Rol. To die in peace! devoting her thou'st sworn to live for, to madness, misery, and death? For be assured the state I left her in forbids all hope, but from thy quick return. Al. Oh God! Rol. If thou art yet irresolute, Alonzo, now heed me well. I think thou hast not known that Rolla ever pledged his word, and shrunk from its fulfillment. And by the heart of truth I swear, if thou art proudly obstinate to deny thy friend the transport of preserving Cora's life, in thee, no power that sways the will of man shall stir me hence; and thou'lt but have the desperate triumph of seeing Rolla perish by thy side, with the assured conviction that Cora and thy child are lost forever. Al. Oh, Rolla! thou distractest me! Rol. Begone! A moment's further pause, and all is lost. The dawn approaches. Fear not for me; I will treat with Pizarro, as for surrender and submission; I shall gain time, no doubt, while thou, with a chosen band, passing the secret way, mayst at night return, release thy friend, and bear him back in triumph. Yes, hasten, dear Alonzo! Even now I hear thy frantic wife, poor Cora, call thee! Haste, Alonzo !-Haste ! Haste! Al. Rolla, I fear thy friendship drives me from honor, and from right. Rol. Did Rolla ever counsel dishonor to his friend? (Embracing him.) Rol. I feel thy warm tears dropping on my cheek.-Go! I am rewarded. (Throwing a friar's garment over Alonzo.) There, conceal thy face; and that they may not clank, hold fast thy chains. Now, God be with thee! Al. At night we meet again. Then, so aid me Heaven! I return to save, or perish with thee! (Exit.) Now, Rol. (Looking after him.) He has passed the outer porch -he is safe! he will soon embrace his wife and child! Cora, didst thou not wrong me? This is the first time throughout my life, I ever deceived man. Forgive me, God of Truth! if I am wrong. Alonzo flatters himself that we shall meet again! Yes, there! (Lifting his hands to heaven.)-Assuredly we shall meet again; there, possess in peace, the joys of everlasting love and friendship-on earth, imperfect and embit tered. I will retire, lest the guard return before Alonzo may have passed their lines. (Retires into the cell.) XXVIII.-FROM THE LADY OF THE LAKE.-Scott. Scene. A rock, with a watch-fire burning near it. A Scotch Highlander-Roderic Dhu-wrapped in his tartan, is discovered sleeping by it. Roderic. 4 (Enter King James, in a warrior's garb.) (Grasping his sword and springing on his feet.)! Thy name and purpose, Saxon ?-Stand! James. A stranger. Rod. What dost thou require? James. Rest and a guide, and food and fire. " My life's beset, my path is lost, The gale has chilled my limbs with frost. Rod. Art thou a friend to Roderic ? No. Rod. Thou durst not call thyself his foe ? He brings to aid his murderous hand. " P Rod. Bold words! But, though the beast of game Come Roderic Dhu, Who ever cared where, how, or when Thou bearest the belt and spur of knight. James. Then by these tokens mayst thou know Each proud oppressor's mortal foe. Rod. Enough, enough; sit down and share A soldier's couch, a soldier's fare. (They sit down and eat together, and in a few minutes the soldier continues the conversation.) Rod. Stranger, I am to Roderic Dhu, A clansman born, a kinsman true; Through watch and ward till break of day, From thence thy warrant is thy sword. James. I take thy courtesy, by Heaven, As freely as 'tis nobly given. Rod. Why seek these wilds, traversed by few, Without a pass from Roderic Dhu? James. Brave man, my pass, in danger tried, Hangs in my belt, and by my side. When here but three days since I came, Rod. Thy secret keep; I urge thee not, James. No, by my word; of bands prepared. Rod. Free be they flung! for we are loath James. Warrior, but yester morn, I knew Yet this alone should from his part Rod. (Frowning, and both rising hastily.) |