Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 3.pdf/78

2d Out. A train of armed men, some noble Dame
Escorting, (so their scatter'd words discover'd
As unperceived I hung upon their rear,)
Are close at hand, and mean to pass the night
Within the castle.

Frank. Some benighted travellers,
Bold from their numbers, or who ne'er have heard
The ghostly legend of this dreaded place.

1st Out. Let us keep close within our vaulted haunts;
The way to which is tangled and perplex'd.
And cannot be discover'd: with the morn
They will depart.

Frank. Nay, by the holy mass! within those walls
Not for a night must trav'llers quietly rest,
Or few or many. Would we live securely,
We must uphold the terrors of the place:
Therefore, let us prepare our midnight rouse.
See, from the windows of the castle gleam
(lights seen from the castle.)
Quick passing lights, as tho' they moved within
In hurried preparation; and that bell,
(bell heard.)
Which from yon turret its shill 'larum sends.
Betokens some unwonted stir. Come hearts!
Be all prepared, before the midnight watch,
The fiend-like din of our infernal chace
Around the walls to raise.—Come; night advances.
 [Exeunt.