ee,
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. God 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.

ID