No More Learning

OSWALD By showing that you look beyond the instant.
A few leagues hence we shall have open ground,
And nowhere upon earth is place so fit
To look upon the deed. Before we enter
The barren Moor, hangs from a beetling rock
The shattered Castle in which Clifford oft
Has held infernal orgies--with the gloom,
And very superstition of the place,
Seasoning his wickedness. The Debauchee
Would there perhaps have gathered the first fruits
Of this mock Father's guilt.


[Enter Host conducting HERBERT. ]


HOST The Baron Herbert
Attends your pleasure.


OSWALD (to Host)
We are ready--
(to HERBERT) Sir!
I hope you are refreshed. --I have just written
A notice for your Daughter, that she may know
What is become of you. --You'll sit down and sign it;
'Twill glad her heart to see her father's signature.
[Gives the letter he had written. ]


HERBERT Thanks for your care.


[Sits down and writes. Exit Host. ]


OSWALD (aside to MARMADUKE)
Perhaps it would be useful
That you too should subscribe your name.
[MARMADUKE overlooks HERBERT--then writes--examines the letter eagerly. ]


MARMADUKE I cannot leave this paper.


[He puts it up, agitated. ]


OSWALD (aside)
Dastard! Come.


[MARMADUKE goes towards HERBERT and supports him--MARMADUKE
tremblingly beckons OSWALD to take his place. ]


MARMADUKE (as he quits HERBERT)
There is a palsy in his limbs--he shakes.


[Exeunt OSWALD and HERBERT--MARMADUKE following. ]


SCENE changes to a Wood--a Group of Pilgrims, and IDONEA with them.


FIRST PILGRIM A grove of darker and more lofty shade
I never saw.


SECOND PILGRIM The music of the birds
Drops deadened from a roof so thick with leaves.


OLD PILGRIM This news! It made my heart leap up with joy.


IDONEA I scarcely can believe it.


OLD PILGRIM Myself, I heard
The Sheriff read, in open Court, a letter
Which purported it was the royal pleasure
The Baron Herbert, who, as was supposed,
Had taken refuge in this neighbourhood,
Should be forthwith restored. The hearing, Lady,
Filled my dim eyes with tears.