No. LXXXVII. MODERN STANDARD DRAMA EDITED BY F. C. WEMYSS. ROB ROY IACGREGOR; OK, "AULD LANG SYNE." 2ln ©peratic |Jlag, IN THREE ACTS. \ BY 1. VQCO^K. gfi* 4 For why 7 BecadseTme good ftjrffcrula Sufficeth them; \he simple plan That they should takeN^ho have thigpft^r And they should keep Wordsworth. NEW YORK : WM. TAYLOR & CO. (S. FRENCH, GENERAL AGENT,) 151 Nassau-Street, cobner of Spruce. CAST OF CHARACTERS. Cerent Garden, Sir Frederick Vernon . Bash/eigh Osba distone Francis Osbaldistone . Air. Owen .... Captain Thornton . . Major Galbraith . . Bob Roy Margregor ) Campbell . . $ Bailie Nicol Jarvie . . Dnngal MacStuart Ai'an MaeVittie . . . . Lancie Wing field . . Jobson Saunders Wylie . . . Andretc Fairservice 1818. Mr. Egcrton. « Abbot ♦' Sinclair. " BUnchard. " Connor. " Taylor. " Macready. " Liston. " Tokely. •' Comer. " Norris. 11 Atkins. " Heath. " Simmons. •• Penn. - Treby. Willie . Serjeant Corporal Bam ish Covent Garden, 1819. Mr. Goodwin " Gran: " Ryall. Suiton. Bobert Master Parsloc. Highlanders. Travelers, Lennox Troop- ers. English Soldiers, $c. Diana Vernon Alar t ha .... Mattie . . Jf-on Ale Alpine . Hostess . . . . Katty .... Helen Afacgregor Miss Stephens. ' '• Green. Mrs. Sterling. Miss Loean. Mrs. Coa'ea. " Bishop. " Egerton. Time in Representation— Tu-o Hours and Fifteen Minutes. C O STUM E S . SIR FREDERICK.— First dress : Dark shape and breastplate, ringlet wig, and boots. Second dress : Riding eloak, square-cut coat, short sleeves, large cuffs showing shirt-sleeves, and ruffles, long waist- coat, flaps nearly as long as the coat skirt, trunk breeches, boots, full ringlet wig, cravat with lace ends, sword with very broad belt, broad-brimmed hat with flat feathers, gauntlets. FRANcfs GH ' | Same s{ y ]e > but varied in color ' JOBSON" I ^ a,n Presses of the same period, shoes, and buckles. CAPTAIN THORNTON —Red square coat with lace, steel breast- plate, broad sword belt, sword, boots, ribbons at shoulders, hat and feathers, gauntlets, and large sash round waist. MAJOR.— Ibid. Soldiers.— Square red coats, long gaiters. MACSTUART.— Full Highland military costume, red & green plaid. ROB ROY. — First dress : Full-skirted dark coat, long waistcoat, belt, trunk breeches, boots, broad-brimmed felt hat, no feathers, overcoat. Second dress: Full highland costume, red and black plaid, red hair, deer-skin shoes and buckles, bonnet, and eagle feather. DOUGAL. — First dress: Grey plaid dress. Second dress: Macgre- gor tartan. HELEN. — Dark woollen dress, Macgregor plaid scarf, bonnet and feather, buff belt, pistols and claymore, shield, d^er-skin shoes. DIANA. — First dress: Plaid silk open dress, high-heeled shoes and broad bows, short full sleeves, lace ruffles. Second dress: Black silk hooded mantilla. MATTIE. — Woollen dress, grey stockings, high-heeled shoes, plaid for wrapper. The Highlanders, male and female, in plain dresses, without ribbons or silks. R. means Right; L. Left; R. D. Right Door; L. D. Left Door; S. E. Second Entrance ; TJ. E. Upper Entrance ; M. D. Middle Door. C. Centre; R. C Right of Centre; L. C. Left of Centre. ROB ROY. ACT L Scene I. — T/ie interior of a Village Inn. — Travellers prepa- ring to set forward on their journey ; Host and Hostess attending them. GLEE. Soon the sun will gae to rest, Let's awa' thegither; Company is aye the best, Crossing o'er the heather. Tak' each lad his stirrup-cup, His heart will feel the lighter, Tak' each lass a wee bit sup, Her e'e will sparkle brighter. Solo.— Bold Rob Roy, the Southrons say, Is now upon the border ; Should he meet wi' us the day, 'Twad breed a sad disorder. Chorus. . .Soon the sun, &c. iZog^_B rawly sung, my maisters, brawly sung ! I l wish ye a^saje harae, l'or ye re am sakes, an' a quick return for mine^ fHere, w7ie7~gi*g' uur fiien's their stirrup-cup, while I rub down \jie table. — I wish you a' gude e'en, frien's. ^ExeiZnz Travellers, d in ?. — Odd ! there are twa mair travellers just alighting. — Wba'd hae thought o' mair company at the Thistle an' Bagpipes sae late i' the day. But wha wi' Whigs and Tories. Jacobites an' Bob Roy. we in the North here drive a bonny trade o't. 4 ROB ROY. [Act. 1 Enter Campbell, dressed like a north-country grader ; and Mr. Owen, in a plain, brown suit, boots, a tchip, &c, shown in by Wille, d in P. Willie. Travellers to ijlasco', maister. Camp. Landlord, let us have your best, and quickly too. Host Troth will I. Sir ; ye'll be for a dram, nae doubt, till we can toss up some thing het for yer late dinner. [Exit b 1 e. [Owen places a small saddle-bag on the table, and sinks into a chair, evidently greatly fatigued. Owen. Oh ! my poor bones ! the firm of my constitution has been worse shaken than the great house of Osbaldistone and Co.. Crane Alley, London. (Host re-enters and places liquor and glasses on the table.) Young man. have you sent my message to the Hall, hard by ? {Camp>bell jjours out, and Ou-en drinks.) Willw. Aye, Sir ; and the lassie will sune be back wi' the answer. [Exit d. in f. Camp. Weel, fellow-traveller, how does our Scotch whisky agree with your English stomach 1 Ou-en. Thank you, Sir ; thank you : — It cheers the body, but it cannot raise the spirit. I'm quite below par, as we say in the city. Camp>. T ry it again, man. Owen. I hope Mr. Francis Osbaldistone will make haste; — yet I have a sad tale to tell him. Camj). Osbaldistone ! I know something of that family, Sir, and if there's anything I can serve you in, you may com- mand me. Owen. You are very kind, Sir ; — but it is far beyond your help. Camp. Perhaps not. Will you trust me with the matter ? Owen. Surely I will, Sir. — The affairs of the great com- mercial and banking house of Osbaldistone and Co.. Crane Alley. London, are no- secret by this time. — All public as the Gazette. — That I should live to see it and to say it! Oh dear ! Camp. Come, come, there's nought so bad but what it) may be mended. Let's hear the business that brings you to •-he Hall. Owen. It's a long account, Sir ; but I'll sum it up by the suortest rules. You must know, Sir, my name is Owen. I Scene I.] ROB ROY. 5 am head clerk, and junior partner of the house of Osbaldi- stone and Co , Crane Alley. London ; and I am now on my way to Glasgow, to recover certain papers which have been taken — stolen, I'm afraid — in the absence of the head of the firm. Camp. Stolen! By whom? Owen. By his nephew — Mr. Kashleigh. Camp. Kashleigh ! I know — I remember — the son of Sir Hilderbrand. late of the Hall here, Owen. The same, Sir. Sir Hildebrand and the rest of his sons are taken up on suspicion of treasonable practices. It's an awful balance they have to strike ! Camp. But how happened it that this son — this Mr. Fran- cis you talk of — was not left in charge of his father's affairs, rather than the nephew, Rashleigh ? Owen. Ah ! Sir. there lies the mischief. Mr. Francis loathed the counting-house worse than I loath a bankruptcy. While his father was making money, he was making poetry ; and so his father, Sir, being astern man. said that his nephew Kashleigh should take Mr. Frank's place; for he would never ask his only child, a second time, to be the partner of his for- tunes and affections — Oh dear ! Camp. Well, Sir: — but what motive could induce this Kashleigh to betray a trust, which, for his own interest, one would naturally suppose he would be most faithful to 1 Oicen. I suspect, to aid some political purpose ; whereby, at the expense of honor and conscience, he expects to make a larger percentage of worldly profit. He knew that to shake the house of Osbaldistone and Co., Crane Alley, London, was to alarm the Government. The cash he took was no hurt ; but the assets — the assets, Sir ; — however, I'll not give them up, for I know Kashleigh has come north. Camp, (aside.) North, indeed ! Umph ! he's a cunning chield that : he'll be too cunning for himself at last, I fear. — A false friend, Mr. Owen, never yet served a good cause. Owen. You say true, Sir, such people are as variable as the course of exchange. But when we reach Glasgow, Sir, perhaps you can assist my inquiries. Camp. I — I'll meet you there, Mr. Owen. I just recol- lect a small matter of business that I have to do in this neigh borhood.-(a&zV/€.) — I must go to the Hall — Kashleigh has been there, no doubt : and Sir Frederick Vernon may wish to speak with me I'll meet you at Glasgow. Mr. Owen 6 Rob ROi\ Act. I Owen. Heaven help me ! I shall never live to balance an account there without a companion or guide. 1 was never ten miles from Crane Alley before in all my days. Camp. Pho, man ! there in nothing to fear. Where shall I hear of you ? Owen. At Messrs. MacVittie and MacFin's in the Gallow- gate, Sir. We have another agent, one Mr. Nicol Jarvie, in the Salt-market, but I can't depend upon him. Camp. Fare ye weel, Mr. Owen — Rashleigh in the north ! then the heather will soon be on fire, (aside, and going up,) Enter Wille. d. p. Willie. Here's the Squire to speak wi' ane Mr. Owen. Enter Francis Osbaldistone, d. in f. — after he enters, Camp- bell exits hastily, unperceived by him. Fran. Owen, my excellent kind friend ! Owen. O, Mr. Frank ! 0, Mr. Osbaldistone ! such news [wiping his eyes]. But why did you never answer our let- ters, — mine and your good father's ? Fran. Letters ! I have never yet received one T have writ- ten repeatedly, and have been astonished at receiving no re- Owen. 0, Lord ! no letters ! 0, my stars ' no letters ! — then they have been intercepted. How has your poor father been deceived ! O, Mr. Francis, what have you not to an- swer for ? But that's past now — it's all over I Fran. Good Heaven ! — my father, he is ill — dead ? Owen. No, no, not so bad as that ; thank heaven, his day- book is still open, but his affairs are in worse confusion than my poor brain — 0, dear ! Fran. Explain yourself, I beseech you, and in terms less technical. Owen. Well, well, the sum total is, — that your cousin Rashleigh, taking advantage of my good master's absence in Holland, has absconded with papers of such consequence to ourselves and the government, that unless we can recover them, or get help from our agents by a certain day, the house of Osbaldistone and Co., Crane Alley, London, is in the bank- rupt list as sure as the Gazette ! Bcexz I.J ROB ROY. 7 Fran. Gracious Heaven ! my folly and disobedience then have ruined my father ! Tell me how shall I redeem the consequence of my error? Owen. Oh, Mr. Frank, you raise ray heart ten per cent, to hear you talk in that way. Repair to Glasgow, and assist my poor endeavors. Though you understand little I grieve to say, of Debtor and Creditor, you thoroughly understand, I re- joice to tell it, the great fundamental principle of all moral accounting — the great Ethic Rule of Three : let A do to B as he would have B do to him, and the product will give the rule of conduct required. Fran. It shall, it must be so ; — this very hour I'll bid adieu to the enchantress, who still must rule my destiny, and seek this destroyer, this traitor. Rashleigh ! Set forward, Owen, instantly : — by the time you have made the necessary inquiries at Glasgow, I shall be with you. Oh, Dianna ! must we then part ? Owen. Diana ! Ah love, — love ! I thought so ; — never knew a man open an account with him, but his affairs got into confusion. I never had any dealings with him in all my life. It's more dangerous, Mr. Francis, than meddling with contra- band goods But I've heard of the consignment — to Miss Diana V r ernon, best affections ! — Item, heart ! — Item, honor ! — Item — Oh, Mr. Francis, look at the per contra- -Blank ! — ruin ! Oh dear! [Exitn. 1 f. Fran. Yes, for a while we must separate ; yet I cannot cease to love — cannot live without her. SONG. [words by burns.] Air — " Low down in the broom." O my love's like the red, red rose, Thai's newly sprung in June, O mv love's like the melody, Thai's sweetly played in tune. As fair art thou, my bonny lass, So deep in love am I ; And 1 will love thee still, my dear, Tho' a' the seas gang dry. ROB ROY. [SCEKB II. Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear, And rocks meli \vi' the sun ; And I will love thee still, my dear, While the sands of life shall run. But tare thee weel. my only love, And tare thee weel awhile ! And I will come again, my love, Tho' 'twere ten thousand mile. [Exit. D. F. Scene J I. — The Library of Osbaldistone Hall. Enter St R Fui n> g fH€re-tmc£ Diana Vernon, Martha vifr\jR [c j It is now time we separate. Remember, Diana, my instructions. - We are surrounded by dangers, which wijl require all your prudence to avert. 'Tis evident, your cousinFrancis suspects the visits of a stranger to these apartments ;fc?nd though this dress, resembling that of your ancestor's portrait, has hitherto enabled me to impose on the weak minds of the domestics, his penetration may discover who and what I ajm, before the plans are matured on which my hopes of futurex^appiness now entirely rest. Diana, [r.] Rely^on my discretion, Sir — you may with safety. Martha, [l., adiroiciug with a cloak, resembling that of a Catholic Priest, and givbs it to Sir Frederick'] Iudeed, Sir Frederick — I beg pardon^— Father Vaughan, I mean, your reverence has nothing to fear, though you are a Catholic and a Jacobite. There is not a soul in the place, myself excepted, that dare stir a foot towards this part of the house after nightfall ! Sir F. I repeat, it is not from then\ I fear detection ; the character I openly bear, of ConfessoA to Miss Vernon, is a sufficient security : but remember. Diana^Francis Osbaldistone and his father are firm adherents of the present government ; and should he discover me or the purpose \hich renders my concealment in this part of the country necessary, it might be fatal to the cause of Scotland and ourselves. Diana. But my cousin is a man of honorable a\id affec- tionate feelings : he would never betray you, Sir. Act I. ROB ROY. 9 Sir F. You mean he would never sacrfnce~h1s~ person of Diana Vernon. Subdue those reflections, mj child, for the sake of your future peace of mind — annihilate them, while it is yet in your power — think that youaredevogles aitd^ad ways. Miss Vernor ield like mys* [Exit. L.U.E. Fran. 'Tis now too late to learn tidings of poor Owen, or inquire the residence of my father's agents. Bitter reflection ! All this I might have prevented by a trifling sacrifice of the foolish pride and indolence which recoiled from sharing the labors of his honorable profession. Enter Campbell, r. u. e. Camp, (c.) Mr. Osbaldistone, you are in danger. Fra?/. (lc.) From whom? (starting.) Camp. Follow me, and you shall know. Fran. I must first know your name and purpose. Camp. I am a man, and my purpose is friendly. Fran. That is too brief a description. Ca?np. It will serve for him wbo has no other to give. He that is without a name, without friends, without coin, and SCEKK IV.] HOB ROY. 15 without country, is at least a man ; and he that has all these, is no more. Follow me, or remain without the information which I wish to afford you. Fran. Can you not give it me here 1 Camp. No ; you must receive it from your own eyes, not from my mouth. What is it you fear 1 ? Fran. I fear nothing ; — walk on, I attend you. Camp. Yet if you knew who was by your side, you might feel a tremor. Fran. The spirit of Rashleigh seems to hover round me; — yet 'tis neither his form nor voice, (aside.) Camp. Would you not fear the consequences of being found with him whose very name, whispered in this lonely street, would make the stones themselves rise up to appre- hend him ? — on whose head the men of Glasgow would build their fortunes, as on a found treasure ! — the sound of whose downfall were as welcome at the Cross of Edinburgh, as the news of a battle fought and won ! Fran. Who are you then, whose name should create such terror V Camp. No enemy of yours, since I am conveying you to a place, where, if I myself were recognized and identified, iron to the heels, and hemp to the throat, would be my brief dooming. Fran. You have said either too much or too little, to in- duce me to confide in you. {Campbell makes a step toivards him ; he draws back and lays his hand on his sword. ) Camp. What ! on an unarmed man, and your friend ? Fran. I am yet ignorant if you are either one or the other. Camp. Well, I respect him whose hand can keep his head — I love a free young blood, that knows no protection but the cross of the sword ! I am taking you to see one, whom you will be right glad to see, and from whose lips you will learn the secret of the danger in which you stand. Come on ! Exit Campbell. Francis following cautiously, r. SCENE Y.—Hall in the Tolbooth of Glasgow. ( Knocking without. ) Enter Dougal, l — He lias a shock head of red hair, and an extraordinary appearance ; a huge bundle of keys at his belt, and a lamp in his hand ; listens and speaks. Doug, (r ) Fat's tat 1 16 ROB ROY. [ActI- Camp, (ivithoiit) Gregarach ! (Dougal runs out in haste, and re-enters joyfully, bringing on Campbell and Francis Osbaldistone, r. 1 e. Doug.il, you have not forgotten me? Doug. Och. te'il a pit ! te'il a pit! whar'll she gang? fat will she do for jou? Oigh, it's lang sin she wudna saa't ye. Fran, She ! she seen him ! It is then a female to whom I am conducted ? or is it merely the dialect of his country, in which that animal expresses himself? (as he says this apart, Campbell speaks to Dougal and points to him. ) Doug. To be sure she wull, wi' aw her heart, wi aw her soul ! riut fat wull cum o' ye, if the Bailies should cum, or the captian should wakens ? Camp Fear nothing, Dougal ; your hands shall never draw a bolt upon me. Doug. Och, te'il a pit ! te'il a pit ! She would hack am bait aft* at elbuck first. Camp. Then, dispatch. Dot/g. Wi' aw my heart, wi' aw my soul ! (1w trims his lamp, and beckons Francis, who perceiving Campbell does not folloio, pauses. ) Fran. Do you not go with us ? Camp It is unnecessary ; my company might be inconve- nient. I had better remain, and secure our retreat. Lose no time. [Exit. r. Francis seems at a loss what to do — Dougal impatient. Doug. Fuith ! fuifch ! come awa, man. Droch-coil ortsa ! {Exeunt l. SCENE Yl.—A Cell in the Tolbooth. A pallet-bed, with wen reposing on it. b. A small table and chair. Dougal opens the door in flat., l. c. and advances, followed by Francis Osbaldistone. Fran, (l.) I cannot suppose he means to betray me ; yet 'tis strange — Doug, (having looked towards the bed) She's sleepin'. Fran. She ! — who? Doug. Shentleman's to spoken wi' her. (shaking Owen.) Owen, (r.) Ej, what! Oh dear ! (pops his head, adorned with a red night-cap. from beneath the clothes, just as Frarwis has eagerly advanced.) Fran. Owen ! (pausing in surprise.) Owen. I'll tell you what, Mr. Dugwell. or Hugwell. or Scene. VI. R0 B ROY. 17 whatever your name may be, if my natural rest is to be bro- ken in upon in this manner, the sum total of the amount is this, I'll complain to the Lord Mayor. Doug. Ugh — cha neil Sassenach. [Exit d.f.l.h. Fran. Owen ! Owen. Ey ! — Oh dear! have they caught you too 1 then our last hope fails, and the account is closed. Fran. Do not be so much alarmed ; all may not be so bad as you expect. Owen, (rises and advances) Mr. Frank, we are gone I Osbaldistone and Co., Crane Alley, London, is no longer a firm. I think nothing of myself — I am a mere cipher : but you that were your father's sum-total, as I may say. — his omnium — that might have been the first man in the first house in the first city, to be shut up in a nasty Scotch jail — a Hol- booth I think they call it — Oh dear ! Fran. I am no prisoner, my good friend, though I can scarcely account for my being in such a place at such a time. Owen. No prisoner ! Heaven be praised ! — But what news this will be upon 'Change. Fran. Cease these lamentations, and let me know the cause of your being here. Owen. It's soon told, Mr. Frank. When I disclosed my business to Messrs. MacVittie and Mc Fin, instead of instant assistance, they demanded instant security ; and, as I am lia- ble, being a small partner in our house, they made oath that I meditated departing this realm,, and had recourse to a sum- mary process of arrest and imprisonment, which it seems the law here allows, and — here 1 am — Oh dear I Fran. Why did you not apply to our other correspondent, Mr. Nicol Jarvie? Owen. What ! the cross-grained crab-stick in the Salt-mar- ket 1 'Twould have been of no use. You might as well ask a broker to give up his per centage, as expect a favor from him without the per contra. 0, Mr. Frank ! this is all your doing ! But I beg your pardon for saying so to you in your distress. Enter Campbell and Dougal. hastily, d.f. Doug, {running about) Och hone a rie — Och hone a rie ! what'll she do now % It's my Lord Provost, an' Bailies, an' Town Guard ! Hide yoursel' ahint te bed. (to Campbell ) J 8 ROB ROY. [Act. I. Fuiths. fuiths, man, ye niaun gang, for te Captain has opened the wicket. Camp. Lend me your pistols : — yet it's no matter, I can do without them ; whatever you see, take no heed — do not mix your hand in another man's quarrel. (To Fran.) — I must manage as I can. (Seats himself on tlw table.) [Exit Dottgal, d.f. Enter Mattie, > followed by Bailie Nicol Jarvie, d.f. Bailie, (looking back) I'll ca' when I want ye, Stanchells. — Dougal shall make a' fast, or I'll make him fast, the scoun- drel ! A bonnie thing, and beseeming, that I should be kept at the door half an hour, knocking as hard to get into jail, as ony body else would be to get out o'nt ! — How's this ? (see- ing Campbell anal Frank.) Strangers in the Tolbooth after lock-up hours ! Keep the door lockit, you Dougal Creature ; — I'll sune talk to these gentlemen ; but I maun first hae a crack wi' au auld acquaintance. — Ah ! Mr. Owen ! how's a' wi' ye, Mr. Owen ? Owen Pretty well in body, Mr. Jarvie, I thank you, but sore afflicted in spirit. Bailie. Ay, ay, we're a' subject to downfa's, Mr. Owen, as my worthy faither, the Deacon — rest and bless him ! — used to say. — •' Nick," said he (ye maun ken his name was Nicol. as well as mine ; so the folks in their daffin used to ca' us Young Nick and Auld Nick !) ' : Young Nick," said he. " never put out your arm ony farther than you can draw it easily back again." Owen. You need not have called these things to my me- mory, in such a situation, Mr. Nico! Jarvie. Bailie. What ! do you think I cam out at sic a time o' night, to tell a fa'ing man of his backslidings ? — My con- science ! — No. no — that's no Bailie Jarvie's way. nor his wor- thy faither's the Deacon — rest and bless him ! — afore him. I sune discovered what lodgings your friends had provided you, Mr Owen ; — but gie us your list, man, and let us see how things stand between us, while I rest my shanks. Mattie hauld the lantern, (taking papers from Owen, and sitting at tlte corner of the bed, Dougal enters cautiously at the door — beckons Campbell, and expresses anxiety to get him off.) Bailie. Eh ! what's that ye're about, Sir 1 D nig. Oich ! dit ye mak a spok for me ? Set*-*; vt.J rob aoy 19 Camp. Say nothing, {in a low tone, approaching the door. ) Bailie Eh ! look to the door there, you Dougal Creature : —let me hear you lock it, and keep watch on the outside. — {Dougal retires, and bars the door, but instantly undoes it again ; and peeps on, expressing to Campbell that his retreat is open — Campbell observing this, swaggers round the stage and then seats himself on the table, l.c.) — That's a deevilish queer chiel', he seems unco near his ain fireside. Sit still, Sir, and I'll talk to you by and bye. Owen. There,. Sir, you'll find the balance in the wrong column — for us — but you'll please to consider — Bailie. There's nae time to consider, Mr. Owen — It's plain you owe me siller ; — but I canna, for the saul o' me, see how you'll clear it aff by snoring here in the Tolbooth ! Now, Sir, if you'll pomise no to flee the country, you shall be at liberty in the morning. Owen 0, Sir ! 0, Mr. Jarvie ! Bailie. I'm a carefu' man as ony in the Sautmarket, and I'm a prudent man. as my worthy faither the deacon, good soul ! was before me ; but rather than that double-faced dog, MacVittie, shall keep an honest civil gentleman by the heels, I'se be your bail myseF — ( Oivengoes up) to him in raptures, but fails in his attempt to speak. ) — T here, you've said eneugh. But, in the name o' misrule, how got ye companions ? — Gie me the light, Mattie. [lie catches it from her, and holding it towards Camjibell, who is calmly seated on the table and ivhistles in his face, starts bad:.] Ey ! My conscience ! — It's impossible ! — and yet I'm clean bambaized. — Why you robber ! you cate ran ! — you cheat-the-gallow : s rogue ! s Owen, (.ft.) Bless me ! It's my good friend, Mr. Campbell ; a very honest man. Mr. Jarv — Bailie, (c ) Honest ! My conscience ! You in the Glas- gow Tolbooth ! — What d'ye think's the value o' your head ? Camp. Umph ! why, fairly weighed, and Dutch weight — one Provost, four Bailies, a Town-clerk, and sax Deacons. Bailie. Sax Deacons! Was there ever sic a born devil? But tell owre your sins, Sir ; for if I but say the word — Camp. True, Bailie, but you never will say that word. Bailie. And what for no, Sir? What for no % Camp. For three sufficient reasons, Bailie Jarvie : — First, for auld langsyne : 20 HOB ROY. [Act. I. Bailie, (softening) Ay, Rab ! (slmkes his hand.) Camp. Secondly, for the good wife ayont the fire, that made some mixture of our bloods — Bailie. Weel, Rab ? Camp. And third and lastly, Bailie Nicol Jarvie — Bailie. Ay, Rab 1 Camp. Because, if I saw any sign of your betraying me, I'd plaister that wall with your brains, ere the hand of man could rescue you. [Owen in, great consternation runs to tlic bed.) Bailie My conscience ! Weel, weel, Rab ! it would be quite as unpleasant for me to hae my hrad knocked about, as it would be discreditable to string up a kinsman in a hempen cravat ; but if it hadna been yoursel', Rab, I'd hae gripped the best man in the Highlands. Camp. You'd have tried, Bailie Jarvie — you'd have tried, Bailie. Bailie. Ay, J wad hae tried. Bailie ; but wha the deevil's this? (to Francis.] Anither honest man, I reckon, Owen. This, good Sir, is Mr. Francis Osbaldistone. Bailie. 0, I've heard o' this spark: — run away frae his faither. in pure dislike to the labour an honest man should live by. — Wee]. Sir, what do you say to your handywork ? Fran (r.) My dislike to the commercial profession, Mr. Jarvie, is a feeling of which I am the best, and sole judge. Chven Oh dear ! Camp, (l.) It's manfully spoken ; and I honor the lad for his contempt of weavers and spinners, and all such mechani- cal persons — (Owen goes to bed again.) Bailie. Weavers and spinners, indeed ! I'm a weaver and spinner, and wha's better 't Will a : your ancestry tell whar Rashleigh is, or a' your deep oaths and drawn dirks procure Mr. Frank five thousand pounds to answer the bills, which fa' due in ten days ? Fran. Ten days ! Is the time so near ! I may then have recourse— (Draws out the letter, opens it, and an enclosure falls from the letter : — the Bailie catches it up.) Bailie. My conscience ! (reads) for Rob Roy ! Fran, (r.) Rob Roy! (Campbell instant/// snatches the letter. ) Bailie, (c.) Weel, here's a wind blawn a letter to its right owner; but, as I'm a Bailie, there were ten thousand chan- ces to ane against its coming to hand, (going tip.) Scene. VI. R0B R0Y . 21 Fran, (c.) You are too hasty, Sir; I was not in this in- stance, desirous of your interference. Camp, (lc.) Make yourself easy, Sir ; Diana Vernon has more friends than you are aware of. {reads to himself.) Fran, {aside.) Is it possible? Is the fate of a being so amiable, involved in that of a man of such desperate fortunes and character? Camjj. (aftc reading) So. Rashleigh has sent these pa- pers to the Highlands. It's a hazardous game she has given me to play, but I'll not baulk her. Mr. Osbaldistone, you must visit me in the glens ; and, cousin, if you dare show him the way — Bav'ie. (c.) Catch me ! Camp. And eat a leg of red-deer venison with me — Bailie, {coolly.) Na, thank ye, Hab. Camp. I'll pay you the two hundred pounds I owe you ; and you can leave Mr. Owen the while, to do the best he can in Glasgow. Bailie Say nae mair, Rab, — say nae mair. I'll gang wi' you : but you maun guarantee me safe hame again to the Sautmarket. Camp. There's my thumb, I'll ne'er beguile you. — But I must be going. — The air of Glasgow Tolbooth is not over wholesome for a Highlander's constitution. Bai ie. Noo, to thiok that I should be aiding and abetting an escape frae justice ! It'il be a disgrace to me and mine, and the memory o' my worthy faither the Deacon, — rest and bless him ! — for ever. Camp. Hout, tout, man ! when the dirt's dry it will rub out again. Your faither could look over a friend's faults, and why not your faither's son ? Bailie. So he could, Robin ; so he could . — he was a gude man -the Deacon. Ye mind him, Rab, dinna ye? Camp. Troth, do I — he was a weaver, and wrought my first pair of hose. Bailie. Tak care his son doesna weave your last cravat. Ye've a lang craig for a gibbet, Rab — but whar's that Dougal creature ? Camp. If he is the lad I think him, he has not waited your thanks for his share of this night's work. Bailie. What ! gane ! and left me and Mattie locked up in jail for a 1 night ! I'll hang the Hieland deevil as high as Hainan. 22 ROB ROY. t [Act I- Camp. When you catch hira, Bailie Jarvie— when you catch hira. (Mat tie tries tlie door andyiinds it open.) But see — he knew an open door would serve me at a pineh. Conic, Bailie, speak the pass-word. Bailie. Stauchells. let this stranger to the bed-side.) Mr. Owen, I hope to see you at breakfast in* the morning. — ( Owen snores ) Eh ! why the man's fast. j Fran. And the sooner we depart, and follow his example. Sir, the better ; for it must be near midnight — Bailie. Midnight ! Weel. Mattie shall light ye hame. — (Francis takes Mattie under his arm ; tlie Bailie gently dis- engages her from him.) — Nane o' your Lunon tricks here, my man ! Mattie's a decent lassie, and come o' gude kith and kin — the Laird o' Limmerfield's cousin — only seven times removed. Now that I look at you again, my fine young spark. I'se see ye hame mysel'. (St. j\I ungo'c cIolI hlri l ^ Jwe lve, enter two Goalers /or chorus ) ,E. Fran. Hark ! hark ! now/from St. Mungo's tower. The bell proclaim^ the midnight hour, Borne ! Matt. And thro' the chfy, far and near. From spire and/turret now I hear. Borne ! Both. Owen. Bail, LOB ROY. Ere yet the first vibration dies, Each iron tongue of tinie replies, (snores.) Augh! Hark ! hark ! from Mister Owen's nose, A cadence deef! a dying close, Owen, -(snores..)*^ Fran. ( Ere -yet,. &c. Augh Matt. <$- Bail. Owen. Fran. Bail. # Matt. Owen ($~ Stanch. yet the fi 'st vibration dies, 5 nasal org an quick replies, (snores.) Bless me ! ev'r I did not drea But snug in s And Stocks 23 Borne I Borne! Borne! Augh ! (wakes.) ; way I am undone, n of being here ; ' t Crane Alley, London, re up, and 1,— oh dear ! ALL. Home, home, < ^ e i must no longer stay (^Farewell at ( nee — at once good night. [Retiring up,las drop descends. — Owen gets into bed. END OF ACT ; 24 rob ROY. [Act II. ACT II. ^2^2^; Scene I. — The College, Gardens of Glasgow and View of the Spire of St. Mungo. tfj ^p \t-er Rashleigii O sBALDisn^eT tftTE., ^ww d Jobson ^rathST- \h\nd l tun. waning hiiS 'nisi ructions ; — lie walks rapidly, 'turns and pauses. Rash. Galbraith and MacStuart are in the neighborhood of Aberfoil. Good ! When did Captain Thornton march 1 Job Yesterday morning, Sir. lash. Umph • You are certain that order for the arrest of ]those two persons I described was given to him ? lob. I delivered it myself into his hands, Sir. Rash, l^ou committed Mr. Owen to prison, you say : — is he there now ? Job. He is. Rash. If my cousin, Mr. Francis Osbaldistone. follows n to Glasgow, instantly enforce the warrant, of which you hare a duplicate. fob. It shall be done, you may depend on it, Sir. 'Rash. 'Tis of importance to keep him out of the way ; — £hat man is a basilisk in my sight, and has been an insur- mountable barrier to my dearest hopes. Now, Sir, a word : — if you breathe a syllable to any human being of the business sh the government has entrusted to my direction, before th\ blow is struck which must counteract the intended rising in/the Highlands, you share the destiny of the rankest rebel ^mong them. As to the papers which I forwarded to Mac- Gregor. ere long they shall be again in my possession, and himself in your custody. What hour is it 1 Job. Not yet five, Sir. Rash. 'Tis well: we have time before us. Make your- self ready, and be well armed. Leave me. [Ex tt JOBSON, L. — MacT^ itrgoi is by this - timo in til e" High lands! He still believes me faithful to the cause I have hitherto so ardently encouraged and assisted ; and those papers (which I now regret having committed to his care) will at least serve to aid the delusion. Cursed infatuation ! — yet I repine not. for I ^ BJrE l - ROB ROY. 25 have the power to check the gaze of cunning, probe all hearts, and watch the varying check, linked with succe-v.it moulds each other's weakness to my will ; — such it. hath been, ami such it shall be now ! Rejected by her I loved, scorned by him I would have served, — they shall at least find the false friend, and the renegade knows how to resent such insults. Ah ! (sfd'ts hut instantly recovers himself.) Enter Francis C^sbaldistone, r. Fran, (r.c ) You are well met, Sir. Rash, (l.c ) I am glad to hear it. [aside) He's earlier than I expected ; but Jobsou is prepared. Fran, I was about to take a long and doubtful journey in quest of you. Rash. You know little of him you sought then. I'm easily found by my friends, and still more easily by my foes ; in which am I to class Mr. Francis Osbaldistone ? Fran, In that of your foes, Sir — your mortal foes, unless you instantly do justice to my father, by accounting for his property. Rash. And to whom am I, a member of yping his fingers at him with great contempt.) MacStuart. Weel, Sir, the neist time that ye'll fecht, lat it be wi a soord, like a Christian, and no wi' a red-het poker, like a wild Indian sawage. Bailie. My conscience I a man maun dae his best. I was obliged to grip at the first thing that came in my way ; and, as I'm a Bailie. I wadna desire a better. Galb. Come, come, let's drink and agree like honest fal- lows (slueathes his sword. Francis and MacStuart do tlie same, and the Bailie replaces tliepoker.) Bailie. Weel, noo I find there's nae hole in my wame, I'll no be the waur for putting something in till't. [seats himself He and Galbraith converse apart. Andrew Fairservice, with a letter in his hand, appears at the door, terrified for fear of intruding. Fiiancis beckons him forward. Dougal ap- pears at the window watching.) And. I'm an honest lad. Sir, — I wadna part wi' your honor lightly : — but, the — the — the — read that! Fran. 'Tis from Campbell ! [reads.) "There are hawks abroad, and I cannot meet you at Aberfoil, as intended. The bearer is laiihful, and may be trusted ; he will guide you to a place where we will be sate, and tree to look alter certain affairs, in which I hope to be your guidance. (i Robert MacGregor Campbell." Hawks ! — he means the government forces. From whom did you receive this ? And. Frae a Hieland deevil wi' a redhead — that — that — [perceives Dougal' s itead at tlie ivindow.) Fran. Have the horses saddled, and be ready at a minute's notice. (Dougal, satisfied that tlie letter lias been read, dis- appears ) And. De'il be in my feet if I stir a tae's length far'er ; — to gang into Rab Roy's country is a mere tempting o' Prov- idence. Fran. Wait without — one way or the other I will deter- mine speedily. And. I dinna gie a damn how ye determine, Sir, but I winna do't — I'm no sic a born idiwut — I'll no do't. [Exit L.D. 34 ROB ROY. TActIL Bailie. Let Glasgow flourish ! I'll hear nae language offensive to the Duke o' Argyle, or the name o' Campbell. My conscience ! Remember the het poker ! I say, he's a credit to the country, and a good friend to our town and trade. Galb. Ah ! there'll be a new warld soon — we shall have no Campbells cocking their bonnets so high, and protecting thieves and murderers, to harry and spoil better men, and mair loyal clans. Bailie. Sir, ye gie your tongue owre great a lieshence : ye may be mair loval clans, but, by my soul, ye're no better men ! Galb. No? Bailie. No! (Jfght again.) Fran. Pray, gentlemen, do not renew your quarrel ; in a few moments we must part company. Mac Stuart. Weel, weel, there's nae occasion for ony mair het blude. But you must know. Sir. that we are harried out o' all patience here wi' mee ings to put down Hob Roy. I hae chased the MacGregor myself. — have had him at pay like red-deer ; but still the Duke o' Argyle gi'es him shelter. Oh ! it's eneugh to make a man mad. I wad gi'e something to be as near him as I hae been. Bailie. Wud ye ? {ironically.) MacStuart. Aye. Bailie. Ye'll forgi'e me. frien', for speaking my mind ; — but it's my thought, you'd hae gi'en the best button on your coat to hae been as far awa' fra Rab Roy then as you are now. M}' conscience ! my het poker wae hae been naething to his claymore. MacStuart. You tamn'd weaver ! One word mair about that whilthy poker, by my saul. I'll mak you ait it, and sax inches o' cauld steel into the bargain. Bailie, (seizing the poker) Wull you, Sir ? Frail. Come, come, gentlemen, let us all be friends here ; and drink to all friends far away. SONG. [words by burns.] Should auld acquaintance be forgot, An' never brought to mind'? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, An' days o' lang>yne 1 [bcENBlII. rob rot. 35 For auld langsyne, my friends, For auki langsyne, We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet, For auld langsyne. Chorus. — For auld langsyne, &c. An' here's a hand, my trusty friend. An' gie's a hand o' ihine, An' we'll toom the stov/p to friendship's growth, An' days o' langsyne. Chorus.— For auld langsyne, &c An' surely you'll be your pint-stowp, An' surely I'll be mine, An' we'll tak' a right gude willy-wacht, For auld langsyne. Chorus.— For auld langsyne, &c. (A drum heard without J) Enter Jean Mac Alpine, in alarm, l.d. Jean. The red-coats ! the red-coats ! [Exit r. Enter Captain Thornton, l.d. Capt. T. You, Sir, I suppose, are Major G-albraith, of the squadron of Lennox Militia? — and these are the Highland gentlemen whom I was appointed to meet in this place 1 Galb. You are right, Sir ; Captain Thornton, I presume. Will you take any refreshment ? Capt. T. I thank you, none ; I am late, and desirous to make up time. I have orders to search for and arrest two persons guilty of treasonable practices. Do these gentlemen belong to your party 1 Bailie. No,' Sir; — we're travellers, Sir — lawfu' travellers by land and sea. Capt. T. My instructions are. to place under arrest an elderly and a young person ; — you answer the description Bailie. Me ! Tak care what ye say, Sir — tak care what ye say ! It'll no be your red-coat, nor your laced hat, that'll protect you, gin you put an affront on me. I'll convene you in an action o' scandal and fause imprisonment. I'm a free burgess, and a magistrate Nicol Jarvie is my name — so was my faither's afore me. I'm a Bailie, — be praised for the honor! — and my faitber was a Deacon — yes, Sir. he was Dea- con o' the weavers. 30 ROB ROV. [Act II. Galb. True enough ; his faith er was a prick-ear d cur and fought against the King at Bothwell-Brig. Bailie My faither paid what he ought, and what he bought. Major Galbraith, since I ken you are Major Gal- braith ; and wa? an bonester man than ever stood upon your clumsy shanks, — Major Galbraith. Galb Clumsy shanks ! {looking at his legs.) Capt. T. I have no time to attend to all this. And you, Sir. what may your name be? (to Fran.) Fran. Francis Osbaldistoue. Capt. T. What ! a son of Sir Hildebrand ? Bailie. No, Sir ; a son till a better man : — the great William Osbaldistone, Crane Alley, London, as Mr. Owen has it. Capt. T. I am afraid. Sir, your name only increases the suspicions against you, and lays me under the necessity of demanding your papers. Bailie {aside) That's a very modest request. Fran. I have none to surrender. Capt. T. What is that now in your breast 1 Fran. Oh ! to this you are welcome ; (giving it.) yet it may endanger — I have done wrong, (aside ) Bailie. What for did ye dae it then, ye gouk? Capt. T. 'Tis confirmed. Here I find you in written communication with the outlawed robber, MacGregor Camp- bell. Galb Spies of Rob ! MacStuart. Strap 'em up the next tree. Bailie. Gently, gently, kind gentlemen, if you please ; — there's isae hurry. Capt. T. How came you possessed of this ? Fran. You will excuse my answering. Capt T. Do you, Sir, know anything of this ? Bailie. By the soul o' my faither, the Deacon, no ! Capt. T. Gentlemen, you are waited for. {significantly to Galbraith.) I'll thank you to order two sentinels to the door. Exeunt Galbraith and MacStuart, l.d. Bailie. SentiDels ! sentinels ! What Capt. T. I can hear no remonstrance : — the service 1 am on gives me no time for idle discussions. Come, Sir Bailie. 0. vera weel, Sir, vera weel. Ye're welcome to a [SC*NSIV. ROB ROY. 37 tune on } T our ain fiddle ; but if I dinna mak ye dance till't before I've done, my name's no Nicol Jarvie ' Gude save us ! — arrest a Bailie. — a free burgess, — a magistrate ! My conscience ! [^Exit, following Capt. Thornton and Francis, l.d. Scene IV. — The Clachan of Aberfoil. A~jzw~ miserable fooling, 'tow roofed hovels in various parts under thecraigs, which rise immediately behind the?n, interspersed with brush-wood, §-c. The back of the Scene exhibits the distant Highland Country. Part of a house conspicuous near tlie front, r. MacStuart crosses at tlie top of the stage, fol- lowed by Major Galbraith, ivho beckons on the Skrjeant, and after giving him directions to place Sentinels before the Inn door, exits with MacStuart. The Serjeant brings on tlie Soldiers, who range themselves in the back-ground : two Sentinels are placed at the front of the Inn. Enter Captain Thornton, from tlie Inn, r.u.e. Capt. T. Serjeant, make the men fall in* {Exit Serjeant.) Come, my lads, get under arms. I cannot be mistaken : — these strangers must be persons described by Rashleigh Osbaldistone. Yet his own relative, one would think, might have been overlooked. No, no — he is one that makes no ex- ceptions. The self interested wretch, that would have first betrayed his country, and now his dearest friends, respects no tie of honor, kindred, or affection. Sentinels, bring out your prisoners. The Sentinels enter the bin. At the same instant a noise is heard without; tlie Serjeant and two men enter dragging forward Dougal from r.u.e., followed by the inhabitants of the viVage, consisting of women and children ; they are eager for the safety of Dougal, and with difficulty suppress their enmity to the Soldiers. Doug. Oi^b. oigh ! Serj. Bring him along. People. Oigh, oigh ! poor Dougal ! Capt. T. (l.c) Cease this howling, and let the man be heard. Doug, (c.) Oigh, oigh ! Serj. (r.c) We caught this fellow lurking behind the inn, 38 ROB ROT. [Act II. Captain ; — he confesses to have seen Rob Roy within this half hour. Capt. T. How many men had he with him, fellow, when you parted % Doug. She cannot just fery be sure about tat. Capt. T. l\»ur life depends upon your answer. How many rogues fiad that outlawed scoundrel with him ? Doug. No aboon half so mony as there wud pe here the noo. Capt. T. And what thieves' errand were you dispatched upon'/ (Dougal looks about him, a^s beset with doubt and difficulty.) Speak, rascal, instantly ! I'll not give you time to hatch a lie : — what errand ? Doug. Just to see what your honor and the red-coats wus pc want at Aberfoil. Enter tlie Sentinels from the Inn, r., conducting Francis Osbaldistone and Bailie Nicol Jarvie, who come down to the front. Bailie, (rc.) Mercy on us! they've gripped the puir Dougal creature. Captain, I'll put in bail, sufficient bail, for that Dougal creature. Capt. T. (l.c.) You know him then — are interested for his safety % Bailie. Yes, Sir ; he did me a good turn ance when I was sair beset, and I Capt. T. Mr. Jarvie, you will please to recollect, that for the present you likewise are a prisoner % Bailie. Me ! My conscience ! Sir, I tak you to witness the Captain refuses sufficient bail, (taking one of tlie Senti- nels by the breast.) The Dougal creature has a gude action o' wrangous imprisonment, and I'se see him righted — I'se see him righted. Capt. T. Mr. Jarvie Bailie. Mr. Bailie Jarvie, gin ye please, Sir. Capt T. Well, then, Mr. Bailie Jarvie, unless you keep your opinions to yourself, I shall resort to unpleasant mea- sures. Bailie. My conscience ! — wull ye really ? (Rob Roy, in his Highland dress, unarmed, appears in the back-ground, and listens, rue.) ScBNB. IV. ROB ROY. 39 Capt. T. Now, my friend, let us understand each other. You have confessed yourself a spy, and should string up to the next tree ; — but, come, — if you will lead me and a small party to the place where you left your master, you shall then go about your business ; and I'll give you five guineas earnest to boot Doug. Oigb, oigh ! she canna do tat, — she'd rather be hanged ! Capt. T. Hanged then you shall be. Bailie Hanged ! My conscience ! Capt. T. Sergeant, away with him. People hone ! hone ! (Serjeant seizes Dougal.) Bong, (perceiving Rob.) Hooly, hooly — she'll do her honor's bidding. Bailie. Wull ye? Then ye deserve to be hanged, ye Hie- land deevil ! Awa' wi' him — awa' wi' him ! he's owre lang leeving. Capt. T. Mr. Jarvie — Mr. Bailie Jarvie, its my belief, Sir, when your own turn arrives, you will not be in such a deevil of a hurry. Bailie. Me ? Mine ? I'm a Bailie — my faither was a Dea- con ! My conscience ! wad ye hang a magistrate ? Doug. She'll no seek her to gang ony far'er than just to let you see whar the red Gregarach is? Cap)t. T. Not a step. Doug. And te five guineas ? Capt. T. Here they are. {takes out his purse, and counts tlie money into Dougal's hands.') — One. Doug. Aon. Capt. T Two. Doug Da. Capt. T. Three. Doug. Tri. Capt. T. Four. Doug. Ccithar. (a pause, Capt. T. feeling in his pvrse— Dougal impatient.) Coig ! Capt. T. Coig !— what the devil does the fellow mean? Coig ! (Bailie shakes his head.) Doug, (recollecting.) H out. teevil, five, five. Capt. T. Oh! (gives him tlie fifth guinea.) Bailie. The Dougal creature's waur than I thought him — a warldly and perfidious creature ! My worthy faither, the Deacon— rest be wi' him, honest man ! — used to say that 40 ROB ROY. [Act. II. goud slew raair souls than the sword did bodies: — and it's true, — it's true. Oh, Dougal ! Dougal ! I'm dune wi' ye now. Doug. Haud your whisht, Bailie — baud your whisht. Capt. T. Mr. Osbaldistone, and you Mr. Bailie Jarvie, if loyal and peaceable subjects, will not regret being detained a few hours, when it is essential to the king's service ; — if otherwise, I need no excuse for acting according to my duty. (to Dougal.) Now observe, if you attempt to deceive me, you die by my hand ! Bailie. My conscience ! Doug, (aside.) She's no just sure about tat. Two Sentimels are ]jlaced on each side of the Bailie, who looks at them with anger and dismay : — the same is done with Francis. Dougal leads the march, taking an oppor- tunity to excJiange a glance of recognition and uruierstand- ing with Rob Roy. Capt. T. March. Military Music — they march from c. to l. tJien up r. off r.u.e. — Music dies away as they disappear Enter Rob Roy, and Rashleigh Osbaldistone from behind tlte Hut. r. Rob. (r.c.) Who'd have thought Dougal had so much sense under that ragged red now of his ? Rash, (l.c.) Did he act then by your direction? Rob. Troth did he; — and well acted it was! — he'll lead the Saxon Captain up the loch ; but not a red-coat of them will comeback to tell what they landed in. Rash. And their prisoners — my cousin, and the Bailie? Rob. They'll be safe enough while Dougal's with tbem. Rash. Perhaps not. [asifle.) Rob. Fetch my dirk and claymore, some of you. I must away. Rash, {aside.) If Thornton has been fool enough to be led into an ambuscade : — this opportunity shall not be lost. Rob. My dirk and claymore ! I must attack these buz- zards in the rear. [A Boy runs into tlie inn. Rash. A word, MacGregor. You told me your whole force was disposed to watch the different parties sent to sur- prise you. Scene III. ROB ROY. 41 Rob. I did. Rash. How then have you been able to provide so sud denly for this unexpected party of Thornton's 1 Rob. Look around you. Rash. Well. Rob. Think you that any but old men, women, and bairns, would stand idle when King James's cause or MacGregor's safety needed them ? Ten determined men might keep the pass of Lochart against a hundred ; — and I sent every man forward that had strength to wield a dirk or draw a trigger. Rash. Indeed! Move on then ! — G-albraith ! MacStuart ! The People shout. Rob rans to different entrances, but is met by Soldiers, wJio aim at him. Rashleigh seizes the claymore from the boy, and points it at him, r. : — pause, Rob is bound. Rash, (r.) Now. MacGregor, we meet as befits us, for the first time. Rob. (c.) But not the last. Oh! villain! villain! vil- lian ! Rash. I should better have deserved that reproach, when, under the direction of an able tutor, I sought to introduce civil war into the bosom of a peaceful country ; but I have done my best to atone for my errors. Galbraith, let him be mounted on the same horse with the strongest trooper of your squadron, buckled in the same belt, and guarded on every side, 'till he's safe in the garrison. Rob. There's a day of reckoning at hand ! — think on't — dream on't — there's not a red MacGregor in the country, but from this time forward marks you for a traitor's doom. There's a day to come — you have not yet subdued Rob Roy ! Rash. Away. Military Music — Rob is led off 'l., looking steadily at Rash- leigh. FINALE. Highlanders and Soldiers. Chorus. Tramp, tramp, o'er moss and fell High. MacGregor's ) fu„*;i Soldiers. The Robbers f Iouna » 42 ROB ROY. {Act ill. High. MacGregor's \ . . . Soldiers. The Traitors ] Dound ' And wailing clans shall hear his knell, Whose battle cry Was " win or die !" SOLO. Kaity. Guardian spirits of the brave, Freedom grant, the chieftain save. Chorus. — Tramp, tramp, &c. [Exith. END OF ACT II. ACT III. Scene I. — TJie Pass of Lochard. — Military Music. Enter Dougal, Captain Thornton. Francis Osraldistone, Bailie Nicol Jarvie, Serjeant and Soldiers, r. Capt. T (c.) Halt! Front ! (to Dougal.) Go to the froDt, Sir. (to the Bailie.) Now, Sir, you wish to speak with me. Bailie, (r.) Yes, Captain, I crave that liberty; and for the sake o' a' concerned, I'm sorry you didna grant it a full half hour gane by ; for it's my sincere advice, for the sake o' ye're friends in general, and mysel' in particular, that you mak the best o' your way back again to a place o' safety : — if you do not, by the hand o' my body ! there is no ane of us will gang baine to tell the tale. Capt. T. Make yourself easy, Sir. Bailie. Easy ! I canna mak mysel' easy, Sir. My con- science ! — he'll hae us a' butcher'd. (aside.) Capt. T. As you are friends of the government, gentle- men, you will be bappy to learn that it is impossible this gang of ruffians can escape the measures now taken to sup- press them. Various strong parties from the garrison secure the hills in different parts ; three hundred Highlanders are in possession of the upper, while Major Galbraith and his troopers occupy the lower passes of this country. Bailie. Ah ! that sounds a' very weel ; but, in the first Scene I. ROB ROY. 43 place, there's mair brandy than brains in the head o' that Major Galbraith ; in the next, I wadna hae your place owre muckle confidence in the Hielanders — Corbies winna pick out corbies' een. They may quarrel araang thenisel's. and gie ilk ither a stab wi' a dirk, or a slash wi' a claymore now and then ; but tak my word for't, they are sure to join in the lang run against a' fo'ks that wear breeks on their hinner ends, and hae got purses in their pockets. Capt. T. (l.c. suddenly turning to Dougal.) The route you have led us is dangerous, and therefore suspicious. Doug. Weel, weel, Dougal dinna mak the roads. Bailie That's very true. Doug. If the shentlemans wad gang upon better gaits they should hae staid at hames at Glasgo'. Bailie. That they should, indeed ! Doug. Besides, your honor can no tink to tak the red Gregarach without some tanger. Bailie. The Dougal creature's right again, Capt. T. You dog, if you have deceived me. I'll blow your brains out on the spot. Your caution, Sir, shall not go un- regarded {to the Bailie.) but we must proceed. Bailie. (rc.) Proceed! My conscience! there's some- thing deevilisb hard in being obliged to risk ane's life in a quarrel with which we hae nae concern. Fran. I sincerely grieve that your kindness for me has led you into perils, in a cause which is now so hopeless. Bailie. We may shake hands on't. Your troubles will sune be owre, and I shall slumber wi' my worthy faither, the Deacon, — rest and bless him. Capt. T. Now, my lads, forward ! Helen MacGreoor apjiears on the point of a projecting rock, with a claymore and target ; a brace of pistols in her belt, and a mail's bonnet and tartan plaid, r., 3 e. Helen. Hold there ! Stand ! Tell me what seek you in the country of the MacGregor 1 Bailie By the soul o' my faither, the Deacon ! it's Rab's wife. Helen ! — there'l be broken heads amang us in three minutes. Helen. Answer me ! what is it you seek '? Capt T. (l.) The outlaw'd rebel MacGregor Campbell. Offer no vain resistance, and assure yourself of kind treat- ment. We make no war on women. 44 ROB ROY. [Act. III. Helen. Ay, I am no stranger to your tender mercies ! Ye have left me neither name, nor fame ; — my mother's bones will shrink in their grave when mine are laid beside them! Ye have left me neither house nor hold — blanket nor bedding — cattle to feed, or flocks to clothe us : — you have takeu from us all — all ! — the very name of our ancestors you have taken from us, and now you come to seek our lives I Capt. T, I seek no man's life, nor would I rashly lose my own. Bailie. Nor I mine ! Capt. T. You have, therefore, nothing to fear ; but should there be any among you hard} 7 enough to offer unavailing resistance, their own bloods be on their heads. A hundred guineas for Rob Roy ! Helen, Fire ! Capt. T Forward! Tlie heads of the Highlanders appear above t/ie rocJcs. A vol- ley is fired as Helen disappears. The first party of soldiers led on by the Serjeant, return it, and rush forward. Tlie Bailie at the first discliar ge starts fonvard in great alarm and scro.mbles up a rock. Dougal at tlie same time rushes on with Highlanders, who drive the soldiers up tlie Pass ; tlien re-enters, and ruslies off to assist t/ie Bailie. Tlie drums, bugles, and bigpipes, licard incessantly. As the tumult subsides in the distance, Francis Osbaldistone Fran. The contest has terminated, and, I fear, fatally for the assailants. But where is my poor friend? I saw him in a situation of imminent danger, but I trust no random shot has confirmed his melancholy prophecy. Bailie, (without.) My conscience ! Enter Bailie Nicol Jarvie, l. 2 e., greatly disordered: the skirts of his coat torn off, and ragged, his wig off, slwiving his bald pate ; he seizes a cocked luxt which is left on the Stage, and in his confusion puts it on his Jiead Bailie. My conscience ! Fran. Somewhat damaged, I perceive ; but I heartily re- joice the case is no worse. Bailie. Thank ye, thank ye — the case is naething to brag o': — they say a friend sticks as close as a blister — My con- Scenk. 1. ROB ROY, 45 science ! I wish I had fand it sae. ( putting himself to rights.) When 1 cam' up to this cursed country, — forgie me for swearing !— on nae ane's errand but yours, Mr. Osbal- distone, d'ye think it was fair, when my foot slipped, and I hung by the hurdies to the branch o' a ragged thorn, to leave me dangling, like the sign o : the Golden Fleece owre the door o' a mercers shop on Luclgatehill ? D'ye think it was kind, I say, Sir. to let me be shot at like a regimental target, set up for ball practice, and never ance try to help me down, Sir? Fran. My good Sir, recollect the impossibility of my affording you any relief, without assistance. But how were you able to extricate yourself/ Bailie. Me extricate ! My conscience ! I should hae hung there, like Mahomet's coffin, till the day o' Pentecost, 'gin it hadna been for that Dougal creature. He cut aff the tails o' my coat, and clappit me on my legs again, as clean as if I had never been aff them. Fran. And where is Dougal now? Bailie. Following your example, Sir. Fran. My example ! What's that? Bailie. Taking deevilish gude care o' himsel'. He warned me to keep clear o' that amiable leddy we saw the noo ; and troth he's right there again ; for Kab himsel's frightened for her, when her bluid's up. Fran. Do you know her ? Bailie A deevilish deal owre weel ; but it's lang since we've met, and it's odds if she'll remember me Two or three Highlanders r\ cshforward-4Dov gal following. Highlanders] Mair Saxons ! — whiz a brace o' ball through 'em. Dovg. Haudl haud ! — they're friends t© the MacGregor. Bailie. Yes ! I carena wh i kens it — I'A a MacGregor ! — » We're baith MicGregors ! Helen MacGregor, followed by Highlanders, advances down the Pass, r.v.e., to a March. Helen, (r.c.) Englishmen, and without arms ! — that's strange, where there is a MaeGregor to hunt and slay ! Bailie, (r.) {hesitating.) I — I am very happy — exceeding happy — to hae this joyfu' opportunity — ahem ! — this joyfu' 46 ROB ROT. [Act III occasion o' wishing my kinsman Rab's wife, — a — a — (she looks at him with great contempt.) — a very good morning. Helen, (c.j Is it so? Bailie. Ye'll maybe hae forgotten me, Mrs. Helen Camp- bell ; but Helen. How ! Campbell ! My foot's upon my native heath, and my name is MacGregor. Bailie. Very weel, Mrs. Camp — Mrs. Rob Roy — tutz — Mrs. MacGregor, I beg pardon ; I would just crave the lib- erty o' a kinsman to salute you. Helen. What fellow art thou, that dare claim kindred with our clan, yet neither wear our dress nor speak our language 1 "Who are you that have the tongue and habit of the hound, yet seek to shelter with the deer ? Bailie. Why my mither, Elspeth Macfarlane, was the wife o' my faither Nicol Jarvie ; — she was the daughter o' Parlane Macfarlane, and Maggy Macfarlane married Duncan M'Nab, wha stood in the fourth degree Helen. And doth the stream of rushing water acknowledge any relationship with the portion that's withdrawn from it for the mean domestic use of those who dwell upon its banks ? Bailie. Maybe no ; but when the summer's sun has dried up the brook, and left naething but the chucky-stanes, it wad fain hae that portion back again. I ken ye baud us Glasco' bodies unco cheap ; but, Lord help ye, Mrs. Ca MacGrregor, think what a figure I should cut wi' my puir auld hurdies in a kilt, and hose gartered below the knee. My conscience ! I wad be a bonny figure. I hae been very ser- viceable to Rab as I am, and wad be mair sae, gin he wad leave aff his evil way, and no disturb the king's peace. Helen. Yes — you, and such as you, would have us hewers of wood, and drawers of water — you'd have us find cattle for your banquets, and subjects for your laws to oppress and trample on : But we are free — free by the very act which has left us neither house nor hearth, food or covering, — which has bereaved us of all — all but vengeance ! Bailie. For Heaven's sake dinna speak o' vengeance ! Helen. I will speak on't. I will perform it too : — I will carry on this day's work by a deed that shall break all bonds between MacGregor and the Lowlanders for ever. Here ! Allan, Dougal, bind these Sassenachs neck and heels, and throw them into the Highland Loch to seek for their High- land kingsfolk. [ScBKB I ROB ROY. 47 Bailie. My conscience ! Doug (l.c.) Oigh ! to be surely, her pleasure maun be done. Bailie. Ah ! but Dougal ! ye ken Doug. Oh ay ! they are friends o' te chief, as T can tes- tify, and cam' here on his assurance o' welcome and safety. Helen Dog ! were I to order you to tear out their hearts, and place them in each other's breasts, to see which there could best plot treason against the MacGregor, — would you dare to dispute my orders ! {distant voices are lieard, sing- ing the burthen of '-The Lament.") Hark! hark! what means that strain? (an emotion of alarm in the Highland- ers. Helen becomes more agitated as the sounds approach.) Why is this ? Why a lament in the moment of victory ? Enter Robert, Hamish, and a party of Highlanders, l. Robert, Hamish, where's the MacGregor? Where's your father? (they intimate his captivity.) Ah! a prisoner — taken prisoner ! Then MacGregor dies ! Cowards, did I nurse you for this, that you should spare your blood on your father's enemies — that you should see him taken prisoner, and come back to tell it ! Ah ! cowards — cowards ! [sud- denly turning to Francis.) Your name is Osbaldistone % Fran, (r.) It is. Helen, (c.) Rashleigh? {presenting a pistol.) Fran. No ; Francis. Helen That word has saved you. (puts the pistol in her belt.) Fran. Rashleigh is my cousin ; but for what cause I am Unable to divine, he is my bitterest enemy. Helen. I'll tell you the cause. You have unconsciously thwarted him in love and in ambition. He robbed your father's house of government papers, to aid a cause which he has this day deserted, and by his treachery has my husband fallen. Dare you carry a message to these blood-hounds, from the wife of your friend ? Fran. I am ready to set out immediately Bailie. So am I. Helen. No, you must remain ; I have further occasion for you. Bring forth the Saxon Captain. Exit Dougal, l.u.e. Fran. You will be pleased to understand, that I came into this country on your husband's invitation, and his as- 43 ROB ROY. f Act III. surance of aid in the recovery of those papers f&n have just now mentioned : and my friend, Mr. Jarvie, accompanied me on the same errand. Bailie. And I wish your friend Mr. Jarvie's boots had been fu' o' boiling water, when he pat them on for sic a dam- nable purpose. Helen. Sons, you may read your father in what thisyounjjj man tells you ; — wise only when the bonnet's on his head, and the claymore is in his hand. He never exchanges the tartan for the broad cloth, but he runs himself into the mis- erable intrigues of these Lowlanders, and becomes again their agent, their tool their slave ! Enter Captain Thornton, led on by Dougal, fyc, l.u.e. But enough of this. Now, mark well my message. If they injure a hair of the MacGrcgor's head, if they do not set him at liberty within the space of twelve hours, I will send them back their Saxon Captain, and this Glasgow Bailie, each bundled in a plaid, and chopped into as many pieces as there are checks in the tartan Bailie. My conscience ! For Heaven's sake dinna send sican a message ! Capt. T. (l.) Give the commanding officer my compli- ments, Sir, — Captain Thornton's compliments, of the Royals. — tell him to do his duty, and not to waste a thought on me. I am only sorry for the poor fellows that have fallen into such butcherly hands. If I have been deceived by these art- ful savages, I know how to die for my error, without dis- gracing the king I serve, or the country that gave me birth ! Bailie. My conscience ! whisht ! are you weary o' your life ! Oh! Mr. Osbaldistone ! gie my service. — Bailie Nicol Jar- vie's service, a merchant and a magistrate in the Sautoaarket o' Glasgow, — and tell them there are some folks here in great tribulation, and (looking at Helen) like to come to mair; and the best thing they can do for a' parties, is just to let Bab awa', and mak' nae mair about it. Helen. Remember my injunctions ; for as sure as that sun shall sink beneath the mountain, my words shall be ful- filled. If I wail, others shall wail with me ; — there's not a lady in the Lennox, but shall cry the Coronach for those she will be loth to lose; — there's not a farmer but shall cry, " Weel awa'," over a burnt barn-yard, and an empty byre : — SCENJB I. ROB ROY. 49 there's not a laird shall lay his head on the pillow at night, with the assurance of being a live man in the morning. Con- duet him on his way. (She signs to one of the Highlanders. The Bailie. .unwilling to leave Francis, 'is following him off, when a Highander suddenly seizes him by tlie neck, and throws him round to Ids former situation. Exit Francis andgui/lc l. Captain Thornton retires, guarded, l.u.e.) Now, Allaster, the ; ' Lament !' ; the " Lament I" LAMENT. O hone a rie ! O hone a rie ! Before the sun has sunk to rest, The turf will lie upon his breast, O hone a rie, &c. The pride of all our line deplore, Brave MacGregor is no more, O hone a rie, &c. Hoy's wife, &c. S/ie sinks in grief upon the rock, r., 2 e.. in front, while the " Lament" is sung ; — at the close. Rob. (l. witlwut.) Gregarach ! Dong. Rob Roy ! Rob Roy ! Rob Roy rushes on l., and is received in the arms of Helen, with a wild and exulting shout from the Clan. The Bai- lie, exhilarated to the higltest pitch of joy, from the deepest despondency. Helen. MacGregor ! — husband ! — life ! Bailie. But how did you get out o' their clutches. Rab? Rob. Passing the ford of Avandow, Ewan of Briglands cut the belt that bound us ; and I duck'd and dived down the river, where not one trooper in a thousand would have dared to follow me. Helen. And how fell you within their grasp 1 Rob. By him who has placed a brand where he swore to plant the olive — Rashleigh Osbaldistone. But were he the last and best of bis name, may the fiend keep me, when we next meel, if this good blade and his heart's blood are not well acquainted. Bailie. Weel, there are as mony slips between the throat and the gailows, as there are between the cup and the lip. Vm like a dead man restored to life ! (a Boy advances with 50 ROB ROT. [Act. III. the Bailie's wig and cane, which he joyfully receives.) Eh ! ye're a braw Hielander ; ye'll be a man afore your mither. (turns to Rob jocularly.) Od, Rab, when ye're dividing the spoils o' the field, if ye find the tail o' my coat, I'll be mucklo obliged to ye for't. Rob. (laughs.) Drink, lads, drink, and be blythe ! Dougal passes about liorn cups and cans ; tlie music strikes. The Bailie shakes hands with Rob Roy, who pledges him vith cordiality. CHORUS. Roy's wife of Aldivalloch, Roy's wife of Aldivalloch, We can be As blythe as she, Dancing now the Highland Wallach; Drink and dance, and sing wi' glee, Joy can never mak' us weary ; Rob is frae the sodgers free, And Helen she has found her deary ! A Highland Dance to the Bagpipes by Dougal, and High- land Lads and Lasses. The Bailie, enraptured at his escape from danger, joins tlie dancers. Scene closes tliem in. Scene II. — Wild Scenery in tlie neighborhood of Abe? foil. Enter Francis Osbaldistone, l. Fran. I fear I have dismissed my guide too early. Every step I have taken since his departure renders my way to Aberfoil more intiicate. The twilight darkens rapidly, and each succeeding moment the surrounding objects wear a dif- ferent feature, changeful as my fortunes. SONG. Air — " Fee him, father, fee hirtu* O ! life is like a summer flower, Blooming but to wither ; O love is like an April hour, Tears and smiles together. And hope is but a vapor light, The lover's worst deceiver; Sesars IX ROB roy. 61 Before him now it dances bright, And now, 'tis gone for ever ! O joy is but a passing ray, Lovers' hearts beguiling ! A gleam that cheers a winter's day, Just a moment smiling. Bui though in hopeless dark despair, The thread of life may sever, Yet while it beats, dear maid, I swear, My heart is thine for ever ! Enter Sir Frederick and Diana Vernon, r.h., muffled in Jwrsemeri's cloaks. Sir F. Soho, friend — whither go you ? Fran. To Aberfoil : can you direct me ? Sir F. Turn the projecting rock on your left, and the vil- lage lies before you. Fran. I thank you : in return, let me advise, if you travel northward, to wait till the passes are open ; — there has been some disturbance in this neighborhood. Sir F. We have heard so , — but the soldiers had the worst, had they not ? Fran. Yes ; but in another quarter, the Outlaw, called Bob Roy, has been captured. Sir F. Know you not Rob Roy has again escaped ? Fran. Escaped ! I rejoice to hear it ! That circum- stance will at once secure a friend of mine from danger, and prevent my being 'detained by a commission with which I was entrusted in his behalf. Sir F. Who are you? What is your name? Fran. My name can be of little conseouence to an utter stranger. Diana. Mr. Francis Osbaldistone should not sing his favorite airs, when he wishes to remain concealed. Fran. Miss Vernon ! at such an hour, in such a lawless country. Sir F. Now, Diana, give your cousin his property, and waste no further time. Dia?ia. But one moment, Sir ; but one moment, to say farewell. Sir F Remember, 'tis your last [Exit l. Fran. Our last ! Diana. Yes. dear Frank ! — there is a gulph between us — 62 ROB ROT. [Act. in. a gulph of absolute perdition. Where we go, you must not follow. What we do, you must not share in Take from my hand these eventful papers ; — poor Scotland has lost her freedom, but your father's credit will at least be restored. Fran. And is there no way in which I may be allowed to show my gratitude ? Diana. Alas, none ! Adieu i be happy ! SONG. Air.— « The Lass of Patie's Mill: 1 Forlorn and broken-hearted 1 weep ray last adit-u ! And sigh o'er joys departed, That time can ne'er renew. Farewell, my love ! I leave thee, For some tar distant shore ; Let no Jond hope deceive thee,-— We part to meet no mure ! Tho' grief may long oppress thee, Yuur love I'll ne'er resign; My laest sis;h shall bless thee, My last sad tear be thine! Farewell, my love, &c. [Exeunt Diana, l., Francis, r. Scene III. — Interior of Jean MacAlpin'tfs Change House. Bailie Nicol Jarvie discovered at tlie table. Bailie. Weel, after the fatigue it has been my lot to suffer this blessed day, a cup o' brandy does nae barm. My cousin Rah is bringing up his family to an ill end ; and as for my cousin Helen — My conscience ! [drinks.) Thank Heaven, I shall soon leave this dolefu' country. Enter Ron Roy, l.d.f. — He sits ctoivn ojyositc the Bailie. Rab again ! — why, the man's like a bogle, or a ghaist. Rob. (l) 'Twas business that made me follow you so quickly. Bailie, and business waits for no man ; there is the two hundred pounds I promised you — Never say a High- lander belied his word. Bailie, (r.) Ye're an honest man, Rab ; that is, ye've a sort ficSWK II. ROB ROY. 63 o' honesty, — a kind o* — Rab, ye're an honest rogue. Rob. Come, come, take your money, and your cup, and say no more about it. Bailie. Weel, here's your health, and my cousin Helen's health, and your twa hopefu' sons, of whom mair anon. (drinks.) As to Helen, her reception o' me this blessed day was the north side o' friendly, that I maun say. Rob. Say nothing of her, but what is befitting a friend to say. and her husband to hear. Bailie. Weel, weel, we'll let that flee stick to the wa' ; but I maun tell you, that your sons are as ignorant as the very cattle you used to drive to market. Rob. And where was I to get them teachers ? Would you have me put ou the College-gate of Glasgow, — '•' Wanted, a Tutor for the Children of Rob Roy, the Outlaw?" Bailie. No exactly ; that cock wudna fecht j — but you might hae taught them something. Rob. I have taught them something. Hamish can bring down a black-cock on the wing, with a single bullet ; and his brother drive a dirk through a two-inch deal board. Bailie. Sae muckle the waur, Rab — sae rauckle the waur. But I hae been thinking, Rab, to tak' them hame to the Saut market, and mak' them 'prentices ; (Rob starts angrily.) — and I'll gie ye back your twa hundred pound for the sat- isfaction. Rob. What ! a hundred thousand deevils ! — the sons of MacGregor, weavers ! I'd sooner see every loom in Glasgow, beams, traddles, and shuttles, burnt in hell-fire ! Bailie. My conscience ! that wad be a bleeze ! Weel, weel, you needna grip your dirk, as though you were gaun to drive it through me ; I'm no a twa-inch deal board. Rob. Give me your hand. You mean well, but you press over hard on my temper. Consider what I have been, and what I am become ; above all. consider the cause that has forced me to become what I am. Enter Francis Osbaldistone, l.d.f. Fran. Ah ! MacGregor and Mr. Jarvie. — both safe ! Rob. Ay, and like to keep so ; the worst hour is past. Bailie. My conscience I but it has left plenty o' sair banes ahint it ; but a man mustna expect to carry the comforts o' the Sautmarket at his tail, when he gangs visiting his Hie- land kinsfolk. 64 rob ROT. [Act. m. Rob. (aside to Francis.) Your father is now in Glasgow; send the packet to him, by Mr. Jarvie. Fran. My father ! How knew you this ? Rob. Dispatch your business, and follow me. You shall see the moonlight on the mountain — you shall hear Bailie. What? Rob. The night bird scream ! — will you listen to her bodings? — Now the mist is on the brae, and the spirit of the Gregarach walks ! — but I forget ! — You mean kindly. Fare- well, cousin — farewell, (shakes hands with tlie Bailie, who is much affected. To Francis.) Follow me towards the Loch ; I would speak with you in private, (as Rob is about to exit, the Bailie goes up to him i and offers him the ])urse, which lie rejects.) Rob. Keep your trash, Bailie, keep your trash. [Exit, D.F. Bailie. What did Rab say to ye ? Fran. Something concerning these papers. Bailie. Ey ! — papers ! Why, by the son o' my faither, Rab is an honest — Stay ! (Francis tears open the packet ) Here's Mr Owen's list, — lk Caich'em and Whittington, 706," delightfu' ! — •' Pollock and Pcelman, 2 — 8 — 7," — exact ! — K Grubb and Grinder," — right to a fraction ! Lord save us ! what s this ? u Will o' Sir Hildebrand Osbaldistone, in favor o' his nephew. Francis !" My conscience ! Fran. Is it possible ? Bailie. As fac as death ! ftran. This, then, was the cause of Rashleigh's unrelent- ing hatred. Bailie. Xae matter — we've got the stuff, praise be blest 1 we've got the stuff ' Fran. Mr. Jarvie, I entrust these documents to your care, as, henceforward, the sole agent of my father's concerns in Scotland. Take some repose, and . c .et forward early. Bailie Sole agent! — Mr. Osbaldistone. {bowing.) I'll not affect to disclaim having done my best to deserve the fa- vors o' my frien's in Crane Alley. London ; or that the re- compence will not be highly advantageous to Nicol Jarvie, merchant and magistrate, in the Sautmarket o' Glasgow : — But, Mr. Osbaldistone, I trust you'll say as little as need be o' our pranks here amang the hills. If the members o' tho Town Council were to ken that ane o' their body was seen feghting wi' a red bet poker, or dangling like an auld scare- Scxxs IV. ROB ROT. 65 craw o'er a potatoe-garden. — my conscience ! they wudna be weel pleased. If Bailie Graham was to hear o't, it wad be a sair hair in my neck as lang as I leeve. Fran. Fear nothing, Sir, on that score. Your kindness deserves, and shall receive every expression of the most grate- ful sentiments ; but let me beg of you to lose no time in re- turning home. Bailie. That you may swear ; and the next time you catch me out o' hearing o' St. Mungo's bells again, may Rab Roy sleep wi' his ancestors, and me wi' his widow! Eh! My conscience ! {Exeunt Bailie, r.; Francis, d.f. Scene IV. — Rob Roifs Cave, and View of Loch Lomond by Moonlight. Enter Rob Roy and Francis Osbaldistone, l.u.e. Rob. Let me now speak of my own concerns : my kinsman said something of my boys, that sticks in my heart, and maddens in my brain ; — 'twas truth he spoke, yet L dared not listen to it : — 'twas fair he offered, yet I spurned that offer from very pride. My poor bairns ! I'm vexed when I think they must lead their father's life. Fran. Is there no way for amending such a life, and thereby affording them on honorable chance of Rob. You speak like a boy ! Think you that the old gnarled oak can be twisted like the green sapling? Think you I can forget being branded as an outlaw, — stigmatised as a traitor, — a price set upon my head, and my wife and family treated as the dam and cubs of a wolf? The very name, which came to me from a long and noble line of mar- tial ancestors, denounced, as if it were a spell to conjure up the devil ! Fran. Rely on it, the proscription of your name and fam- ily is considered by the English as a most cruel and arbitrary law. Rob. Still is proscribed ; — and they shall hear of my ven- geance, that would scorn to listen to the story of my wrongs ; —they shall find the name of MacGregor is a spell to raise the wild devil withal. Ah, lleav'n help me ! I found deso- lation where I had left plenty — I looked east, west, north, and south, and saw neither hold nor hope, shed nor shelter ; 66 ROB ROY. [Act. III. so I e'en pulled the bonnet o'er my brow, buckled the broad- sword to my side, took to the mountain and the glen, — and became a broken man ! But why do I speak of this 1 'Tis of my children, of my poor bairns, I have thought, and the thought will not leave me. Fran, Might they not, with some assistance, find an hon- orable resource in foreign service ? If such be your wish, depend on its being gratified. Rob. (stretching one hand to him, and passing the other across his eyes) I thank you — I thank you. I could not have believed that mortal man would again have seen a tear in MacGregor's eye. We'll speak of this hereafter ; — we'll talk of it to Helen : — but I cannot well spare my boys yet : — the heather is on fire. Fran. Heather on fire ! I do not understand you. Rob. Rashlcigh has set the torch ; — let them that can prevent the blaze, (bagpipes without.) Ah! they come; — then all's well. Fran. I comprehend, {seeing the approach of the High- landers, icho enter, Hamish and Robert directing their movements. Rob. (c.) Have you seen Diana and Sir Frederick on their way? Helen, (r.c.) I have. Stranger, you came to our unhappy country when our bloods were chafed, and our hands were red ; — excuse the rudeness that gave so rough a welcome, and lay it on the evil times, not upon us. Rob. Helen, our friend has spoken kindly, and proffered nobly, — our boys — our children Helen. I understand ; — but no. no ; this is not the time ; besides, I — no — no — I will not — cannot part from them. Fran, (r.) Your separation is not required; — leave the country with them. Helen. Quit the land of my sires ! — never! Wild as we live, and hopeless, the world has not a scene that could con- sole me for the loss of these rude rocks and glens, where the remembrance of our wrongs is ever sweetened by the recol- lection of our revenge. Fra?i. MacGregor? Rob. She says truly. 'Twas a vain project. We cannot follow them — we cannot part with the last ties that render life endurable. Were 1 to lose sight of my native hills, my heart would pink, and my arm would shrink like fern i' the SCBNE IV. ROB ROY. 57 winter's frost. No, Helen, no — the heather we have trode on while living, shall sweetly bloom over us when dead ! (Helen throws herself into his arms ) Fran. I grieve that my opportunity of serving those who have so greatly befriended me is incompatible with their prospects and desires. Rob. Farewell ! — the best wish MacGregor can give his friend is, that he moy see him no more. Helen. A mother's blessing, for the only kindness shown for years to the blood of MacGregor, be upon you ! Now farewell ! Forget me and mine, for ever ! Fran. Forget ! Impossible. Helen. All may be forgotten, but the sense of dishonor, and the desire of vengeance. Rob. No more : — strike ! (March. — TJie Highlanders file through t/ie mouth of the cave. Robert and Hamjsh stretch forth t/icir hands to Francis, as they pass in the march. Helen and Rob Rob each take 'cave of him with cordiality and regret, and exeunt through t/ie cave.) Fran. What a wayward way is mine ! My father's peace of mind is happily restored, but mine, with Diana, is lost for ever. Rashleigh Osbaldistone appears at the back of tlie Cave, l., and seeing Frank, conceals himself r. What noise ? surely I heard — No, they have left me. {the boats are seen jiassing tlie Loch with the Highlanders.) They are passing the Loch : I shall see them no more. Enter Sir Frederick and Diana Vernon, greatly alarmed, from l.u.e. Diana. Gone! MacGregor— -Helen-— our friends gone ! Sir F. Embarked already ! Then my course is ended. Fran. Amazement ! Diana Vernon, and Diana. Her father—her unhappy, her wretched father! Oh Frank ! we are beset by enemies on every-side : the only path by which we could escape is guarded. Fran. No danger shall befall you here. Sir F. Do not involve yourself in my fate ; — protect my child, but leave me to suffer. I am familiar with danger and prepared to meet it. Rashleigh Osbaldistone advances, c. Rash. Meet it then, here. 58 ROB ROT. (ACTlIL All. Rashleigh ! (Diana turns from him, to her father's arms. ) Rash. Ay, I come to repay the various obligations con- ferred on me by my friends, (he beckons on Soldiers.) Ap- prehend Sir Frederick Vernon, an attainted traitor; Diana Vernon, and Francis Osbaldistone, aiders and abettors of treason. Fran, (l.c.) Rashleigh, thou art too great a villain for words to speak thee. Rash. I can forgive your spleen, my gentle cousin ; — it is hard to lose an estate and a mistress in one night. Tako charge of your prisoners. If my conduct displeases you, lady, you may thank your minion there. Fran. I never gave you cause. Rash. 'Tis false ! In love, — in ambition, — in the paths of interest, you have crossed and blighted mc at every turn. I. was born to be the honor of my father's house- -I have been its destruction and disgrace ; — my very patrimony has become yours : — but if you ever live to possess it, the death curse of him you have thus injured, shall stick to it ! {goes to R.) Rob. {without. ) Gregarach ! Rash, (starts.) Ah! Rob Roy darts in and confronts Rashleigh. Highland- ers, led by Dougal, appear at tJie mouth of tlie cave, and overpower the Soldiers. Rob. Now ask mercy for your soul's sake. Rash. Never! (standing on his guard .) Rob. Claymore, then, (short and rapid combat; — Rash- lei gu falls, and is caught by Dougal.) Die, traitor, in your treason ! (Rashleigh is carried off by Dougal. Highland march.) Fnter Helen MacGregor, and the Clan, male and female. — Bailie Nicol Jarvie runs on, confused, from l.u.e. Bailie. My conscience ! what's here to do ! I fear I've lost my way. Fran. Mr. Jarvie ! I thought you were on the road to Glasgow. Bailie. I thought sae too; but, troth, the brandy has de- ceived me. My conscience ! to think o' a magistrate losing his head, and losing his horse too ! A little man, ca'd Job- [ScBNKlV. ROB ROT. 69 son, dismounted me just now in a trice, and gallop'd aff, as though my cousin Helen hersel' was at his — (sees Helen.) — My conscience ! Sir F. Brave Highlander ! you have saved more than my life — you have preserved my honor ! You, young man, (to Fran.) have proved yourself worthy of my child, and to you I give her. But whence this unexpected aid? I surely saw the boats depart (to Rob.) Rob. With half my band — no more. Dougal overheard, and fortunately apprised me of Rashleigh's intention, and I kept up the appearance which decoyed the villain to his own snare. Helen, (to Fran.) By Sir Frederick Vernon's means your father's house has been preserved ; that consideration must induce his honorable mind to confirm the gift you prize, and endeavor to obtain from the government a remission of tho law in favor of a noble enemy. Rob. We shall rejoice in your happiness, though we may not share it. If, in such moments, you ever think upon MacGregor, think kindly of him ; and when you cast a look towards poor old Scotland, do not forget Rob Roy. FINALE. Air. — " Duncan Gray cam? here to woo." Pardon now the bold Outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor, O I Grant him mercy, gentles a', Rob Roy MacGregor, O ! Let your hands and hearts agree, Set the Highland Laddie tree — Mak' us sing wi' muckle glee, Rob Roy MacGregor, O ! Fran. Long the State has doom'd his fa', Rob Roy MacGregor, O ! Still he spurn'd the hatefu' law, Rob Roy MacGregor, O ! Scots can for their country die, Ne'er from Britain's foes they flee — A' that's past forget— forgie, Rob Roy MacGregor, O ! Chorus,— Let your hands^ &c. Diana. Scotland's fear, and Scotland's pride, Rob Roy MacGregor, O ! Vour award must now abide, Rob Roy MacGregor, 1 ROB ROT. (Act. m. Long your favors hae been mine, Favors I will ne'er resign — Welcome then, for a u Id langsyne, Rob Roy MacGregor, O ! ._ ^ Chorus, — Let your hands, &c. K. L. Highlanders. Highlanders. Bailie, Sir F, Diana, Francis, Rob, Helen, Robert, Hamish, Dougal. FINIS