This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
18
THE FAMILY LEGEND:

And thinks Argyll was privy to the wrong
His vassal put upon him. Well I know
His bloody vengeful nature: and Maclean,
Weak and unsteady, moved by ev'ry counsel,
Brave in the field, but still in purpose timid,
Oft times the instrument in wicked hands
Of wrongs he would abhor,—alas, I fear,
Will ill defend the lovely spouse he swore
To love and cherish.

ROSA.

Heavy steps approach:

Hush! see who comes upon us!—sly Lochtarish,
And his dark colleagues.—Wherefore come they hither?

(Morton retires to the bottom of the stage, and enter Lochtarish, Benlora, and Glenfadden.)


LOCHTARISH.

We thought, fair maid, to find the chieftain here.


ROSA.

He is in these apartments.


LOCHTARISH.

Would it greatly

Annoy your gentleness to tell his honour,
We wait to speak with him upon affairs
Of much concernment?