OSWALD You will forgive me-- MARMADUKE If I ever knew My heart, could penetrate its inmost core, 'Tis at this moment.--Oswald, I have loved To be the friend and father of the oppressed, A comforter of sorrow;--there is something Which looks like a transition in my soul, And yet it is not.--Let us lead him hither. OSWALD Stoop for a moment; 'tis an act of justice; And where's the triumph if the delegate Must fall in the execution of his office? The deed is done--if you will have it so-- Here where we stand--that tribe of vulgar wretches (You saw them gathering for the festival) Rush in--the villains seize us-- MARMADUKE Seize! OSWALD Yes, they-- Men who are little given to sift and weigh-- Would wreak on us the passion of the moment. MARMADUKE The cloud will soon disperse--farewell--but stay, Thou wilt relate the story. OSWALD Am I neither To bear a part in this Man's punishment, Nor be its witness? MARMADUKE I had many hopes That were most dear to me, and some will bear To be transferred to thee. OSWALD When I'm dishonoured! MARMADUKE I would preserve thee. How may this be done? OSWALD By showing that you look beyond the instant. A few leagues hence we shall have open ground, And nowhere upon earth is place so fit To look upon the deed. Before we enter The barren Moor, hangs from a beetling rock The shattered Castle in which Clifford oft Has held infernal orgies--with the gloom, And very superstition of the place, Seasoning his wickedness. The Debauchee Would there perhaps have gathered the first fruits Of this mock Father's guilt. [Enter Host conducting HERBERT.] HOST The Baron Herbert Attends your pleasure. OSWALD (to Host) We are ready-- (to HERBERT) Sir! I hope you are refreshed.--I have just written A notice for your Daughter, that she may know What is become of you.--You'll sit down and sign it; 'Twill glad her heart to see her father's signature. [Gives the letter he had written.] HERBERT Thanks for your care. [Sits down and writes. Exit Host.] OSWALD (aside to MARMADUKE) Perhaps it would be useful That you too should subscribe your name. [MARMADUKE overlooks HERBERT--then writes--examines the letter eagerly.] MARMADUKE I cannot leave this paper. [He puts it up, agitated.] OSWALD (aside) Dastard! Come.