No More Learning

HERBERT Well as the wreck I am permits. And you, Sir?


OSWALD I do not see Idonea.


HERBERT Dutiful Girl,
She is gone before, to spare my weariness.
But what has brought you hither?


OSWALD A slight affair,
That will be soon despatched.


HERBERT Did Marmaduke
Receive that letter?


OSWALD Be at peace. --The tie
Is broken, you will hear no more of _him_.


HERBERT This is true comfort, thanks a thousand times! --
That noise! --would I had gone with her as far
As the Lord Clifford's Castle: I have heard
That, in his milder moods, he has expressed
Compassion for me. His influence is great
With Henry, our good King;--the Baron might
Have heard my suit, and urged my plea at Court.
No matter--he's a dangerous Man. --That noise!
--
'Tis too disorderly for sleep or rest.
Idonea would have fears for me,--the Convent
Will give me quiet lodging. You have a boy, good Host,
And he must lead me back.


OSWALD You are most lucky;
I have been waiting in the wood hard by
For a companion--here he comes; our journey
[Enter MARMADUKE]
Lies on your way; accept us as your Guides.


HERBERT Alas! I creep so slowly.


OSWALD Never fear;
We'll not complain of that.


HERBERT My limbs are stiff
And need repose. Could you but wait an hour?


OSWALD Most willingly! --Come, let me lead you in,
And, while you take your rest, think not of us;
We'll stroll into the wood; lean on my arm.


[Conducts HERBERT into the house. Exit MARMADUKE. ]

[Enter Villagers]


OSWALD (to himself, coming out of the Hostel)
I have prepared a most apt Instrument--
The Vagrant must, no doubt, be loitering somewhere
About this ground; she hath a tongue well skilled,
By mingling natural matter of her own
With all the daring fictions I have taught her,
To win belief, such as my plot requires.


[Exit OSWALD. ]

[Enter more Villagers, a Musician among them]


HOST (to them)
Into the court, my Friend, and perch yourself
Aloft upon the elm-tree.