No More Learning

MARMADUKE Oh Monster! Monster! there are three of us,
And we shall howl together.
[After a pause and in a feeble voice. ]
I am deserted
At my worst need, my crimes have in a net
(Pointing to ELDRED) Entangled this poor man. --
Where was it? where?
[Dragging him along. ]


ELDRED 'Tis needless; spare your violence. His Daughter--


MARMADUKE Ay, in the word a thousand scorpions lodge:
This old man _had_ a Daughter.


ELDRED To the spot
I hurried back with her. --Oh save me, Sir,
From such a journey! --there was a black tree,
A single tree; she thought it was her Father. --
Oh Sir, I would not see that hour again
For twenty lives. The daylight dawned, and now--
Nay; hear my tale, 'tis fit that you should hear it--
As we approached, a solitary crow
Rose from the spot;--the Daughter clapped her hands,
And then I heard a shriek so terrible
[MARMADUKE shrinks back.
]
The startled bird quivered upon the wing.


MARMADUKE Dead, dead! --


ELDRED (after a pause)
A dismal matter, Sir, for me,
And seems the like for you; if 'tis your wish,
I'll lead you to his Daughter; but 'twere best
That she should be prepared; I'll go before.


MARMADUKE There will be need of preparation.


[ELDRED goes off. ]


ELEANOR (enters)
Master!
Your limbs sink under you, shall I support you?


MARMADUKE (taking her arm)
Woman, I've lent my body to the service
Which now thou tak'st upon thee. God forbid
That thou shouldst ever meet a like occasion
With such a purpose in thine heart as mine was.


ELEANOR Oh, why have I to do with things like these?

[Exeunt. ]



SCENE changes to the door of ELDRED'S cottage--IDONEA seated--enter
ELDRED.


ELDRED Your Father, Lady, from a wilful hand
Has met unkindness; so indeed he told me,
And you remember such was my report:
From what has just befallen me I have cause
To fear the very worst.


IDONEA My Father is dead;
Why dost thou come to me with words like these?


ELDRED A wicked Man should answer for his crimes.


IDONEA Thou seest me what I am.