DRAMATIS PERSONS Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrich, afterwards King of Scotland. Edward Bruce. Nigel Bruce. Lamberton, Archbishop of St. Andrews. Walter, the Steward of Scotland. Sir William Wallace. Sir James Douglas. Sir Thomas Randolf. Sir Christopher Seton. Sir John Seton. James Crombe. Kirkpatrick. Comyn, Earl of Badenoch. Comyn, Earl of Buchan. Macduff, Earl of Fife. Sir Robert Comyn. Edward I., King of England. Edward II., King of England. The Earl of Pembroke. Lord Henry Percy. Lord Robert Clifford. Sir Ingram de Umfraville. Sir Giles de Argentine. Sir Peter Mallorie, Justiciary of England. Hugh Beaumont. Isabella, Countess of Carrick, afterwards Queen of Scotland. Isobel, Countess of Buchan. Countess of Badenoch. Lady Douglas. An Old Man, a Young Friar, a Messenger, a Forester, a Spy. Lords, Ladies, Gentlemen, Monks, Soldiers, &c. Scene: London and Scotland. BRUCE ACT I SCENE I.--London. A Room in the Palace. King Edward I., Earl of Pembroke, Lord Henry Percy, and Lord Robert Clifford. Edward I. Once more, my lords, the rude north claims our care. A faction there is still opposed to peace, Strongly ill-willed to England and to me, Obdurate, set, incorrigibly wroth-- A band whose blood is of the liquid flame That often madly jets in savage veins, When wisdom would bestow some blessed gift, Some pearl which ignorance rejects with scorn, And chafes and frets and sets the world on fire. The Bruce, my lords, has fled the English Court: He goes to Scotland, and his guiding star Is that same beacon of rebellious light Built up by every burning Scottish heart. Astonishment and curiosity Shoulder each other in your crowded eyes Like townsmen gazing from a window's height At some strange pageantry afoot below; There let them crowd, for wonders are to pass. Were I to ask you, now, if Bruce or Comyn Has played the fairer game, you might say this: They cannot be compared--Bruce always with, And Comyn always opposite to me; Yet have they both held by the cause they chose: So there's a parity of constancy. Such answer might be yours. Then I would say, They both are faithless: here I hold the proof. [Exhibits a scroll. This is a deed transferring Bruce's lands To Comyn, who exchanges for the same His claim--it's written so--to Scotland's crown. He promises besides to aid the Bruce To gain the state and name of King of Scots. There are their signatures. Pembroke. By miracle-- Or how did this indenture reach your hands? Edward I. John Comyn sent it me. You see--base rogues!--Bruce false to me, and Comyn false to Bruce. Pembroke. My liege, Bruce hitherto has borne a name As bright and glorious as his golden shield, Untarnished by dishonour's rusty breath. This paper may be forged. Edward I. That was my thought; And so I had a copy of it made, And sent to Bruce last night. My messenger Asked, being charged so far, some word from him. He half denied; but compromised, and craved Three days to answer.