds! were it not for 
 soldiering, men would belie their creation, and get 
 upon all- fours. 
 
 1 Recruit. Marry, now, captain-sergeant, we 
 are goed recruits; we are men that training will 
 make defective. I warrant you we have hearts 
 in our bodies, and that's the thing for a soldier. 
 
 Serg, Oh, as for that, I believe you; you are 
 prime men: would I had all the gold I could wager 
 upon the lankest of you, against any that ever 
 were mustaches! What say you, my hearts of 
 heroes? would you not fight? would you not 
 
Sc. III. THE HOUSE OF'MORVILLE. 63 
 
 fight? Old England's the word: we take the 
 field, we load, we present, we fire ; and then, in 
 the smoke, death and fury, rank and file; kill 
 and slay, kill and slay ! 
 
 [While he speaks, he gives Action to the points ; 
 and at the close, all the Recruits break 
 their ranks, imitate him, and huzza. 
 Death and disgrace! Halt, halt! Fall in again, 
 fall in: your bravery makes you irregular; but 
 superfluity of courage best becomes a soldier. 
 Fall in. Now let us to the market-place. You 
 that are short, must stand to-day on tiptoe; you 
 that are sparely-fleslf d, must blow out your lank 
 cheeks; and all of you hold up your lazy eye- 
 lids, and carry you like men. So, so ! Now, 
 brother-soldiers, I'll give you a song and a toast 
 that my grandfather taught me when I was a 
 boy : he was a brave soldier, and fought against 
 the Moors and Saracens. 
 
 ■Song. 
 I. 
 
 When England's knights, a warlike band, 
 
 The Christians' wrongs did wail, 
 Bold Richard fought i'th' Holy Land, 
 
 All cas'd in harden d mail. 
 
 Then, soldiers, drink this noble toast, 
 
 " Fair England's honor'd, name! 
 " The king, the soldiers' much-lov'd boast! 
 
 " Her Richard's lasting fame!" 
 Chorus. Then, soldiers, &c. 
 
64f THE HOUSE Of MORVILLE. Act ft& 
 
 H. 
 
 His banner bore the holy cross, 
 
 The pilgrim's staff his shield ; 
 And Sar'cens mourn'd their heavy loss, 
 
 While slaughter rang'd the field. 
 Chorus* Then, soldiers, &c. 
 
 m. 
 
 The grained ash that formed the spear, . 
 
 The battle-axe of steel, 
 Made Moorish hearts all trembling fear, 
 
 And England's foes to feel. 
 
 Chorus. Then, soldiers, &c. 
 
 IV. 
 
 Then let the world in arms combine, 
 And scenes of blood renew; 
 
 She ne'er shall bend at conqueror's shrine, 
 While to herself she's true. 
 
 CJipfus* Now, soldiers, drink this noble toast, 
 "• Fair England's honor'dname! 
 "• The king* the soldiers' much-lov'd boast! 
 " Her Richard's lasting fame!" 
 
 
Sc. III. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE, . 65 
 
 The Sergeant leads them round the stage ; the Re- 
 cruits move m great aukivardness, and all 
 in confusion march off. — As they go off, 
 Furbrass, a Drunken Soldier enters hi haste, 
 (staggering.) 
 
 Furb. Here I come my lads, here I come eh! 
 
 how; (looks round), what! are they gone, and 
 without me. How damnable that val-valour 
 should be slighted thus. This is the second af- 
 front put on me to-day. A fellow had the pre- 
 presumption to say that Lord Ruthven had dis- 
 charged me because I tip-tippled; but he lied like 
 a dog, and I made him eat the lie like a cur, 
 But who's to eat up this affront? Well, I won't 
 be squeamish, I'll drink it down, (puts his jlask 
 
 to his mouth.) Why, zounds! it's empty (tries 
 
 again.) Not a drop, not a drop. Poor bottle, and 
 poor Furbrass. Well, there's more in the house, 
 if lean reach it. (staggers towards the house, and 
 slips clown.) How cursedly these village roads 
 are.pavM. Ho! landlady! Mrs. Puncheon! sweet 
 Mrs. Puncheon, fill my flask. 
 
 Enter Landlady. 
 
 Land. Who calls? O! you drunken knave! 
 
 Furb. Fill my bottle again, sweet wench fill 
 
 my bottle. 
 
 Land. I'll fill you no more bottles, that I 
 won't. You've been drunk these three weeks ; 
 
 F 
 
66 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Actlll. 
 
 niglit and clay. I'll fill you no more bottles, I 
 warrant me. 
 
 Furb. Give me no more drink! alas! would 
 ^ou have my inwards fritter to cat-gut? Would 
 you make a musical instrument of my body? I 
 have not drank, Heav'n knows the time. Fill my 
 flask, sweet Mrs. Puncheon. 
 
 Land. Begone, drunkard! Here are custo* 
 mers — 
 
 Furb. Then 111 to the tap myself there's no 
 
 memding it else. Drunkard, quotha! ha! ha! ha! 
 
 That's a good joke — but I can't laugh I am so 
 
 dry. . [Exit, staggering into the tent. 
 
 Land. Now 'an this ben't a shame to be seen; 
 and, as I tell Mr. Puncheon, we'll lose our reputa- 
 tion by it at last: for what with drunken soldiers 
 and the like, decent company is frighted from 
 the house. And as I live t yonder's a couple going 
 to the village — no — they are coming this way. 
 
 [Retires up. 
 
 Enter Hugo and Agnes, dressed in neat but mean 
 
 attire. 
 
 Hugo. Come, dearest, come. I must not have 
 you droop. 
 I know that your distress is most for me; 
 But let not that have thought, I do beseech you: 
 For with this garb, I've put on carelessness; 
 And what all other poor men do for bread, 
 
8& III. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. 67 
 
 Most frank, and freely, now methinks can I. 
 Here is the inn, and here we'll rest to-night: 
 And with the sun to-morrow hie from hence. 
 
 Land, (comes forward) The best inn of the 
 village at your service. [Courtesying, 
 
 Hugo- You, I presume, are the good hostess 
 here. 
 
 Lund, It is no presumption, Sir, I am the land- 
 lady. 
 This way, sweet lady; this way. 
 Hugo, Go in, my love, and I will follow straight. 
 [Exeunt Landlady, and Agnes, 
 But first, I'll snatch this moment to myself, 
 And call my scattered thoughts from wand'ring. 
 I do remember now we are at war, 
 And here are men recruiting for the king. 
 Those who have kick'd kind fortune from the 
 
 door, 
 And those whom she casts off: those who want 
 
 will 
 To work for bread, and those that know not 
 
 how: 
 Youth, bold and resolute, and years forlorn, 
 • Flock to the threaten'd bulwarks of their coun- 
 try, 
 And swell her armies. I, a being of 
 A strange and alien kind; a creature monstrous 
 To all of those, here too will seek for succour ! 
 I'll be a soldier_I will to the field; 
 
6$ 
 
 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act III, 
 
 And, in the front and heat of dangrous battle, 
 Seek refuge from the ills that goad me here. 
 
 [Exit. 
 
 As Hugo goes off, the Landlady drives Furbrass 
 
 forth. 
 
 Land. Forth knave, and look for other quar- 
 ters. Thou braggart rascal : thou sorry varlet; 
 to dare address a lady, and my customer too. 
 
 Furb. She's an aii2:el ! 'Sdeath! I am chok'd: 
 lost — lost. I am quite lost between love and li- 
 quor. What a beautiful soul! Why her skin is as 
 fair as my buff belt; her eyes are as bright as my 
 breast plate in the garret; and her hair — O! her 
 hair is as black as my cartridge-box. Now will 
 I take to love, and leave off drinking. 
 
 Land. You jackanapes, and varlet dare to shew 
 thyself again, and I'll pound thee to a jelly, (sei- 
 zing his ears, and pulling them). What rank art 
 fhou of, truly, that thou should'st cope with 
 thy betters? [Goes off in a passion, unobserved 
 
 by Furbrass. 
 
 Furb. Of the rear rank. I am short, plaguy 
 short ; only scurvy five feet four : but I am as 
 my poor mother bore me, old Puncheon — and why 
 should I grumble. I would the old creature had 
 .push'd me out another inch or two; then I had 
 been a general by this. 'Tis much loss to the ser- 
 vice, I was born so low : yet there are short tiny 
 
Sc. IV % THE HOUSE OF MORVrLLE. 69 
 
 generals too, that kick up a damnable dust, 
 old Puncheon, (turns round as if to hear her 
 answer, and perceives she is gone.) Gone! is not 
 this most villanous ! and here's an empty flask. 
 I have drank all the seas over, from Egypt 
 to England, and all through England to this; 
 and I am now as dry as a fish. O ! Mrs. Pun- 
 cheon, Mrs. Puncheon! and then to get in love! 
 I am so faint with it, I can scarcely hold my legs. 
 (staggers towards the Inn — but hearing a drum, 
 turns round quickly , and goes off at the opposite 
 side. — as the drum beats he calls out) March! 
 
 [Exit, marching. 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 
 A View of a Camp Lord Ruthverfs tent in the 
 
 centre, with the English colours displayed 
 upon it. 
 
 Enter Lord Ruthven, with letters, attended by 
 Officers. 
 
 Lord Ruth. Gentlemen, here, you read my sad 
 distress; 
 
70 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Ad IIL 
 
 Most heavy news this letter bears indeed. 
 My sister is no more; and my dear niece — 
 But I will read again this piteous tale, 
 And plant their bitter sorrows in my niemYy. 
 
 [Reads. 
 " Honoured Sir, 
 
 " Letters coming daily here, to my late 
 
 u beloved mistress, and her daughter from the 
 
 u Jove I long have borne them as a servant, I take 
 " upon me the painful task of informing you, 
 " that Mrs. Villemore is number'd with the dead; 
 " and her sweet daughter is lost to all who knew 
 " her. Ill-fated, she was lately married to a 
 "•• gentleman, who, differing with his family, was 
 " reduced to poverty; and he, with your niece, 
 u have been driven from their home, and have 
 " wandered we know not whither. Grieving for 
 " the grief I send to you, I am your Lordship's 
 u humble servant, Frances Heather." 
 
 " If your dear niece is known of by any of her 
 *' friends, it is by one, Bartholomy, a lawyer, well 
 ft known in London." 
 
 Ojfi. I grieve indeed, my Lord, and wish I 
 could 
 Give comfort to your troubles, and distresses. 
 Lord Ruth. I'll quickly w r rite to this Bartho- 
 lomy, 
 And, if I do not profit by his answer, 
 
Sc. IV. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. 71 
 
 I'll leave my regiment, Gentlemen, with you, 
 And search till I have found my injur'd child 
 And brought the world to reckoning for ner 
 wrongs. 
 
 And now I think on't I will hence to-night 
 
 Farewell! I shall be careful to supply you 
 With notice where you still may write to me. 
 Ojjfi. We wish your Lordship here a prosp'rorts 
 journey, 
 And shall abide most strictly by command. 
 
 ; [Exeimt severally. 
 
 Mordred and Forrester come forward, 
 
 Forr. (pointing to the side they enter.) Aye, 
 that's the man : the woman is his wife. 
 His wants have made him enter in your regiment. 
 I had, Sir, from Lord Rodmond, strictest charge 
 To follow him where'er he wander'd to, 
 And thus I have succeeded. Here 's your charge. 
 
 [Delivers a packet, 
 
 Mord. (reads.) "Morville, by a strange, unto- 
 " ward chance for me, has, I find, inlisted in the 
 " regiment of Lord Ruthven; and, fearing he 
 " may discover him, I entreat, that, as his Adju- 
 " tant, you will thwart his temper, and provoke 
 " him to desertion. In doing this, you prove 
 " your love for_ RodmonW 
 
 Tell Lord Rodmond, I am his friend; and, that 
 I'll lead this enemy of his a life, 
 
72t THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE, Act III. 
 
 Shall make him desp'rate — Say, I'll hunt him so, 
 That he shall shew his head no more in England, 
 Unless he live in holes and hiding places. 
 
 This way, and bear my duty to Lord Rodmond. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE V. 
 
 'A more intricate part of the road, which now leads 
 
 through a Wood. 
 
 Enter Rodmond, sullen and musings 
 
 Rodm. Must I then fawn and cringe to slaves 
 like these? 
 Sure 'tis the curse of villany to dread 
 The instrument it u£es. I suspect, 
 Most heavily suspect, this Forrester, 
 Whom I have made the agent of my crime ! 
 
 He has too much of woman in his heart 
 
 Must 1 then moil, and fear, from day to day, 
 Because I dare not rush upon the throat 
 Of one that is at once my dread and hatred! 
 Hugo de Morville, lives my jealous foe. 
 Twice have I tried to manacle him by law, 
 
( 
 
 Sc. V. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE,, 73 
 
 And twice have fail'd aye, and in the attempt, 
 
 Brought deadly risk and peril on myself. 
 But who is here? my doubted messenger; 
 Whom, with more care, I will henceforwardtrust. 
 He comes ; I've watclfd him, and will let him 
 pass. ^ [Retires. 
 
 , Enter Forrester. 
 
 Forr. The crossing roads and by-ways I have 
 come, 
 Perplex me so, I know not where I am. — 
 There is a curse, methinks, a wayward fate, 
 Attends me lately wheresoe'er I go. 
 Here is a begging peasant on the road; 
 I'll ask my w r ay of him, 
 
 Enter Arg aldus, disguised as a Mendicant. 
 
 Good morrow, Father. 
 Arg. (aside.) This is the miscreant employed 
 by Rodmond; 
 I'll stay and counteract his evil purpose. 
 
 Forr. Good morrow, stranger. From your tot- 
 t'ring steps t 
 
 You come not far: pray live you in these parts? 
 Arg. Aye, aye : I hear but hardly now indeeol 
 Men might plot murder now beneath my ear, 
 And creep with poison upon men asleep, 
 Without my hearing them. 
 
 Forr. (starting.) Of poison, speaks he, 
 
74 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act IIL 
 
 And niurd'ring men asleep ! 
 
 Jrg. My eyes, too, fail me; 
 
 (Staining at Forrester.) 
 I scarcely know a villain by his looksr 
 Forr. (trembling.) Bear I the tokens of my 
 guilt about me, 
 Or, does this beggar, rave on truth by chance ? 
 But I must on, and learn my way if possible. 
 Pray, hoary father, of these crossing ways, 
 Which leads me to the village Ironside? 
 
 Jrg. The village Ironside— ,0, this way, man. 
 (Pointing to an opposite way.) 
 But you have far, and round about to go. 
 Take special care you journey not by night, 
 1'or danger is abroad, and it will find you. 
 
 Forr. I see some shepherds, yonder, who may 
 guard me. 
 Good father, pray remain but for a moment, 
 Till I some questions ask of these poor hinds, 
 And I will journey thither with you straight. 
 
 [Exit. 
 Jrg. The village that the wretch inquires 
 about, 
 Is near at hand; but had I sent him there, 
 He would have intercepted travellers 
 Fve seen in deep distress : they are at hand, 
 Poor wand'rers, as they left their humble home. 
 Ill hence, and lead them from this threafning 
 danger. . [Exit. 
 
~Sc V* THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. 7^ 
 
 Enter Forrester in haste. 
 
 Forr. How! gone. Nor hind, nor shepherd have 
 I seen: 
 My haste has scar'd them. Would I were well 
 
 housM : 
 for, in this dang'rous, intricated heath, 
 The crimes to which I have been accessary, 
 .Are heavy, and look frightful in my face. 
 
 Rodm. (aside.) The list'ning, here, I find may 
 help me much* 
 
 Forr. I was about returning to Lord Rodmond, 
 Determin'd to wade on in wickedness, 
 And fearing to draw back : but darkness has 
 Arrested my resolves. If I were innocent, 
 I'd have my fears in such a place as this; 
 But, as I am, I scarce have left in me 
 A nerve to lean my body's weight upon: 
 I tremble so with fear. 
 
 Rodm. (behind.) Coward, and wretch. 
 
 Forr. There seems a kind of desp'rate hope be- 
 fore me, 
 Could I e'en now repent 
 
 Rodm. Is'tso; repent! 
 
 Forr. My furious hand was rais'd against th« 
 father, 
 And, to complete my crimes, the son must follow. 
 Ha! it grows darker while I speak of it. 
 The wild heath flashes with its hideous light*. 
 
76 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Ad III. 
 
 And for the dread of slough, and precipice, 
 
 I dare not stir. Let but to-morrow come, 
 
 And I'll release me from this pain of guilt. 
 
 I will betake me to the nearest Justice, 
 
 And with the hope of pardon for myself, 
 
 Be evidence on Rodmond. With this resolve, 
 
 111 take the thickets shelter till the morning. 
 
 [Rodmond advances. 
 
 Rodm. Aye, traitor, do : and when the morning 
 
 comes, 
 As thou hast said, be evidence against me. 
 
 (Draws his dagger, and rushes after him.) 
 
 Curse on thee, thou wer't baser than I thought 
 
 thee. 
 
 No trivial circumstance had now provok'd 
 
 My hand to dip in blood : but such thy purpose, 
 
 That either thou, or I, must be the victirm 
 
 Thy requiem, wretch, be equal to thy guilt; 
 
 Thy falskood, not my hand, thy blood hath spilt. 
 
 \Exit, 
 
 End of Act the Third. 
 
Act IF. THE HOUSE OF MOKVULE. 77 
 
 ACT IV. SCENE I. 
 
 Mormlle Castle. 
 Enter Bartholomy ^Kenneth, 
 
 Kenneth, 
 
 SAY you then that all has fail'cl ; and that my 
 good old master's son has nothing more to hope 
 for? How cruel, to drive him from his humble 
 cottage. I've heard, my friend, that in trying to 
 save him, you have reduced your little fortune: * 
 well, for this, you'll be rewarded. 
 
 Earth. Good Kenneth, I have got another mas* 
 ter, and shall not, therefore, miss it now. 
 
 Ken. Say ye: who is he, master Bartholomy? 
 
 Barth. Indeed, my friend, I scarcely know 
 myself. 
 He is a man, good Sir, whom all must love: 
 Of temper, strange, and unaccountable. 
 Or, from the weakness of his sight, or whim, 
 He always wears a mask upon his forehead. 
 His manners are austere; his nature close: 
 And deep retirement seems his whole delight. 
 Yet, from behind these humours of his mind, 
 
78 THE HOUSE OF MGRVILLE. Act IV. 
 
 We feel a generous, and indulgent master; 
 Harsh to no living creature but himself. 
 But prithee, friend, are thy attachments fix'd 
 On the Lord Rodmond's house, and fortunes now? 
 Kenn. Ah, Sir, you know his haughty nature 
 well. I never looked for kindness. I am rec- 
 koned amongst the antique lumber of the house, 
 and left to stay or go : and you see my choice. 
 I cannot leave it, master Bartholomy. I wan- 
 der round these chambers, and through these 
 tapestried saloons; and, as I pass from one to the 
 other, recount the joyful scenes I have beheld 
 in them in earlier times. I am a kind of living 
 chronicle of the last glories of the Morville 
 race. 
 
 Earth. I do not wonder at your ling'ringhere. 
 But prithee, does Lord Rodmond, carry well 
 His late increase of fortune? 
 
 Kenn. As. for the late improvements of bis 
 fortune, they bring, it seems, but small increase 
 of happiness: and I am told by those who most 
 are near him, that he demeans himself so incohe- 
 rently, they fear he staggers in his reason. But 
 I must leave you now: suspicion lurks in. every 
 corner. 
 
 Barth. Farewell, my friend : we'll talk of this 
 again, 
 When next we meet. My good old friend, farewell. 
 Kenn. Farewell! farewell! [Exeunt severally. 
 
flfc. II. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. 79 
 
 SCENE IL 
 
 Changes to the View of the Camp. 
 
 Enter Hugo n& Morville, in the greatest 
 agitation. 
 
 Huge. Is't possible; that officers, appointed 
 To train and lead their country's arms to war, 
 Should loose their hasty humours, and caprices, 
 On those that they command ? I must be wrong; 
 Yet, whence is it, that in, or out the ranks, 
 This adjutant unkindly presses on me; 
 And when I'm all unconscious of a fault, 
 Rudely upbraids, and storms, and frowns at me?. 
 He check'd me now ev'n in the act of duty, 
 And tho' I studied hard to hasten with 
 Obedience, rudely thrust me from the ranks 
 And see, he follows me. 
 
 Enter Mordred. 
 
 Mord. Come hither Sirrah! 
 You frown, and look askance, as if you aim'd 
 Rather at high command than just obedience. 
 Each motion of you 's hamper'd in an air 
 Of haughtiness, and stern disloyalty. 
 You shall not blow your humours round you here, 
 
gfcl THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act IK 
 
 Hugo. It is my study to the utmost, Sir, 
 To do my duty in becoming manner. 
 
 Mord. Sir, you shall do it humbly, aye, and 
 servilely; 
 As a just penance for your surliness. 
 
 Hugo. Alas ! I know not, worthy Sir, your 
 
 meaning-. 
 serve my king, and reverence you, my officer, 
 With scrupulous fidelity and truth; 
 But do not thus let passions loose upon me,. 
 For I'm unpractis'd, Sir, in any art 
 Of servile fawning ; and I have to fear, 
 If lam crush'd beneath such wretchedness, 
 My grief will force me on to errors. 
 
 Mord. 'Sdeath ! do you prate in this huge tone 
 
 to me? 
 Hugo. I would that I were master of a stile 
 That might convey to you the grateful sense 
 Of duty, and obedience that I feel: 
 But where my crude expressions fail in this, 
 Lay not the accusation to my heart. 
 
 Mord. Unparallel'd assurance! Thou vile 
 dross : 
 Stand'st thou upon a level with me thus, 
 To hold discourse, and prate about thy heart? 
 I'll teach you duty, Sirrah! hence, away. 
 
 [Strikes hilv. 
 Hugo, (starts.) Ha* is it real? My blood at 
 this disgrace 
 
5c. //. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE, 81 
 
 Dashes against my heart with violence; 
 
 And in a passive slave, 'twould rouse resentment. 
 
 Know ruffian! that there still is left in me 
 
 As "much of manhood, as will tender back 
 
 This brutal violence upon thy head ; (draxvs his 
 
 tworcL) 
 Yet stay; what would my sword 1 'tis not alone 
 Against this villain, that I turn its edge : 
 He's my officer: the sacred head 
 Of fair authority would here be wounded 
 In my first thrust at him. Forbear, forbear 
 My useless sword. Peace, peace my wounded 
 
 heart — (throws down his sword.) 
 3 Tis my cruel fate, and not my baseness, 
 That suffers thus thy shame. 
 
 Mord. Black mutinv; 
 
 The rein is slackened here bevond its bound: 
 And on the mild forbearances of power, 
 Rebellion rises up. Thou deadly serpent, 
 I'll have thee as a rebel pinion'd straight 
 
 [Exit Mordred* 
 Hugo. Villain! thy threats I scorn ; for well I 
 know^ 
 Power has not here a hold to fasten on me : 
 But thy vile usage opens to my soul 
 A gulph of misery it can never ford. 
 Surely the sons of honour should be safe 
 From usages that damp the spirit's growth; 
 And he that may to-morrow have to meet 
 
£2 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act IV. 
 
 His country's enemy at his sword's length, 
 
 Should not to-day be treated like a slave I 
 
 But so it is. I must not reason now; 
 
 For, if I look upon the space before me, 
 
 My life, or sense, will quickly be subdu'd! 
 
 No, no: I'll shun the storm; and, since I am 
 
 Discarded and rejected by my kind, 
 
 I'll go and seek the fellowship of brutes : 
 
 And thus my king, I throw with grief and sorrow 
 
 Thy jurisdiction off; desert thy standard, 
 
 Which but now I would have perish'd to defend. 
 
 And now Ba> tholomy, thou good old man, 
 
 Thy friendship, and thy love, shall now be tried; 
 
 My helpless wife will I bequeath to thee 
 
 [Exit in haste. 
 
 Enter Mordred and Guards. 
 
 Mord. Twas on this ground the villain drew 
 upon me. 
 Call out the regiment, and scour the country. 
 
 [Exeunt soldiers* 
 In his escape I serve Lord Rodmond much, 
 And lay a snare to get possession of 
 His beauteous wife, whose temper I will bend. 
 Her tent is close at hand;. '11 to her straight. 
 
 [Exit Mordred. 
 
Sc. Ht ^HE HOUSE OF MORVILLB $S 
 
 SCENE lit 
 
 Changes to another View of the Camp, 
 
 Agn, Oh! bitter fortune! why thus press the 
 fall'n? 
 Why in thy giddy round dost thou pass by 
 The worthless, and the undeserving many, 
 To crush the few who labour to do good? 
 Heav'n knows that in the wearied round of life^ 
 I ever follow'd truth, and honour'd virtue: 
 The tender precepts of a loving mother, 
 Have ne'er been violated by acts of folly; 
 Nor has my mind e'er nourish'd ought to bring 
 This heavy burden on my wretched head. 
 But I am wrong, perhaps, in grieving thus ; 
 Then, let me suffer with a gentle spirit, 
 The ills which sorrow cannot count, or cure. 
 
 Enter Mordred. 
 
 Mord. I have sought you, Madam, in a happy 
 hour : 
 But I disturb, I fear, your meditations. 
 
§4 THE HOUSE OF MORVJLLE. Act lV m 
 
 Agn. This wretch, again! I tremble to behold 
 him. 
 Your visit, Sir, has ta'en me by surprise ; 
 I look'd not for it. 
 
 Mord. (with "violence. ) Is your husband here? 
 Agn. (with mildness.) No worthy Sir, my hus- 
 band is not here. 
 Mord. Say, quickly, Madam, know you ought 
 
 about him ? 
 Agn. I know but this — where'er my husband is 
 "Tis there I'm certain, Sir, his duty calls him. 
 Mord. Your beauty merits a far better fate. 
 Agn. I love my husband, Sir; and she that 
 bears 
 The sacred name of wife, and does not, does it 
 
 shame. 
 Charms I have none, for I am like the flower 
 Whose beauty sets with its inspiring sun. 
 Go, Sir, and suffer me to seek a place 
 Where my afflicted heart may meet with rest. 
 Mord. Nay, do not stain that lovely face with 
 tears; 
 
 My roughness was assum'd I am your friend. 
 
 Know, I have the means and influence to prefer 
 Both him and you above your present state; 
 And straight will do't. But I am not a man 
 To proffer unrequited benefits : 
 You know already how you may repay me. 
 
Sc. III. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. 85 
 
 Agn. What fiend has cast in thy infernal mind, 
 A thought so full of infamy as this? 
 Thou bear'st the shape of man. Would'st thou de- 
 ceive, 
 And kill with thy envenom'd snares, what heav'n 
 Has giv'n thee to protect — defenceless woman ? 
 She that was form'd to ornament your life, 
 And sooth your rugged nature into gentleness; 
 And would'st thou trample on her ? Hence, away. 
 
 Mord % Fair stubborn dame, 
 
 You now are in my power. [Approaches her. 
 
 Agn. Off miscreant ! off. The arm you stretch 
 to grasp me, 
 Shall wither in the act. Hence villian ! hence ! 
 All unsupported here by earthly pow'r, 
 I fear thee now no more, than, whilst I trust 
 In heav'n, I fear that hell which sat thee on. 
 
 [A noise without Mordred shrinks back- 
 wards, and Exit. 
 Mord. How now,but I will punish the intruder. 
 Agn. O break my heart; and weep, weep quick 
 my eyes. 
 Must poverty bear rude attacks like this ? 
 Must needy innocence, still bear the scoff 
 Of pamper'd villany? Break, break my heart! 
 
 \A voilent clashing of swords without. 
 But hark ! there's noise without. I tremble at it. 
 
86 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act IV. 
 
 This villian has, perhaps, accomplices. 
 
 [The noise increases Hugo enters in great 
 
 perturbation — his sword drawn and bloody. 
 
 Speak, speak; ha ! there's blood upon thy sword ! 
 
 Alas ! alas my love, what has befall'n thee ? 
 
 Hugo. Farewell ! farewell ! [Puts up his Sword. 
 
 I must depart with speed. 
 
 [Attempts to go. 
 
 Agn. Ha ! this is frenzy ! Nay, thou shalt not 
 
 go. 
 Hugo. I am a murd'rer ! and must hide from 
 justice. 
 As I approached, I heard the villian's threats, 
 And rais'd that noise, which shook his coward 
 
 heart. 
 He drew his sword, and with a rude assault 
 The villain struck me twice. To guard my life, 
 I threw a bold defiance in his face: 
 Thy wrongs and keen despair did brace my sinews, 
 And justice dash'd the villain to the earth. 
 
 Agn. For me, for me hast thou expos'd thy 
 
 life? , 
 
 Hugo. Hence ; we must separate, or we are 
 lost. 
 Farewell! here's a letter; haste to London; 
 There find our gen'rous friend, Bartholomy. 
 I have bequeathed you to his care and pity * 
 And what a father would, on my account. 
 
Sc. IF. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE 87 
 
 That man will do for you. Adieu, my love ! 
 A moment longer, and we're lost. Farewell, 
 Farewell! and may that sacred power, that is 
 The suffrers hope and help, be near thee still. 
 
 I Exeunt severally. 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 
 Changes to Highly-house. 
 
 Enter Bartholomy and Butler. 
 
 Bartk. Now, this way, and you shall hear all. 
 You remember I told you about my late good mas- 
 ter's son, who was disinherited by his father. 
 Butl I do. 
 
 Barth. And you remember that his misfortunes 
 were occasioned by the unhappy youth's marrying 
 against his father's will. 
 Butl. I remember all. 
 
 Barth. Then hark ye now; this poor friendless 
 girl, proves at length to be of high nobility; 
 proves to be the sole relative of the Lord Ruth- 
 
88 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE Ad IV. 
 
 ven, but now returned from the Avars, Here are 
 letters from him, and he is coming with the 
 speed of post, to advise with me on the surest 
 means to find his suffering niece, and to restore 
 her to her rightful rank again. No wonder, then> 
 good Butler, I am joyful. 
 
 JButl. Well, it's natural enough to have an 
 affection for a good master's son : for the mas- 
 ter we have, if we could only see him oftener, I 
 
 would serve him were there not a holidav in the 
 
 «/ 
 
 year. 
 
 • Barth. But, good Butler, you must know more 
 of him for certain than you have told me. This 
 is an ancient and privileged estate, and my 
 wonder is, how a stranger could come by it. 
 
 Butl. Why, Sir, I can tell you. This estate, had 
 long been in the possession of a family, the youth 
 of which, had done great feats in the w ars ; and 
 from thence, have had honours and privileges 
 confer'd upon them by the state. Such as that 
 of presiding in the district on great matters; 
 sitting as Judges in the neighbouring courts ; 
 which honours are still attached to the estate. 
 But, the late possessor falling into a dissolute life, 
 it was brought into debt ; the which to pay, it fell 
 to public sale, and few bidders having appear'd, 
 it came easy into our master's hands. 
 
 Barth. I thank thee, Butler. This is a good • 
 account; and when Lord Ruthven arrives, I'll 
 
Sc. IV. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. 89 
 
 hear thee farther on the subject. Yonder are 
 riders that come full post, and chariots at their 
 heels: 'tis our expected guest. I'll out and give 
 him welcome,, [Exit Barth. 
 
 Batl. Who e'er they are they bear authority. 
 'Tis likely we shall have rare furbishing in the old 
 castle, if we may guess by the shew of followers. 
 Every thing is wild and out of oitfer. But why 
 do I tarry here, when to direct these matters, 
 there's none but me. {Exit. 
 
 Enter Lord Ruthven and Bartholomy* 
 
 Barth. Tis strange! 'tis wonderful indeed, my 
 
 Lord. 
 Lord Ruth. Here^ in this house; with you! 
 
 my niece, my child ! 
 Barth. My Lord, it doth appear e'en like a 
 
 dream. 
 This very moment as I cross'd the portico, 
 Beside the granate column of the gate, 
 There sat a lovely woman ; o'er her head 
 The skirt of her dishevel'd robe was thrown ; 
 Her garments, like the drooping flow'rs around, 
 Were laden with the dew: her head reclin'd 
 In attitude denoting grief or sleep. 
 I took in mine, her death-like whiten'd hand, 
 Which peitded by her side : I found it warm ; 
 And, drawing from her dewy face, the veil 
 That hid her features — there beheld your niece. 
 
90 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act IV. 
 
 The tears gush'd forth — she senseless fell to 
 
 th' earth. 
 Lord Ruth. I prithee, Sir, go on; heed not 
 
 my feelings. 
 Barth. Amongst the crowd that gather'd to 
 
 behold her, 
 Our master came, and bore her to the house : 
 And order'd that his servants, and equipages, 
 Should be at her command. And this, my Lord, 
 With adding, that, though in a feeble state, 
 Your niece is here, and safe, is all I know. 
 Lord Ruth. O what a debt to him, and you, I 
 
 owe. 
 Till Fve beheld her generous host, I will 
 Repress the strong desire to see my niece* 
 The gratitude that urges my request, 
 Will plead my strong excuse. Come, come, my 
 
 friend. 
 Barth* This way, my Lord, and I will lead you 
 
 to him. [Qxeunte 
 
Sc.'V. THE HOUSEOT MORVILLE. 91 
 
 SCENE V 
 
 Another Gothic Chamber. 
 
 Sir Thomas de Morville, is discovered with a 
 
 7nctsk on his face, in a disguise, examining 
 
 papers. — He rises and walks about 
 
 in great agitation. 
 
 Sir Tha.^To that high Providence thatsav'dmy 
 life, 
 From the effects of my presuming rashness^ 
 And, unexpected, now restores to me 
 A dear, lost daughter, do I bend in gratitude. 
 O! that the wond'rous man who saved my life* 
 Would authorize me to disclose myself: 
 But this, I am forbid soliciting. 
 It is my duty, then, to wait his calling. 
 I'll not be quite so close as I have been, 
 For, this occurence, has revived my griefs. 
 Oh! I can scarcely bear the load of thought. 
 
 Enter Bahtholomy and Lord Ruthven. 
 
 Barth. Lord Rutiiven, Sir. My Lord, our 
 generous master. 
 
92 ^ THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Jet IF. 
 
 Lord Ruth. I come to offer up before your 
 goodness, 
 My earnest gratitude and humble thanks. 
 
 Sir Tko. My Lord, you take me by surprise 
 
 To me ? 
 Say, when, and how, my Lord, Fve done you 
 kindness ? 
 Lord Ruth. This very morning; not an hour 
 ago: 
 This moment; now, you do me weighty kindness 
 Sir Tho. Me, my good Lord. 
 Lord Ruth. Do not dispute the truths 
 
 That poor out-cast, that suffering creature, Sir, 
 That your heav'n-bless'd bounty found forlorn, 
 And that you now do foster as your own, 
 Is my dear relative, my niece ; my child 
 And heiress, Sir, to all Lord Ruthven has. 
 
 Sir Tho. Your niece, my Lord, I fear has suf- 
 
 fer'd much. 
 Lord Ruth. Aye, Sir ; I have to think of it with 
 grief. 
 She married rashly, a young gentleman, 
 In secret from her lowly friends. I own 
 The Morville family, was far above her: 
 But yet, while I was bleeding in the field, 
 And gaining honours for the name of Villemore, 
 I cannot think this tender branch of it, 
 Was so degrading as she has been held. 
 I think Sir Thomas Morville was severe: 
 
Sc* IV. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. 9$ 
 
 But Heav'n forbid I should reproach the dead. 
 Sir Tho. (aside,) Ah! here's another heavy, 
 
 heavy reck'ning. 
 Lord Rath. But, Sir, I'll not distress your gen- 
 tleness 
 With my domestic troubles — and I pray, 
 That I may have an audience of my niece. 
 
 Sir Tho. My Lord, I doubt her strength for 
 such a meeting: 
 And, if it please you, we will give it out 
 That you're a friend of mine on visit here; 
 With this assumption you may safely see her: 
 But she is here, to sooth your fond affection. 
 
 Enter Agnes, much dejected. 
 
 Madam, good day. I hope you gather strength* 
 Our hapless charge, my Lord. Our friend, dear 
 
 lady. 
 Lord Ruth, (aside.) Is this my niece? I dare 
 
 not look upon her, 
 Lest my strong feelings should perforce give way, 
 Agnes, (to Sir Tho.) O genVous Sir, when I 
 
 have used all words 
 That language has afforded gratitude, 
 And thank'd you ev'ry hour of ev'ry day 
 That I shall live on earth, in other worlds. 
 I will entreat your goodness its reward. 
 
§4 >f HE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act IK 
 
 Barth, (aside to Lord Ruth.) It must not be; 
 I pray be counseled* Sir. 
 
 Lord Ruth. Then, still unknown, 111 feast my 
 sight upon 
 The beauty, and the manners of this creature, 
 That does my blood such honour. Pardon, lady, 
 But I have known some friends of your's abroad : 
 I've seen your uncle, in a foreign land. 
 
 Agn. My uncle, Sir ! 
 
 Lord Ruth, Aye, lady; and on good autho- 
 rity, 
 Can tell you he is rich, and loves you well. 
 
 Agn. Some time ago he purpos'd coming home : 
 Know you of this, or is he on his way? 
 
 Lord Ruth. I know that he is not upon his 
 
 way. 
 Agn. Alas ! I'm sorry. Since I knew myself, 
 I've hop'd and look'd for his return with joy. 
 I hold myself an orphan till I see him. 
 I never saw my father; and my heart 
 Has long transferred a parent's love, to him: 
 For he has been the guardian of my youth. 
 
 Lord Ruth. You often thought of him in ab- 
 sence then? 
 Agn* Oh! were my mother living, she could 
 tell L~ 
 But now that I have cast my memory back 
 To my dear early home, I have indeed, 
 
$C. K TtfE HOUSE OF MORVlLLg, Q5 
 
 A thought, dear Sir, that I have seen you there. 
 Earth, (aside.) No, never, lady. Spare her, 
 
 my good Lord. 
 Lord Ruth. I would, for my own happiness 
 and her's, 
 I had not gone so far. No, fair lady, 
 You never saw me there. I have not been 
 So near your place of birth, as now I am, 
 For more than your life's term. 
 
 Agn^ Oh! pardon me, 
 
 Your arching temples and inclining cheek, 
 
 Are plain upon my memory (viewing him.) Can it 
 
 be? (pulls out from her bosom, a medallion 
 
 picture of her uncle ; examines him first, and 
 then the picture.) 
 
 Ohl Heavens! it is my loving uncle's picture, 
 That you so strongly, Sir, remind me of. 
 
 [Gazing upon him 
 
 Lord Ruth. He must be more than man who 
 can resist 
 
 This gush of nature yes my tender niece- ■ 
 
 Sir Tho. (interrupting Lord Ruth.) Forbear 
 this rash disclosure of yourself. 
 Her tender frame, reduced to this low state, 
 Cannot yet bear a joy so unexpected. 
 
 Lord Ruth. Who can behold such grief and 
 loveliness, 
 
§6 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act IV. 
 
 And tamely gaze, or stand a cold spectator, 
 When, by a gentle word, her ills are banislfd? 
 Revive, revive, thou injur'd innocent, 
 And in a loving kinsman's fond embrace, 
 With joy receive a father, friend, protector! 
 
 [Agnes, exhausted, sinks into his arms. 
 Sir Tho. Bear her, with tend'rest care, into her 
 chamber* 
 
 [Exeunt, supporting Ague^ 
 
 End of Act the Fourth* 
 
Act V. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE, 97 
 
 ACT V. SCENE I. 
 
 A Gothic Hall in the House of Sir Thomas 
 Morville. . 
 
 Enter Butler, in great haste. 
 
 Butler, 
 HERE'S riot; here's confusion, and uproar. It's 
 curst unmannerly, thoY to disturb people from 
 their comforts. Just as I was about to finish my 
 second bottle — glass, I mean— bang goes the great 
 bell of the gate, and away go grooms, horses, 
 coaches and coachmen, smack, higgledy-piggledy, 
 in a minute : but here comes one will make these 
 doubtful matters clear. 
 
 Enter Bartholomy. 
 Pray, now, master Bartholomy, develope quickly, 
 the cause of all this noise and sudden flight. 
 
 Barth. A piteous cause it is, and loudly to 
 be lamented. Letters, but now arrived, have 
 brought most heavy news. Morville, is proclaimed 
 the murderer of his officer. Lord Ruthven has, on 
 this, been summoned to his regiment; and the 
 discovery of his niece, with the sad distress of 
 that fair creature, has cast a gloom and sorrow 
 o'er all the house. But saidst thou not, good 
 butler, that they all were gone? 
 
98 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act V. 
 
 Butl Aye, truly, and with a vengeance too. 
 Well, a good journey to them, say I, and a merry 
 one. 
 
 Barth. And our worthy master? 
 
 ButL Nay, as for that, master Bartholomy, he is 
 gone to bed in strange perturbation. The doctor 
 hath administer'd his best skill, and says he'll 
 soon recover. But such doings are incomprehen- 
 sible to me. 
 
 Barth. This is strange indeed! 
 
 Butl. Then, there's that sweet distressed lady; 
 she whisk'd past me like a jack-o'-lantern as I en- 
 tered. " Good butler," says she, " let me have 
 " horses ; I must away." Sweet Madam, says I, 
 the carriages, the horses, the drivers and their 
 whips, are all gone off with their utmost speed. 
 " Then," says she, " I will hence on foot, let the 
 " peril be what it may." Then away flies she, and 
 before I could say good morrow, the dear soul was 
 bounce through the outward portal of the castle. 
 If you call not this a mystery, say, I have no know- 
 ledge of things that are to come. Strange, quo- 
 tha! — ha! ha! haj its more than strange, that such 
 things are to be tolerated without consulting me. 
 I find I am no more respected than the mewling 
 of a mountain cat, the roaring of an elephant, or 
 the clack of a water-mill, in the dog-days. 
 Strange, quotha !_ ha! ha! ha! all this is more 
 than strange. [Exit. 
 
Sc. II. THE HOUSE OF MOttVILLE. 99 
 
 Barth. Tis strange! her uncle gone; and in 
 such haste? 
 Why do I hesitate and tarry here? 
 Nor shalt thou, injur'd lady, trudge the way. 
 I will procure the means, and they shall find, 
 That we can follow, and not far behind. [E.?U, 
 
 SCENE IT. 
 
 Changes to an intricate and romantic place in 
 
 the Forest The Chief of a Banditti leaning 
 
 on the clamp of a tree. He bloxvs his horn. 
 
 Chief. Why have not my men assembled? 
 (blows his horn again.) They'll answer that, no 
 doubt, (a sound is heard in return.) So, the day 
 advances; the time draws on for deeds that like 
 not looking on _when nature folds up herself, 
 and they who keep her laws begin to look for 
 shelter. But what is this to me? I am an outlaw: 
 to nature, and to sick society, a surplus growth ; 
 a wen on order's face, that feeds on its own de~ 
 struction. (pause.) Where are my men? (sounds 
 again.) Here they are, obedient. 
 
 [The Banditti enter from various sides. 
 Now, my men, what news abroad? 
 
 1 Rob. We've reconnoitered, Sir, the western 
 road, and look for game to-night. 
 
 Chief. G ood. What else f 
 
100 THE HOUSE OF MO^VILLB. Ad V. 
 
 1 Rob. We have to tell you further. When 
 this morning we broke from you, about the fo- 
 rest's skirts, we saw some men in arms, as if 
 in quest of something nestled there: and I much 
 fear that our late successes may have raised the 
 hue and cry against us. 
 
 Chief. Have you gather'd ought beside? 
 1 Rob. Why, faith, the cry is loudly up: 
 we are more the talk than state affairs; but where 
 we haunt, is never once suspected. 
 
 Chief. Why should it, man? Could they once 
 suppose we would venture housing here in Highly 
 Forest, close to their very judges, and their jails! 
 Marry, their brains could never round the 
 thought. But are we all assembled? 
 
 1 Rob. All but one, who is on the forest's skirts, 
 to. give us note if any thing approaches. 
 
 [A call is heard. 
 Chief. Hark ! There's booty on the road. Dis- 
 perse, disperse. {They all rti&h off. 
 Enter a party of Soldiers. 
 Serg. Forward; halt. This is the first time I 
 ever bore arms in anger. 
 
 2 Sold. And pray what offends thee now, bro- 
 ther soldier? For my part, I know not yet what 
 we are sent out upon. 
 
 Serg. Marry, we are sent out to seek the de- 
 serter, who they say has killed his officer. There's 
 a huge reward offered for him ; and there's another 
 of equal weight, if we can pick up the banditti 
 
Sc. III. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. 101 
 
 who frequent this forest: and it hath angered me 
 that none of them have been civil enough to 
 come in our way. 
 
 2 Sold. Prithee, who is this crusty gentleman, 
 who has been spurring us on so much to search 
 for the deserter. 
 
 Serg. One that has something for a thief to 
 take ! the Lord Rodmond. But be vigilant, for he 
 is not far behind us. We must forward. I have 
 learnt the forest's several avenues, its passes, and 
 its outlets. Follow as I shall lead. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 Another part of the Forest. — Hugo de Morvillc 
 descends from a Tree. 
 
 Hugo. How many days of banishment, and 
 misery, 
 Have I to pass in this bleak solitude, 
 Before this body sinks to peaceful rest? 
 Since I have been a fugitive, I've hid, 
 With all the fears of guilt, amongst these moun- 
 tains. 
 By night I've travell'd, and have lurk'd by day, 
 In the rank weedy ditch, or bushy tree, 
 As chance afforded : without tasting once 
 The warm and wholesome meal,or mingled draught 
 
102 THE HOUSE OF MORV1LLE. Ad V. 
 
 That man requires. My only food, has been 
 
 The dreary bushes' kernels where I lay; 
 
 My drink, the nearest stream: but now 
 
 My strength is failing, and my soul begins 
 
 To bode some crisis of my fate at hand. 
 
 Oh! my poor Agnes ! art thou doom'd, like me, 
 
 To suffer pangs and misery like this ? 
 
 No ! Heav'n, although its visitation falls 
 
 So heavily on me, will watch thy steps, 
 
 And bid its angels guard thy kindred goodness. 
 
 The hope doth give my trembling sinews strength, 
 
 And I will strain their last. 
 
 [Goes out and returns quickly, 
 They're close upon me, 
 1 can distinguish armed men about 
 The forest; and, I must regain my shelter. 
 
 |~ Ascends the Tree. 
 
 Enter Sergeant, and First Soldier, xvith caution. 
 
 Serg. Heard you nothing? 
 1 Sold. I heard a rustling, and I thought, a 
 voice. 
 I'll this way, and see if aught I can discover. 
 
 [Looks about. 
 Serg. There must be something hereabout. 
 Robber, or deserter, is all one to us. Come bro- 
 ther, we'll farther this way, towards the road. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
Sc* ///. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE, 10S 
 
 Hugo descends from the tree, in agitation. 
 Hugo. They are in quest of me, and there }s 
 now 
 No earthly hope, or safety* but in flight. 
 I have retaio'd my sword for my defence, 
 Yet 'ne'er will use it but to guard my life. 
 
 [Exit precipitately at the opposite side. 
 
 Enter Lord Ruthven and Attendants, speaking 
 as he enters. 
 
 Lord Ruth. Lead on the horses down the safest 
 path : 
 We'll take this nearer road on foot, and meet you 
 At the extreme division of the road. 
 I should enjoy such pleasing solitude, 
 Did not mv strange affairs at home cry haste, 
 And urge me onward with all swift dispatch. 
 
 [Exeunt the same way Hugo did. 
 
 Enter Banditti, 
 
 Chief. Come on, come on: this is a golden prize. 
 [Exeunt after Lord Ruthven. After a pause, 
 pistols are f red.— Enter Bartholomy 
 supporting Agnes. 
 Barth. Nay, fear not, Madam ; we are bravely 
 arm'd : 
 And now We're safe, and overtake our friends, 
 Agn. I sink with terror ! 
 Barth, Fear not, gentle Lady. 
 
 We have been set upon by robbers here. 
 
104 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Act V* 
 
 But have so well return'd their rude attack, 
 That danger will not now assail us more. 
 
 [4 voilent noise is heard, and clashing of sw or ds. 
 
 Agnes is supported byBaiYtholomy Hugo 
 
 is seen through the back wood giving way 
 to Lord Ruthven. 
 Hugo. You wrong me, Sir. Forbear, forbear 
 
 and leave me. 
 Lord Ruth. Deliver up thyself, and band, to 
 Justice, 
 Or I will strike thee down without a prayer. 
 
 Hugo. To Heav'n 1 can appeal in scorn of thee ; 
 And I have borne too much of wretched life, 
 To fear to loose it now. But, haughty Sir, 
 Remember, that with all your boast, it still 
 Is sword to sword. Respect yourself, and leave me. 
 [Lord Huihv en presses upon him, — Hngo gives 
 way, and disarms Lord Ruthven. — Agnes 
 
 discovers Hugo, and screams Hugo 
 
 drops his sxvord. They rush into each 
 
 others arms. 
 Hugo. O Heav n ! the angel semblance of my 
 wife ! 
 Look up, look up, and cast reproaches on me, 
 For all the fears, the countless woes I've cost thee. 
 [Agnes appears unable to speak. 
 Lord Ruth, (supporting Agnes.) Speak, gentle 
 
 suff'rer, and expound this riddle. 
 Agru Tis he, 'tis he, my Lord : reduc'd to mis'ry, 
 All ignorant he had a friend so near: 
 
Sc. III. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. 105 
 
 And, robb'd of ev'ry means of life besides, 
 He stoop'd beneath a private soldier's fare : 
 But spare, in pity spare the sad recital 
 Of all the black distress that still hath folio w'd, 
 Is he, on earth, O God ! can suffer more ? 
 
 Lord Ruth. Just Heav'n ! and is he leagued with 
 the banditti ! 
 Is his depravity of this extent? 
 Aye, aye ; it is ten-fold to what I fear'd. 
 Come, sweet Lady, we must not tarry here. 
 
 Agn. Hold ! she who bears the sacred name of 
 wife, 
 And will not hazard all to honour it, 
 Can ne'er be worthy of a husband's love. 
 If 'tis her glory that she can augment 
 His happiness, then, be it still her aim. 
 
 [Embraces Hugo. 
 Enter Sergeant and Soldiers. 
 
 Serg. Sir, I bear a warrant to arrest, and appre- 
 hend you as a murderer, an outlaw, and a deserter 
 
 from your king. Sieze him. 
 
 [Two Soldiers sieze him, 
 
 Agn. Hold ! hold for mercy ! Stay but for a 
 
 moment, 
 Hugo, (in the greatest agony.) Heav'n! are you 
 men: and will you tear her from me? 
 [Lord Ruthven and Bartholomy endea- 
 vour to support Agnes, on one side 
 
 The Soldiers, on the other, sieze and 
 force Hugo off. 
 
106 THE HOUSE OF MORVILt£. Ad V" 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 
 Distant view of Rodmond Castle^ 
 
 Enter Argaldus and two Shepherds in hasten 
 
 Arg. My worthy friends, you're punctual, and 
 1 thank you. 
 This is indeed a timely evidence. 
 I now have seen some stragglers on the road* 
 Whose gaze, I would with every caution shun* 
 If you will travel onward to the next 
 Division of the road, and wait my orders* 
 1*11 pay you with my grateful love, and thanks* 
 1 Shep. We'll obey you holy father, with all true 
 reverence and respect. 
 
 [Exeunt Shepherds* 
 Arg. It is the dark, designing, guilty Rodmond, 
 And his leagu'd band of ruffians I would shun. 
 But they are here — I cannot pass unnotie'd, 
 And for my safety I will take this shelter. 
 
 [Argaldus retires — and when Rodmond ad* 
 varices to speak, he !iste?is. 
 
 Enter Rodmond 'with letters, and a Messenger in 
 
 i haste., 
 
 Rodm. Tis well: onward, and wait my further 
 
 orders. [Exit Messenger. 
 
 Ha ! now he's cag'd secure. Yes, I have seen him ; 
 
Sc. IV. THE HOUSE OF MORVItLE. 107 
 
 At length he's manacled and safe. Tis well : 
 And now, long famish'd vengeance, have thy fill. 
 About, my brain, and find the swiftest means 
 To rid me of this dangerous, deadly rival. 
 I'm told the court demands his instant trial. 
 I'll hence and forge on its authority, 
 And give it out that I am sent his judge. 
 At college I have aptly studied law; ■ 
 And with assum'd appointment in my hand, 
 I'll gain admittance to his judgment seat: 
 And try if wealth, and pow'r assum'd, for once 
 Will be my friend, and give my soul revenge! 
 Then, when the court is o'er, my foe dispatch' d, 
 And I safe seated in the House of Morville, 
 I'll build a monument and worship thee. 
 
 Argaldus comes forward. 
 
 Arg. Abhorred villain! Swift, swift must thou 
 be 
 Indeed, and strong, to guard thy guilty self 
 From tha,t offended Pow'r which soon shall reach 
 
 thee. 
 Now, will I straight dispatch a messenger, 
 Who shall bear these plans to Sir Thomas Mor- 
 ville : 
 And he, as legal judge, shall, for a while 
 Consent to this most daring usurpation, 
 And, when th' imposter thinks himself secure. 
 
108 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Ad V. 
 
 Bear evidence to hurl him from his seat. 
 
 There is no other course but this. Then, hence ! 
 
 For tardiness were guilt in such a cause. \ExiU 
 
 SCENE V. 
 
 A street leading to the Court of Justice. 
 
 Enter Argaldus and Lord Ruthven, greatly 
 agitated. 
 Lord Ruth. Most worthy man, relate this horrid 
 
 tale. 
 Arg. Thus, then, my Lord, let me resolve your 
 doubts. 
 Know, that I've long possessed a secret knowledge 
 Of this creation, passing other men : 
 And, while, for good, I thus enjoy 'd my power, 
 (Being by malice banish'd from the world) 
 Liv'd in a bleak and solitary cave; 
 Where, from my studies, and my skill in herbs, 
 Many in sickness did resort for aid. 
 The fame the mountain shepherds gave my art, 
 Soon travel I'd forth, 'Mongst those who sought 
 
 my help, 
 There came an agent from this wicked Lord: 
 He gave me money, and demanded of me 
 A drug that would extinguish precious life I 
 
St. V. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. 109 
 
 Lord Ruth. I'st possible ! and for what use 
 
 design'd ? 
 Arg. Anon, my friend, you'll hear. I saw his 
 
 drift, 
 And gave him in its stead, a subtile vapour, 
 Of curious pow'r, but wide of what he sought: 
 And, by a secret way, I follow'd him, 
 And saw him, under orders of Lord Rodmond, 
 Use it with horrid purposes of murder, 
 Upon Sir Thomas Morville, in his sleep. 
 
 Lord Ruth. Heavens! do I hear aright? Does 
 
 he then live? 
 Arg. It will appear, my Lord, he does: and, thai, 
 His son, the husband of your niece, is innocent. 
 His malice, next, not glutted with the father, 
 Began to seek the life of this his son; 
 And, from his hell-devised arts alone, 
 This sufT'ring youth hath had his miseries. 
 
 Lord Ruth. My good old man ! there shine* 
 
 through this your tale, 
 An earnest and an honest zeal, which stamps tt 
 
 true. 
 The court is now prepar'd, and I attend you : 
 And may that Pow'r, who watches o'er the just> 
 Guide, and direct the wisdom that presides; 
 And bid the seat of human judgment mark, 
 And emulate its higher attributes, 
 By temp'ring justice with the ihield of mercy. 
 
110 THE HOUSE OF MORVIILE. Act F t 
 
 SCENE VI. 
 
 A grand view of a hall of Justice. The Jury 
 seated on one side; the counsellors and witnesses 
 on the other The court filled with spectators, 
 officers, soldiers, shepherds, &$c. Rodmond dis- 
 covered seated on the Bench. Sir Thomas de 
 Morville, Lord Ruthven, on one side; and Agnes 
 Bartholomy, $?c. on the other. 
 
 Rodm. Now, order quickly forth the prisoners, 
 And let the court proceed. 
 
 Off. of the Court. My Lord, amongst the priso- 
 ners who stand for trial, is one for murder: is it 
 your Lordship's pleasure he shall be first brought 
 forth. 
 
 Rodm. In this, we do not hesitate a moment : 
 For ev'ry breath a murd'rer lives to draw. 
 Puts sober pacing justice on the wing, 
 And is contamination to the air. 
 The murd'rer first to justice. Bring him forth. 
 
 Enter Hugo, guarded by two Officers. 
 
 Rodm. Now, let the prosecution, be declared. 
 
 Couns. My Lord, this man, most falsely named 
 Monmouth, 
 But truly, Hugo de Morville, is here 
 Indicted for the abhorred crime of murder; 
 And if there's aught can aggravate this deed, 
 'Tis contained in the shape of his offence. 
 
Sc. VI. THE HOUSE OP MORVILLE. Ill 
 
 For, fall'n from duty to his God, and king, 
 He hath put forth his hand against his officer, 
 Whom he should have defended and obey'd; 
 For which, may he be judged justly here. 
 
 Jtod??i. Produce your proofs to this most heavy 
 charge, 
 For, lacking these, the prisoner must be free. 
 
 Courts. They are at hand, my Lord. Stand forth, 
 and swear. [To the Sergeant, 
 
 Serg. Passing near the tent of this my brother 
 soldier, upon my duty near the midnight hour, I 
 discovered the officer of the watch, our then ad- 
 jutant, wounded to death. I approached and 
 spoke. He told me, as he lay stretched upon the 
 ground, it was my brother soldier, standing now 
 before this court, that wounded him. This do I 
 swear ! 
 
 Rodm. Alas! too much already have I heard: 
 Let not my potent feelings here obtrude, 
 Fair justice, and the court must now decide. 
 And let those only speak in his behalf, 
 Who can undo this fatal proof of guilt. 
 . Agn. Then, my good Lord, allow my feeble 
 
 voice, 
 To plead before this high and honour'd court : 
 And let it be recorded, I beseech, 
 That one, weighed down by black adversity, 
 Whose cheering view of happiness is fied, 
 Never to be recalled in this sad life, 
 
113 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE, Act V. 
 
 Shall, in this, her sorrowing and trying hour, 
 Relate those things which truth alone shall dic- 
 tate. 
 Thus, then, it was, my Lord : Upon the night 
 That this unhappy quarrel did take place, 
 While sadly musing in my husband's tent, 
 And grieving for those ills which still have press'd 
 
 us, 
 The officer, whose loss you now deplore, 
 Came, and, with rude and boist'rous threats, 
 Essay'd, repeatedly, to fasten on me : 
 Whe , at the very moment of my danger, 
 My husband came in contact with the ruffian: 
 High words, and weapons, foliow'd this attack; 
 And, in the issue, the offender fell. 
 This, my good Lord, I do avouch on oath ! 
 And, who is he, I will appeal to nature, 
 Like him provok'd, would not have done as he 
 
 did! 
 Justice, my Lord! I do demand acquittal. 
 
 Rodin, Did not the crime forbid, I here would 
 listen, 
 And let my nature's softness plead your cause: 
 But justice cries aloud to heal those wrongs, 
 Which frenzied passion has, in rage, committed. 
 The crime is high, establish'd, manifest; 
 And therefore must the court proceed to judg- 
 ment. 
 Sir Tho. My Lord, till I am heard, and fully 
 too, 
 
So, VI. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. 115 
 
 I do arrest the judgment of the court. 
 Is there not in our polish'd country's laws, 
 A place for mercy? Yes, I know there is. 
 This poor distressed youth, in all his troubles, 
 Has been the dupe of black and cruel malice, 
 Aim'd by his secret foes against his life. 
 
 Rodm. Who dares to interrupt the course of 
 justice? 
 Bear hence this rash intruder. 
 
 Sir Tho. (with mildness, and fixing his Eyes on 
 Rodmond.) Gracious judge, 
 
 Bend not your threat'ning and portentous brows 
 Upon in e thus, or I shall sink before you; 
 For out of the bright portals of your eyes, 
 Fair justice looks so manifest, that all 
 Irrev'rence must perish at your glance. 
 And, well I know, you'll hear fair evidence. 
 
 Rodm. (with feigned composure.) Proceed, pro- 
 ceed ; and we shall do our best 
 To study mercy. 
 
 Lord Ruth. This is son to the late Sir Thomas 
 Morville, 
 Who, on the very night he did deprive 
 This youth of his inheritance, expir'd. 
 Unseen, in bed, he died. 
 
 Sir Tho. Not so, not so, 
 
 The father of this injur'd youth before you. 
 As far, at least, as went the instrument. 
 Was poison 'd! 
 i 
 
 
1 14 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Ad V. 
 
 Rodm. (furiously,) Shall justice on her throne 
 be baited thus? 
 Seize, seize, I say, and drag him from the court. 
 
 [Comes down, 
 
 Sir Tho. Was poison'd by his nephew by Lord 
 
 Rodmond ! 
 Who, forging on th' authority of state, 
 Like a vile criminal now stands before you, 
 Usurping here the seat of sacred justice. 
 Guards! guards! (enter guards.) approach and 
 seize that criminal ! 
 
 (Addressing the court.) 
 Be it now known to this most honour'd court. 
 That from the pow'r attach'd to this estate, 
 'Tis my prerogative to sit as judge: 
 And, when I would address this jury's ear, 
 Forbid it Heav'n, that any v/ish of mine, 
 Should tend to prejudice your noble minds. 
 It is the glory of the English law, 
 That, to her proudly independent juries, 
 Her highest judges, only sit to serve 
 So sit I here ; to serve, and not direct. 
 
 [Ascends the Bench. 
 Bring in those witnesses, who wait without. 
 
 Enter Mordred and Argaldus._ Rodmond 
 starts back horror-struck, 
 
 Rodm. (aside.) Sink earth, and hide me, for I 
 now am lost. 
 
Sc. VI. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. 115 
 
 Sir Tho. Behold an unexpected visitant' 
 An evidence to save the innocent. 
 This is the wretch who fell beneath the blow 
 Provok'd, which this unhappy youth did give; 
 But well for justice, he out-lived his wounds. 
 For, shett'ring in a neighbouring shepherd's cot, 
 And all unknown but to this holy hermit, 
 He, by degrees, did gather strength, and out 
 Of gratitude for such high blessing, 
 Stands forth, this day, to save the innocent., 
 Say, on your sacred oath, is this the truth? 
 Mord. This do I swear is truth. 
 Sir Tho. Who set you on? 
 Mord. Lord Rodmond. 
 
 Sir Tho. Jurors, from the proof you've heard, 
 Pronounce aloud, the sentence of the law. 
 Jury. The jury,, say, acquit the prisoner. 
 [The whole Court shexv an .expression of joy, 
 Agnes, and Hugo, embrace. Rodmond, 
 fixes his eyes on the ground. 
 Sir Tho. Now let this dark, designing, high de- 
 linquent, 
 Bound in those chains with which he crush'd the 
 
 • helpless, 
 Be now led forth a criminal, before 
 That seat of justice which he has profan'd; 
 And hear most heavy charges prov'd against him. 
 Come forward, worthiest of men, and here, 
 Declare what thou dost know of this usurper! 
 
116 THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. Ad V. 
 
 Arg. Be it then known to this most upright 
 court, 
 The very wretch who aided*him in all his crimes, 
 Has since been butcher'cl by his murd'roui hand 
 Witness, this dagger, with his name up n't; 
 These papers, histories of all his crimes, 
 Found by these shepherds, near the murder'd body. 
 Sir Tho. But, if he languishes for other evi- 
 dence, 
 With horror, and with anguish let him know, 
 That he, De Morville, whom he did essay 
 To murder, is, at this very moment, living. 
 
 [Takes off his mask, and throzvs off his disguise. 
 Rodmond is terror-struck. The court 
 shezv an expression of astonishment. 
 I do implore the judgment of the court. 
 Jury. Guilty! 
 Hugo. O, Heav'n! It is, it is my father! 
 
 [Kneels. 
 Rodm. A curse on him who sav'd him from my 
 fury ! 
 Curs'd be his wealth to you, my deadly foe ; 
 And to the brood that henceforth you may rear I 
 Expression of my hatred to your name, 
 Shall fill each hurried breath I have to draw. 
 Sunk be the earth : or may the fiery sun, 
 Consume, or parch it into barreness : 
 For then, perhaps, will Rodmond be remember'd. 
 Come, to the scaffold I in the pangs of death 
 
Sc. VI. THE HOUSE OF MORVILLE. 117 
 
 I'll ha|f, and curse you, with my latest breath. 
 
 m [Exit guarded. 
 
 Sir Tho. This ^&i q| wickedness, I grieve to 
 witness ; 
 But Heav'n has mercy still surpassing it. 
 Now gentle fair, (Agnes kneels.) most lov'd, and 
 
 most abus'd, 
 Rise up, and be acknowledged my daughter. 
 
 [Embraces her. 
 Thou wert a jewel in an humble earth, 
 And well I now might hide my head in shame, 
 At casting thee away. 
 
 Agn. My gentle father, 
 
 The lowering cloud, which, in our former days, 
 With chilling blight hung over us, shall now 
 In sunny brightness gild the hours to come; 
 And, the sad tears which piteous sorrow dropt, 
 Will temper well the milder joys of age. 
 And you, dear Sir, I hope, shall long behold 
 Your children reverenc'd for their truth and 
 virtue. 
 Sir Tho. Heav'n grant thy prayer. And, now, 
 my son, 
 Receive a father's blessing on your union; 
 
 , [Joining their hands. 
 
 For now I hold you worthy of my name. 
 
 Hugo. This goodly presence, and all things 
 around me, 
 That seem. to all my senses palpable, 
 
118 THE HOUSE OF MORVtLLE. Act V. 
 
 Being real, appear but as a dream; 
 And joy has been so long a stranger to me, 
 That, iii this wondrous c^pn^t^f fate, I ill 
 Can bear its sudden gush about my heart. 
 
 Sir Tho. Compose yourself, and be hencefor- 
 ward bless 'd. 
 Now,hence, my friends: we'll straight toMorvillc- 
 
 house, 
 And there resolve each doubt, and mystery, 
 That hang as yet between us unrevealed. 
 Come, let us hence, e'er crowds beset our way; 
 For many tongues will speak of us to-day. 
 This is our moral, and I hold it just, 
 The good, may suffer; but, the guilty, must, 
 
 THE END, 
 
1 
 
 ( 119 ) 
 
 EPILOGUE. 
 
 TO BE SPOKEN BY MRS. EDWIN. 
 
 A play's a law-suit, quaking at the end on't, 
 The plaintiff, Author, sues; the Town, defendant; 
 The judges, you; the students farther back; 
 The prologue 's the solicitor in black : 
 
 The counsel, I. My Lords nay, no denial 
 
 I move, to-morrow night, for a new trial. 
 Rule granted? Thanks! Th' effect my fee secures; 
 This hand is nobly paid, when you clap yours. 
 But hold; no joking. Veil me, tragic fog! 
 Grave plays demand a gloomy epilogue. 
 
 Suppose me Juliet : may I beg yon beau 
 To treat the public with a Romeo ? 
 Here's a clear stage, c< exceeding snug/' Nay, why 
 So bashful, man? Then both the parts I'll try; 
 And u you, the judges, bear a wary eye." 
 
 " Lady, by yon bright moon I swear." " Be steady $ 
 ({ Don't swear by the moon," you're mad enough already. 
 
 House. You can't sit here, Sir what are you about? 
 
 Sir, I was in, Sir. No, Sir, there you're out: 
 Silence, you ins, and outs. — (C We'll part no more, 
 (e Fly to these arms." — Box-keeper, shut that door! 
 u Hist, Romeo, hist! Love fears no harsh rebuff!" 
 Yes, I am Romeo hist/ that's plain enough. 
 
 
120 THE EPILOGUE. 
 
 House, Encore! ha! hah! off! oflf! goon don't stir: 
 
 Send in the manager. (Mrs, E.) Your pleasure, Sir. 
 House. Psha! stuff! what, you the manager? a woman? 
 (Mrs. E.) When married, Sir, you'll find that's not 
 
 uncommon ! 
 cc Sweet, while I live, I'll love :•' wont you? Oh, no! 
 My plan's quite different: (i While I live I'll crow! ! !" 
 
 Thus, blown by fashion's gale, awhile to run 
 Down folly's tide, still floats the bubble, fun. 
 While Comedy, the gilded vapour quaffs, 
 From satire's cup; and, as she sips, she laughs. 
 
 Soon shall ihe Muse, in yonder classic dome, 
 Find a grac'd welcome, and a splendid home. 
 Each day we see her growing fane arise, 
 
 Till, like a Phoenix Drury seeks the skies ! 
 
 Nor fear, while thus the giant braves the wind, 
 That I, though small, will long remain behind. 
 No ! dreading from the distance to look smaller, 
 I'll mount an Elephant, to make me taller. 
 
 Give our poor bard, nine nights 3 he'll not repine i 
 
 Cats have nine lives a white cat, five times nine! ! I 
 
 Oh! joyful pledge ! that smile dispels our fear, 
 And bids the House of Morville, prosper here. 
 
 W. M'Dowall, Printer, Pemberton Row, 
 London. 
 
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