The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth - BestLightNovel.com
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BEGGAR Daughter! truly-- But how's the day?--I fear, my little Boy, We've overslept ourselves.--Sirs, have you seen him?
[Offers to go.]
MARMADUKE I must have more of this;--you shall not stir An inch, till I am answered. Know you aught That doth concern this Herbert?
BEGGAR You are provoked, And will misuse me, Sir!
MARMADUKE No trifling, Woman!--
OSWALD You are as safe as in a sanctuary; Speak.
MARMADUKE Speak!
BEGGAR He is a most hard-hearted Man.
MARMADUKE Your life is at my mercy.
BEGGAR Do not harm me, And I will tell you all!--You know not, Sir, What strong temptations press upon the Poor.
OSWALD Speak out.
BEGGAR O Sir, I've been a wicked Woman.
OSWALD Nay, but speak out!
BEGGAR He flattered me, and said What harvest it would bring us both; and so, I parted with the Child.
MARMADUKE Parted with whom? [3]
BEGGAR Idonea, as he calls her; but the Girl Is mine.
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 G.o.dfather.
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 G.o.d, I must not pa.s.s their doors; But I'll be back with my best speed: for you-- G.o.d 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.
