and so remained
Without the strength to rise.

MARMADUKE Well, well, he lives,
And all is safe: what said he?

ELDRED But few words:
He only spake to me of a dear Daughter,
Who, so he feared, would never see him more;
And of a Stranger to him, One by whom
He had been sore misused; but he forgave
The wrong and the wrong-doer. You are troubled--
Perhaps you are his son?

MARMADUKE The All-seeing knows,
I did not think he had a living Child.--
But whither did you carry him?

ELDRED He was torn,
His head was bruised, and there was blood about him--

MARMADUKE That was no work of mine.

ELDRED Nor was it mine.

MARMADUKE But had he strength to walk? I could have borne him
A thousand miles.

ELDRED I am in poverty,
And know how busy are the tongues of men;
My heart was willing, Sir, but I am one
Whose good deeds will not stand by their own light;
And, though it smote me more than words can tell,
I left him.

MARMADUKE I believe that there are phantoms,
That in the shape of man do cross our path
On evil instigation, to make sport
Of our distress--and thou art one of them!
But things substantial have so pressed on me--

ELDRED My wife and children came into my mind.

MARMADUKE Oh Monster! Monster! there are three of us,
And we shall howl together.
[After a pause and in a feeble voice.]
I am deserted
At my worst need, my crimes have in a net
(Pointing to ELDRED) Entangled this poor man.--
Where was it? where?
[Dragging him along.]

ELDRED 'Tis needless; spare your violence. His Daughter--

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 tr