BEGGAR He is a most hard-hearted Man. MARMADUKE Your life is at my mercy. BEGGAR Do not harm me, And I will tell you all!--You know not, Sir, What strong temptations press upon the Poor. OSWALD Speak out. BEGGAR O Sir, I've been a wicked Woman. OSWALD Nay, but speak out! BEGGAR He flattered me, and said What harvest it would bring us both; and so, I parted with the Child. MARMADUKE Parted with whom? [3] BEGGAR Idonea, as he calls her; but the Girl Is mine. MARMADUKE Yours, Woman! are you Herbert's wife? BEGGAR Wife, Sir! his wife--not I; my husband, Sir, Was of Kirkoswald--many a snowy winter We've weathered out together. My poor Gilfred! He has been two years in his grave. MARMADUKE Enough. OSWALD We've solved the riddle--Miscreant! MARMADUKE Do you, Good Dame, repair to Liddesdale and wait For my return; be sure you shall have justice. OSWALD A lucky woman!--go, you have done good service. [Aside.] MARMADUKE (to himself) Eternal praises on the power that saved her!-- OSWALD (gives her money) Here's for your little boy--and when you christen him I'll be his Godfather. BEGGAR O Sir, you are merry with me. In grange or farm this Hundred scarcely owns A dog that does not know me.--These good Folks, For love of God, I must not pass their doors; But I'll be back with my best speed: for you-- God bless and thank you both, my gentle Masters. [Exit Beggar.] MARMADUKE (to himself) The cruel Viper!--Poor devoted Maid, Now I _do_ love thee. OSWALD I am thunderstruck. MARMADUKE Where is she--holla! [Calling to the Beggar, who returns; he looks at her stedfastly.] You are Idonea's Mother?-- Nay, be not terrified--it does me good To look upon you. OSWALD (interrupting) In a peasant's dress You saw, who was it? BEGGAR Nay, I dare not speak; He is a man, if it should come to his ears I never shall be heard of more. OSWALD Lord Clifford? BEGGAR What can I do? believe me, gentle Sirs, I love her, though I dare not call her daughter. OSWALD Lord Clifford--did you see him talk with Herbert?