_Per._ [_ironically to the Knights_] Hear you, his friends! Bear witness to the glorious, great exploit, Record it in the annals of his race, That Douglas, the renown'd--the valiant Douglas, Fenc'd round with guards, and safe in his own castle, Surpris'd a knight unarm'd, and bravely slew him. _Dou._ [_throwing away his dagger_] 'Tis true--I am the very stain of knighthood. How is my glory dimm'd! _Elw._ It blazes brighter! Douglas was only brave--he now is generous! _Per._ This action has restor'd thee to thy rank, And makes thee worthy to contend with Percy. _Dou._ Thy joy will be as short as 'tis insulting. [_to Elwina._ And thou, imperious boy, restrain thy boasting. Thou hast sav'd my honour, not remov'd my hate, For my soul loaths thee for the obligation. Give him his sword. _Per._ Now thou'rt a noble foe, And in the field of honour I will meet thee, As knight encount'ring knight. _Elw._ Stay, Percy, stay, Strike at the wretched cause of all, strike here, Here sheath thy thirsty sword, but spare my husband. _Dou._ Turn, madam, and address those vows to me, To spare the precious life of him you love. Even now you triumph in the death of Douglas; Now your loose fancy kindles at the thought, And, wildly rioting in lawless hope, Indulges the adultery of the mind. But I'll defeat that wish.--Guards, bear her in. Nay, do not struggle. [_she is borne in._ _Per._ Let our deaths suffice, And reverence virtue in that form inshrin'd. _Dou._ Provoke my rage no farther.--I have kindled The burning torch of never-dying vengeance At love's expiring lamp.--But mark me, friends, If Percy's happier genius should prevail, And I should fall, give him safe conduct hence, Be all observance paid him.--Go, I follow thee. [_aside to Edric._ Within I've something for thy private ear. _Per._ Now shall this mutual fury be appeas'd! These eager hands shall soon be drench'd in slaughter! Yes--like two famish'd vultures snuffing blood, And panting to destroy, we'll rush to combat; Yet I've the deepest, deadliest, cause of hate, I am but Percy, thou'rt--Elwina's husband. [_exeunt._ ACT THE FIFTH. SCENE I. ELWINA'S APARTMENT. _Elw._ Thou who in judgment still remember'st mercy, Look down upon my woes, preserve my husband! Preserve my husband! Ah, I dare not ask it; My very prayers may pull down ruin on me! If Douglas should survive, what then becomes Of--him--I dare not name? And if he conquers, I've slain my husband. Agonizing state! When I can neither hope, nor think, nor pray, But guilt involves me. Sure to know the worst Cannot exceed the torture of suspense, When each event is big with equal horror. [_looks out._ What, no one yet? This solitude is dreadful! My horrors multiply! _Enter Birtha._ Thou messenger of woe! _Bir._ Of woe, indeed! _Elw._ How, is my husband dead? Oh, speak! _Bir._ Your husband lives.