No More Learning

MARMADUKE The features of Idonea
Lurked in his face--

OSWALD Psha! Never to these eyes
Will retribution show itself again
With aspect so inviting. Why forbid me
To share your triumph?


MARMADUKE Yes, her very look,
Smiling in sleep--


OSWALD A pretty feat of Fancy!


MARMADUKE Though but a glimpse, it sent me to my prayers.


OSWALD Is he alive?


MARMADUKE What mean you? who alive?


OSWALD Herbert! since you will have it, Baron Herbert;
He who will gain his Seignory when Idonea
Hath become Clifford's harlot--is _he_ living?


MARMADUKE The old Man in that dungeon _is_ alive.


OSWALD Henceforth, then, will I never in camp or field
Obey you more. Your weakness, to the Band,
Shall be proclaimed: brave Men, they all shall hear it.
You a protector of humanity!
Avenger you of outraged innocence!
MARMADUKE 'Twas dark--dark as the grave; yet did I see,
Saw him--his face turned toward me; and I tell thee
Idonea's filial countenance was there
To baffle me--it put me to my prayers.
Upwards I cast my eyes, and, through a crevice,
Beheld a star twinkling above my head,
And, by the living God, I could not do it.
[Sinks exhausted. ]


OSWALD (to himself)
Now may I perish if this turn do more
Than make me change my course.
(To MARMADUKE. ) Dear Marmaduke,
My words were rashly spoken; I recal them:
I feel my error; shedding human blood
Is a most serious thing.


MARMADUKE Not I alone,
Thou too art deep in guilt.


OSWALD We have indeed
Been most presumptuous. There _is_ guilt in this,
Else could so strong a mind have ever known
These trepidations? Plain it is that Heaven
Has marked out this foul Wretch as one whose crimes
Must never come before a mortal judgment-seat,
Or be chastised by mortal instruments.


MARMADUKE
A thought that's worth a thousand worlds!

[Goes towards the dungeon. ]


OSWALD I grieve
That, in my zeal, I have caused you so much pain.


MARMADUKE Think not of that! 'tis over--we are safe.


OSWALD (as if to himself, yet speaking aloud)
The truth is hideous, but how stifle it?