For lie had been a patriot, as be deemed
it, Or, as bis destiny decreed, a traitor. — He tied to this new world. Charles. Does be yet livef
ISA. Alas! I know not, rumours came to England That be survived. It was to find my
fatber. And on my knees implore bis benedic- tion ; — Haply, sbould be forgive, to minister Unto bis age's comfort — I came bitber. Charles. 'T is strange, if living, be sbould seek concealment, After tbe general amnesty. ISA. 0! Charles;
He was excepted in that act of mercy ; He bad done that, tbe king might never pardon. Charles. Unhappy man ! ISA. Most true, — But let me haste
To close my dark recital. I was plac'd In charge of a kinsman — a perfidious
villain Whose avarice sold, betray'd me. — my
son. It is not fit thy ears sbould bear tbe tale, And from my lips. I wept, implor'd, re- sisted — Riches and pleasure tempted me in vain Coupled with shame. But hellish craft
at length Triumph'd over credulous vanity — The
altar Was made tbe scene of sacrilegious mock- ery, Tbe holy vestments of the priest, became A profane masking habit — Charles. Power of Justice !
Could you behold this and forbear to strike ! ISA. The illusion vanisb'd, and I fled, I fled
In horror and in madness. Charles. Dreadful, dreadful!
ISA. It was thy birth that sav'd me from destruction — I had thee to live for, and I liv'd; deep
bid In solitude, under an assum'd name, Thou wer't rear'd, Charles, amidst thy mother's tears. Charles. An assum'd name — in solitude — Shame, shame! Why not unmask the villain to the world, And boldly challenge what was yours"? ISA. His rank —
Charles. No rank sbould shield injustice. Quick, inform me
Who was tbe wretch? Give me tbe vil- lain's name. ISA. He was thy fatber, Charles. Charles. In the sight of Heaven
I here disclaim and curse — IsA. Forbear, forbear —
Or curse me too — Charles. His name, his name —
ISA. You will destroy me!
{She falls into his arms.) Charles. What have I done? I will be calm — forgive me.
{Enter Lucy.)
Lucy. A person from the village, madam, asks
To be admitted to your presence. IsA. How !
Does be declare bis business? Lucy. He declines it,
Until he see yourself. ISA. Admit him, Lucy.
{Exit Lucy.)
Charles. Madam, you tremble still, let
me support you. IsA. No; I must learn to overcome this
weakness.
{Enter Messenger.)
Now, Sir, I 'm she you ask for — to your business. ]\Iess. My business is with both. ' You, Isabella And Charles, surnam'd Fitzroy, are cited
both. By a commission of the government. To attend them at their session on the
morrow At nine in the morning. Charles. And to what purpose?
Mess. That
You'll learn from them, farewell.
{Exit Messenger.)
Charles. Why farewell, gravity.
IsA. What can this mean? Charles. They do not know themselves. IsA. I fear I 've been too tardy. Charles. Nay, 'tis nothing.
To question us, perhaps, upon our means.
And pack us from the parish, nothing more.
But, madam, you were interrupted, ere
I learn'd the name — ISA. Not at this moment, Charles.
Charles. Well then, enough of sorrow for to-day —
I will return anon, and laugh with you
