No More Learning

IDONEA What mean your words?


MARMADUKE I know not what I said--all may be well.


IDONEA That smile hath life in it!


MARMADUKE This road is perilous;
I will attend you to a Hut that stands
Near the wood's edge--rest there to-night, I pray you:
For me, I have business, as you heard, with Oswald,
But will return to you by break of day.


[Exeunt. ]




ACT IV

SCENE--A desolate prospect--a ridge of rocks--a Chapel on the summit of
one--Moon behind the rocks--night stormy--irregular sound of a
bell--HERBERT enters exhausted.


HERBERT That Chapel-bell in mercy seemed to guide me,
But now it mocks my steps; its fitful stroke
Can scarcely be the work of human hands.
Hear me, ye Men, upon the cliffs, if such
There be who pray nightly before the Altar.
Oh that I had but strength to reach the place!
My Child--my Child--dark--dark--I faint--this wind--
These stifling blasts--God help me!


[Enter ELDRED. ]


ELDRED Better this bare rock,
Though it were tottering over a man's head,
Than a tight case of dungeon walls for shelter
From such rough dealing.
[A moaning voice is heard. ]
Ha! what sound is that?
Trees creaking in the wind (but none are here)
Send forth such noises--and that weary bell!
Surely some evil Spirit abroad to-night
Is ringing it--'twould stop a Saint in prayer,
And that--what is it? never was sound so like
A human groan. Ha! what is here? Poor Man--
Murdered! alas! speak--speak, I am your friend:
No answer--hush--lost wretch, he lifts his hand
And lays it to his heart--
(Kneels to him. ) I pray you speak!
What has befallen you?


HERBERT (feebly)
A stranger has done this,
And in the arms of a stranger I must die.

ELDRED Nay, think not so: come, let me raise you up:
[Raises him. ]
This is a dismal place--well--that is well--
I was too fearful--take me for your guide
And your support--my hut is not far off.
[Draws him gently off the stage. ]



SCENE--A room in the Hostel--MARMADUKE and OSWALD


MARMADUKE But for Idonea! --I have cause to think
That she is innocent.