Rav. Perhaps it is the wealviiess of the father Prompts the suggestion — But I have be- thought me, It were most tit this youth should first be
dealt with, 'Gainst whom there are a host of wit- nesses Ready to testify — unless his actions, Obvious and known, are proof enough —
his life Which is a course of crime and profli-
g'aey, Ending, with contemplated rape and mur- der. ISA. What do I hear? Judge. How say you? rape and murder ! Rav. The victim of his bloody purpose lingers Upon the verge of death — Here are the
proofs That point out the assassin! (Showing the sword and handkerchief, which are held hi/ a Villager who is stand- ing near him.) For the violence — Myself, my daughter here — Mary. father, father!
Judge. These things are terrible. But you forget. They are not now the charge. Rav. What matters it,
Whether by hellish arts of sorceiy He wrought upon the maiden, — or with
force Attempted violation — Let him answer — Denying one, he but admits the other. Judge. Bid him stand forth. We wait
your answer, youth. Charles. You wait in vain — I shall not
plead. Judge. Not plead!
Rav. [Aside.) This is beyond my hopes. ISA. Charles, my son !
Judge. What do you mean ? Charles. Simply, sir, that I will not
Place myself on my trial here. Judge. Your reason?
Do you question then the justice of the court? Rav. He does, no doubt he does. Charles. However strong
Might be the ground for question — 't is
not that Determines me to silence. Judge. If you hope
To purchase safety by this contumacy; 'T is fit you be aware that clinging there. You may pull ruin on your head. Charles. I know
The danger I incur, but dare to meet it. ISA. Charles, reflect — Charles. Mother my soul is fixed;
They shall not call yon maiden to the bar. Tremble not, weep not, pure and timid
soul, They shall not question thee. Rav. Hence with thy spells —
Take thine eyes off my child, ere her weak
frame Yield to the charm she shakes with — hence I say ! (Mary attempts to speak, hut is pre- vented hy her Father.) Judge. Prisoner, attend: at once inform the court Of all you know concerning the strange
being. Who, like a supernatural visitant, Appear'd this day among us. What con- nexion Subsists between you? Charles. None. I know him not.
Rav. And yet this morning, ere the dawn had broken. They were both seen together in the for- est. Holding mysterious converse. Here's a
witness Who will avouch the fact; and that the
stranger With the first day-beam, vanished from his sight. Isa. {Aside.) He never told me this.
Can he have met him? Judge. Look on these things. They are mark'd with your name. And stain'd with blood. They were
found near the spot
Where a poor wretch lay bleeding. Can
you explain it? ^
Charles. They are mine — I do confess it.
I encountered
A person near that spot, and wounded
him In honourable duel. Nothing more Can I explain. Mary. {Struggling.) father, let me
speak. Rav. Silence! Now answer me, and let the powers Of darkness, that sustain you in your
pride. Yield and abandon you unto your fate. Did you not robber like, this night break
in My unguarded house, and there, with
ruffian force Attempt the honour of this maiden?
