IDONEA You know, Sir, I have been too long your guard Not to have learnt to laugh at little fears.

Why, if a wolf should leap from out a thicket, A look of mine would send him scouring back, Unless I differ from the thing I am When you are by my side.

HERBERT Idonea, wolves Are not the enemies that move my fears.

IDONEA No more, I pray, of this. Three days at farthest Will bring me back--protect him, Saints--farewell!

[Exit IDONEA.]

HOST 'Tis never drought with us--St. Cuthbert and his Pilgrims, Thanks to them, are to us a stream of comfort: Pity the Maiden did not wait awhile; She could not, Sir, have failed of company.

HERBERT Now she is gone, I fain would call her back.

HOST (calling) Holla!

HERBERT No, no, the business must be done.-- What means this riotous noise?

HOST The villagers Are flocking in--a wedding festival-- That's all--G.o.d save you, Sir.

[Enter OSWALD]

OSWALD Ha! as I live, The Baron Herbert.

HOST Mercy, the Baron Herbert!

OSWALD So far into your journey! on my life, You are a l.u.s.ty Traveller. But how fare you?

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 Compa.s.sion 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. Pretty Maids, Garlands and flowers, and cakes and merry thoughts, Are here, to send the sun into the west More speedily than you belike would wish.

SCENE changes to the Wood adjoining the Hostel--

[MARMADUKE and OSWALD entering]