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ENGLAND'S IRON DAYS, 
 
 A TRAGEDY, 
 
 IN FIVE ACTS: 
 
 NATHANIEL HARRINGTON BANNISTER; 
 
 AUTHOR OF 
 
 '^ Gaulantus,''' ^^ Cuius Silius,'''' *'■ Marriage Contract^'' '■^Wandering 
 
 Jew^^'' '^ Washington,''^ ^^ Injidelity" '•'' Gustavani,^'' ^'•^Tis Freedoni's 
 
 Call,'' •' Adventures of a Sailor,'" " The Serpent's Glen,'' " The 
 
 Midnight Murder,''^ Sfc. Sfc, 
 
 i 
 
 w!avo ^.tUm$. 
 
 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY Wm. McKEAN & Co. 
 
 1837. 
 

 
 TO 
 
 EDWIN FORREST Esq., 
 
 (COMEDIAN). 
 
 THIS TRAGEDY IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, 
 
 BY 
 
 THE AUTHOR, 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Before I close this manuscript for publication, I deem 
 it incumbent upon me, to express to my friends, my 
 gratitude for the very liberal support they have afforded 
 jne, in my professional career. Some few years back I 
 arrived at New Orleans, a perfect stranger ; and the 
 kindness of the inhabitants of this city fostered my 
 earliest efforts. Presuming upon your former favors, I 
 respectfully place before you, for perusal, the following 
 publication, "with all its imperfections on its head ; " and 
 that, the literary and commercial interests of his country 
 may continue to flourish, is the earnest and fervent 
 prayer, of 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
DRAMATIS PERSONS, 
 
 WILFRED. 
 
 LORD EDGAR. 
 
 EARL MONMOUTH. 
 
 ALASTER. 
 
 ETHELWOOD. 
 
 SIR WALTER ARCHBERRY. 
 
 CASWALLER. 
 
 GULBERTH. 
 
 STRANBERG. 
 
 KING. 
 
 EDWERTH. 
 
 Conspirators, Knights, Courtiers, and Ladies. 
 ELGINA. 
 
ENGLAND'S IRON DAYS. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I. A Street. 
 
 Enter Gulberth and Stranburg. 
 
 Gul. I tell thee, Stranburg, there never was a 
 Soldier, better mettl'd than my lather ; 
 He fought, and won, in nine goodly battles. 
 
 Stran. Each step thou tak'st, thou dost increase in 
 Number ; some paces back thou did'st count but five. 
 
 GuL Thou dost mistake ; I have not liv'd seventy 
 Years, so to forget myself. 
 
 Stran. I am right. 
 
 Gul. Then my memory does me not justice; 
 For 'tis seldom I err in my reck'ning ; 
 Let me see — How many years have pass'd 
 Since our army return'd from the crusade ? 
 
 Stran. Scarce one. 
 
 Gid. Right, right, I always make my reck'ning good. 
 Though thou art of Norman blood, I have seen 
 Some sparks of honesty kindle in thee. 
 Lord Edgar, whom I serve, and love not more 
 Than servant should, hath noted thee ; and, if 
 Thou lack' St employ, will give thee place and hire. 
 
 Stran. Is he to his vassals kind f 
 
 Gid. Truly he's impetuous and splenetic 
 At times ; but he's rich, powerful, and great : 
 I lov'd his father, as my very blood. 
 He had another son, of bastard birth, 
 With qualities a king might boast to own ; 
 He, was his father's son. 
 
 a2 
 
6 England's [act i. 
 
 Stran. Lives he in England now ? 
 
 Gul. When my old master died, Lord Edgar (whom 
 May the saints forgive), thrust him from the door; 
 Poor Wilfred ! I lov'd him as my own : 
 He, took his mother by the hand, one morn. 
 And went unto Lord Edgar's house ; 
 My master, furious that I let them in, 
 Rush'd at me with his sword; but, Wilfred's arm 
 Caught his uplifted weapon ; upon which, 
 In language most opprobrious, he vented 
 Forth his spleen, with "wanton! " bastard! " and words 
 Of cruellest nature. Wilfred, still patient. 
 Answering his fury but with a smile. 
 Bore his fainting mother to a cottage. 
 On the river's banks ; where, lack of food soon 
 Ended her existence ; and, Wilfred fled, 
 None knew whither. Poor boy ! I lov'd 
 Him better than myself; and the recital 
 Of his wrongs, makes my old wither'd heart bleed afresh. 
 
 Stran. By my troth ! my eyes do ache to hear thee. 
 I choose not Lord Edgar for my master ; 
 I am well suited now. 
 
 Gul. Stranburg, I honor thee : thy hand, I pr'ythee ; 
 I do sometimes vaguely talk, when childish 
 Age comes on : years, seventy, have I counted ; 
 And, do confess to thee, I often feel 
 As tho' I were again within the cradle. 
 Craving some toy to sport with, to wile away 
 Dull hours. But come, 'tis the beginning time 
 Of labor ; he that will not work, deserveth 
 Not his hire, and wrongs the master that doth 
 Employ him. 
 
 (Exit GuLBERTH and Stranburg.^ 
 
 Enter Lord Edgar and Ethelwood. 
 
 Edgar. I tell thee, Ethelwood, I like him not; 
 Tho' young, he's wise, ay, and ambitious too ; 
 A loyal subject, tho' of Saxon blood ; 
 Devoted to his king, and country's good. 
 He stands a bulwark 'gainst my dearest hopes. 
 
SCENE I.] IRON DAYS. 
 
 Elgina's love he boasts; her smile is his; 
 And once, I saw him quafi'the nectar of 
 Her lips ; it made my blood quick ebb and flow, 
 And my whole frame with indignation shook. 
 Alaster is a rock will wreck my hopes, 
 Unless I pilot well. 
 
 Ethel. What says Earl Monmouth to your suiti^ 
 
 Edgar. Elgina, long- hath been a ])romis'd bride ; 
 Yet, 1, by cunning art and tales well forg'd, 
 Have won Earl Monmouth's favor and his love ; 
 By inuendoes dark, portray 'd this boy, 
 Alaster, in colors black as night ; 
 And, yesterday, I ask'd the fair Elgina's 
 Hand; thereby to bind Earl Monmouth mine. 
 
 Ethel. What said the Earl, to this ? 
 
 Edgar. Promis'd me an answer on the morrow. 
 
 Ethel. Should you get England's throne and crown. 
 He, surely, could not then refuse your suit. 
 
 Edgar. Right. By sums of gold, already have I 
 Many secret friends secur'd within the very 
 Entrails of the palace ; therefore, the path 
 In some degree is smooth, that leads me to 
 The goal I seek , but, thorns will sometimes grow 
 In fairest track, and prick the w alker on 
 His w ay ; but, thou my friend, must root them up. 
 And plant my road with flowers ; see our friends 
 Sow w^ell the seed, and doubt not, but thou shalt 
 Reap a golden harvest. 
 
 Ethel. Fear not, my lord; thy many favors 
 In grateful memory, I bear, and to 
 Repay the debt, I set to work with prompt 
 Alacrity; not doubting of success. (Exit.) 
 
 Edgar. The Saxon has grown sick of Norman 
 tyranny; 
 Any change will serve ; — they thirst for it. — 
 A throne ! How proud the seat — how lofty is 
 The name ! Once seated there, I dare confront. 
 And mock, the murmurs of the prating world. 
 ^ (Exit.) 
 
[act I. 
 
 SCENE II. A Garden, 
 
 (Alaster and Elgina discovered, seated.) 
 
 Ala. Behold, my love, how bright the jewell'd sky, 
 Enwrapt in smiles the starry host appears 
 In sportive pleasure round night's queenly bride. 
 Gemm'd roof of earth, the great etlierial plain 
 That looks o'er sea, o'er city, and o'er alpine height. 
 And loud proclaims the power and glory 
 Of that king, who sits in Heaven enthron'd. 
 My Elgina, 'twas such a night as this, 
 When 'mid the fury of conflicting hosts, 
 My strength exhausted, weary nature 
 LuU'd me to repose, e'en on the bodies 
 Of those who slept on the cold lap of death ; 
 'Twas then I dreamt of home and thee ; 
 I saw thy aeriel form quick pass, and sprang to clasp thee. 
 But waking from my sleep, I felt the 
 Misery of disappointed love. 
 
 Elg. Thou art a flatterer still. 
 Ala. Sweet, thou do'st not think me so. Once, 
 Thy tongue trembl'd to speak the love thy 
 Heart was fraught with, — 
 Thy blushes answer'd my appeal ; but, now 
 The times have chang'd, and change of dearest imix»rt, 
 Is to me, the true avowal of thy 
 Dear heart's love. 
 
 Elg. Alaster, I am thine ; for ever, thine ! 
 
 (embraces km.) 
 Ala. Thrice happy hour, I hail thee with delight ! 
 Be thy hallowed moments ever bless'd. 
 
 Elg. But 'tis a warring time, a bleeding age ; 
 Each blast of wind some evil tidings blow : 
 My heart, foreboding ill, is not at rest. 
 
 Ala. What fatal cloud obscures the sunshine of 
 That beauteous face ? That front, where lavish ^ 
 
 Nature bount'ously hath set her seal 
 Of rarest beauty. 
 
SCENE II.] IRON DAYS. 9 
 
 Elg. My father, with a jealous eye doth view 
 Our nightly niectin«]^s : Lord E(l<i^ar oft' comes 
 Here, and with my father frc(juent coimcil holds ; 
 Often they s})eak of me, — at times of you ; 
 And, then, I've noted on Lord Edgar's brow 
 A chilling frown, — 
 A biting of the lip, anger-shifting eyes, 
 And other marks, that plainly told me 
 Thou had'st no friend in him ; therefore, shun him, 
 He were a dangerous foe. My father, 
 Whom thou know'st ])rizes honor as his life, 
 Will doubtless question thee ; for, yesterday 
 Lord Edgar told some tale of knightly arms, 
 Tending to thy dishonor ; my father 
 Started, his cheek was pale, but credence gave he none ■ 
 I saw the fiend lurk in the villian's eye. 
 
 Ala. Were he ten times a potentate or prince. 
 I'd with his life my reputation mend. 
 
 Elg. Be not rash, Alaster, I may be wrong , 
 Hast thou done aught to injure him f 
 
 Ala. Aye. 
 
 Elg. What ? 
 
 Ala. Sav'd his caitiff life. 
 
 Elg. Ha ! Speak, love. 
 
 Ala. Thou shalt know, then. Lord Edgar and 
 myself. 
 With the crusading army, battl'd side by side ; 
 On that proud day, when bodies numberless 
 O'erspread the plain, within a sword's length we stood ; 
 The last gleam of the red sun sank iu ocean's lap, 
 And left the crescent warriors and ourselves 
 Upon the field of blood and strife ; 
 Shrieks, groans, and curses were silenc'd 
 By the loud clarion, and the clash of arms ; 
 Lord Edgai , with his soldiers, hard press'd 
 By turban'd warriors, o'er number'd by the foe, 
 Gave way, wading through very gore, for safety ; 
 Just then, from a covert, by wood enclos'd. 
 The enemy's horse sprang forth ; 
 I call'd for aid, then darted to his rescue ; 
 
10 England's [act i. 
 
 Before I reach'd the spot his coward friends, 
 That with him fled, lay on the ground in death, 
 And Lord Edgar, at his conquerer's feet, 
 Imploring mercy knelt. Above his head, 
 A glittering scymiter was held to strike ; 
 When with a blow, I laid the foeman dead. 
 Then bore Lord Edgar to his tent unhurt. 
 'Till now I ne'er had spoke of this ; nor, should 
 The tale be utter'd, save in mine own defence. 
 
 Elg, What said Lord Edgar ? 
 
 Ala. Thank'd me with icy coldness. 
 
 Elg, Oh, base return ! Oh, cold ingratitude ! 
 A deed well worthy thy great name and blood, 
 My gallant hero. Earth's loud trumpet tongue, 
 Whose blast exalts to honor and to fame 
 Hath not done justice to thy arms in war ; 
 But 'tis ever thus, Alaster ; the world still 
 Holds him greatest, whose deeds are heard. 
 Not seen ; but, I will be thy world — admire, and 
 Reward thee. 
 
 Ala. Bless thee, my Elgina ! I have not words 
 To speak the extacy, doth swell my heart, withal. 
 
 Elg Restrain thy transport. Night wears apace, 
 The dews are falling, and chilhng breezes 
 Fill the air. Fare thee well, Alaster ; and, 
 On the morrow, see my father ; his consent 
 Obtain'd, in weal or woe, I'll constant ever be. 
 
 Ala. Through those pearly drops thine eyes emit, 
 I see a soul of purity and truth. 
 Where virtue, glory, honor sits enthron'd. 
 
 Elg. See not Lord Edgar ; what hath pass'd 
 Breathe not to mortal. 
 
 Ala. Trust me I will not 'till more I hear ; 
 But, Elgina, of this be well assur'd, 
 A true knight's sword, cannot in its scabbard 
 Rest, when honor claims its service. But, 
 Content thee, love. 
 
 (enter Earl Monmouthj 
 Moil. How's this ; my daughter and Alaster here ? 
 
SCENE II.] IRON DAYS. Jl 
 
 Elg. All, my father! (goes to him) 
 Ala. My bcneiactor ! 
 
 Mon. The hour befits not — Get thee to bed, 
 Elgina. Alaster, 'tis not weU. 
 Meetings by stealth, I never can approve. 
 She was once thy proniis'd bride ; but, now — 
 Ala. Have I offended 
 
 Mon. Boy ; for such I deem thee, still ; thy father 
 Was my friend. At the festal board have we 
 Drain'd dry the sparkling goblet ; hand in hand 
 In the field, the lists, and on the hunting 
 Track, have we together fought and bled. 
 Alas ! he is no more. 
 
 Ala. And, I, of all his sons stand here the last. 
 While hfe yet hover'd on his dying lips, 
 He bade me win thy love and friendship, 
 Cost whatsoe'er it might. 
 
 Mon. Well, there's my hand , and, I defy the voice 
 Of man, speak it truth. 
 To call it other than an honest one ; 
 And, tho' time has robb'd it of some strength, 
 Yet is it still strong enough to strike the blow, 
 When the imperious voice of honor bids. 
 My child go in. 
 
 Elg. Father, I obey. Good night, Alaster. 
 Ala. Sweet, good night ; repose go with thee. 
 
 (exit Elgina.j 
 Mon. Alaster, you must see my child no more. 
 Be not amaz'd at what I've spoken. 
 
 Ala. See her no more ! then take my life — take all. 
 Without Elgina, life would be one drear, 
 Eternal night; beamless ; and, Oh! how bereft 
 Of charm, and all things bright. 
 What is my crime ? 
 
 Man. Hns't mark'd in me, of late a change ; 
 A colder welcome than I was wont to greet 
 Thee with ? 
 
 Ala. I have- Fain would I know the cause. 
 Mon. Thy honor's stain'd ; 
 Thy, once fair name is sullied. 
 
12 England's [act i. 
 
 Ala. If, the foul and venom'd breath of slander, 
 Hath, with its viperous sting, my honor stain'd, 
 Give to me the caitiffs name ; se% him here ; 
 Be, he of Herculean strength, my sword shall force 
 Confession from his dastard heart. 
 His tongue did speak a lie. 
 
 Mon. I have heard thee coward calPd ; Janus-fac'd ! 
 A treason plotter ; and the Norman's tool. 
 
 Ala. And the villian lives, whose tongue dar'd 
 utter it ! 
 I could name actions, in my country's cause 
 That loud would give the lie ; — but, let that pass. 
 His name ? That I may send his envenom'd breath 
 Back to his heart, to breed corruption there. 
 
 Mem. Boy ; there are other cowards, than the man 
 Who quakes and trembles, at a sword unsheath'd ; 
 Nor, does it test true courage, to brawl, and 
 Draw at every slight offence your weapon ; 
 Bullies in brothels, and other haunts of 
 Crime and vice, who, nothing know of courage 
 But the name, will out with sw ord, and slay ; 
 Then, with hands uncleans'd, boast their deeds noble ; 
 Ay, and men will call them brave. 
 Should I reveal to thee, the name of him 
 Who stain'd thy honor ; — thy valor doubted; — 
 Caird thee coward — How would' st thou act? 
 
 Ala. Make him answer with his blood. 
 
 Mon. Well spoken boy ; thy blood is Saxon still. 
 To-morrow thou shalt know. Farewell ! 
 
 (exit abruptly.) 
 
 Ala. Stay ! He's gone ; whom can he mean? 
 
 Lord Edgar cannot be so vile, so base ; 
 
 Yet did not Elgina say he spoke me ill ; 
 
 Be calm my rising heart ; thy struggles check. 
 
 Coward ! my blood boils in my heated veins ; 
 
 I do abhor a term so vile, so base. Oh patience ! 
 
 Beneath the 'nointed banner of the cross I swore, 
 
 My honor, with my life I would maintain. 
 
 (exiU) 
 
J^CENE III.] IRON DAYS. 13 
 
 SCENE III. An apartment in Lord Edgar'' s House. 
 
 {enter Ethelwood, Archberry, Caswaller, and 
 Gentlemen.) 
 
 Ethel. I do again repeat, our king is old ; 
 Unfit to govern. Lord Edgar, for our 
 Country much hath done ; lent the state large sums, 
 To fill our sinking cofiers ; added, to which. 
 He is of Saxon blood, and worthy 
 By his birth, to sit on England's throne. 
 A king in him would raise the Saxon 
 Interest, and abridge the Norman power ; 
 Under whose yoke we long have groan'd 
 
 Arch. There is much wisdom in thy words. 
 
 Cas. If, to be a good man, is to be a 
 Rich one, then is Lord Edgar worthy. 
 Full well I know, judgment and wisdom had 
 His father, — Our laws improved, 
 And did more good than any since 
 
 Ethel. We now in slavery live — naught better. 
 An English throne should bear an English monarch. 
 
 Cas. Well, I am with you, gentlemen ; 
 Command my sword. 
 
 But secret must our meetings still remain ; caution 
 Best will guide our councils ; the Normans are 
 Ever on the watch ; they have their spies abroad. 
 
 Ethel. The keenest spy by gold is silenc'd. 
 Take, thou, no heed of that, our party's strong ; 
 Could we but win Earl Monmouth, all were well. 
 I know him wise ; well vers'd in man ; can 
 Read a subtle plot, ere it be ripe for action ; 
 Could he be bought — but this I doubt. 
 
 Arch. Lord Edgar seeks his daughter, Elgina's 
 Hand , that accompiish'd, 'twill biad the Earl ''*' 
 Fast to our cause ; by that achieving, our 
 Securement v/ill be perfect ; for his voice, 
 And birth, would cover our defections. 
 {enter Lord Edgar.) 
 
 B 
 
14 ENGLAND'S [aCT I 
 
 Edgar. Worthy Archberry and Ethelwood, your 
 hands ; 
 We have been soldiers, the cross our standard; 
 Our object England's good and fame; still 
 Let our country's glory lead us onward. 
 Gentlemen, I'm well appriz'd of what you 
 ])o intend, I bow your servant faithful. 
 The firm expressions of your loyalty 
 I've heard, for which I thank you ; and, doubt not 
 But it shall meet a fair return ; when king, 
 If such should be my lot, you all shall share 
 The benefit, power can bestow. 
 
 Ethel. We doubt it not. 
 
 Edgar. Ethelwood, my friend, lead to the feast 
 That waits within ; good cheer be with ye all ; 
 On, I follow you. 
 
 (exit all hut Edgar.) 
 At length the height is compass'd — that proud height. 
 To which on eagle's wings I've dar'd to soar. 
 Elgina never can reject a king — 
 Yes, she will be mine ; and, thus I quaff. 
 E'en to the bottom, the ambrosial cup of hope. 
 Be boyant, my proud heart ! Get England's crown, 
 And fair Elgina's hand shall soon be mine. — 
 Great England's crown ! I'd swim in seas of blood, 
 And from the crimson waves would pluck it forth. 
 And in triumph 'twine it round my brow. 
 Earl Monmouth do I fear ; his keen mind 
 May scan my mystery. Away, with fears and doiilbts ! 
 The crown's the glorious prize that lures me on. 
 And I'll not pause while climbing the assent. 
 Away with conscience — justice — all the checks 
 That lie upon my path i the way to rise. 
 Is to forego them all ; when once a king, 
 None will enquire the road by which I rose. 
 
 (exit.) 
 
 END OF ACT I. 
 
,SCFNE I.] IRON DAYS. 15 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE I. Landscape, 
 
 Enter Stranger, miserably attired. 
 
 Stran. The goal I've reach'd, safe in my native land. 
 Five years a stranger to its soil I've been: 
 I love the pebbles that I tread upon ; 
 Each thing I see, bears a familiar look. 
 Hail to my birth place ! I am thine again. 
 There the old steepl'd church, known well by all, 
 It's roof grown grey with age, and tott'ring with decay ; 
 And there the flowing stream, where in my boat, 
 I've with delight its glossy waters plough'd. 
 Boyhood, thou art past ! but, yet how sweet 
 To con thy happy days, and from memory's store 
 Quaff pleasure's cujd. Ah, joy ! thou'st rniss'd thy 
 
 place ; 
 Thou can' St not in this mansion dwell. — Go hence. 
 This heart, alas ! how sadly tenanted ; 
 Deep in its core, gaunt misery sits enthron'd. 
 The peerless monarch of a dessert world. 
 Dame Fortune once was kind to me ; my food 
 She did prepare ; forsooth, I now must buy it. 
 And, if the means I lack, whereby to live, 
 In faith, I needs must die a starving death. 
 For an earl's son, and, one not quite an ass, 
 'Though peradventure, not o'er bless'd with brains, 
 My fate, I think, a hard one. 
 They tell me I am bastard born — 
 They tell me truth. 
 
 The fault's not mine ; so let my father answer it. 
 Wives oft' play the harlot, decking their husband's 
 
 brows. 
 While spurious offsprings claim a father's love 
 From those, who ne'er begot them ; but, for those, 
 
 b2 
 
16 ENGLAND'S [aCT II 
 
 Alike the victim and the monument 
 
 Of a frail mother's shame, e'en to the core 
 
 They feel that woe, from whence there's no relief. 
 
 My life made weary, by my bastard birth, 
 
 Sent me to foreign climes ; but, even there, 
 
 Base-born was shouted in mine echoing ear. 
 
 I have my members well as other men ; 
 
 Flesh, blood, sinew, nerve, yet, I am not lov'd, 
 
 Nor look'd on with a cloudless sunny face. 
 
 There stands the palace, near which, my brother dwells. 
 
 Shall I see him ? Will he own me ? I'll try. 
 
 I shall find him in costly, gaudy robes. 
 
 While I, his outcast brother, live in misery. 
 
 I'll try his heart, once more ; time, may have chang'd 
 
 It into one, fit for a human bosom. 
 
 Who comes ? I'll step aside, and mark. 
 
 {retires.) 
 
 Enter Gulberth, Stranburg, Edwerth, 
 and Normans. 
 
 Gul I say, we are not better than the slaves, 
 Save, they cannot sell us, as their cattle. 
 And lash our backs, as they, their asses do ; 
 Yet, they deserve the yoke, who bear it, 
 And, lack the soul to shake it from their necks. 
 
 Edtv. Thoud'st better not so loudly talk my friend; 
 Or, from your mouth, thy tongue we'll pluck. 
 
 Gul. Not speak ! that's harder still, to bear. 
 Normans, full well I know, you will not shrink 
 From murder — or aught else that's vile and base. 
 
 All. Down with the old Saxon fool ! 
 
 {as they rush towards him, the Stranger advances 
 before him.) 
 
 Slran. Would you slay on old man grey with age ? 
 Upon his brow, behold time's envious march ; 
 Bending his feeble body to the earth. 
 Youth should forgive the petulance of age. 
 
SCENE I."| IRON DAYS. 17 
 
 Edic. Who's he, that speaks so >yell, yet looks so 
 meagre ? 
 
 Gul. You've sav'd me from these butchers. 
 
 Siran. Nay, not so ; you do miscall them, 
 Foolish man. 
 
 Edw. He is ever croaking — ever fretful. 
 
 Stran. 'Tis nature. Men become nervous, sour'd, 
 As age creeps on ; their fretful weakness 
 We should o'erlook, and bear with patience. 
 His pilgrimage on earth, in nature's course. 
 Is almost o'er ; do not haste its end. 
 Jieave him with me, kind friends. 
 
 Edw. He is of a strange cast, truly. Come, the 
 Beggar hath beaten us. Friends, away. 
 
 (exit all but Stranger and Gulberth) 
 
 Gul. They would have cuff'd me roundly : stranger, 
 A good service hast thou done me ; 
 For I vented on the knaves my words of gall. 
 Nor felt the bitter, which I fear I should, 
 But for thy good oflice. 
 
 Stran. (Half aside, with Ids eyes rivetted on Gulberth.) 
 Iv'e scann'dthat face, and know it now, full well. 
 Friend of my early years — Friend of my childhood — 
 3Iy school days companion 
 
 Gul. Of whom do you speak ? 
 
 Stran. (recovering) Of one that pass'd. 
 
 Gul. Ar't thou of Saxon blood ? 
 
 Stran. Of Saxon blood. 
 
 Gul. Do thy friends dwell here ? 
 
 Stran. Friends ! What dost thou call a friend ? 
 
 Gul. One of a good heart ; who hath a purse, 
 And grudgeth not to open it to thee. 
 
 Stran. Friend have I none, then. Farewell, old man 
 
 Gul. Tut, tut! be not so hasty. 
 
 Stran. The day grow s old ; I have work ere night- 
 fall. 
 
 Gul. Would' st seek my friendship ^ 
 
 Stran. For what ? 
 
 B 
 
18 England's [act ii* 
 
 Gul, Thy benefit. I like thy face. 
 
 Stran. Thou dost not know me. 
 
 Gul. I judge thee by thy looks. 
 
 Stran. Old man, thou mock'st me with untruths. 
 
 Gul, What say'st thou ? 
 
 Stran. Tame thy blood — tame thy blood. Passion 
 shakes old age 
 Most fatally. You say you love my face ? 
 A scar upon my forehead — my chin o'ergrown 
 With an unseemly beard — Beauty it hath none. 
 Therefore, thou can'st not read that index of 
 The mind. Thus in misery's disguising livery 
 Array'd appearing now most foul ; if cleans'd, 
 Perchance, some fairer index might disclose. 
 Yet, know thou this, the face oft'times belies 
 The heart. Farewell. 
 
 Gul Stay. 
 
 Stran. Well. 
 
 Gul, By my soul, I love thee. Take this purse. 
 Although, it cost me toil and sweat of brow. 
 
 Strati. Then, keep it, old man. I have my pride, 
 Though box'd in rags, Gulberth. 
 
 Gul. Dost know my name f 
 
 Stran. I've heard it. Lord Edgar's steward once. 
 
 Gul. Lord Edgar's steward still. 
 
 Stran. Point me out his house. 
 
 Gul. Close by the palace, there. 
 
 Stran. I mark. 
 
 Gul, Take the purse. 
 
 Stran. I tell thee, no. 
 
 Gul, Take, thou, one piece of gold. 
 
 Stran Not from thee, old man. Charity I'll crave 
 From those, who giving, injure not themselves. 
 Come, point me out thy master's house, I fain 
 W^ould speak to him. WiPt do it ? 
 
 Gul. Troth will I ; come this way ; but thy name. 
 
 Stran. I'll tell thee that, anon. Give me thy hand. 
 Ne'er mind its grasp ; 'tis hard with labour ; 
 Nor would I change that hand my Maker gave. 
 To holcl a kingdom in the other. {exit both.) 
 
 b3 
 
SCENE II.] IRON DAYS. 1.9 
 
 SCENT. IT. Outside of Lord Edgar's Hotisc. 
 
 enter Gulberth and Stranger. 
 
 Gid. Tarry thou here, good friend. I'll send Lord 
 Edgar to thee. 
 
 {enters house.) 
 
 Stran. Do so, good fellow. I remember mc, 
 A dream last night did much disturb my rest. 
 Metliought, I stood upon the fearful bank 
 Of a deep pit ; beneath me loudly lashing 
 The troubl'd waters, like to human groans, 
 Deaf'ning my sense of hearing ; above my head, 
 The gathering clouds let loose their thunders, 
 Shaking the huge pillars of the vast earth ; 
 And at my feet the deep ravine did ope' 
 Showing, to my aching eyes, in the 
 Deep void below, a gulph of hquid fire; 
 Upon the extremest verge, rivetted 
 With fear and wonder, appall'd I stood ; 
 Just then, my brother, with Herculean strength, 
 Seiz'd me by the throat, and I plung'd down, 
 Shrieking in accents wild for succour. 
 While he, with laugh demoniac triumph'd ; 
 Smoke in curling clouds, my form encas'd. 
 And the sulpherous flame sing'd my limbs and flesh ; 
 But an arm invisible, toss'd me back 
 Upon the earth ; and, shuddering with fear, 
 I found the busy hag of night had been 
 At work upon my brain. 
 
 {enter Lotd Edgar.) 
 
 Stran, Good morning to your grace. 
 
 Edg. What beggar'd wretch is this ? 
 
 ^tran. One, who does not dread a tailor's bill, 
 As thou may' St see , yet willingly would wear 
 A better suit. 
 
20 England's [act it. 
 
 Edg. Thou art in a merry mood. 
 
 Stran. No ; thou, mistak'st me ; did I follow 
 The promptings of my heart, my eyes would melt 
 To tears. There is a man, whose smile could do't, 
 Whose recognition of one, who long has been 
 A stranger to his native land, would gladden 
 His sad heart. 
 
 Edg. Thou'rt mad ; pass on thy way. 
 
 Stran. 'Tis through the door thou'st left unclos'd, 
 And often on its threshold, in my childhood. 
 Have I play'd. 
 
 Edo;. Who ar't thou ? 
 
 Stran. Frown not Edgar. 
 I 
 
 Edg. Ah 
 
 Stran. 'Tis Wilfred, thy brother. 
 
 Edg. Bastard ! begone ; I know thee not. 
 
 Wit. I never wrong'd thee, Edgar. 
 
 Edg. Base born, and baser minded, I do disown 
 thee. 
 
 Wil. Vent on me thy hate. 
 
 Edg. No ties of kindred, should the bastard bind 
 Unto the true-born son ; then get thee hence ; 
 Seek in another clime, where thou'rt unknown, 
 A fortune, thy base birth denies thee here. 
 The law will give thee naught. Begone i 
 
 Wil. I pray you be more calm good brother ; 
 Thy tongue, outruns discretion far. 
 
 Edg. Thy father lov'd thee not. 
 
 Wil. A fair return this, brother, for an absence 
 Of so many years, thou'rt but little chang'd. 
 You say, my father lov'd me not ; that, may 
 Perchance, be true. My mother's dead; 
 Full well I know, by proof, I had her love. 
 The only kin, my fate has left me now. 
 Is thee — my father's true-born son and heir ; 
 Therefore, I claim, if not by law, by right. 
 Something to give me place and sustenance. 
 
 Edg. I'll give thee naught. Wilt thou incense me? 
 
 Wil. Dost thou not blush ? Or, hath thy riches 
 Drain'd thy blood, and left the channels of thy 
 Body, dry as is thy barren heart ^ 
 
SCENE III.] IRON dAYS. 21 
 
 Ed*^. (half drawing) Wretch! 
 
 Wit. Thy breast, doth know of virtue but the name. 
 
 Edg. Approach, thou, within the purheus of this, 
 My dwelhng, and, by the saints above, 
 I'll have thee lash'd and fetter'd. 
 
 Wil. Heartless monster ! Unnatural brother ! 
 My fingers to the bone I'll grind, before 
 I ask thee for thy lordly table's waste. 
 
 Edg. Take thy death. 
 
 (thnists at Wilfred, tvho wrenches sword from him.) 
 
 Wil My hand bleeds — 'tis slight. No matter, 
 'Twill be well, anon. Take thy sword, Edgar ; 
 Pass on ; the day is thine. Thy star burna brightly ; 
 Some cloud of fate may yet obscure its light. 
 And darken thy ambitious path of crime. 
 
 Edg, Drivelling fool ! see, thou confron'st me not 
 again. 
 
 (exit into house.) 
 
 Wil. For thy sake brother, I'll my nature change, 
 And be a serpent that shall sting thy soul ; 
 My fork'd tongue, in venom steep'd, shall blast 
 Thy sports, pervert and poison thy fair name, 
 'Till earth shall seem to thee a second hell. 
 
 exit. 
 
 SCENE III. A grand Hall. In the centre, folding 
 Doors ; massive chairs and table on right. 
 
 Enter Lord Edgar, yrom centre doors. 
 
 Edg. Alive ! I deem'd his bones had rotted long 
 Ere this. But, he's here to blast me with his 
 Hated sight. Wilfred and Edgar must not 
 In one kingdom live, nor the same air breathe ; 
 I'll have him silenc'd. He has more wisdom, 
 Than I dare to cope with. Alaster, too. my 
 Bane, as well as he, shall, when power is mine, 
 
22 ENGLAND'S [aCT II. 
 
 Be thrust from my path ; where Hke two adders 
 
 They stalk, to sting me with their poison'd fangs. 
 
 Alaster, by the King and court is held 
 
 In estimation high, and honor great : 
 
 My rival too in love : he, also, sav'd my life ; 
 
 If for naught else, for that I hate him : 
 
 And, by forg'd tales, dark, and subtile, 
 
 Have I Elgina and her father cheated ; 
 
 Making Alaster appear in characters 
 
 So foul ; that, 'till the stain is clear'd away, 
 
 I stand in favor with the Earl, her father. 
 
 enter Gulberth. 
 
 Gnl. Sir Walter Archberry, and Ethelwood, 
 With friends, do wait your bidding to be here. 
 
 Edgar, Let them enter. 
 
 ChiL May one ask, the name of that same beggar, 
 Who crav'd e'en now, some converse with you ? 
 
 Edgar, (aside) Ha ! he does not know. I am glad 
 of it ; 
 He once profess'd great love for him, 
 
 GuL Knows your lordship, who he is f 
 
 Edgar, A worthless beggar, craving alms. Tarries 
 He now without ? 
 
 GuL No ; he sped in haste. He did me a good, 
 But now. 
 
 Edgar. Ha ! how ? 
 
 Qui. Sav'd my grey hairs, from a pack of knaves, 
 Who never kept the curfew hour, or aught else 
 That's good ; the very wastings of the town ; 
 Who think of naught but mirth and revelling. 
 
 (a knock without.) 
 
 Edgar. Go, answer the summons ; let in my friends. 
 
 GuL That will I, 'though, I but little like them. 
 These secret councils are mysterious : 
 My lord, my lord, let not your friends misguide 
 Your judgment. 
 
 Edgar. Prating fool ! do, as I command thee. 
 
SCENE III.] IRON DAYS. 23 
 
 Gul. Prating fool ! thy brother Wilfred would not 
 Have call'd the old man by so foul a name. 
 Would he were now aliv e. Ah, well-a-day ! 
 
 {exit.) 
 
 Edgar Why do I keep that scurvy knave about 
 My dwelling? He is ever prying in 
 My purposes. Well encounter'd friends. 
 
 Enter Sir Walter Archberry, Ethelwood 
 Caswaller, and Conspirators. 
 
 Arch, Long live Lord Edgar ! 
 
 Ethel. That soon shall be our king. 
 
 Arch. If fortune changes not her fickle mind. 
 
 Cas. We gain no ground as yet, among the great ; 
 True, we have fencers, dicers, thieves, outlaws, 
 The common sweepings of societ}^ 
 Men of such a cast soon would change for gold. 
 
 Edgar. The very best men sir, for work like ours ; 
 They know each avenue of the city — 
 Each secret corner — and keys they have for 
 Every lock. 
 
 Ethel. They are of desperate soul too. 
 
 Arch. They look at danger, as if 'twere pleasure 
 To confront it. 
 
 Edgar. We now do live in very servitude, * 
 Depending on this king's caprice and will. 
 We ail have serv'd the kingdom, but reward 
 Receiv'd none. While others are exalted 
 Into power, by favor of the court ; 
 We, for ourselves, a monument build, that 
 Human kind, in latest time, shall hear of 
 With amaze. 
 
 Ha ! Earl Monmouth comes. Be seated, gentlemen. 
 
 (all sit hut Lord Edgar.^ 
 
 enter Earl Monmouth. 
 Mon. Heaven save you, gentlemen. 
 
 (all how and uncover.) 
 
24 England's [act ii. 
 
 Edgar. How does my good Earl Monmouth ? 
 Mon. Still breathinoj Heaven's wholesome breath. 
 
 Edgar, Where is thy blooming daughter ? 
 
 Mail. Where should she be, but in her home ? I have 
 Come Lord Edgar, at thy request, but not 
 To grant thy wish ; yet humbly thanking thee 
 For the extended honor. Elgina 
 To Alaster hath been promis'd long; 
 Hearts long wedded by aftections tie. 
 Yesterda}" I question'd him, of that, thou 
 Told' St me ; 
 
 Resolv'd, if in my search I found him base, 
 To cast him ever Irom my heart and home. 
 
 Edgar. How answer'd he, thy probing ? 
 
 Mon. Started, turn'd from pale to red, then ask'd 
 the 
 Name of his slanderer ; so he term'd him. 
 
 Edgar. Did'st thou tell him, 'twas I, Lord Edgar ? 
 • Mon. I told him not. He did deny the charge. 
 
 Edgar. That, is adding falshood to a fault ; 
 I am full well assur'd, he would not shrink 
 To engage himself, in all that's base, if 
 Commanded by the king. 
 
 Mon. ( approaching door ) Come in Alaster. 
 
 » enter Alaster. 
 
 Edgar. What means this f 
 
 Mon. Behold in Lord Edgar, thy accuser ; 
 Answer him as becomes a knight, and man ; 
 Or, thou'rt no more my son. 
 
 Ala. Sunk in my esteem so low before, fall 
 Lower thou could'st not. See the villian baffl'd, 
 Abash'd, and pale, degrading to himself; 
 Lord Edgar, I here, do brand thee, coward ! 
 Even here, in the face of this assembly ; 
 And, as I place my glove within thy grasp, 
 And dare thee, false knight, to the lists. 
 Proclaim thee, liar ! whose canker tongue hath 
 Eaten, with very gluttony, my own fair 
 
SCENE III.] IRON DAYS. 25 
 
 And spotless reputation. But, I have 
 
 Here (touching his sivord) a medicine, the wound shall 
 
 heal, or put 
 The sore past remedy. 
 There is my glove, (throws it down.) 
 
 Mon. Thy hand, boy ; I stand thy backer, if needs be 
 With my blood. 
 
 {exit Monmouth and Alaster.) 
 
 Edgar. Come back! {draws his sword) 
 
 Ethel. Stay, my lord. 
 
 Edgar. Am I dreaming, or my waking senses 
 80 benumb'd, that my tongue refuses its office.'' 
 Curses on curses, light ujion his head ! 
 Shame ! shame ! liar ! coward ! my honor impeach'd ! 
 
 Ethel. Banish this rage ; let prudence take its place. 
 
 Ethel. Come, thou, to my private study, at 
 The first sounding of the curfew bell. 
 
 Arch. He may be silenc'd, on his homeward walk 
 To-night. 
 
 Edgar. Come, thou, with Ethelwoodto my study, 
 ^nto my hall, gentlemen ; I'll join you. 
 
 exit all but Lord Edgar. 
 
 A fiercer tempest, ne'er shook man's breast, than 
 
 Rages here, in mine. O vengeance, for thy hour ! 
 
 'Till then, I do but stalk the shadow of 
 
 What I am. 
 
 I would not, willingly, meet in the lists, 
 
 This fire-brain'd boy ; his courage I have seen 
 
 Well prov'd. Yet, how escape ? — A dagger in the dark— 
 
 The body — Hush ! I must not let the walls 
 
 Suspect the thoughts that agitate my soul. 
 
 List to the pealing of thy passing bell ; 
 
 Vengeance, athirst, prepares to ring thy knell. 
 
 (exit.) 
 
 END OF act II. 
 
26 ENGLAND'S [aCT III. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I. A street, on the rigid is a Home. 
 
 WiL. I deem'd a heart so hard could not be found 
 As that my brother owns. I was deceiv'd. 
 'There Kves a man, who in my prosperous days 
 Fatten'd on my bounty ; whose very knock 
 At my father's door, was answer'd with a purse ; 
 Yet he refus'd me a waste crust of bread. 
 And set his dogs to drive me from his door. 
 I've counted thirty years in this bad world, 
 Nor can by nicest calculation name 
 Acts of vice, to bring me to this misery. 
 If I remember right, in holy writ, 
 'Tis so set down, the father's crime descends 
 Upon the guiltless son. * 
 
 enter Sir Walter Archberry and Ethelwood. 
 
 Eth. How now, stranger.^ 
 
 WiL. What is the matter friend, that thus you stare P 
 Eth. Giv'st thou no more respect, unmanner'd 
 knave ; 
 By thy dark-bearded chin, and wrinkl'd face, 
 Thou hast counted years enough to teach thee 
 Better manners, vile plebian. 
 
 Arch. What churlish beast is this f 
 WiL. One, with two legs, resembling thee patrician, 
 Eth. Lack'd thy father means to send thee to a 
 school, 
 And so thrust forth an untaught saucy knave ^ 
 Or, know'stthou better breed, as curs do oft', 
 Yet list to be so saucy and perverse ? 
 
8CENE I.] IRON DAYS. 27 
 
 WiL. Do you for a lap-dog take me, sirs, that 
 You would Iiavc nic lick from your shoes 
 The dust ? the syco})haut I am not, 
 Nor, can I play the part of one. 
 
 Arch. Wag not thy tongue so loudly ? 
 
 WiL. 'Twas given me to wag ; and, I will speak my 
 mind. 
 
 Eth. Dost thou not fear f 
 
 WiL. Of being robb'd ? Not I. I've naught to 
 lose. 
 
 Eth. Audacious cur ! But we'll improve thee. 
 
 WiL. You are bountiful. I covet knowledge much ; 
 And, if freely given, will be better earn'd ; 
 For, by my father's coffin, I have not 
 Wit enough to get a meal. 
 
 Eth. Ha ! ha ! A plain blunt fellow truly. 
 
 Arch. What's thy name ? 
 
 WiL. You may call me misery, if you list ;] 
 Or, aught else to suit your sportive humour. 
 
 Eth. Where dost thou home ? 
 
 WiL. Under some hedge, in the open fields ; 
 Where I count the stars, and dream of better 
 Days. 
 
 Eth. Why count the stars r 
 
 WiL For the self-same reason that thou talk'st 
 To me — for pastime. 
 
 Eth. But we are curious to know thee man. 
 
 WiL. So am I to count the stars. 
 
 Eth. Thou can'st not know them. 
 
 WiL. Nor can'st thou knowwie. 
 
 Eth. Can I serve thee .'' 
 
 WiL. Aye. 
 
 Eth. How ? 
 
 WiL. Give me that will purchase food. 
 
 Eth. Gold ? 
 
 WiL. Enough to satisfy a hungry man. 
 
 Eth. Take that, (gives purse.) 
 
 WiL. Thanks. 'Tis more than enough to get me 
 food. 
 Ethelwood, for you see I know your name, 
 
 c2 
 
28 ENGLAND'S [aCT III, 
 
 I have a brother, hereabouts, with gold 
 A prince might covet ; our father dying, 
 Bequeath'd his wealth to us, in equal shares ; 
 But, he being gifted with the first serpent's wile, 
 Stripp'd me of all. 
 
 I went abroad, my fortune to rebuild ; 
 You may perceive my star did dimly shine ; 
 In brief, the ocean swallowed all my stock on earth ; 
 Consisting, of a razor, for the beard ; 
 A tunic, new, and patchings for the same ; 
 Together with a rust-encrusted sword ; 
 Two handkerchiefs, my brother's liberal gift ; 
 With oil and powder, for the face and head ; 
 A tooth-brush ; knife ; and box for snuff ; 
 All, with myself, and my old father's chest, 
 Were wash'dat once, into the briny deep. 
 On a far distant shore, the waves in kindness 
 Threw me ; where, for a slave they sold me, and, 
 Then I felt the lasliing of the blood-stain'd whip. 
 Which made my back oft' red with my own gore ; 
 But my wisdom beat them ; I curst and run. 
 Resolv'd to die, ere be recaptur'd ; 
 My track they mjss'd ; a cabin on the sea shore 
 ShelterVl me, own'd by a fisherman, 
 Who gave me food, and sent me home again. 
 Eth. Hast seen thy brother ? 
 WiL. Aye. 
 
 Eth. Did'st tell thy wild career ? 
 WiL. He read my misery in my rags ; 
 And would, forsooth, have fell'd me to his feet, 
 But power met power — and word for w^ord ; 
 
 In full, I told him what I thought, and 
 
 Left his house. 
 
 Eth. Plead with him. 
 
 WiL. l*lead with the fierce rays of the scorchiDg 
 Sim, 
 
 To spare the ice flake, or the mountain's snow! 
 
 Plead with the tiger to release his prey ! 
 
 Plead with the devil to give up a soul ! 
 
 I scorn to beg : I'd sooner die and rot. 
 
 If you dislike my words, take back your gold. 
 
SCENE I.] IRON DAYS. 29 
 
 Eth. Do me a service; and, thou shalt have, more 
 Than that sum, ton times told o'er. 
 
 WiL. Fain would I, my tatter'd fortune mend : 
 Give me the clue to fathom your intents. 
 And, if the office likes me, why, I'll bargain ; 
 If not — 'tis but farewell ; and I'll de})art. 
 
 Eth. Come to my house, then, at the twilight hour. 
 And to thine ear, I will unfold my purpose. 
 
 WiL. Where dwell ye, masters? 
 
 Etii. Mark yon curling smoke ascending 
 From the edifice of granite built. 
 
 WiL. That which stands beside the palace f 
 
 Eth. Aye. 
 
 WiL. I had a grapple there to day, with 
 One of those same flies that buz around the 
 Courts of kings — milk-sop nobility ! they 
 Turn me sick to gaze u])on their parchment 
 Faces ; they'll wear bright swords to dangle at their 
 Sides, but courage want to draw them forth. 
 
 Eth. This ring {gives ring) will pass thee bye 
 unquestion'd. Knock 
 At the western door, and thou' It be promptly 
 Answer'd from within. Wil't come ? 
 
 WiL. Troth, will I ; my rags w ant patching. 
 
 Arch. Be thou prompt ; so shall thy fortune mend. 
 
 (exit Archberry and Ethelwood.) 
 
 WiL. They pointed out my hrother's mansion : 
 This Ethelwood I know, full well ; Edgar's 
 Meanest tool. I'll know your w^ork, fail I not. 
 Perhaps, they'd use me in some bloody deed ; 
 Lacking themselves the metal. Good ! excellent ! 
 Most rare sport for ye ! I look like murder. 
 Hard fortune will sometimes force us from 
 The rule of right ; 
 
 And, make a white heart, black with infamy. 
 The man of wealth, will cover with his gold 
 The stain of blood; and, drown his conscience 
 In the goblet's depth ; but, when the fume 
 
 c3 
 
30 ENGLAND'S [aCT III« 
 
 Of wine has pass'd, again it seizes on him. 
 
 I'll reflect. Reflection's wisdom, and, 
 
 Oft' tm*ns foul thoughts to great and good ones. 
 
 He, that stumbles in his own esteem, 
 
 Will never rise in others' good opinion. 
 
 Now for food. Lord Edgar thou hast wrong'd me. 
 
 Vengeance were nectar to my famish'd soul ', 
 
 And I will have it. My day dawns apace. 
 
 My sun of fortune mounts the hill of fate. 
 
 And soon will burst forth, and in glory shine, 
 
 To hght my darksome path. 
 
 (exit Wilfred.) 
 
 SCENE II. A Street. 
 
 Enter Gulberth. 
 
 GuL. So, the old man's to be call'd a prying knave. 
 No matter; I'll to the king. 
 Their treasonus plot discover. 
 Gulberth, no longer will be trod upon ; 
 Lord Edgar's very footstool have I been^ 
 And in repayment, scoff d at for my service. 
 Caird, " prating fool," and " lying knave." 
 
 (enter Wilfred, j 
 
 WiL. How now Gulberth, in the clouds ? 
 
 GuL. Ah, my kind preserver 1 a friend I lack ; 
 I'm now as poor as thou ar't, stranger : 
 But to my king, a subject true. 
 And loyal. . • 
 
 WiL. Old man, behold this purse ; it does contam 
 The miser's god — the noble statesman's honor ; 
 The throne's chief support ; and, the purchase of the 
 souL 
 
SCENE II.] IRON DAYS. 31 
 
 Gold — that gives eloquence to every tongue ; 
 Color's o'er the hue of blood ; and, lifts to fame : 
 This can make the bastard, the honorable issue 
 Of a princely race. 
 
 GuL. If my old eyes do me not injustice, 
 I see the lineaments of one, whom, I have 
 Known in happier days. 
 
 WiL. Dost remember one cold December night, 
 When the meanest reptile of the earth 
 Sought shelter from the keen and pitiless blast ; 
 The cabin of the river's bank, its roof 
 And timbers tottering with decay ? 
 GuL. I do, I do. Ah ! speak. 
 
 WiL. On that fearful niglt, two souls alone were 
 there : 
 A man, supporting in his trembling arms 
 A female, using her last breath in prayer. 
 To that God, in whose bright mansion she now 
 Dwells; she died for want of food. The man knelt 
 By the body's side — bath'd with his tears the corse 
 Then cuis'd Lord Edgar, from his inmost soul. 
 
 GuL. Ha ! How know you this ? you 
 
 WiL. I, am that man ! 
 
 GuL. It is, it is, my master's son. (kneels.) 
 WiL. To my heart, my faithful friend. 
 GuL. I have not shed a tear for many a 
 Tedious year ; now could I smile in death, 
 To lock thee thus within my arms. 
 WiL. Nay, never weep. 
 GuL. To see thee alive, 
 WiL. Better that I had died. 
 GUL. How chang'd thou art. 
 WiL. Time brina^s change with it. 
 GuL. Never will I leave thee more, my master. 
 WiL. Master ! Gulberth, that name befits me ill. 
 Why, how thy frame shakes. 
 
 GuL. My senses mock me ; it cannot be the 
 Self-same Wilfred. No, my age deceives me. 
 
 WiL. A burning sun — shipwreck and slavery, 
 Have my body much impair' d. 
 The same I am not. 
 
32 England's [act hi 
 
 GUL. And did Lord Edgar spurn thee from his 
 house. 
 
 WiL. As he would a reptile, should it cross 
 His path. 
 
 GuL. He has wrong'd thee beyond atonement. 
 
 WiL. Mark me, old man — a famish'd mother's 
 cries. 
 Drove me a beggar to his house for food ; 
 His marble heart ro prayers could melt. 
 But with a hellish smile, he proudly said, 
 " Turn forth that harlot, and her bastard son " 
 The pages of thy memory overlook, and 
 Thou'lt remember well that savage hour. 
 
 GuL. I do, indeed. 
 
 WiL. No moon, no stars, that night broke through 
 the clouds, 
 But one dark manrle enwrapp'd the earth; 
 In the unshelter'd street we stood alone. 
 Amid the raging tempest, and the falling deluge ; 
 My mother shriek' d for succour, and in my 
 Sinewey arms, to our lone hut, I bore her — 
 Where, with a prayer upon her hps, she died. 
 
 GuL. A day of woe. 
 
 WiL. May all the lingering tortures of the lost 
 Await me — may the sun ne'er rise upon 
 The busy day, but sink into oblivion — 
 May the wheels of time be clogg'd, to stop his 
 March o'er earth, and bring old chaos back again — 
 If I, not am})ly revenge my wrongs. 
 
 GuL. Just now, while busied in the house affairs, 
 I overheard, thy brother and his friends, 
 In deep conspiracy against the state. 
 
 WiL. Indeed ! 
 
 GuL. I, also, heard last night, Ethelwoodf and 
 Archberry, vow the death of a brave knight. 
 Who challeng'd Lord Edgar to the lists. 
 
 WiL. A knight say'st thou ? 
 
 GuL. A goodly one ; by name, Alaster ; one, 
 Who is betroth' d to a maid, as fair as ever 
 Knight paid homage to. 
 
SCENE II.] IRON DAYS. tS 
 
 WiL. I would know more of this conspiracy. 
 
 GUL. Ay, to rob our kin<>- of life ; I heard it in 
 The chamber where their council's held. 
 Would I had the power, and 
 Eloquence to speak, I'd make the walls 
 Of the great palace quake, but 
 
 WiL. Not here, old man, let's to concealment. 
 Fain would I know the purj)ort of thy tale. 
 
 GuL. Lord Edgar struck me Wilfred; me! who 
 had 
 Nurs'd his father. I'll not forgive him. 
 But in the moment of my heated blood, 
 I threaten'd to betray him to the king. 
 
 WiL. That was unwise, Gulberth. 
 
 GuL. But, to be beaten, like a dog ! 
 
 WiL. 'Twas cruel ; 'twas unmanly. 
 
 GuL. I have worn myself grey in his service ; 
 And tried to love him, for his father's sake. 
 
 WiL. Thou shalt be rewarded yet. 
 
 GuL. Not on earth. I have almost passed the 
 Gulf, that parts the body and the soul: 
 I feel my days are number'd. 
 
 (Falls on Wilfred's necL) 
 
 Enter Two Ruffians. 
 
 1st RuF. Which is he ? 
 
 2nd RuF. He, with the grey head; let's strike at 
 
 once. 
 1st RuF. Watch thou the beggar ; I'll silence him. 
 
 (They approach cautiously; the first Ruffian seizes 
 
 Gulberth, and throws him round, ithile the other stabs 
 
 him. The Ruffians exit immediately.) 
 
 WiL. Villi ans ! what have you done ^ 
 (Gulberth falls.) 
 Have I no weapon to revenge thee I 
 
34 ENGLAND'S [ACT III 
 
 GuL. This is Lord Edgar's work. Wilfred, 
 I am dying. 
 
 WiL. What am I changing to ; the cloud of 
 Madness settles on my brain; nor can my 
 Eyes rain tears to dispel the gloom. My blood 
 Is clotted. A clammy sweat bedews my brow ; 
 And my heart is iron, {striking Ms breast.) 
 
 GuL. Close bye there is a house, where dwells 
 A holy priest. Pray, help me there. 
 Ah ! how cold grows my blood. Gently, Wilfred. 
 
 WiL. Come, Gulberth. To the upright man 
 Death hath no terrors. 
 
 {lifts him into his arms.) 
 
 GuL. I do not fear ; long enough I've liv'd. 
 Wilfred, I lov'd thee in the cradle, I love 
 Thee now. I feel the life blood flowing from 
 My wound. Gently, to the priest, I pray. 
 
 Wilfred hears him off. 
 
 SCENE III. An Apartment in Earl Monmouth's 
 
 House. 
 
 El GIN A discovered seated. 
 
 Elg. How tedious hath passed the sable night, 
 A heavy one to me : I could not rest. 
 Night's rude disturber stole into my brain. 
 With tales of death ; my soul with fright appall'd 
 No shelter found. 
 
 What melancholy rides upon the air ? 
 My garden choristers sing not their lay 
 So sweetly, but sounds inharmonious 
 Jar upon mine ear. Where bides my father? 
 Alaster too comes not ! misboding ills 
 Creep through my heated brain and with leaden 
 Feel travel to my heart. Hark ! 
 
SCENE III.] IRON DAYS. 35 
 
 OhI inethinks in every hollow blast I 
 
 Hear my Alaster'sstep. Should he meet Lord Edgar! — 
 
 My troubl'd reason must not dwell on that, 
 
 Avaunt! the torturing sorrow! for see 
 
 My lov'd father comes. 
 
 {enter Earl Monmouth) 
 
 MoN. 3Iy Elgina ! {embraces her) 
 
 Elg {placing a chair for him) you are weary, father. 
 
 MoN. My child ! sweet as the music of the spheres, 
 Is to a father's heart the welcome voice 
 Breath'd by the darling of his age, 
 
 Elg. What tempest clouds thy brow^, it gathers o'er 
 Thy face. Return, sweet comfort to my dear 
 Father's heart, and drive pale sadness hence. Come 
 Unburthen all thy woes ; give kindlingjoy 
 Her seat again. 
 
 MoN. Since first from thy mother's arms I press'd 
 thee 
 In mine own, I have cherished thee with all 
 A father's fondness ; pray'd for thy well doing, 
 Thou hast repay'd my care by sweet smiling 
 Gratitude, and heaven-born love. The seeds of virtue, 
 Which with fostering hand, thy mother planted 
 In thy youthful mind, each day I behold, 
 Like a ripening harvest, shooting forth in bloom. 
 
 Elg. Dear father, you over-rate me much. 
 
 MoN. When I shall leave this tenement of clay. 
 To learn the mysteries of another world, 
 Let not my precepts be forgotten. 
 
 Elg. Dear father, talk not thus; wert thou away, 
 I should be, as the lost pilgrim in the 
 Sandy desert; — no helping hand to guide 
 My steps ; — no balmy voice to cheer my drooping 
 Heart; no gushing spring to quench my thirst. 
 
 MoN. In thy fair cheek I see thy mother's face ; 
 Even so she looked, oh sainttxl image ! 
 Such the placid light with which her beauty dawn'd 
 Forgive those drops of weakness my child. 
 
36 ENGLAND'S [aCT III. 
 
 Elg. Tears oft looked graceful on the manly cheek ; 
 But give me to know the cause ; if thou weep'st 
 Should not I, that am a part of thee. 
 
 MoN. Thou lov'st Alaster. ^ 
 
 Elg. I deny it not, my father. 
 
 MoN. Elgina and Alaster; names coup'ld 
 Oft by thy mother and myself. Well 
 Should nought befal him tomorrow the torch 
 Of hymen shall blaze forth, and hght ye to your joys. 
 
 Elg. Is he then in danger? 
 
 MoN. I trust not — his cause is just. 
 
 Elg. Father, thy words fall upon my heart Uke 
 Flaked ice, freezing up the currents that 
 Sustain it; I guess his jeopardy; lord 
 Edgar and Alaster — 
 
 MoN. For combat, meet in the lists. 
 
 Elg. Forbid it heaven! he will not 'scape their 
 Bloody fangs. Say he shall not go, or drive 
 Me to despair. 
 
 MoN. Not go! 
 
 Elg. He will perish. 
 
 MoN. Better to perish, than his honor should bear 
 The smallest stain, the nicest scrutiny could discover 
 
 Elg. For me he risks his life, for me he dies. 
 
 MoN. Would' St have him walk the earth the scoff of 
 man. 
 With coward branded on his brow? 
 
 Elg. {idth a hurst of enthusiasm) Not one drop of 
 coward blood dwells in his noble veins ! 
 
 MoN. In the face of all the world he must prove it so. 
 
 Elg. The lists! oh, how oft' hath thy walls echo'd 
 To the shrieks of dying knights, and to the clank 
 Of battle arms! dire extremity ! 
 
 MoN. At mid-day to-morrow is the hour appointed. 
 
 Elg. Heaven protect him ! 
 
 MoN. Thou would'st not have him basely avoid 
 the combat? 
 
 Elg. No ! by his honor ! 
 
 MoN. Think' st thou he could do so? 
 
SCENE ni.] IRON DAYS. 37 
 
 Elg. No ; he's too noble ! too ^ood, and great in soul, 
 To sink so low in shame. Truth be his 
 Lance ! his shield and buckler, virtue and honor ! 
 His umpire be his god ! 
 
 MoN. Wilt witness the combat .'' 
 
 Elg. No father ; I'll pray for his safety. 
 
 MoN. Come in daughter and calm thy fears ; his cause 
 is good, 
 
 Elg. And heaven is just 
 
 (exeaunt.) 
 
 END OF ACT III. 
 
8^ ENGLAND'S [act IV. 
 
 ACT IVth. 
 
 SCENE. I. A room in apublic house. 
 
 Wilfred disguised seated at a table on the rights the firsi 
 ruffian at table on the left. 
 
 RUF. Why dost not talk friend? 
 
 WiL, {eating) Thank you I'd rather eat. 
 
 RUF. Art not hh-ed by Lord Edgar? 
 
 Wit, True; I receive his hire, and serve him. 
 
 RuF. He is rich, and may be^^ — 
 
 WiL. {in a low voice) Our King. 
 
 RuF. {starting) Hush ! What you are one of u*f 
 
 WiL. I am myself and act with my best skill 
 For mine own interest and country's honor. 
 
 RuF. That's right ; spoken well ; take thou a sip of 
 My cup. {offering it.) 
 
 WiL. No; I'd rather drink water. 
 
 RuF. Why? 
 
 WiL. I'd have my brain clear. I have work to do. 
 
 RuF. I can guess it. 
 
 WiL. Perhaps not. 
 
 RuF. An order to murder Alaster. 
 
 WiL. Thou hast much penetration. 
 
 RuF. I have work myself that tends that way. 
 
 Wli. W hat— To let out a life ? 
 
 RuF. Yes ; but I'm used to it. 
 
 Wii. Whose life? 
 
 RUF. Come closer, and I'll tell thee. 
 
 {they rise from their seats and go forward.) 
 
 WiL. Now tell me : I may help thee, perchance, 
 
 RUF. Lord Edgar's brother is the man I mean, 
 He has return'd from some far distant land. 
 
SCENE I.] IRON DAYS. S9 
 
 WiL. Wliat, the bastard ? 
 RuF. Even he. 
 
 WiL. Dost know liim ? 
 
 RuF. I saw him last night. 
 
 WiL. Where? 
 
 RuF. With an old man, nam'dGulberth who's breath 
 Is stopp'd for ever. 
 
 WiL. What was the old man's crime? 
 
 RuF. He threatened to betray the conspiracy. 
 
 W^iL. Ha, indeed ! 
 
 RuF. And Lord Edgar deem'd it best to have him 
 Silenc'd, and so honor'd me with the job. 
 
 WiL. But art sure 'twas Lord Edgar's brother thou 
 Saw'st. 
 
 RuF. Why I judge from the rags which cover'd him 
 When I describ'd the man. Lord Edgar vow'd 
 Twas he, and gave an instant order for his death. 
 
 Wii. Thou had' St better seek him out, or he may 
 Evade thy neghgence. 
 
 RuF. If he escape my dagger he deserves to 
 Pass unharm'd. Alaster you will— 
 
 WiL. Finish. I've whet my dagger for the purpose. 
 
 RuF. Ha ! ha ! Earl Monmouth will have to find a 
 Champion, for his son. 
 
 WiL. It will be rare sport. 
 
 RuF. And, who in England shall meet Lord Edgar? 
 Well, good bye ; and to night we meet. 
 
 WiL. Close by the palace. 
 
 RuF. Good. (exit.) 
 
 WiL. Oh, murd'rous wretch ! though not so bad 
 As that arch-fiend, my brother. 
 Brother ! no, no, I will not call him so. 
 Outcast as I am ; with all my misery, 
 I would not change the throbbings of my heart — 
 My bed of straw — my water — and stale crust 
 To be Lord Edgar, ten times o'er ; with that 
 Stupendous load, a guilty conscience. 
 Let me my instructions examine straight. 
 
 (takes out letter) 
 
 d2 
 
4d ENGLAND'S [acT IX. 
 
 'Twill do — 'twill. — Lei fall thy sable curtains night. 
 
 My soul for action is madly thirsty ; 
 
 To do that deed will guild my bastard name ; 
 
 A deed shall cover earth, and reach remotest time. 
 
 Hell's dark agents their torches flash, that soon 
 
 Shall light them to their ruin. My gleeful 
 
 Heart is glad. Now to the King ; and then for 
 
 Alaster. Heart be still ! tremble Edgar 
 
 At the thunder of thy fall ; thy cloud is 
 
 Charg'd with bolts that soon will burst to crush thee. 
 
 {rushes off.) 
 
 SCENE II. Lord Edgar's House, 
 enter Lord Edgar, Ethelwood, and Archbury- 
 
 Edg. Gulberth's dead ? 
 
 Ethel. Ay my Lord. 
 
 Edg. Poor fellow ! I pity him ; but 'twas the 
 Only way to give silence to his tongue. 
 
 But Alaster — 
 
 Ethel. Doubt not, my Lord he'll soon be with 
 him 
 Archbury and myself, by seeming accident 
 Will encounter him on his way from court ; 
 When this said ruffian shall despatch him. 
 
 Arch. Alaster not appearing in the lists 
 May breed suspicion. 
 
 Edg. No, 'twill be thought cowardice alone in him. 
 And more exalt my interest, which will 
 Gain ground apace. 
 
 Ethel. The issue is fast drawing on 
 
 Edg. Go now, good friends, and oversee thena 
 I shall sup to night at the Palace, with 
 Some of our friends of the court. 
 
II 
 
 SCENE II.] IRON DAYS. 
 
 Ethel. We will. 
 
 Edg. My Ibliowers to-morrow shall be at 
 The palace, and to give a coloring 
 Shall join with Monmouth. 
 
 Ethel. We will in all things most discreetly act. 
 
 Edg. Farewell, then, to hoth of ye. Fortune be 
 Your speed ! my soul is gloomy till I know 
 The sequel of this night's dark business. 
 
 (exit Ethelwood and Archbury.) 
 
 'Spite of my hopes fear rests upon my heart 
 With the weight of iron. Oh ! for the days 
 Again, when dreams ne'er troubl'd my aching 
 Brain. I feel I am a very coward ; 
 Nor can I help despising the thing I am. 
 My father bade me as life pass'd from him, 
 Ne'er to forget Wilfred was his son ; and 
 To hold him in my love, as though he were 
 In truth my father's twin-born child ; and, as 
 I took the oath, my father, with a smile 
 Upon his lips expir'd. Oli, cursed pride ! 
 How vile and base thy purchase and, thou black 
 Ambition ! groveling appetite, how dost 
 Thou cringe and stoop ! 
 
 {enfer Elgin a veiled.) 
 
 Elg. Lord Edgar, my presumption pardon. 
 (throws aside her veil.) 
 
 Edg. Elgina ! can it be ! thou art welcome, 
 As the returning orb of day to the 
 Dew-cover'd hill's ; and, thus at thy feet, let 
 Me kneel in admiration of thy charms. 
 
 Elg. Lord Edgar without my father's sanction 
 I am come ; so rise and hear my words. 
 
 Edg. Speak on: my every sense attends thee. 
 
 Elg. There is a feud between Alaster and 
 Thyself — A deadly one. Thou hast wronged him. 
 
 Edg. Wronged him ! 'Tis well thou art a womaa 
 d3 
 
42 England's [act it. 
 
 Elg. There is an awful hour which all do wish 
 Bright and joj ous — quiet and undisturb'd — 
 No care no dejected passions to cloud 
 The mind — And that is when we die. The clock 
 Of death to the wicked man, is awful 
 In its sound, for it rings the knell of a 
 Soul, gone to answer to that tribunal, 
 For deeds done in its tenement of clay. ! 
 To the righteous man, the peal is like a 
 Mother's lullaby to her dear infant 
 Gliding into the sweet arms of slumber. 
 Let virtue halo thy closing days 
 
 Edg. Elgina, what mean'st thou ? what would'st 
 thou infer f 
 
 ElG. If ^hou dost wish to live in good men's 
 Thoughts, or live beyond the grave ; confess thy 
 Fault ; and, Alaster meet not in the lists. 
 
 Edg. Ha ! dost thou plead for him ! 
 
 Elg. If thou dost basely slay him ; conscience. 
 In a thousand fiend-like forms, will tear thy 
 guilty breast. 
 Edg. The stings of conscience have no point for 
 Me : I have a heart can brave 'em. 
 
 Elg. Alaster sav'd thy life. 
 
 Edg. Who told thee that ? 
 
 Elg Did he not Lord Edgar ? 
 
 Edg. Granted. But, did Alaster, send thee here 
 That in return, I should forego the combat ? 
 
 Elg. He'd scarce humiliate so low. 
 
 Edg. He is my rival in love. 
 
 Elg. Thy rival ! 
 
 Edg. In thy heart. 
 
 Elg. In my heart, thou ne'er did'st hold a place ; 
 Alaster, the gallant brave Alaster, 
 I shame not to own it, reigns there alone ; 
 Nor can all the tales Hell's minister ere 
 Forg'd dethrone him of his sceptre and his crown. 
 
 Edg. {sarcasticly) Indeed ! 
 
 Elg. I ask of thee justice. 
 
 Edg. Then know I hate that boy, thy minion ; 
 
SCENE III.] IRON DAYS. 43 
 
 He has wron<^ed luc woman ; I seek amends : 
 Be thou assured of this ; I will not spare 
 His dastard lite ; should fortune favor me, 
 His every groan will he nuisic to mine ear, 
 
 Elg. Gnih was ever cowardly. I'll plead with the<) 
 No more. Fare thee well, great lord ; and learn to 
 Know, how a woman can despise thee 
 
 {exit.) 
 
 Edg. Go, proud maid, thy words affect me not ; wait 
 Till to-morrow ; then in very agony 
 Wring thy hands ; and, in vain, for Alaster call. 
 Then comes my triumph. Ha ! ha ! ha ! vengeance 
 My wounded honor hest will heal. (exit.) 
 
 SCENE III. Alaster's House. Table on which is a full 
 suit of Armour. 
 
 Stranburg and Edwerth, discovered. 
 
 Stran. Well, there's my master's armour and his 
 sword burnished and polished with my greatest skill. 
 
 Edw. That's good sound gear, and 'twill take a hard 
 blow to pierce it, I trow. 
 
 Stran. Faith will it ; and abetter man, to my mind, 
 than Lord Edgar ; for all his upstart wealth and great- 
 ness. But the morrow will give proof. 
 
 Edw. That mail hath had many a dint I see. 
 
 Stran. Ay ; in the wars it hath done service. 
 
 Edw. Did' St ever try thy fortune with the sword ? 
 
 Stran. Not I ; faith I've no stomach for such sport ; 
 *tis dangerous in the extreme to play with such sharp in- 
 struments. I like it not. Let me rather die in comfort 
 upon my bed, with a Priest by my pillow, and friends. 
 
 Edw. Wisely spoken Stranburg ; yet should some 
 knave do thee a great wrong ; how would' st thou act ^ 
 
44 England's [act iv. 
 
 Stran. I'd knock him down, if T could; if not, why, 
 by my beard, 1 should have to bear it ; I know no other 
 way. 
 
 Edw. Ha ! ha ! ha ! a meak and quiet course. 
 
 Stran. If I should kill him, I could not eat him ; 
 besides, I would prefer a conscience unstained with 
 blood ; then should I sleep without the dreams that trou- 
 bles those who have the blood of mortals on their souls. 
 Bad ghosts appear I'm told, and horrible shrieks are 
 heard ;for I most solemnly and reverentially believe, that 
 spirits walk abroad at night and do much mischief to 
 those guilty souls. 
 
 Edw. I never saw anything to fright me, save 
 things of earth. 
 
 Stran. Nor I, nor I, but then 'tis certain such spirits 
 are full oft around us bringing misfortune. I would 
 not see a ghost — (a kiiock.) the holy saints preserve 
 me ! {affrigJded) 
 
 Edw. Tis only our master. {opeiis door.) 
 
 (enter Alaster.) 
 
 Ala. Are all my orders executed ? 
 
 Stran. I have done as thou did'st bid me. 
 
 Ala. That's right my good fellow. What's the 
 hour ? 
 
 Stran. It lacks of the curfew. 
 
 Ala. I am ordered to the palace ; go, thou, to the 
 Earl Monmouth, and say, by time in the morning I will 
 be with him. 
 
 Stran. I shall obey you. 
 
 Ala. And at earliest dawn I must be awoke. Now 
 leave me to myself. 
 
 {exit Stranburg and Edwerth.) 
 
 Ala. (pacing the apartment.) 
 
 In my breast I feel the smiling God of 
 Love supremely reigns alone ; his voice, more 
 Eloquent than all beside; would talk me 
 From the business ofto-morrow; I must 
 
SCENE III.] IRON DAYS 45 
 
 Close my hearing ; bring- honor to oppose. 
 
 Shoidd I fall ; behind 1 leiive, with Edgar's 
 
 Slander, a reputation blotted o'er. 
 
 He loves Elgina. Madness and horror ! 
 
 Jealousy, thou fiercer fiend than liell itself, 
 
 Can show, avaunt thee from my breast ! 
 
 My bark is launch'd let honor pilot thee. 
 
 (^ome, balmy slumber, calm this warring tempest 
 
 Of conllicting passions. 
 
 (enter Wilfred.) 
 
 Kb ! who art thou ^ 
 
 WiL. A simple harmless man. 
 
 Ala. How cam'st thou in ? 
 
 WiL. I found thy door unclos'd. 
 
 Ala. Did' St dodge me home .'' 
 
 WiL. I did. 
 
 Ala. For what ? 
 
 Wn,. To serve thee. 
 
 Ala. How ? 
 
 Wil. You must not fight Lord Edgar. 
 
 Ala. Must not ! 
 
 Wil. Shall not. He may kill thee. 
 
 Ala. What then ? 
 
 Wil. The work' could better spare his lordship. 
 
 Ala. What papers hold'st thou in thy hand ? 
 
 Wil. An order for thy death. 
 
 Ala. Villian ! 
 
 Wil. I've been call'd that name before. 
 
 Ala. Ruffian ! 
 
 Wil. And that too. (skives paper) Read that. 
 
 Ala. (after reading) 'Tis sign'd — 
 
 Wil. Lord Edgar. 
 
 Ala. 'Tis, by heaven ! 
 
 Wil. Say rather, by hell, for he is its 
 
 primest minister. 
 
 Ala. Murderous fiend ! 
 
 Wil. My opinion, well express'd. 
 
 Ar.A. Oh, the monster ! 
 
 Wil. You must not meet him in the fists. 
 
 A A. Not meet him! What power shall stay me f 
 
46 ENGLAND*S [aCT IT* 
 
 WiL. The King's command. Read, {gives order) 
 
 Ala. (reading.) *'Act thou, Alaster, as this gentle- 
 man the bearer of this command, shall direct ; so shall 
 thou win my favor and exalt thyself." 
 
 WiL. As you read "gentleman," F marked a emil© 
 Upon your lips. 
 
 Ala. Your pardon sir. 'Tis the King's hand. 
 
 WiL. Ruffian garb ill suits my present office ; 
 A cloak is often used to cover vice, 
 Yet thus am I disguised in virtue's cause. 
 
 Ala. What dost wish ? 
 
 WiL. That suit of mail. 
 
 Ala. For what ? 
 
 WiL. At fitter time I'll tell thee. 
 
 Ala. I cannot fathom thee. 
 
 WiL. Come, go with me, and thou shalt learn, anon, 
 Things strange, come, buckle on thy sword ; and in 
 Return I'll take thy armour. 
 
 Ala. I am bound to obey his Majesty. 
 
 WiL. Thou art a good and loyal subject friend; 
 And of a nature generous, frank, and open, 
 Of some experience, and I'm told of courage; 
 Courage that constitutes a fearless heart, 
 And a prudent one ; you measure the depths 
 Before descending downwards, do you not f 
 Be thou, of that mould ; thou wilt gain by it 
 The approving suiile of thy lady love. 
 And Monmouth's approbation thy reward. 
 
 Ala. For what ? 
 
 WiL. For that, thou now" art going to do. Take 
 Thy sword. (Gives it him.) 
 AlA. But — 
 
 WiL. Come, I'll tell thee as we pass the harbour. 
 Why pause t it is the King's command, come on. 
 
 exit Wilfred and Alaster. 
 
SCENE IV.] 
 
 IRON DAYS, 
 
 47 
 
 SCENE. IV. Stage dark; the exterior of a ruined 
 Monastery, 
 
 enter Archberry and Ethelwood. 
 
 Arch. 
 Ethel. 
 Arch. 
 Ethel. 
 Arch. 
 Palace. 
 
 The night is dark and stormy. 
 
 'Twill suit our purpose better. 
 That ruffian has not yet arriv'd. 
 
 Should Alaster take some other road. 
 He will not, this leads direct into the 
 
 (curfew hell tolls.) 
 enter Wilfred. 
 
 Ethel. Who passes there ? 
 
 WiL. Your tool, my masters. 
 
 Ethel. Thou art just in time. 
 
 WiL. 1 know it ; he comes ; e'en now I marked hi« 
 Track ; in moody melancholy absorb'd, 
 This way he bends his steps. 
 
 Ethel. Strike thou sure. 
 
 WiL. Ne'er fear me, stay, give me a sword. 
 
 Ethel. Take mine. (gives his sword.) 
 
 Arch. I will advance and hold him in converse, 
 While thou canst creep behind. 
 
 WiL. Good ! good ! he comes. 
 
 Alaster enters. 
 
 Arch. What's he that comes ? 
 Ala. a man. 
 
 WiL. What villian man art thou ? 
 Arch. Now, strike! 
 
48 England's [actiy. 
 
 Wilfred seizes Archherry, whom he disarms and throws 
 to the ground ; while Alaster overcomes Ethelwood. 
 
 WiL. Now villians tremble. 
 
 Ethel. Ruffian' wretch! 
 
 Arch. Devil ! devil ! 
 
 Wir. Caught in your own snare. Ha ! ha ! ha ! 
 
 Ala. What Ethelwood and Sir Walter Archberry, 
 Lord Edgar's hired ruffians ! 
 
 WiL. No, traitors ! that 'sthe word ; traitors! ha ! ha ' 
 You would be great, yet lack the soul of men ; 
 Your base confed'rates, all are in my power ; 
 AH, even Lord Edgar, your would-be kingly master. 
 Baffl'd ! baffl'd ! onward, traitors, onward 
 To the palace. Attempt to fly, you die. 
 
 They go off; Ethelwood and Archberry guarded. 
 
 END OF THE FOURTH ACT. 
 
SCENE I.] IRON DAYS. 49 
 
 ACT. V. 
 
 SCENE. I. A street near the lists ; people crossing 
 from left to right, 
 
 enter Stranburg and Epwerth. 
 
 Stran. I tell thee, Edworth, I am ill at ease ; 
 At earliest davvii lie hade me call him ; 
 And long before the crowing of the cock 
 I was prepar'd for laboiu*. 
 ::^ Edw. Me surely, came not home : 
 Was not his armour sent for to the palace ; 
 He'll be in the lists ; fear not. 
 
 Stran. The Earl seem'd much amaz'd when for 
 Alaster he enquir'd. 
 
 Edw. I noted on his brow a frown. 
 
 {trumpet sounds.) 
 
 Stran. They are coming, I see the king. 
 
 Edw. Among'st the noble throng I see Lord Edgar, 
 
 Stran. Can'st seethe Earl? 
 
 Edw. Yes ; I see him now, he is behind. 
 
 Enter, in procession: First, — Knights, bearing battle 
 axes, shields, and spears ; secondly, — herald and 
 trumpeter; after which, the king and noblemen; then, 
 Lord Edgar, completely armed, two esquires, bearing 
 sword and shield; Earl Monmouth, next; and, 
 following in procession, men, women, and children. 
 
 Stran. Alaster is not here ? 
 
 E 
 
50 England's [act 
 
 Edw. 'Tis very strange ! should he not come ! 
 
 Stran* If at the third sounding of the brazen 
 Clarion, he appears not, his disgrace 
 Is seal'd, for ever ; unless indeed, 
 A champion of noble blood, to sustain 
 His cause appears. 
 
 Edw. See, the lists they enter ; and crowded 
 Galleries await the issue of the combat : 
 Shall we on f 
 
 Stran. With all my heart. 
 
 exit Strcmburg and Edwerth, 
 
 SCENE II. The lists: the galleries crowded ; kiitg in 
 the centr^^ with Grand Marshal ; Lord Edgar, and 
 friends (m left ; Lord Monmouth rni right. 
 
 King. When nobles disagree, there is a remedy ; ' 
 The lists ; the sword, the helmet, and the shield ; 
 Where meeting man to man, you may amend 
 Your wrong. This is our law ; England allows 
 A custom long establish'd. {confers ivith Grand Marshal.) 
 
 MoN. (aside) Impatience hath turned me sick ; 
 L tremble 
 Like a ghost affrighted child. Alaster, 
 Where art thou ? dishonor cries not here. 
 What's to be done ? 
 
 Edg. (aside) Ethelwood and Archberry come not ; 
 No matter, they sent me proof the deed 
 Was done (aloud.) 
 Your Majesty, the hour is nigh. 
 
 MoN. Not yet, look to the dial. 
 
 King. Is Alaster still missing f 
 
 Edg. He hath not yet appear'd, my liege ; 
 Methinks the challenger is somewhat tardy 
 To lag so coward like behind. 
 
*('1:.M: 11.] IRON DAYS. 51 
 
 Moi\. Doubt not Lord Edi^ar, but Alaster, 
 Will a ready champion find. 
 
 Edg. Ha ! In whom ? 
 
 MoN. In mc, thou boasting Lord. 
 
 Edg. Thy wither'd hand had better grasp the 
 Distaff than the sword. 
 
 MoN. Ha ! dost dare to try it ? 
 
 King. Forbear, gentlemen, forbear ; we will not 
 Have thee wrangle in our presence. 
 Herald, let the trumpet sound. 
 
 {Trumpet sounds.) 
 Edg. {aside) This indeed is triumph ; 'twill 
 exalt me 
 High in power, and to-morrow I seize 
 Upon the throne. Heart restrain thy transports, 
 'Till sceptre, crown and princely robes adorn thee 
 Ay, ere to-morrow's sun shall on yon palace shine 
 My dagger's point shall pierce thy heart, great king. 
 
 King. Sound the second trumpet. 
 \Trwnpet sounds.) 
 
 Edg. Thy trumpet cannot wake the senseless dead. 
 Sound on till doomsday. 
 
 King. No answer yet. 
 
 MoN. So please your Majesty, one trumpet 
 Yet remains to sound. 
 
 Edg. Give me my sword and shield. 
 
 (takes them.) 
 
 Now Alaster, come forth ; or dishonor. 
 Shame, and infamy light on you. 
 
 King. Sound the third and last trumpet. 
 
 {Trumpet.) 
 The challenge is answered on the instant ; a general shout, 
 as a Knight in complete armour rushes on, and confronts 
 Lord Edgar, who starts bnck astounded. 
 Edg. Still alive ! But one chance is left. 
 Music, the Knight kneels to the King, bows to the Assembly ; 
 then embraces Earl Monmouth. 
 
 Trumpets arid Kettle Drums. 
 . e2 
 
^ England's [act v. 
 
 Tliey fight. After a feiD passes, they cross swords and 
 struggle for a moment ; then renew the combat with 
 redouhled vigour ; Lord 'Edgar is disarmed, and falls 
 upon his knees ; the Knight places his foot upon him. 
 The King rises and interferes. 
 
 King. Save his life. 
 
 {shouts.) Long live Alaster ! 
 
 King. Lord Edgar, thou art vanquished. 
 
 Edg. I do confess. 
 
 Knight. Dost know me Edgar ? 
 
 {jmts upvizm:) 
 
 Edg. Wilfred ! 
 
 WiL. Thy brother. 
 
 Edg. Curses on curses light upon thee. 
 
 WiL. Edgar, dishonor lights on thee. 
 
 MoN. I am amazed ! 
 
 King. Lord Edgar, and Wilfred brothers'^; I must 
 Know more of this. Come follow to the palace. • 
 I have a secret worth your hearing. 
 
 (Flourish.) 
 
 (As they retire up scene closes them in.) 
 
 SCENE, in. (Outside of the lists.) 
 Enter Stranburg, and Edwerth. 
 
 Stran. Well, wonders will never cease. Lord Ed- 
 gar's brother returned whom all the world thought dead. 
 
 Edw. Alaster's champion too. 
 
 Stran. It is a riddle I cannot solve, though I put my 
 best discretion into action. Where can Alaster be ? 
 
 Edw. That's the mystery I fain would know, but 
 cannot solve. 
 
 Stran. What maiden is this coming towards us ? 
 
 Edw. I know not. 
 
SCENE III.] IRON DAYS. 53 
 
 Stran. By my troth, 'tis Earl Monmouth's daughter. 
 enter Elgina. 
 
 Elg. {eagerly) Speak, the combat — 
 
 Stran. Is over. 
 
 Elg. Lord Edgar. — 
 
 Stran. Was beaten. 
 
 E L(j. (Falling on her knees.) 
 Ye ministers of goodness accept my thanks ! 
 Where is he ^ where is the proud champion ! 
 Oh ! let me press my husband to my heart, 
 That is on wing to seek him. 
 
 Stran. Lady, Alaster was not in the lists. 
 
 Elg. I understand thee not. 
 
 Stran. A champion came. 
 
 Elg. a champion ! 
 
 Stran. Alaster, since yesterday, hath not been seen. 
 
 Elg. Stay thy clamorous croaking, evil omen'd bird; 
 Thy discordant tongue hath broke the music 
 String, that tuned my gleeful soul. Alaster 
 Not there ; then were my dreams last night prophetic ; 
 That fearful vision, that made my eye-balls start, 
 My heated blood stand still, and throb convulsive, 
 Shaking my trembling heart ; they have slain him ; 
 All night his shrieks wrung in my aching ears. 
 
 (Enter Earl Monmouth.^ 
 
 MoN. My child! * 
 
 Elg. Where is my husband ? where is Alaster t 
 
 MoN. Be not alarmed, Elgina. 
 
 Elg. Thoughts of horror crowd my mind ; last night 
 He came not, as he was wont; not e'en to 
 Say, farewell ; my troubl'd reason is 
 Toss'd by a tempest of conflicting thoughts. 
 Father, father, they have murder'd him. 
 
 MoN. Be not alarmed, the King's inform'd me 
 all was well. 
 And bade me bring thee quick to court, mv child. 
 
 e3 
 
54 ENGLAi^D'S [act V. 
 
 Elg. Lead, father, to the earth's extremest verge, 
 To find my soul's ador'd one. 
 
 {Exit Monmouth and Elgina.) 
 
 Stran. I'll lay thee a wager, friend Edwerth. 
 
 Edw. About what ? 
 
 S TRAN. That the King had a hand in this business. 
 
 Edw. Why dost judge so ? 
 
 Stran. I have some penetration, and take 
 Good heed, of all I see and hear : 
 So let us follow on behind ; some further 
 Information may we gain. 
 
 (Exit Stranburg and Edwerth.^ 
 
 SCENE THE LAST. A Prism. 
 
 Ethelwood, Archberry, Caswaller, and two Ruffian.^ 
 discovered , chained to the pillars in the hackgroumi. 
 
 Ethel. Shall we petition to the King ? 
 
 Arch. I fear it will be useless. 
 
 Ethel. These galling chains cut into my flesh. 
 
 2d. RuF. Custom is every thing. Now I have been 
 a resident in every dungeon in the kingdom ; and dont 
 feel perfectly well dressed without them. 
 
 Enter Wilfred and Lord Edgar. 
 Edgar in chains. 
 
 WiL. Now, brother, behold. 
 Edg. What do I see? . 
 
 WiL. The King dost know thy treason and thy deeds ; 
 Thy partizan's have lost their venom'd stings,. 
 
SCENE IV.] IRON DAYS. 55 
 
 Alul thy proud ambition, that soar'd so high, 
 
 Hath met a mighty tall ; look there, behold ; 
 
 The walls of this dark dungeon, alone can 
 
 Echo to their loud cries for vengeance. 
 
 Mad with despair, behold their sunken cheeks ; 
 
 Their eyes tvith boiling tears made red ; 
 
 Arms borne down with weight of fetters. 
 
 What heart will grieve for their distress, or mourn 
 
 The traitor's doom ? These are the heads of 
 
 That fierce band ; who, if uncheck'd 
 
 Had deluged this tair empire^ with the blood 
 
 Of innocence. Edgar, thou would'st have made 
 
 England's court, a horde for very cut-throats ; 
 
 A sink for all polution. Thou art foil'd ; 
 
 Yet 'tis justice, Edgar, thou hast wTong'd me ; 
 
 But, even now, my heart rejoices not. 
 
 But bleeds in every vein, huge drops of sorrow. 
 
 Edg. Villian ! with my last breath I'll curse thee. 
 
 Wii.. Can'st thou bear the gaze, the pitiless gaze • 
 Of that assembly, whom to-morrow. 
 Before the sun shall glide down the hill of 
 [leaven, w ill view with mockery the last 
 Throes of thy attainted soul. Poor Gulberth ! 
 Alaster too ! cowardice and murder jointly 
 Seal'd his doom. 
 
 Edg. Think'st thou, drivelling foolj thy words 
 appal me .'* 
 No, bastard, I defy thee, and thy King ; 
 And am prepar'd to suffer for my crimes. 
 
 Ethel. Our fearful peril, congeals my blood. 
 
 Arch. All hope is lost ! 
 
 WiL I scorn to triumph over fallen foes : 
 And look with pity on you. 
 
 Ethel. Plead then for our lives. 
 
 WiL. Would that be justice ? 
 
 Edg. Seek not to conciliate the bastard. 
 
 WiL. But for thee, 1 had stalk'd thro' life in base 
 Disguise ; but, with re|)eated wrongs, my sou! 
 Stood forth ; resolved her functions to assert : 
 Her power unfold: leap'd from her narroAV 
 
r>f) England's [act v. 
 
 iNest, with wings expanded — plume uprais'd ; 
 (yaught in her talons, the savage vulture, 
 And stopp'd his rapid flight. 
 
 Edg. No more of this. 
 
 WiL. Commanding suits not well thy shackl'd limb*. 
 Wliat, ho ! within there ! 
 
 Enter Jailor. 
 
 Bear these traitors to another celK 
 Jailor. I shall obey you. 
 
 (retires up mid takes offchahis.) 
 
 WlL. Edgar, Gulberth died in these arms, you sliould 
 Have cherish'd him for our dear father's sake ; 
 Why did'st murder him ? 
 
 Edg. I will not answer. 
 
 WiL. Well may'st thou blanch and tremble; 
 That deed, on hell's dark register, accursed stands, 
 And fiends, with wonder, read the horrid tale. 
 
 ( The Jailor has by this time unchained the Conspirators, 
 and brings them down. 
 
 WiL. Lord Edgar remains with me. 
 
 They all go off but Wilfred and Edgar. 
 
 Brother, now we are alone, I fain would 
 Ask, what action in my life, occasion'd thee 
 To hold me up to infamy and shame. 
 In childhood we lov'd ; as our boyish days passed on, 
 Each hour, our affection grew, 
 In the same bed we slumber'd, at the same 
 Board we feasted, hand in hand we rang'd the 
 Field, and cuU'd the wild sweet flowers ; 
 And a thousand sportive tricks for pastime ; 
 Those were happy days ; I have dreamt of them, 
 When on my bed of leaves, my head pillow'd 
 By a tree, and seas divided us. 
 Edg. (aside.) I feel his power. 
 
 3477-51 
 
SCENE IV.] IRON DAYS. 57 
 
 WiL. I resign'd my claim unto my father's 
 Large domain, but to obtain thy love ; you 
 Robb'd me e'en of that ; and to my injur'd mother, 
 Denied a crust of bread. Upon her grave, 
 Edgar, I swore to be reveng'd. 
 
 Edg. No more ; I'll close my ears : already, the 
 Fiends howl to receive my perjur'd soul. 
 
 WiL. Edgar, listen to me. 
 
 Enter King, Earl Monmouth, and Ei.gina, and 
 remain at back. 
 
 Edg. Torture me not. 
 
 WiL. Edgar thou art free ; here is thy pardon. 
 
 prodiices paper.) 
 
 Edg (Taking it) Hast thou done this ? 
 WiL. Give me thy hand. 
 Edg. 'Tis stain'd with blood; strike thy 
 weapon here, 
 Into my guilty breast, and, so revenge thy wrongs. 
 WiL. A dagger would not purify that mansion. 
 Edg. {Draws poignard) May heaven forgive me ! 
 
 (Stabs himself.) 
 King, Earl Monmouth and Elgina rush down as Edgar 
 
 jails. 
 King. Hold ! what hast thou done, rash man! 
 WiL. 'Tis too late. 
 
 Edg. {Seeing Elgina.) Lady, I kill'd Alaster; but — 
 WiL. No he lives ; come forth, Alaster. 
 
 {Enter Alaster.) 
 
 Edg. Alive ! my soul is lighter by a crime. 
 
 Elg. My Alaster, safe ! {Goes to him.) 
 
 Edg. Wilfred, forgive mc. 
 
 WiL. My brothf'r Edgar ; from my soul I do. 
 
 Edg. I soon shall know the worst. 
 
 WiL. May heaven have mercy on thy soul! 
 
 {Edgar Dies.) 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 

 
 
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