WILFRED Dear Master! gratitude's a heavy burden To a proud Soul.--Nobody loves this Oswald-- Yourself, you do not love him. MARMADUKE I do more, I honour him. Strong feelings to his heart Are natural; and from no one can be learnt More of man's thoughts and ways than his experience Has given him power to teach: and then for courage And enterprise--what perils hath he shunned? What obstacles hath he failed to overcome? Answer these questions, from our common knowledge, And be at rest. WILFRED Oh, Sir! MARMADUKE Peace, my good Wilfred; Repair to Liddesdale, and tell the Band I shall be with them in two days, at farthest. WILFRED May He whose eye is over all protect you! [Exit.] [Enter OSWALD (a bunch of plants in his hand)] OSWALD This wood is rich in plants and curious simples. MARMADUKE (looking at them) The wild rose, and the poppy, and the nightshade: Which is your favorite, Oswald? OSWALD That which, while it is Strong to destroy, is also strong to heal-- [Looking forward.] Not yet in sight!--We'll saunter here awhile; They cannot mount the hill, by us unseen. MARMADUKE (a letter in his hand) It is no common thing when one like you Performs these delicate services, and therefore I feel myself much bounden to you, Oswald; 'Tis a strange letter this!--You saw her write it? OSWALD And saw the tears with which she blotted it. MARMADUKE And nothing less would satisfy him? OSWALD No less; For that another in his Child's affection Should hold a place, as if 'twere robbery, He seemed to quarrel with the very thought. Besides, I know not what strange prejudice Is rooted in his mind; this Band of ours, Which you've collected for the noblest ends, Along the confines of the Esk and Tweed To guard the Innocent--he calls us "Outlaws"; And, for yourself, in plain terms he asserts This garb was taken up that indolence Might want no cover, and rapacity Be better fed. MARMADUKE Ne'er may I own the heart That cannot feel for one, helpless as he is. OSWALD Thou know'st me for a Man not easily moved, Yet was I grievously provoked to think Of what I witnessed. MARMADUKE This day will suffice To end her wrongs.