_Raby._ Should some rash man, regardless of thy fame, And in defiance of thy marriage vows, Presume to plead a guilty passion for thee, What would'st thou do? _Elw._ What honour bids me do. _Raby._ Come to my arms! [_they embrace._ _Elw._ My father! _Raby._ Yes, Elwina, Thou art my child--thy mother's perfect image. _Elw._ Forgive these tears of mingled joy and doubt; For why that question? who should seek to please The desolate Elwina? _Raby._ But if any Should so presume, canst thou resolve to hate him, Whate'er his name, whate'er his pride of blood, Whate'er his former arrogant pretensions? _Elw._ Ha! _Raby._ Dost thou falter? Have a care, Elwina. _Elw._ Sir, do not fear me: am I not your daughter? _Raby._ Thou hast a higher claim upon thy honour; Thou art Earl Douglas' wife. _Elw._ [_weeps._] I am, indeed! _Raby._ Unhappy Douglas! _Elw._ Has he then complain'd? Has he presum'd to sully my white fame? _Raby._ He knows that Percy---- _Elw._ Was my destin'd husband; By your own promise, by a father's promise, And by a tie more strong, more sacred still, Mine, by the fast firm bond of mutual love. _Raby._ Now, by my fears, thy husband told me truth. _Elw._ If he has told thee, that thy only child Was forc'd a helpless victim to the altar, Torn from his arms who had her virgin heart, And forc'd to make false vows to one she hated, Then I confess that he has told the truth. _Raby._ Her words are barbed arrows in my heart. But 'tis too late. [_aside._] Thou hast appointed Harcourt To see thee here by stealth in Douglas' absence? _Elw._ No, by my life, nor knew I till this moment That Harcourt was return'd. Was it for this I taught my heart to struggle with its feelings? Was it for this I bore my wrongs in silence? When the fond ties of early love were broken, Did my weak soul break out in fond complaints? Did I reproach thee? Did I call thee cruel? No--I endur'd it all; and wearied Heaven To bless the father who destroy'd my peace. _Enter Messenger._ _Mes._ My lord, a knight, Sir Hubert as I think, But newly landed from the holy wars, Entreats admittance. _Raby._ Let the warrior enter. [_exit Messenger._ All private interests sink at his approach; All selfish cares be for a moment banish'd; I've now no child, no kindred but my country. _Elw._ Weak heart, be still, for what hast thou to fear? _Enter Sir Hubert._ _Raby._ Welcome, thou gallant knight! Sir Hubert, welcome! Welcome to Raby Castle!--In one word, Is the king safe? Is Palestine subdu'd? _Sir H._ The king is safe, and Palestine subdu'd.