Were gravely listened to, when mere sus- picion, Could, with a hint destroy, and coward
malice, With whispers, reach'd at life; when
frenzy's flame. Like fire in tow, ran thro' the minds of
men, Fann'd by the breath of those in highest
places, E'en from the bench, yea, from the sacred
desk. Rav. Hold, Walford, I have held thee as
my friend. For many years, beware — Walf. I know thy power
Over the multitude, but fear it not. I have discharged my duty, fare thee
well. Rav. Stay, Walford, thou art honest, but
mistaken. We will dispute no more. But tell me,
friend. Have the commissioners enquired for me"? Walf. They have. Before they enter on
their duties. They 'd have thy counsel. Rav. They shall have it straight,
I '11 go to them at once. 'T is almost
night — There is no hour to lose, I pray thee,
Walford, As I may haply, be detain'd abroad. Let thy good Alice stay here with my
daughter Till my return. Walf. Most willingly. I '11 haste.
And bring her hither. Rav. Nay, we '11 go together.
(Exeunt.)
Scene 2. An Apartment at Isabella's.
{Enter Isabella and Chaeles.)
IsA. Ungrateful people ! Charles. Had they not presum'd
To cloud your clear name with their
viperous breath, I could forgive them. 'T was not for the
herd I drew my sword. ISA. Unthankful wretches; what!
Upon the very act that saved their lives, To found a charge that might endanger thine ! Charles. 'T is even so : I am in league, it seemS;
With fiends, so say their worships; and
the sti'anger. Is no less, than the prince of fiends him- self. Nothing is too ridiculous for those Whom bigotry has brutaliz'd, I laugh At their most monstrous folly. ISA. But such folly,
When it infects the crowd, is dangerous. Already we 've had proof what dreadful
acts Their madness may commit, and each
new day The frenzy spreads. We are suspected
too — Then your imprudent duel — my son. We must remove from hence. Charles. Remove, from hence'?
ISA. Yes ; ere the monsters catch us in the
toils They are preparing. Charles. Mother, you w^ere wont
To bear a mind whose firmness could
resist Your sex's common weaknesses! ISA. I know not
How it is, Charles, but dark and sad
forebodings Hang o'er my subdued spirit; and I
tremble E'en for thy life. Charles. Banish those thoughts, my
mother. ISA. I try, but cannot. — Yes; we will
hence; my son. Tho' on the verge, perhaps, of that dis- covery The hope of which has held me here so
long. We will begone to-morrow. Charles. So soon, mother?
IsA. You do not wish it. Charles, a
mother's eye Can penetrate the heart. The gentle
Mary — She will be left behind — is it not so? But this is boyish, you are yet too young To entertain such fantasies — and then You know her father — sadder still my
son; Well, we '11 not cross the ocean — we '11
but seek The nearest spot that is inhabited By rational beings. And besides, your
youth Will wear a j^ear or two. How say you.
Charles, Are you contented? Charles. You 're the best of mothers.
