Pgg UC-NRLF $B ist O cn THE LADY OF THE LAKE: A MELO-DRAMATIC ROMANCE, IN THREE ACTS; TAKEN FROM THE POPULAR POEM OF THAT TITLE, AND NOW PERFORMING WITH UNDIMINISHED APPLAUSE, AT TI1E THEATRE ROYAL, EDINBURGH. BY EDMUND JOHN EYRE, FORMERLY OF PEMBROKE COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE; AND NOW OF DRURY-LANE AND HAY-MARKET COMPANY OF COMEDIANS. " EX NOTO FICTUM CARMEN SEQUAR; UT SIBI QUIVIS " SPERET IDEM." LONDON: PRINTED FOR W. H. WYATT, PICKET STREET, TEMPLE-BAR ; MY B. MMILLAN, BOW STREET, COVENT GARDEN. 1811. [Price Two Shillings and Six-pence.'] AT the request of Mr. Siddons, Manager and Patentee of the Theatre Royal, Edinburgh , the fol- lowing Performance \vas composed. I am very sen- sible, that Mr. Scott's Poem of " The Lady of the Lake" afforded materials for a much superior Drama than the one here presented to the public ; but as Mr. Siddons, in all his correspondence with me on the subject, urged expedition, I was more attentive to the interest of a Friend, than to the fame of an Author; and the whole piece was arranged, written, and copied, in the short space of ten days. 1 can claim little merit beyond that of a compiler * Some few flowrets, indeed (or rather weeds, as the Critics may call them, at the foot of Parnassus), are of my own planting ; but the praise of poetic inge- nuity belongs solely to the Author from whence the scenes, characters, and sentiments have been borrowed. To quote the translated words of Montaigne, which have been appositely applied to similar compositions, I have here only made a nosegay of culled flowers, and have brought little more of my own than the band which ties them. M84821 &RAMATIS PERSONA. MEN. Fitz- James MR. SIDDONS* Earl of Douglas Ma ARCHER* Allan-Bane MR. SHAW. Malcolm Graeme .... MR. THOMSON. Brian MR. HALLIWEL&* Murdoch MR. W. MURRAY- John of Brent MR. TURPIN. Bertram MR. JONES. Malise MR. DUFF. Roderick Dhu MR. TERRY* WOMEN. Lady Ellen Douglas MRS. H. SIDDONS. Lady Margaret MRS. M'NAMARA, Blanche of Devan MRS. YOUNG. Lords and Ladies of the Court Clansmen Squires Knights SoldiersMorris Dancers Wrest- lersArchers, Sfc. Sfc. The Overture, and the Vocal and P antomimical Music, partly composed, and partly selected, by Mr. J. A. JONES. The Scenery (Views from Nature), taken on th* spot, and painted by Mr. J. F. THE LADY OF THE LAKE, Act I. ;''' SCENE L - Katrine' several Islands, in perspective) scattered on the Lake, with distant Fiews af Ben- Ferine and Ben- An. As the Curtain rises, the distant sound of a Bugle is heard, which dies away in faint echoes. After some time, the sound is renewed, and becomes stronger, till Fitz-James appears on the summit of a projecting Rock, and winds his Horn. Fitz-James. Far distant in the chase have lagg'd behind My trusty followers, and my fleetest hounds. Ill fortune mark the hour, when, spent with toil, Stumbled my gallant steed, and in the dell, Stretch'd his stiff limbs upon the rugged earth. Again the swelling bugle's notes I'll (He sounds his Horn a pause Music s expressive of listening attention). Woe 'worth the chase ! No kind response I hear * THE LADY OF THE LAKE, Fitz- James. Since to your home I was announc'd, by prophet, old, and sage, A destin'd Errant Knight, I'll court my fate Have with you, sweet; an angel for my guide, I need not fear the harm of mortal foe! Ellen points to the Boat Fitz-James assists her into it, then seats himself, and takes the Oar Music accompanies the action till th& Scene closes. . . ; , SCENE II. Bower around flic IValls are hung Battle- Targets, Broad Swords, Bows and Ar- rows, with the tattered remains of Pennons and Flags the Hides of Boars, Wolves, Deer- skins, Hunting Spears, and several Trophies of the Fight and Chase. Enter LADY MARGARET and ALLAN-BANE. Lady Marg. Wake, Allan-Bane, arouse thee from this mood, And tune thy harp to victory's loudest strain ! Pour forth the glory of Clan- Alpine's Chief, Record the prowess of Sir Roderick Dhu, The Saxon's scourge, my pride, my gallant son ! Allan-Bane. Vainly thou bid'st me wake the trembling lyre, Vainly thou bid'st me touch the chords of joy! When I reflect upon my master's fate, The noble Douglas, exil'd from his home, And seeking with his daughter, Ellen, here, The refuge of an outlaw'd band, my tears Unloose the strings, wound up to harmony, And damp the inspiration of the bard. Lady Mar g. Some debts to Roderick's house are surely due, you forget A DRAMATIC ROMANCE. 5 Allan-Bane. No, Lady Margaret, no ; All that a daughter could require, your care Bestow'd upon the Lady Ellen, and From your bold, valiant son, Clan- Alpine's pride, The banish'd Douglas found a safe retreat, To screen him from the ire of Scotland's King ! Lady Marg. Soon will Sir Roderick claim his daughter's hand, And bind our friendship stronger by that tie. Allan- Bane. Alas, his haughty mien, and gloomy brow, Will never touch the Lady Ellen's heart, Whose vows are plighted to young Malcolm Graeme. (Aside.) CHORUS, chanted at a Distance, till the Notes gradually become louder. Huntsman, rest ! thy chase is done, Think not of the rising sun ; For at dawning to assail ye, Here no bugles sound reveille. Allan-Bane. The stranger comes ! my pro- phecy's fulfil I'd ! The choristers, obedient to my wish, Unseen, salute him with melodious song t The Door is thrown open, ivhen'Y'rtz- James, preceded by Ellen, enters the Bower.' He bows to Lady Margaret and the Minstrel, and surveys every object with mute surprise, whilst is sung the following INVISIBLE CHORUS. Jn our isle's enchanted hall, Hands unseen thy couch is strewing j Fairy strains of music fall, Ev'ry sense in slumbers dewing. 6 THE LADY OF THE LAKE, Fitz- James. 'Tis sure encliantment all ! what- e'er I hear, Whatever I see, is wrapped in mystery ! Pray tell me, fair ones,, are you of this earth, Or else some El/en. Witches? you would ask. True, Sir, Weird women we, who sometime ride the blast, To cast our spells on wand'ring Knights like you ; Whilst viewless minstrels, to our charmed rhymes, Strike with aerial fingers golden harps ! (Curtsies, and gars out). Lady Marg. Youth, innocently gay, will often jest. Sir, you are welcome to our house and hoard, And ev'ry courteous rite shall he your due, That hospitality can claim, or s^ive : Nor will we question you of birth, and name, Lest we should recognize a deadly foe, And give unwillingly the stranger's boon. Ellen enters, with Attendants, bearing Veni- son and Wine tha/ spread the Table, and Ellen motions Fitz-James to seat himself and eat He obeys. During the Dumb Scene, Music; when that has ceastd, Allan-Bane takes his Harp, and .sings the following Verse, whilst Ellen and Lady Margaret wait upon their Guest. SONG, accompanied on the Harp ALLAN-BANE. If ere on Life's uncertain main, Mishap shall mar thy sail 5 If faithful, wise, and brave in vain, Woe, want, and exile thou sustain, Beneath the fickle gale ; Waste not a sigh on fortune chang'd, On thankless courts, or friends estrang'd ; But come where kindred worth shall smilff, To greet thee in the lonely isle ! A DRAMATIC ROMANCE. 7 Fitz- James (rising). Thanks for your cheer I thanks to the Bard, whose strains Have tun'd my soul to harmony and love ! (Taking Ellen apart ; the Servants remove the table, &c. &c. and Lady Margaret and the Minstrel go out). Dear Lady, let me profit by the chance Which brought me to your isle Of all the flow'rs That bloom in this sequestered vale, thou art The fairest, and the sweetest ; but 'tis pity A rose so sweet should blossom in a wild! Ellen. The modest rose, that on the moun- tain's side Is nourish'd by the dews of Heav'n, lives out Its little date of summer's life ; but that Which proudly blossoms in a princely bow'r, Is prematurely pluck'd to grace a bosom Regardless of its sweets, and fades away ! Fitz-James. By this soft hand I swear, I'll lead thee far From these rude scenes, where feuds and discord reign, To where Love frolicks in the myrtle bow'rs ! Near to Bochcastle do my horses wait, To bear us swiftly on the way to Stirling. He who addresses you, my lovely maid, Is honoured in the Scottish Court ; by rank, The, Knight of Snodoun, and by name, James ! Ellen. To say, Sir Knight, I do not read t heart, Were female artifice One way remains Yes, struggling bosom, I will tell him all ! (Asi Fitz-James, my father is a banish'd man, Qntlaw'd and exil'd, and the price of blood 8 THE LADY OF THE LAKE, Is set upon his life ; to wed with me Were infamy (Fitz-James attempts to speak). Nay, do not speak, but hear what Truth reveals- Sir Knight there is a noble youth JitZ'James. Enough- I read the secret movements of thy breast, And 'twere not mannerly to press you more. Now, fair one, listen to a stranger's word. It chanc'd one day, in fight, my faulchion's blade Preserved the life of Scotland's Lord; this ring The grateful Monarch from his finger gave ; And bade, whenever I had boon to ask, . To bring it back, and boldly claim of him Whatever recompense I'd choose to name. Ellen, this golden circlet now be thine ! Seek thou the King ; this signet speeds thy way Thro* ranks of soldiers station'd to oppose ; Then claim thy suit, whatever it be, and trust He will redeem his pledge, and grant thy pray'r! (He places the Ring on her Finger. He is hastily departing through the Door, when a large Broad-sword, which hangs from * TropJiy over it, drops from its Sheath upon the ground, at Ids feet he picks it up, looks at it, and comes foncard Music, till he speaks). I never knew but one, whose sinewy arm, Was strong enough to brandish in the field, A blade like this (aside). Ellen. " Sir Knight, it is my sire's, Our guardian-champion's sword ! Fitz- James. Ha ! say'st thou so ? By Heav'n, upon the guard is blazon'd here, The well-known crest of Douglas ! (Aside). The Bag- pipes are heard at a distan . A DRAMATIC ROMANCE. Enter LADY MARGARET and ALLAN-BANE. Lady Marg. Hearst thou not The pipes of war announce my son's approach ? Look from this casement ! see their banners wave, Their barges floating on the silver tide ! She opens the Casement The sounds of the Pibroch are renewed in piano Whilst Allan -Bane converses apart with Lady Margaret and Ellen, Fitz- James is vieiu- ing the Scene from the Window. ^[Han-Bane. 'Twere best yon stranger were clismiss'd ; his presence, At such a time as this, may breed distrust ; Besides, Sir Rod'rick may Lady Marg. Thou counsePst well Stranger, the rights of hospitality Perform'd, I must entreat you to depart A boat now waits to waft thee o'er the stream. Fitz- James (bowing to Lady Marg,) Lady, fare- well ! Ellen, thy hand (kissing ft) -Adieul Fast in the seat of memory shall be stor'd, The sweet remembrance of the lonely isle ! [Exit. Lady Marg. (to Ellen) Come hither, loiterer; thou a Douglas, thou ! And shnn'st to bind a victor's brows with wreaths ! Haste, Ellen, haste, to greet my son with smiles ! [Exit. Ellen. Ah, who thro' all these Western Isles, ere heard The name of black Sir Roderick with a smile? In Holy Rood, undaunted homicide, A valiant Knight he slew ; but outlawed since, He has become a wild, marauding Chief ! 10 THE LADY OF THE LAKE, Allan-Bane. But you must N grant him brave, and gen'rous too, Save when vindictive passions chafe his blood I Ellen. Allan, the hand that for my father fought, I reverence with a daughter's holy zeal. Roderick may claim my life but not my hand. Rather would Ellen Douglas seek the cell, A willing votress in some convent's gloom, Rather would wander realms beyond the sea, Dependent on the pity of mankind, Than wed the man she cannot love ! (A Bugle /. founded) Allan, I hear my father's signal blast Away ! Be ours the pleasing task to guide his bark, And waft him to his home. (Music). [Exeunt. SCENE III, The Lake Four manned and masted Barges, in perspective, are sailing towards the Island Above their Spears, Pikes, and Axes, waves the banner d Pine of Sir Roderick. On the opening of the Scene, the Pipers on the Boivs of the Vessels play the Bag-pipes-, but when those cease, the following Chorus is sung by the Boat- men, and joined Ly numerous Clansmen on the surrounding Hills, painted in Groups of Figures on the Side* and Summits of the Mountains. CHORUS^ Row, vassals, row, for the pride of the Highlands $ Stretch to your oars for the evergreen Pine ! O that the rose-bud that graces yon islands, Wwe wreath' d in a garland around him to twine ! A DRAMATIC ROMANCE. 11 Enter DOUGLAS and MALCOLM GRAEME, and ELLEN and ALLAN-BANE on opposite Sides. Ellen (running to, and embracing her Father) My sire ! Douglas. My darling Ellen ! Ellen. Tell me why So long you tarry from your Ellen's sight ? When you are absent, oh, my heart is sad ; But throbs with rapture at your safe return ! Douglas. Oh, Malcolm, if there be a human tear From passion's dross refin'd, a tear so pure, That would not stain an angel's cheek, 'tis that Which gushes from a parent's eye, To weep upon a duteous daughter's head ! (Embracing her). Ellen. But tell me, Sir, why urge the chase so far, And why so late return'd ? Douglas. The hunter's sport I love, 'tis mimicry of noble war ! Far eastward as I stray'd, I met this youth Nor safe I stray'd, for on the hills and moors The hunters and the horsemen scour'd the ground ! But Malcolm Graeme, tho' still s royal ward, At risk of forfeiture of land and life, Conducted thro' the passes of the wood My erring steps Ellen (going up to Malcolm). Tho' poor the thanks I give, Receive the tribute of a grateful heart, For ev'ry danger you have risk'd for me (Recollecting herself) My father, I would say. c 2 12 THE LADY OF THE LAKE, Malcolm. The best reward That I can ask, is that you now have paid ! Douglas. Sir Roderick, too, despite an ancient grudge, Shall speak your welcome ! Ellen. Father, even now, There sojourn'd in our bow'r a courteous Knight Douglas. A stranger seek our dwelling ! By rny fears, Some enemy, some southern spy Allan- Bane. Not so ; Bewilder'd in the chase, he losi- his way, And enter'd an invited guest Refreshed, He left us, homewards to retrace his steps ! Douglas. My own alarm subdued, I fear for him The gathering Clans are now abroad in arms ! Each pass too strongly guarded for escape ! The following Chorus, first faintly heard, but increasing as it approaches, ushers in Sir Roderick and his martial Train, ivith Banners, &c. Lady Margaret on the op- posite Side, with Female Attendants. CHORUS. Hail, to the Chief who in triumph advances ! Honour'd and bless'd be the evergreen Pine ! Long may the tree in his banner that glances, Flourish, the shelter and grace of our line ! While ev'ry Highland glen Sends our shout back again, Roderigh Vich Alpine Dim, ho ! iero ! Roderick. Here is the best reward a v;ictor. claims ! (Coins, up to Ellen, but starts back on seeing Malcolm Graeme). A DRAMATIC ROMANCE. 13 {Aside) Malcolm ! Perdition on the beardless boy! (A Pause) (To Douglas). Kinsman and father if such ten- der name Douglas vouchsafe to grant me, list my speech ! King James, that tyrant of the Scottish throne, Whose ruthless sword has lain the border waste, And whose revenge has banquetted on blood, Boasts with vindictive pride he'll hither come, And scare us from our coverts ; nay, at Dounne, A host of spearmen glitter in the field, And two revolving suns will see them here. Yet more I learn'd ; amid Glenfinlas' Vale, Douglas, thy stately form was recognized. Meet is it then we have thy counsel, Lord. Douglas. Brave Roderick, tho' the thunder roar on high, Like summer tempest, it may pass away. On this devoted head, full well thou know'st, The bolt of vengeance would be fiercest huiTd. For thee, who at thy Sovereign's high command, Canst aid the patriot-cause with pow'rful bands, Thy quick submission to the royal will, Will gain thy Monarch's pardon, and his love! Ellen and I will seek some forest glade Roderick. No, by mine honour ! Blasted be that Pine, Our house's ancient crest, when I desert The race of Douglas in the hour of need ! Hear my blunt speech Grant me this maid to wife ' TheDouglas and the Rodericks leagued, our foes Will shrink, abash'd, like snails into their shells. Douglas. Roderick, forbear your speech to female ears ftoderick (not attending to him). When the shrill pipes shall chant my bridal hymn, 14 THE LADY OF THE LAKE, The Links of Forth shall tremble at the knel! ! And when I light the nuptial torch, the blaze Shall wrap a thousand villages in flames ! The guards shall startle in the royal porch, And scare the slumbers of the mighty James ! (Ellen falls into the arms q/Xacly Margaret). Nay, lovely Ellen, blench not thus away ! I meant not all rny heated words declared. Douglas. Roderick, my daughter cannot be thy bride It. may not be Forgive us, valiant Chief, Nor hazard ought of peril in our cause. Against his Sovereign, Douglas never did, Nor ever will, erect rebellion's flag. ? Twas I, instructor of his early youth, First taught him all the rudiments of war ! And tho' by hasty wrath and sland'rous tongues, He strip'd me of my honours, wealth, and rank, Still with a subject's homage I submit, Nay, love and reverence my King! Madam, (To Lady Margaret), Conduct my daughter to the bow'r, for there Her spirits may regain their wonted tone ! Lady Margaret and Malcolm are leading her off to Music, when Roderick turns round, and, roused ly jealous fury, rudely forces Malcolm from her. Roderick. Back, beardless and audacious boy ! and thank The Douglas, and the Maid, that I forego The punishment thy rashness dares provoke \ Malcolm (draiving). Perish my name, if ought but this good sword, Shall buy its champion's safety ! Music Theyjight Lady Margaret runs to A DRAMATIC ROMANCE. 15 her Son, and lays hold of his disengaged arm, whilst Ellen does the same to Mal- colm. Douglas (rushing betiveen the Combatants}. Hold ! Forbear ! Chieftains, forego dishonourable broil ! Roderick (sheathing his Sword). Young Sir, rest safe till morning 'twere pity Those ringlets should be spoil'd by midnight dew ! Go to thy master, to James Stuart ; tell That Roderick Dhu will keep the Lake, nor wait A grovTmg lackey, with his free born clan, To swell the pageant-pomp of any King ! If more of Alpine's Chief he crave to know, Thou can'st reveal our strength. What, ho, Malise ! Enter MALISE. Give our safe conduct to the Graeme. Away ! Malcolm. Fear nothing for thy fav'rite hold ; the spot An angel's presence once has grac'd, Is bless'd, tho' robbers may pollute the ground ! Reserve thy churlish courtesy for those Who fear thy threats your passports I despise ! Brave Douglas Lady Ellen naught will I Of parting speak one word ; earth does not hold A glen so lonesome, or a cave so dark, But we will meet again. For thee, proud Chief, Our next encounter may be mortal ! Douglas and Lady Margaret lead off Ellen on one Side, as Malcolm retires on the op- posite to Music. Roderick. Now, kinsmen, clansmen, and my trusty friends^ IS THE LADY OF THE LAKE, Ere yet the cross of fire shall take its road, With prompt dispatch the ritual prepare. But first (toMalise), bid Brian, the recluse, attend. A man he is, whose wand'ring brains and mind, Fever'd by pond'ringon the magic page Of Cabala and spells, in horror wrapt, For days will stare upon the cataract, To watch the fancied river-daemon rise ! A monk he is of savage form, whose heart Would e'en on human sacrifice delight ! Enter MALISE, conducting BRIAN, who holds in his It and a Cru.s.s <>/' }<.w RODERICK and hu Attendants bow to himMusic. BRIAN (speaking). A heap of wither' d boughs be pil'd, Of juniper and rowan wild, Mingled with shivers from the oak, Rent by the lightning's recent stroke ! The Men raise an Altar , and then with Torches kindle the Pile Music. BRI AN (speaking) . Holding up the Cross Woe to the Clansman, who shall view This symbol of sepulchral yew, Forgetful that its branches grew, Where weep the Heav'ns their holiest devr On Alpine's dwelling low ! Woe to the traitor ! woe ! CHORUS. Woe to the traitor ! woe ! A DRAMATIC ROMANCE. it BRIAN (speaking). During the Chorus, having lighted the Cross at the Altar Woe to the wretch who fails to rear, At this dread sign, the ready spear j Sunk be his home in embers red, And cursed be the meanest shed, That e'er shall hide the houseless head We doom to want and woe ! \ CHORUS. Woe to the traitor ! woe ! During the Chorus , Brian, having quenched the Fire of the Cross in a Vessel of Blood, placed at the foot of the Altar > Roderick, with impatience, snatches it from his hand> and delivers it to Malise. Roderick. Speed, Malise, speed, with fleetest foot begone, And bear this charmed cross! speed, Malise, speed ! [Exit Malise. CHORUS. Herald of battle, fate, and fear, Stretch onward in thy fleet career ! For danger, death, and warrior deed, // degrees, Day dawns. The moment that the Sun appears af-ove the most distant Mountain in the. J'erx/wcth'e, the Cen- tincls blow their //or;/v, -ir/icn RODERICK and his Followers start up Music expressive of the whole Scene. 'Roderick (turning to where Brian stands). See, where amidst the rocks, and roar of stream, That fiend-begotten monk his angury tries! And now, slow-gliding thro' the morning's mist, He comes to speak the oracle of Fate ! Roderick runs to the Mountain, and assists the Hermit to descend Music till they . have, reach? d the front of t lie Stage. Brian. Roderick! for man endou'd with mor- tal life, Whose cloud of sentient clay feels fevVish fang, 'Tis hard for such a one, with trembling hand, To draw the curluin of Futurity ! Yet witness for me, ev'ry quaking limb, My sunken eye- bails, and my dacken'd pulse, A DRAMATIC ROMANCE. 19 What harrowing anguish for my Chief I've borne ! The ghastly shapes that sought my stony couch, No human tongue to earthly ear must tell. At length, in characters of living flame, N Not spoke in words, hut. branded on my soul, The fateful answer came ! Who first shall spill the foremost focmans life, That party shall be victors in the fight ! Roderick. Thanks, Brian ; for thy prophecy is good ! Clan-Alpine never yet in battle fought, But first our broad -swords drank the blood of foes! Brian. A surer victim to iny augury, Self-ofFcr'd, comes a vtilling sacrifice ! Last eve, as I sat musing in my cave, A ..stranger, in a hunting suit of green, Enquir'd the path to Stirling ; from the south, Deeming he came a spy upon our land, I sought red Murdoch, brib'd him for his guide. E'en now, from yonder hill, the wanderers, . Climbing the mountain's awful precipice, I view'd ; soon will the Clansman's lifted steel Tire traitor stab, then hurl him down the steep, To glut the famish'd eagles ! [Exit. Enter MALISE. Roderick. Speak, Malise ! Quick, say, what tidings bring'st them of the foe? Malise. 'Tis certain that a band, led on by JYIar, And strengthen'd by the banner of Moray, Comes onward like a dark and gathering cloud ! Roderick. By Alpine's soul, I like thy tidings well ' Within Loch-Katrine's gorge we'll waste the foe. There each will battle for his household fire ; Father for child, and son for sire will fight, D 2 20 THE LADY OF THE LAKE, Lover for maid belov'd ! Ah, Ellen, why Should the remembrance of thy scorn (iviping away a tear) No no 'Twas but the breeze of morning, wet with dexv, Which damp'd the hero's cheek.! Each to his post The pibroch sound, and let the bands advance ! Nor doubt, nor terror can that soul appal, Where waves the banner of Clan-Alpine's Chief! [Exeunt to the sounds of t lie Pibroch. BLANCHE, the Maniac, sings without. They bi-J me sleep, they bid me pray, They say my brain is warp'd and wrung (Enters, worn and wasted, in tattered Gar- ments Upon her head y Wreaths of Broom, and bearing in her hand a Plume of Eagle's Feathers. Continuing the Song) 1 cannot sleep on Highland brae, I cannot pray in Highland tongue. Oh, could I hear my native Devan's tides, So sweetly would I rest would supplicate, That Heav'n would close my wretched, wretched days ! (Sighing deeply. Sings. Tis thus my hair they bade me braid, They bade me to the church repair j Jt was my bridal morn, they said, And my true love would meet me there. [Exit. A DRAMATIC ROMANCE. 21 Enter over the Bridge, to Music, Fitz- James and Murdoch. When Fitz- James is near the Centre of the Bridge, Murdoch draws his Dirk^ and is on the point of stabbing Fitz-Jarnes in the back, when Blanche appears on a projecting Rock facing them, and screams iVlurdoch drops his Dirk in the Abyss Blanche stares wildly on Fitz-Jarnes, then viewing Murdoch, she screams again, and runs away, Fitz- James following her, and afterwards Murdoch, who 9 by his Gestures, threatens vengeance upon'botJi. The Music continues till the Characters appear upon the Stage. Enter FITZ-JAMES, MURDOCH, and BLANCHE. BLANCHE (singing). Ah, woe betide the cruel guile, 1'hnt drown' (1 in blood the morning smile ; And woe betide the fairy drcnm 1 only wak'd to sob and scream ! Fit-L' James. Who is this maid forlorn ? what means her lay ? Murdoch. 'Tis Blanche of Devan, a craz'd 5 lowland maid, Ta'cn captive on the morn she was a bride. When bold Sir Rod'rick forag'd Devan's banks. The saucy bridegroom some resistance dar'd. And fell beneath our Chieftain's conq'ring sword! I marvel much that she is now at large Hence, brain- sick fool ! (Raising his Boiv to strike^ her*)* 22 THE LADY OF THE LAKE, Fit?.- James. Dare strike her.but one blow, Til pitch thee, dastard, headlong down thegulph Her sex demands respect her woes, thy pity ! Blanche. Thanks, champion, thanks ! Oh, thon art kind, indeed ! See . r (Holding up the Plume of Feathers) see ! with these grey pninous I will sail, And seek my true love in the air ! But mark, I will not give that savage knave one plume, To break his fall ! No. dec}) amid the rocks, The wolves and kites shall batten on his bones ! Fitz- James. Hush thec, poor sorrowing maiden, and be still ! Blanche. Oh, thou speak'st kindly, and I'll rave no more ! The fever of my brain has dry'd mine eye*, But still they love the Lincoln-green ! mine ear Still loves the Lowland tongue! (Sings). For O, my sweet William was forester truc> He stoic poor Blanche's heart away ! His coat was all of the green-wood hue, And so blithely he trill'd the Lowland lay ! It was not that I meant But then art wise, And guessest well (Drawing Fitz- James apart, she looks wildly over the Glen, and fixes an apprchermvc eye upon the Clansman ; then in low, broken^ and hurried accents, sings the following BALLAD. The toils are pitch'd, and the stakes are set, The bows they bend, and the knives they \\ht-t Jt was a stag, a stag often, He came stately down the: glen. Ever sing hardily, hardily. A DRAMATIC ROMANCE. 23 It was there he met with a wounded doe, She warn'd him. of the toils below j He had an eye., and he could heed j He had a foot, and he could speed- Hunters watch so narrowly ! Murdoch whoops aloud, and ivhistles Blanche shrieks. . Fitz- James. Murdoch, was that a signal cry ? Mar dock (stammering). I shout To scare yon raven hence. Fitz-James. (Aside) The Maniac's song, And Murdoch's shout, suspicion breed. Disclose (Drawing his Sword) Thy treach'ry, knave, or thou shalt quickly die! Murdoch springs upon Fitz- James, and seizes his Sword; they struggle Fitz- James Ijs thrown down Murdoch runs up the Rocks , and appears on the Bridge; draws hix How, and shoots Blanche with an Arrow ^ who, affrighted, has ran towards the Gulph Fitz-James recovers himself, and pursues Murdoch Blanche comes forward with the Arrow piercing her Breast, and sinks down upon a Bank beneath a Tree At that moment, Fitz-James appears upon - the Bridge, disarms Murdoch, who then aims an Arrow at Fitz-James, who with his Sword cuts the Bow of Murdoch in twain, stabs him, and throws him off tks Bridge into the yawning Chasm Music ' ' the whole time, till Fitz-James runs to Blanche, and appears endeavour ing to staunch the Blood. 24 THE LADY OF THE LAKE, Enter FITZ-JAMES. Blanche. (Having withdrawn the Shaft) Stranger ! 'tis vain, the life stream ebbs apace! The pow'r of reason, at this hour of death, After the lapse of many cheerless years, K -turns! A helpless, injurM wretch, I die ! And something tells me in thy pitying looks, That thou wilt be tlf avenger of my wrongs ! Fitz -James. Oh, speak thy dying wish, and here 1 swear To execute whatever boon you crave ! Blanche. Seest thou this little tress of yellow hair ? Oh, I have worn it as my heart's dear pride, Thro'ev'ry danger, frenzy, and despair ! It once was bright, and clear as thine, but blood And tears have dimm'd it, but it now shall wave (Putting it in his hand) Upon thy helmet, 'till the sun and rain Have bleach'd the sanguine dye ! Oh, Heav'n more strong, Let Reason beam her light upon my soul ! Let me conjure thee, by that honoured sign, The knighthood's badge, and for thy life pre- serv'd, When thou shalt see a man of gloomy brow, Who boasts himself the Chief of Alpine's Clan, Be firm thy hand, thy heart and weapon bold, And with his blood revenge poor Blanche' s-^- wrongs ! Fitz-James (placing the Lock of Hair on the side of his Bonnet) May Heav'n forsake me in my hour of need, if on this outlaw'd Chieftain, nmrder'd maid, 1 do not wreak thy injuries ! A DRAMATIC ROMANCE. 25 Blanche. That pang, The soul's departure from its earthly tenement, Forewarns ! ereyetmyfleetirtgbreath expire Be warn'd they watch for thee on hill and glen- Avoid the Pass Oh ! mercy, Heav'n ! Fare- well ! , [Dies. Fitz- James. By him whose sacred word is truth! I vow, No other favour, save this waving curl, I'll wear, till this sad token shall be steep'd In the best blood of Roderick Dhu ! (Distant Halloos and Whistles are heard). But, hark! My path like bloodhounds they pursue ! E'en here I'll bide ; if farther thro' the wilds I stray, I fall upon the foe ! (The Atmosphere is darkened, the J-lliid howls, and the Rain descends). The tempest roars ! I'll seek some tufted shelter in the vale, To screen me from the beating wind and rain; There couch me till the night, then darkJing try My dang' ro us way. (The Halloos and Whistles are heard again). The chase is up ! They'll find The hunted lion is a dang'rous foe ! [Exiti 26 THE LADY OF THE LAKE, SCENE II. Another View of the Highlands The Storm con- tinues with unabating fury. Enter FITZ- JAMES. Fitz- James. Benumb'd, and drench'd with rain fatigu'd and faint, Famish'd and chill'd, I cannot journey on ! Enter RODERICK. DHU, wrap'd in his Plaid. Roderick. What, ho! who goes there? Stand! and speak thy name, And purpose ! Fitz James. What art thou ? - Roderick. A mountaineer ! No parley, Saxon what dost thou require ? FitZ'Jamcs. The stranger's privilege to ask of you Rest, and a guide some nourishment, and fire f My path is lost the gale has chill'd my limbs \ My life's beset Roderick. Art thou a friend to Rod'rick ? Fitz- James. No ! Roderick. Thou dar'st not own thyself his enemy ! Fitz- James. I dare, to him, and all hismurd'rons band ! Roderick. Bold words ! Stranger, I am to Ro- derick Dhu A Clansman born, and ev'ry word thou speak'st Against his honour, should nrisheath my blade ?' Yet more 'tis said, a mighty augury A DRAMATIC ROMANCE. 2? Is laid upon thy fate ; if I but wind This horn, thou art by numbers overcome ! Worn as thou art, in single combat too, An easy conquest thou would'st prove ! But no, Ne'er from the laws of honour will I swerve ! 'Twere shame to battle with a wearied man," And stranger is a passport to the heart ! Come in, and rest thee -take some food and fire, And when the clouds disperse, the day is clear, Till past Clan- Alpine's utmost guard, myself Will guide thee on the way ! Fitz- James. Thanks, mountaineer! I take thy courtesy, and do accept A soldier's welcome, and a soldier's fare ! [Exeunt. SCENE III. < The Bower. Enter ELLEN and ALLAN-BANE. Man- Bane. Dear Lady, he'll return with joy return Fie will he must he has but distant stray VI, To seek some refuge, ere the dogs of war Shall hunt us from the covert we have gain'd ! Ellen. No, Allan, no; thine is a weak pretext - When in such tender tone, and piteous look, Douglas a parting blessing gave me, then I read the purpose of his manly breast ; My soul, tho' feminine, can image his ! lie hears reports of battles, deems himself The canse of strife, and now to Stirling hies, To yield his person to the Scottish King, And buy Sir Roderick's safety with his own ! E 2 2* THE LADY OF THE LAJCE, Allan-Bane. Nay, lovely Ellen, clearest maid, forbear Ellen. What charm can mitigate a daughter's grief, What words can stop the current of her eyes, When they bewail a loved parent lost? Amidst the din of war I'll seek the King ! These feet, no rest nor sleep these eyelids close, Till at a Monarch's throne I pour my plaint, Till Mercy breathe her accent-in my ear, Or in his dungeon perish with my sire ! [Exit. Allan-Bane. Shall I, the Minstrel of my mas- ter's house, Refuse to share his doom ? In weal, or woe, , My harp shall glad him, and shall soothe his cares ! Nor ever leave him, till it pour the verse, In fun'ral dirges o'er his hailow'd grave ! [Exit. SCENE IV. The Pass of Benlede Dwarfish Shrubs of Birch, Oak y &c. clothe the tops and sides of t lie Moun- tain Osiers are growing on the Swamp and on the Banks of the River The Storm over. Enter RODERICK and FITZ- JAMES. Roderick. What lover's errand, or what stronger cause, Permit me now to ask, could tempt your steps, To. seek these western wilds, no traveller treads Without a pass from Roderick Dhu~? Fitz- James. Brave Gael, My pass is in my baldric by my side ! A Knight's free footsteps fearless wander far . A DRAMATIC ROMANCE. 29 A falcon flown -the glance of Highland maid Will oft suffice to cheat us of our time. Roderick. Enough ; thy secret keep I urge thee not. But, stranger, if on peaceful errand bent, Whence the bold boast, affirm'd with martial tone, That you were Rod'rick's vow'd and mortal foe ? Fife- James. Warrior, but yesternoon, naught of your Chief I knew, save as an outlawed, desp'rate man, Who, in the Regent's presence in his Court- With ruffian dagger, stab'd a gallant Knight ! Roderick. Heard'st thou the provocation that he gave ? Heard'st thou what shameful word degrading blow, Brought Rod'rick's vengeance, down ? What reck'd the Chief If upon Highland heath, or Holy Rood He stood ? He rights his wrongs wherever given ! What is your other cause 'gainst Rod'rick Dhu ? Fitz- James. What deem ye of my path way- laid ? my life Meanly beset by cowardly surprise ? Roderick. As of a punishment to rashness due. Jiad'st thou sent friendly warning to our Chief, " I seek a hound that's stray'd, or falcon flown, " Or come to frolic with a mountain lass," Free had'st thou been to enter and depart ; But secret path, Sir Knight, shews secret foe ! Not as a spy, thy death was doom'd, unheard, But to fulfil a prophet's augury. Fitz- James. Well, let it pass ; I will no longer now, Fresh causes of my enmity proclaim, To chafe thy mood. I am by promise bound 30 THE LADY OF THE LAKE, To match me with this Chieftain of your Clan. Once have I sought your Alpine wilds in peace ; But when I come its visitor again, I come with banner, brand, and deadly bow, As leader seeks his mortal enemy ! Never Hid love-lorn swain, in lady's bow'r, Pint with more rapture for th f appointed time, As I, until before me stand in view, This rebel Chieftain, and his lawless band ! Roderick. Have then thy wish! (He whistles; the Signal is answered from the surrounding Hills, when on a sudden spring up, on the right and left hands % above and below, from the Shingles, from the Bushes, Heath, and Willows, armed Warriors, who bend their Bows. When they appear, there is a Crash of Warlike Instruments Fitz- James starts Rode- rick with an air of exultation points to his Followers)^ How sny'st thou now ? These, stranger, are Clan-Alpine's warriors bold, And Saxon, mark me I am Roderick Dhu. Fitz-James (placing his back against a Rock, and drawing his Sword) Come on ! come all ! For sooner shall this rock From its firm base be mov'd, as I ! Roderick. Fear nought. (He waves his Hand, and the Clansmen dis- appear to the Crash of Warlike Music) Thou art my guest ; I pledg'd my sacred word, To bring thee safe beyond our boundaries ; Nor for the wealth ot all your southern vales, Would I betray my charge. I only meant A DRAMATIC ROMANCE. Si To shew, how weak the reed on which you leant ; And that your journey was impossible Without a pass from me. Now move we on A few short paces hence, we pass the ford That lands us at Bochastle. Onwards, Sir. [Exeunt* SCENE IV. A View on Loch- Fennachar, near Coilantogle Ford. Enter RODERICK and FITZ- JAMES. Roderick. Bold Saxon ! to his promise just and true, Vich-Alpine has discharg'd his word : this man, This murd'rous Chief, this outlawed, desp'rate man, Hath led thee safe thro' ev'ry pass aud watch, Far past the limits of Clan- Alpine's guard ! (Throwing down his Target) See here, all vantageless I stand Behold, Arm'd, like yourself, w'.th single sword, oppos'd! Now man to man, and steel to steel, we'll try ! Fitz- James. Whenever foeman bade me draw my blade, I ne'er shrunk back ; nay more, I vow'd thy death ! Yet sure thy fair and gen'rous faith to me, And the deep debt I owe, for life preserved, Deserve a better meed ! Can naught but blood Our feud atone ? Roderick. No, stranger, none ! and hear To fire thy flagging valour, whet thy sword, The Saxon cause and mine rest on thy steel ; 3J THE LADY OF THE LAKE, For thus spoke Fate her fix'd and sure decree Who first shall spill the foremost foernan's life, That party shall be victors in the fight ! Fitz- James. Now, by the Rood, the riddle is resolv'd ! For in yon brake, beneath the nodding cliff", Cold, stiff, and motionless, Red Murdoch lies Then, pr'ythee, yield to Fate, and not to me. Roderick. To tkee ! Because a wretched kern ye slew, Does thy presumption soar so high a flight ? Homage to thec ! to t/iee! from Rod'rick Dhu? Never ! He yields not, he, to mnn nor fate ! Thou addest fuel to my burning rage ! My Clansman's blood cries out for deep revenge! Not yet prepared ? By Heav'n, I change my thought, And hold thee light; thou art some carpet Knight, Who ill deserv'd the courtesy I shew'd, And whose best boast is but to wear that braid, Cut from the tresses of his mistress ! Fitz- James. Ha ! I thank thee, Rod'rick, for the potent word I It stirs the hero, and it nerves my heart ! For I have deeply sworn this braid to steep In the best blood that channels in thy veins ! And think not that by thee alone, proud Chief! The laws of honourable courtesy Are shewn though not from copse, or heath, or wood, Spring, at my whistle, a whole ambuscade, Yet, let me give this horn one single blast, Numbers would rush to overpower thy arm ! But fear not doubt not for I trust iny cause To Heav'n, and to my single sword, alone ! (Music. They Jight Fitz-James disarms Roderick, and throivs him on his knee). A DRAMATIC ROMANCE. 33 Fitz-James. Now yield thee, or my sword shall pierce thy heart ! Roderick. Let recreants yield, and supplicate for life, Thy threats, thy mercy, I defy ! He springs forward, and seizes Fitz-James by the throat. Music. Fitz-James 'is overpowered, and Roderick planting /hs knee upon his breast, keeps him under- most. He draws his Dagger, which he raises to stab Fitz-James, when, exhausted with fatigue and loss of blood, he falls prostrate on the earth, and the weapon is sheathed in the ground Fitz-James rises on his knee, and returns thanks to Heaven for his preservation. Music y till the Curtain falls. END OF THE SECOND ACT. S4 THE LADY OF THE LAKE, Act III. SCENE I. The Guard Room Soldiers of 'a ; fierce and bearded aspect are variously gXQUp&d .wme are sleep- ing on the floor and bench JOHN OF BRENT and others are carousing round a large Oaken Table in the centre ; others are warming them- selves before a huge chimney's dying embers- Swords , Halbertv, Spears , Bows and Arrows , Helmets, and Breast-plates, cover the walls The Room is lighted by two faming Torches, placed in iron 'brackets fastened in the walls.- On the rising of the Curtain, a long Roll of Drums without. John of Brent. Hark, comrades, to the drums, whose rolling beats Tell that the sun is up ! Sluggards, arise ! Nor let his beams peep thro' the narrow loops, And catch ye snoring up, up, ye slumberers ! (They rise rub their eyes, and gape) Stretch wide your portals garrison your mouths With haunch of venison, and cups of sack ! (Giving them Wine) t Renew the bowl, and sing a merry catch, And like true brethren of the brand and spear^ Join in the buxom chorus. A DRAMATIC ROMANCE. SONG AND CHORUS. SONG JOHN OF BUENT. Our Vicar still preaches, that Peter and Poule Laid a swinging long curse on the bonny brown bowl; That there's wrath and despair in the jolly blackjack, And the seven deadly sins in a flagon of sack j Yet whoop, Barnabyl off with thy liquor, Drink upsees out and a fig for the Vicar ! C /writs. Yet whoop, &:c. &c. Our Vicar he calls it damnation, to sip The ripe ruddy dew of a woman's dear lip j Says, that Beelzebub lurks in her kerchief so sly, And Apollyon shoots darts from her merry black eye j Yet whoop, Jack ! kiss Gillian, the quicker, Till she bloom like a rose and a fig for the Vicar! Chorus. Yet whoop, &c, &c. (The merriment is interrupted by the Wardens Horn without John of Brent rises, goes to the side, and looks out). John of Brent. Here is old Bertram, bully- sons of Mars, j\nd beat, for jubilee, the rattling drum ! In company with Minstrel, and a Maid. Enter BERTRAM, ALLAN-BANE, and ELLEN, whose face and figure are concealed by her Plaid she shrinks back with dread at sight of the place, and ferocity of the Soldiery John of Brent, and the rest, crowd round Bertram, and vociferate in a breath, What news ? Bertram. What news ? . Ye stun me with your clam'rous tongues ! I only know, from noon till eve we fought F 2 36 THE LADY OF THE LAKE, With enemy as wild, untameable, As the rude mountains where they spring and grow. Not much success can either party boast. John of Brent. But whence thy captives, sol- dier ? for such spoils As theirs, must need reward thy warfare well. The times grow sharp, and nge creeps on thee fast. Now thou hast got an harp, and dancing girl, Get but an ape, and thou may'st trudge the land, A strolling leader of a juggler train. Bertram. No, comrade, no such fortune is my lot. The battle ended, these two sought our lines, And having audience of the noble Mar, He bade me bring them hitherward with speed. Forbear your noisy mirth, and ruder jests, For none shall bhamc, or harm them, as I live ! John of Brent. Hear yc his boast ? Look at the old gallant ! Shall he strike doe beside our very lodge, And grudge to pay the forester his fee ? Despite of Mar or thee, I'll have my share. (Going rudely to seize Ellen, Bertram and Allan oppose liim, but she rushing between them, lets fall her tartan screen John of Brent, and the other Soldiers, amazed, stand gazing on her). Ellen. Warriors ! my father was the soldier's friend ! Cheer'd him in camps, in marches led the way, And with him in the battle often bled. Oh, never from the valiant or the brave, Should a poor exile's daughter suffer wrong ! John of Brent. Lady, 1 shame me of ttie part I play'd, A DRAMATIC ROMANCE. 37 And tbou, poor girl, an outlaw's daughter ? well, I arm an outlaw by our forest laws ; And my poor Rose if Rose be living now, (wiping away a tear) Must bear such age, I think, as thine. Comrades, I go to call the Captain of our Guard. There lies iny halbert on the floor (throwing it down) and mark. He that dares leap that barrier hear me, knaves, To do that lovely maiden injury, Shall feel the javelin in his heart. Beware ! No joking, laughter, ribaldry, or noise Be men be soldiers you know John of Brent. [Exit. Ellen (apart to Allan-Bane). Soon, haply, of the Douglas I shall hear, Soon may my eyes behold him, and my ears Dwell on the sweetest tones of harmony, The sounds that issue from a parent's voice. Allan- Bane. If once again my vision'd sight prove true, The bleeding heart of Douglas shall be seen, The brightest crest that glitters in the court, The firmest banner in the fields of war ! Enter JOHN OP BRENT. John of Brent. I told young Lewis that's the Captain's name (No Briton, but a Frenchman born) that you Would fain have parley with him straight ; he said, As soon as he had let his ringlets loose, Curl'd his mustaches, and perfum'd his hair, That you might wait upon him, Lady, 38 THE LADY OF THE LAKE, A Voice from a room above sings the Jol- lowing Strain Ellen and Allan-Bane look at each other as though they recognized the Songster. SONG. I hate to learn the ebb of time, From yon dull steeple's drowsy chime : Or mark it as the sun-beams crawl, Inch ,-iftt r inch ,]long the wail. These tow'rs, although a King's they b instead of the usual Symphonies between each farse, the Music is to play Notes expressive of that Passion, which every Stanza has excited in the mind of Roderick). Hark ! hark ! the hostile shouts begin ! Now westward rolls the battle's din ! Benring before them in their course, The thickest of the archer force. Like wave with en st of sparkling foam, Right onward did Clan- Alpine come, Shouting, Death, or Liberty ! (Music expressive of Roderick's Passion). I heard the Saxon's lances crash, As, when the whirlwind rends the ash ! For life, for life, their flight they ply, And shriek, and groan, and battle cry, \Vith plaids and bonnets waving high, And broad-swords clashing to the sky, With Alpine shouts of Victory ! (Music expressive, &c. &c.) Revenge! revenge! the Saxons cry 'd Freedom, or death ! the Gaels reply 'd. Clan-Alpine's best are backward borne- Where is their Chieftain's bugle-horn ? Where Bothwell's Lord, and Rod'rick bold ? Both, both, alas, in captive hold, Sunk in chains and slavery ! During the last four lines, Roderick's feq~ lures and gestures become violently agi- tated at the last, he starts from the Couch, tears the Bandages from his Wound*, clenches his hands, and sternly fixing his fading eyes upon vacancy, falls back, and expires without a groan Music to the whole of the diction. A DRAMATIC ROMANCE. 47 Allan-Bane. There, fell the foeman's dread, the people's aid ! For thee, of Bothwell's exil'd house the stay, E'en in this prison's dreary gloom I'll strike The chords of woe for Alpine's honor'd Pine ! LAMENT. ALLAN-BANK, accompanied on the Harp. What groans shall yonder vallies fill ! Wrnit shrieks of grief shall rend yon hill ! When mourns thy tribe thy battles done j Thy sword ungirt ere set of sun ! A braver breathes not of thy line, O woe for Alpine's honour'd Pine ! (Allan-Bane mourning over the Body> a front Scene closes him in). SCENE THE LAST. \ The Hall of Audience King James in his Regal Habiliments, seated on the Throne, attended by all his Court in great splendour A Flourish of Drums and Trumpets. King James. Bid Ellen Douglas now approach our presence ! (The Lord in Waiting goes out, and immedi- ately returns with Ellen, who ivith trem- bling step and doivncast eye, enters the Presence. At length she fearfully raises her heady and rccog?iizes Fi tz- James as the King. She rims to the Throne, points to the Ring, and falls prostrate on the ground. The King descends, gently raises her, and kisses her brow. Music till he speaks) King James. Dismiss thy terrors, thou hast nought to fear. Yes, fair one, yes, the wand'ring Knight, Fitz- James, Is Scotland's King. Yet, did he not assume 43 THE LADY OF THE LAKE, A borrowed name or title to deceive; For Stirling's tow'rs the name of Snowdovm owns, And Normans long have styled me James Fitz- James. Ellen. Oh, mighty Monarch, might a daugh- ter sue King James. Yes, lovely Ellen, Douglas has been wrong'd. Calmly we heard and judged the exile's cause ; And Bothwell's Lord henceforth we gladly prize The surest friend and bulwark of our throne ! But, charming Infidel, what clouds thy brow ? Lord James of Douglas, lend thy wish'd for sight, Thou can'st alone confirm this doubting maid ! Enter DOUGLAS. (Ellen and he rush into each other's arms). Douglas. Thus lowly bending at our Sove- reign's feet, We pay the willing homage of our hearts. Ellen. May loyalty repay your princely gift ! May evVy subject's bosom beat with zeal, With love, and gratitude, as warm as ours. King James. Ellen, that little talisman of gold, Pledge of Fitz- James' faith, thou still do'st wear. What other boon seeks Ellen of her King ? Ellen (irresolute in her request). My Liege, that you would gracious pardon give To him who groans in chains to RodVick Dhu! King James. Fruitless thy pray'r, fruitless my grace would be ! E'en now a messenger, in woe dispatch'd, Brought news that Rod'rick was no more ! Ellen (weeping). Dread Sir, Pardon that 1 should grieve that James' foe Is number'd with the dead ; but, mighty King, A DRAMATIC ROMANCE. 49 When courtly friends forsook us, he it was Who shelter'd Douglas in the trying hour ! King James. I know his heart and hand have shar'd his cheer And freely would my fairest Earldom give. To call him back to life ! But speak thy wish, Hast thou no other captive friend to save ? (Ellen holds down her head) Nay then, Fitz-James' pledge has lost its force, And stubborn Justice holds her turn to reign ! (Mounting the Throne) Malcolm, come forth ! Enter MALCOLM, who kneels. For thee, no suppliant sues - For thee, who nurtur'd underneath our smile. Hast paid our care with treason to the State, Dishonouring thus thy loyal name, receive The full reward thy Sov' reign's vengeance claims ! Chains and a Warder for the Graeme ! (The King hastily descends the Throne, takes off* the Chain of Gold that encircles his own neck, places it round Malcolm X ,and gently drawing him to Ellen, lays the Clasp in her hand. The Lovers kneel and thank the King) ? Tis thus a Monarch makes his pow'r rever'd, His person honour'd, and his Throne obey'd ; When he can say, with Heaven's potential voice, Arise, sad suffering Virtue, and rejoice. Flourish of Drums and Trumpets, arid the Curtain falls. THE END. H London : Printed by B. M'Millaa, > Bovr Street, Corcnt Garden. S This Dfffi'JML'pntiKsfie'dy Pr Shillings ant Si. : n Five Acts, as p*r . I ling and Sir, ?nce, c;il Romance, as acted at tlw tre Koyal. '':rrc', in Two Acts, as ;m. ic cntirjiy new, composed by Mr.: Shillings, a revised Edilion, being the Third, of \rts, as per- fon: rand. >/' &c. Th; (;mposcd l>y M:. C. Smith. iia-Two Shili: f bt - Examina- tion of ii li it is impair idvnnc<:d Ase; an Histor'n.v.1 SI ns tor J")rf :- ing wii ,'.:u - ing ail . .MI*.! most harm-leas '. nietics proper iui a Laaj's use. * UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY BERKELEY Return to desk from which borrowed. This book is DUE on the last date stamped below.