The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth Volume I Part 77

MARMADUKE Ay, in the word a thousand scorpions lodge: This old man _had_ a Daughter.

ELDRED To the spot I hurried back with her.--Oh save me, Sir, From such a journey!--there was a black tree, A single tree; she thought it was her Father.-- Oh Sir, I would not see that hour again For twenty lives. The daylight dawned, and now-- Nay; hear my tale, 'tis fit that you should hear it-- As we approached, a solitary crow Rose from the spot;--the Daughter clapped her hands, And then I heard a shriek so terrible [MARMADUKE shrinks back.]

The startled bird quivered upon the wing.

MARMADUKE Dead, dead!--

ELDRED (after a pause) A dismal matter, Sir, for me, And seems the like for you; if 'tis your wish, I'll lead you to his Daughter; but 'twere best That she should be prepared; I'll go before.

MARMADUKE There will be need of preparation.

[ELDRED goes off.]

ELEANOR (enters) Master!

Your limbs sink under you, shall I support you?

MARMADUKE (taking her arm) Woman, I've lent my body to the service Which now thou tak'st upon thee. G.o.d forbid That thou shouldst ever meet a like occasion With such a purpose in thine heart as mine was.

ELEANOR Oh, why have I to do with things like these?

[Exeunt.]

SCENE changes to the door of ELDRED'S cottage--IDONEA seated--enter ELDRED.

ELDRED Your Father, Lady, from a wilful hand Has met unkindness; so indeed he told me, And you remember such was my report: From what has just befallen me I have cause To fear the very worst.

IDONEA My Father is dead; Why dost thou come to me with words like these?

ELDRED A wicked Man should answer for his crimes.

IDONEA Thou seest me what I am.

ELDRED It was most heinous, And doth call out for vengeance.

IDONEA Do not add, I prith'ee, to the harm thou'st done already.

ELDRED Hereafter you will thank me for this service.

Hard by, a Man I met, who, from plain proofs Of interfering Heaven, I have no doubt, Laid hands upon your Father. Fit it were You should prepare to meet him.

IDONEA I have nothing To do with others; help me to my Father-- [She turns and sees MARMADUKE leaning on ELEANOR--throws herself upon his neck, and after some time,]

In joy I met thee, but a few hours past; And thus we meet again; one human stay Is left me still in thee. Nay, shake not so.

MARMADUKE In such a wilderness--to see no thing, No, not the pitying moon!

IDONEA And perish so.

MARMADUKE Without a dog to moan for him.

IDONEA Think not of it, But enter there and see him how he sleeps, Tranquil as he had died in his own bed.

MARMADUKE Tranquil--why not?

IDONEA Oh, peace!

MARMADUKE He is at peace; His body is at rest: there was a plot, A hideous plot, against the soul of man: It took effect--and yet I baffled it, In _some_ degree.

IDONEA Between us stood, I thought, A cup of consolation, filled from Heaven For both our needs; must I, and in thy presence, Alone partake of it?--Beloved Marmaduke!

MARMADUKE Give me a reason why the wisest thing That the earth owns shall never choose to die, But some one must be near to count his groans.

The wounded deer retires to solitude, And dies in solitude: all things but man, All die in solitude.

[Moving towards the cottage door.]

Mysterious G.o.d, If she had never lived I had not done it!--

IDONEA Alas! the thought of such a cruel death Has overwhelmed him.--I must follow.

ELDRED Lady!

You will do well; (she goes) unjust suspicion may Cleave to this Stranger: if, upon his entering, The dead Man heave a groan, or from his side Uplift his hand--that would be evidence.

ELEANOR Shame! Eldred, shame!