_Har._ Percy, revenge my fall! [_guards bear Harcourt in._ _Dou._ Now for the letter! He begs once more to see her.--So 'tis plain They have already met!--but to the rest---- [_Reads._] "In vain you wish me to restore the scarf; Dear pledge of love, while I have life I'll wear it, 'Tis next my heart; no power shall force it thence; Whene'er you see it in another's hand, Conclude me dead."--My curses on them both! How tamely I peruse my shame! but thus, Thus let me tear the guilty characters Which register my infamy; and thus, Thus would I scatter to the winds of heaven The vile complotters of my foul dishonour. [_tears the letter in the utmost agitation._ _Enter Edric._ _Edr._ My lord---- _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.