MARMADUKE Well, well, he lives, And all is safe: what said he? ELDRED But few words: He only spake to me of a dear Daughter, Who, so he feared, would never see him more; And of a Stranger to him, One by whom He had been sore misused; but he forgave The wrong and the wrong-doer. You are troubled-- Perhaps you are his son? MARMADUKE The All-seeing knows, I did not think he had a living Child.-- But whither did you carry him? ELDRED He was torn, His head was bruised, and there was blood about him-- MARMADUKE That was no work of mine. ELDRED Nor was it mine. MARMADUKE But had he strength to walk? I could have borne him A thousand miles. ELDRED I am in poverty, And know how busy are the tongues of men; My heart was willing, Sir, but I am one Whose good deeds will not stand by their own light; And, though it smote me more than words can tell, I left him. MARMADUKE I believe that there are phantoms, That in the shape of man do cross our path On evil instigation, to make sport Of our distress--and thou art one of them! But things substantial have so pressed on me-- ELDRED My wife and children came into my mind. MARMADUKE Oh Monster! Monster! there are three of us, And we shall howl together. [After a pause and in a feeble voice.] I am deserted At my worst need, my crimes have in a net (Pointing to ELDRED) Entangled this poor man.-- Where was it? where? [Dragging him along.] ELDRED 'Tis needless; spare your violence. His Daughter-- MARMADUKE Ay, in the word a thousand scorpions lodge: This old man _had_ a Daughter. ELDRED To the spot I hurried back with her.--Oh save me, Sir, From such a journey!--there was a black tree, A single tree; she thought it was her Father.-- Oh Sir, I would not see that hour again For twenty lives. The daylight dawned, and now-- Nay; hear my tale, 'tis fit that you should hear it-- As we approached, a solitary crow Rose from the spot;--the Daughter clapped her hands, And then I heard a shriek so terrible [MARMADUKE shrinks back.] The startled bird quivered upon the wing. MARMADUKE Dead, dead!--