HERBERT Dear Daughter! precious relic of that time-- For my old age, it doth remain with thee To make it what thou wilt. Thou hast been told, That when, on our return from Palestine, I found how my domains had been usurped, I took thee in my arms, and we began Our wanderings together. Providence At length conducted us to Rossland,--there, Our melancholy story moved a Stranger To take thee to her home--and for myself, Soon after, the good Abbot of St. Cuthbert's Supplied my helplessness with food and raiment, And, as thou know'st, gave me that humble Cot Where now we dwell.--For many years I bore Thy absence, till old age and fresh infirmities Exacted thy return, and our reunion. I did not think that, during that long absence, My Child, forgetful of the name of Herbert, Had given her love to a wild Freebooter, Who here, upon the borders of the Tweed, Doth prey alike on two distracted Countries, Traitor to both. IDONEA Oh, could you hear his voice! I will not call on Heaven to vouch for me, But let this kiss speak what is in my heart. [Enter a Peasant] PEASANT Good morrow, Strangers! If you want a Guide, Let me have leave to serve you! IDONEA My Companion Hath need of rest; the sight of Hut or Hostel Would be most welcome. PEASANT Yon white hawthorn gained, You will look down into a dell, and there Will see an ash from which a sign-board hangs; The house is hidden by the shade. Old Man, You seem worn out with travel--shall I support you? HERBERT I thank you; but, a resting-place so near, 'Twere wrong to trouble you. PEASANT God speed you both. [Exit Peasant.] HERBERT Idonea, we must part. Be not alarmed-- 'Tis but for a few days--a thought has struck me. IDONEA That I should leave you at this house, and thence Proceed alone. It shall be so; for strength Would fail you ere our journey's end be reached. [Exit HERBERT supported by IDONEA.] [Re-enter MARMADUKE and OSWALD] MARMADUKE This instant will we stop him--