No More Learning

--Sirs, have you seen him?
[Offers to go. ]


MARMADUKE I must have more of this;--you shall not stir
An inch, till I am answered. Know you aught
That doth concern this Herbert?


BEGGAR You are provoked,
And will misuse me, Sir!


MARMADUKE No trifling, Woman! --


OSWALD You are as safe as in a sanctuary;
Speak.


MARMADUKE Speak!


BEGGAR He is a most hard-hearted Man.


MARMADUKE Your life is at my mercy.


BEGGAR Do not harm me,
And I will tell you all! --You know not, Sir,
What strong temptations press upon the Poor.


OSWALD Speak out.


BEGGAR O Sir, I've been a wicked Woman.


OSWALD Nay, but speak out!
BEGGAR He flattered me, and said
What harvest it would bring us both; and so,
I parted with the Child.


MARMADUKE Parted with whom? [3]


BEGGAR Idonea, as he calls her; but the Girl
Is mine.


MARMADUKE Yours, Woman! are you Herbert's wife?


BEGGAR Wife, Sir! his wife--not I; my husband, Sir,
Was of Kirkoswald--many a snowy winter
We've weathered out together. My poor Gilfred!
He has been two years in his grave.


MARMADUKE Enough.


OSWALD We've solved the riddle--Miscreant!


MARMADUKE Do you,
Good Dame, repair to Liddesdale and wait
For my return; be sure you shall have justice.


OSWALD A lucky woman! --go, you have done good service.
[Aside. ]


MARMADUKE (to himself)
Eternal praises on the power that saved her!