prisoner at the battle of Falkirk. He contrived to escape, and was ordained minister of Athelstaneford, in East Lothian, 1750. His tragedy of "Douglas" was performed with great success in Edinburgh; but the fact of a clergyman writing a play at all so offended the presbytery, that he was compelled to resign his living. He died, aged 85, 1808.] Glenalvon. His port I love: he's in a proper mood Norval. The setting sun With yellow radiance lighten'd all the vale; Glen. Thou talk'st it well: no leader of our host Norv. If I should e'er acquire a leader's name, My speech will be less ardent. Novelty Now prompts my tongue, and youthful admiration Of praise pertaining to the great in arms. [Aside Glen. You wrong yourself, brave sir; your martial deeds Above his veterans of famous service. Let me, who know these soldiers, counsel you. Else they will hardly brook your late sprung power, Norv. Sir, I have been accustom'd all my days Therefore I thank Glenalvon for his counsel, Glen. I did not mean To gall your pride, which I now see is great. Glen. Suppress it, as you wish to prosper. Glen. Yes! if you presume To bend on soldiers these disdainful eyes, As if you took the measure of their minds, Norv. Hast thou no fears for thy presumptuous self? Norv. Didst thou not hear ? Glen. Unwillingly I did: a nobler foe Had not been question'd thus; but such as thee- Glen. Norval. Norv. So I am— And who is Norval in Glenalvon's eyes? Glen. A peasant's son, a wandering beggar boy; Norv. False as thou art, dost thou suspect my truth? I have no tongue to rail. The humble Norval Did I not fear to freeze thy shallow valour And make thee sink too soon beneath my sword, I'd tell thee-what thou art; I know thee well. Glen. Dost thou not know Glenalvon, born to command Ten thousand slaves like thee ? Norv. Villain, no more. Draw and defend thy life. I did design To have defied thee in another cause: But heaven accelerates its vengeance on thee. Now for my own and Lady Randolph's wrongs! The man that stirs makes me his foe. both. That threat had vainly sounded, noble Randolph. Glen. Hear him, my lord, he's wondrous condescending : Mark the humility of Shepherd Norval! Norv. Now you may scoff in safety. Taunting each other; but unfold to me [Sheathes his sword The cause of quarrel; then I judge betwixt you. Norv. Nay, my good lord, though I revere you much, My cause I plead not, nor demand your judgment. I blush to speak, I will not, cannot speak The opprobrious words that I from him have borne. If my free speech offend you, noble Randolph, Hence as he came, alone, but not dishonour'd! Lord Ran. Thus far I'll mediate with impartial voice,— Now waves his banner o'er her frighted fields. The private quarrel. Glen. I agree to this. Norv. And I. Glen. Norval, Let not our variance mar the social hour; Nor frowning anger, nor yet wrinkled hate, Shall stain my countenance. Smooth thou thy brow, Norv. Think not so lightly, sir, of my resentment : SCENE FROM THE IRON CHEST. GEORGE COLMAN, THE YOUNGER. [George Colman, the younger, was born 1762, and died 1836. He was the author of twenty-six plays, including "John Bull," "The Iron Chest," and "Bluebeard;" also of several volumes of comic verse. Towards the end of his career he held the office of licenser and examiner of plays.] Sir E. Wilford, approach me.-What am I to say Despise me for it ? Wilf. Sir E. I! Oh, sir! You must; Indeed, indeed, sir, You deeply wrong yourself. Your equal's love, The poor man's prayer, the orphan's tear of gratitude, All follow you:-and I-I owe you all! I am most bound to bless you. Sir E. Mark me, Wilford :- Which the remunerating Angel draws In human blood!—and yet, it seems, this day I have resolved it.-Fearful struggles tear me: But I have pondered on't,—and I must trust thee. Sir E. You must swear. Wilf. Swear, sir!—will nothing but an oath, then- May all the ills that wait on frail humanity your mind More loathsome than your body! May those fiends, Shrink back, and shudder at your monstrous crimes, Listen Poison your aged days! while all your nights, Wilf. Sir E. Well, I (Hesitating.) No retreating. Wilf. (After a pause.) I swear, by all the ties that bind a man, Divine or human,- -never to divulge! Sir E. Remember, you have sought this secret :-Yes, Extorted it. I have not thrust it on you. 'Tis big with danger to you; and to me, While I prepare to speak, torment unutterable. Dearest sir! Wilf. Sir E. Wilf. There it is- -Her uncle Her uncle! Sir E. Him. She kno.rs it not;-none know it You are the first ordained to hear me say, -his murderer! 1 amWilf. Sir E. O horror! His assassin. Wilf. What! you that-mur-the murderer-Iam choked, Sir E. Honour! thou blood-stained god! at whose red altar Sit war and homicide: O! to what madness Will insult drive thy votaries. In truth, In the world's range, there does not breathe a man With long forbearance, kindness, courtesy, Than his who fell by me. But he disgraced me, Stained me-Oh, death and shame!-the world looked on, I stabbed him to the heart Rolled lifeless at my foot. -and my oppressor Oh! mercy on me! Would you think it? How could this deed be covered ? Sir E. E'en at the moment when I gave the blow, They summoned me, as friend would summon friend, To act of import and communication. We met and 'twas resolved, to stifle rumour, To put me on my trial. No accuser, No evidence appeared, to urge it on "Twas meant to clear my fame.- -How clear it then? Guilt's offspring, and its guard. I taught this breast, Wilf. Heaven forgive you! It may be wrong- Sir E. |