(Turning abruptly.) Ha! speak--what Thing art thou? (Recognises her.) Heavens! my good friend! [To her.] BEGGAR Forgive me, gracious Sir!-- OSWALD (to her companions) Begone, ye Slaves, or I will raise a whirlwind And send ye dancing to the clouds, like leaves. [They retire affrighted.] BEGGAR Indeed we meant no harm; we lodge sometimes In this deserted Castle--_I repent me._ [OSWALD goes to the dungeon--listens--returns to the Beggar.] OSWALD Woman, thou hast a helpless Infant--keep Thy secret for its sake, or verily That wretched life of thine shall be the forfeit. BEGGAR I _do_ repent me, Sir; I fear the curse Of that blind Man. 'Twas not your money, Sir,-- OSWALD Begone! BEGGAR (going) There is some wicked deed in hand: [Aside.] Would I could find the old Man and his Daughter. [Exit Beggar.] [MARMADUKE re-enters from the dungeon] OSWALD It is all over then;--your foolish fears Are hushed to sleep, by your own act and deed, Made quiet as he is. MARMADUKE Why came you down? And when I felt your hand upon my arm And spake to you, why did you give no answer? Feared you to waken him? he must have been In a deep sleep. I whispered to him thrice. There are the strangest echoes in that place! OSWALD Tut! let them gabble till the day of doom. MARMADUKE Scarcely, by groping, had I reached the Spot, When round my wrist I felt a cord drawn tight, As if the blind Man's dog were pulling at it. OSWALD But after that? MARMADUKE The features of Idonea Lurked in his face-- OSWALD Psha! Never to these eyes Will retribution show itself again With aspect so inviting. Why forbid me To share your triumph? MARMADUKE Yes, her very look, Smiling in sleep-- OSWALD A pretty feat of Fancy! MARMADUKE Though but a glimpse, it sent me to my prayers. OSWALD Is he alive? MARMADUKE What mean you? who alive? OSWALD Herbert! since you will have it, Baron Herbert; He who will gain his Seignory when Idonea Hath become Clifford's harlot--is _he_ living? MARMADUKE The old Man in that dungeon _is_ alive. OSWALD Henceforth, then, will I never in camp or field Obey you more. Your weakness, to the Band, Shall be proclaimed: brave Men, they all shall hear it. You a protector of humanity! Avenger you of outraged innocence!