And lost like Lucifer, my name above. Seb. Yet twice this day I ow'd my life to Dorax. Dor. I saved you but to kill you: there's my grief. Seb. Nay, if thou canst be grieved, thou canst repent: Thou couldst not be a villain, though thou wouldst: Thou ownst too much in owning thou hast erred: And I too little, who provoked thy crime. Dor. O stop this headlong torrent of your goodness; It comes too fast upon a feeble soul, Half drowned in tears before; spare my confusion, [Kneels. For yet I have not dared, through guilt and shame, Of heaven to bless me thus. 'Tis gold so pure, Be kind, ye powers, and take but half away: But let my love and friend be ever mine, DRYDEN. SIR EDWARD MORTIMER AND WILFORD. Sir E. Wilford, is no one in the picture-gallery? Ever so loud. Sir E. Wilford, approach me. For aiming at your life? Despise me for it? Wil. I!-Oh, sir. Sir E. You must; -What am I to say Do you not scorn me, For I am singled from the herd of men, A vile heart-broken wretch ! Wil. Indeed, indeed, sir, You deeply wrong yourself.-Your equal's love, I am most bound to bless you! Sir E. Mark me, Wilford. I know the value of the orphan's tear, The poor man's prayer, respect from the respected; To pour on blessèd souls that enter heaven. Revolt at him who seeks to stain his hand In human blood? And yet, it seems, this day I have resolved it: fearful struggles tear me; But I have pondered on't, and I must trust thee. Wil. Your confidence shall not be Sir E. You must swear. Wil. Swear, sir! Will nothing but an oath, then Sir E. No retreating. Wil. [After a pause.] I swear, by all the ties that bind a man, Divine or human, never to divulge ! Sir E. Remember, you have sought this secret,-yes, Extorted it. I have not thrust it on you. Tis big with danger to you; and to me, Wil. Dearest sir, Collect yourself; this shakes you horribly.- Sir E. Him -She knows it not,-none know it: are the first ordained to hear me say, Wil. What! You that-mur-the murder-I am choked! Sir E. Honour-thou blood-stained god! at whose red altar Sit war and homicide, oh! to what madness Will insult drive thy votaries! By heaven! In the world's range there does not breathe a man, Stained me!-Oh, death and shame! the world looked on Rolled lifeless at my foot! Wil. Oh, mercy on me! How could this deed be covered? E'en at the moment when I gave the blow, I had all good men's love.—But my disgrace, They summoned me, as friend would summon friend, We met; and 'twas resolved, to stifle rumour, To put me on my trial. No accuser, No evidence appeared, to urge it on ; Twas meant to clear my fame. How clear it, then? Guilt's offspring and its guard! I taught this breast, Smooth as a Seraph's song from Satan's mouth; So well compacted, that the o'er-thronged court Wil. Heaven forgive you! It may be wrong: indeed, I pity you. I ask no consolation! Idle boy! Thinkst thou that this compulsive confidence Dead in the churchyard! Boy, I would not kill thee: Sir E. Empty!—Grovelling fool! Wil. I am your servant, sir; child of your bounty, And know my obligation.—I have been Too curious haply.—'Tis the fault of youth; I ne'er meant injury. If it would serve you, I would lay down my life—I'd give it freely. Could you, then, have the heart to rob me of it? Sir E. How! Wil. You dare not. Sir E. Dare not! Wil. Some hours ago you durst not. Passion moved you; Reflection interposed, and held your arm. Your ruin hangs upon a thread; provoke me, Wil. Oh, misery! Discard me, sir; I must be hateful to you. Sir E. Never! Fool! To buy this secret, you have sold yourself,— Your movements, eyes, and most of all your breath, COLMAN. VANOC AND VALENS. THE BRiton. Van. Now, Tribune: : Val. Health to Vanoc. Van. Speak your business. Val. I come not as a herald, but a friend : And I rejoice that Didius chose out me To greet a prince in my esteem the foremost. Van. So much for words.-Now to your purpose, Tribune. |