Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/79

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A TRAGEDY.

59

court ; but the crowd is so great I think we had better turn back again.

ELIZABETH.

What is the meaning of this eager multitude,

So gather'd round the entry to this palace?

THIRD CROWD.

It is no palace, madam, but a public court: there is a gentleman of noble birth who is just now condemned to death for murder, and we are waiting to see him led forth from his trial; you had better stop a little while and see the sight too.

ELIZABETH.

O, no! I'm come here in an evil hour!—A gentleman of noble birth—Alas! but that the crime is murder 'twere most piteous.

OMNES (eagerly).

There he comes! see, see! there he comes!

Enter Rayner, fettered and guarded from the court, followed by Bertram and others, and advances slowly towards the front of the stage, the crowd opening and making a lane for him on every side.

FIRST CROWD.

What a noble gait he has even in his shackles!

SECOND CROWD.

Oh! oh! that such a man should come to this!

ELIZABETH (after gazing eagerly at the distant prisoner).

Merciful heaven! the form has strong resemblance.