I thought you still were near. I haven't thanked you yet. [Gives money.] How did she look? Was there about her not a thievish air, A truant aspect, frightened and yet free, Shame-faced, but bold, and like an angel lost. Spy. Who, my good lord? Re-enter Fife. Buchan. The queen--the outlaw's wife. Spy. O no, my lord! She laughed, as she rode past Where I lay hid, at something gaily said By my good lady, your good lordship's wife. They both looked happy, riding in the sun. Buchan. Aye; that will do. [Exit Spy. I'm coming, Fife. Fife. Stay yet. Why did you try to lead him off the scent? You meant my sister when you questioned him. Tell me, what makes your jealousy so strong? You never were in love with her I think. Buchan. Nor am not now. I think--I know--I feel What I have heard: true love is never jealous. I am like other men; I love myself. I cannot speak. I mean to act. Come on. [They go out. SCENE IV.--A Cave in the Wood of Drome, with a fire at the back. Bruce, Edward, Nigel Bruce, Douglas, Crombe, Isabella, Countess of Buchan, Lady Douglas, and others. Bruce. Who would build palaces when homes like these Our kingdom yields us bosomed in her hills! What tapestry, where the gloss and colour fade From some love-story, overtold and stale, Or where a famed old battle stagnates dim, Befits a room before these unhewn walls Whose shifting pictures lower and shine and live, Ruddy and dark in leaping of the fire. No homely mice in cupboards cheep; the night Is here not soothed by any mellow chirp Of crickets, happily, devoutly busy; But in the ivy and the hollow oak The owl has heard and learnt through day-long dreams The wind's high note when pines in ranks are blown, Bent, rent, and scattered with their roots in air, And sounds his echo loud and dwindling long, Fearfully as he flutters past our door; The wild-cat screams far off in the pheasant's nest; The wehrwolf, ravening in the warren, growls. Night is no gossip here, watching the world Sick-tired, heart-sore, sleep weariness away; But free and noble, full of fantasy, Queen of the earth, earth-bound, ethereal. Isabella [aside]. His spirit rises. We must hold it up.-- My lord, shall Lady Douglas sing? Bruce. She shall. Lady, I beg you sing us something sweet. No trumpet notes, no war---- [1st Soldier appears at the entrance of the Cave. Douglas whispers with him. What does he want? Douglas. He comes as spokesman for his fellows. Bruce. Well? 1st Soldier [advancing]. I hope your Highness will be patient with me. My mates have bade me ask a favour, strange And difficult to ask; but not so strange If it be thought of well, nor difficult If I can keep my head. Bruce. Go on. 1st Soldier. My lord,