No More Learning

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! --


OSWALD (gives her money)
Here's for your little boy--and when you christen him
I'll be his Godfather.

BEGGAR O Sir, you are merry with me.
In grange or farm this Hundred scarcely owns
A dog that does not know me. --These good Folks,
For love of God, I must not pass their doors;
But I'll be back with my best speed: for you--
God bless and thank you both, my gentle Masters.


[Exit Beggar. ]


MARMADUKE (to himself)
The cruel Viper! --Poor devoted Maid,
Now I _do_ love thee.


OSWALD I am thunderstruck.


MARMADUKE Where is she--holla!
[Calling to the Beggar, who returns; he looks at her stedfastly. ]
You are Idonea's Mother? --
Nay, be not terrified--it does me good
To look upon you.


OSWALD (interrupting)
In a peasant's dress
You saw, who was it?


BEGGAR Nay, I dare not speak;
He is a man, if it should come to his ears
I never shall be heard of more.

OSWALD Lord Clifford?


BEGGAR What can I do? believe me, gentle Sirs,
I love her, though I dare not call her daughter.


OSWALD Lord Clifford--did you see him talk with Herbert?