_Dou._ [_in the utmost fury, not seeing Edric._] The scarf!

_Edr._ Lord Douglas.

_Dou._ [_still not hearing him._] Yes, the scarf!
Percy, I thank thee for the glorious thought!
I'll cherish it; 'twill sweeten all my pangs,
And add a higher relish to revenge!

_Edr._ My lord!

_Dou._ How! Edric here?

_Edr._ What new distress?

_Dou._ Dost thou expect I should recount my shame,
Dwell on each circumstance of my disgrace,
And swell my infamy into a tale?
Rage will not let me--But--my wife is false.

_Edr._ Art thou convinc'd?

_Dou._ The chronicles of hell
Cannot produce a falser.--But what news
Of her cursed paramour?

_Edr._ He has escap'd.

_Dou._ Hast thou examin'd every avenue?
Each spot? the grove? the bower, her favourite haunt?

_Edr._ I've search'd them all.

_Dou._ He shall be yet pursued.
Set guards at every gate.--Let none depart
Or gain admittance here, without my knowledge.

_Edr._ What can their purpose be?

_Dou._ Is it not clear?
Harcourt has raised his arm against my life;
He fail'd; the blow is now reserv'd for Percy;
Then, with his sword fresh reeking from my heart,
He'll revel with that wanton o'er my tomb;
Nor will he bring her aught she'll hold so dear,
As the curs'd hand with which he slew her husband.
But he shall die! I'll drown my rage in blood,
Which I will offer as a rich libation
On thy infernal altar, black revenge! [_exeunt._

SCENE II. THE GARDEN.

_Enter Elwina._

_Elw._ Each avenue is so beset with guards,
And lynx-ey'd Jealousy so broad awake,
He cannot pass unseen. Protect him, heaven!

_Enter Birtha._

My Birtha, is he safe? has he escap'd?

_Bir._ I know not. I dispatch'd young Harcourt to him,
To bid him quit the castle, as you order'd,
Restore the scarf, and never see you more.
But how the hard injunction was receiv'd,
Or what has happen'd since, I'm yet to learn.

_Elw._ O when shall I be eas'd of all my cares,
And in the quiet bosom of the grave
Lay down this weary head!--I'm sick at heart!
Should Douglas intercept his flight!

_Bir._ Be calm;
Douglas this very moment left the castle,
With seeming peace.

_Elw._ Ah, then, indeed there's danger!
Birtha, whene'er Suspicion feigns to sleep,
'Tis but to make its careless prey secure.

_Bir._ Should Percy once again entreat to see thee,
'Twere best admit him; from thy lips alone
He will submit to hear his final doom
Of everlasting exile.

_Elw._ Birtha, no;
If honour would allo