Taunting each other, but unfold to me The cause of quarrel; then I judge betwixt you. Norv. Nay, my good lord, though I revere you much, My cause I plead not, nor demand your judgment. I blush to speak: I will not, cannot speak, The opprobrious words that I from him have borne. Hence as he came, alone, but not dishonored! Lord Ran. Thus far I'll mediate with impartial voice ; The ancient foe of Caledonia's land Now waves his banner o'er her frighted fields; Suspend your purpose till your country's arms Glen. I agree to this. Norv. And I. Glen. Norval, Let not our variance mar the social hour, Nor wrong the hospitality of Randolph. Shall stain my countenance. Smooth thou thy brow; Norv. Think not so lightly, sir, of my resentment; HOME. THE DUKE OF CARINTHIA AND HUON. Duke. My lord, send Huon to me. Question not, To sigh that being has been spent in vain I loved my serf, was vain of him, and made To love my child Good bye to ruth! He dares to cover her I grudged Surrender of those could boast estate He comes, I see! The passion, never yet I dream'd of, stares upon me, in his look, His air, his gait. "Tis dead or he must die! (Sits.) [Enter Huon.] Huon! Huon. My lord? Duke. I have been thinking of thee. Huon. My lord is ever good. Duke. I have a notion "T would profit thee to marry. Huon. Marry! Duke. Yes. Huon. I first must love. Duke. And hast thou never loved? Why art thou silent? Wherefore holds thy tongue Huon. My cheek! Duke. It talks! A flush pass'd o'er it as I spoke to thee: Thou cast'st thine eye. Thou art in love already. "Thou first must love" - My friend, Art thou not, Huon? - Never mind, but keep Thy secret. I have fixed that thou shalt marry. Huon. My lord · Duke. (Interrupting him.) I know it will advantage thee, And I have look'd around my court to find A partner for thee, and have lit on one. Huon. (Most earnestly.) My lord Duke. (Interrupting him again.) She has beauty, Huon, she has wealth; And what doth qualify her better still As of unequal matches discords grow – She's of thy own class, Huon, she is a serf. (Rises.) Duke. (Interrupting indignantly.) My serf! How Now? Wouldst thou rebel? Huon. Rebel, my lord? Duke. I trust I was deceived! I did not see defiance in thine eye, And hear it on thy tongue! Thou wouldst not dare Much less intent? Thou know'st him! know'st thyself! Thou may'st have scruples-that thou canst not help; But thou canst help indulging them in the face Of thy lord's will. And so, as 'tis my will Thou marry straight, and I have found thy match, I'll draw a paper up, where thou shalt make The proffer of thy hand to Catherine, And thou shalt sign it, Huon. (Sits at the table and writes.) Huon. That I were dead! O, what is death compared to slavery! Brutes may bear bondage- they were made for it, Upon one man to mark him from another, That he should live his slave. O heavy curse! And not have equally liberty to use them, To use enlargement with desires that cleave And yet with power over myself as little As any beast of burden? Why should I live? Into prouder mettle; — that will let you kill them, Duke. Here, Huon, sign, Huon. My lord, I am a man ; And, as a man, owe duty higher far Than that I owe to thee, which Heaven expects That I discharge. Didst thou command me murder, Steal, commit perjury, or even lie,— Should I do it, though a serf? No! To espouse her, Not loving her, were murder of her peace. I will not sign for that! With like default, Were robbery. I will not sign for that! To swear what I must swear to make her mine, Were perjury at the very altar. Therefore My lord, my master, ask me not to sign! My sweat, my blood, use without sparing; but Although it be ! Coerce me not in that, To make me do the thing my heart abhors! I beg no more! Duke. Huon, I love thee well; And would not do thee harm unless compell'd. Thou shouldst not play with me, and shalt not. Take, Huon. Death! Duke. Thou makest thy mind up quickly, in a strait. 'Tis right against my heart! Press firm and straight; Duke. As thou wishest death, I will not kill thee for thy disobedience. The page without addition, thou may'st learn That even slavery hath its degrees, Which makes it sometimes sweet. Our felons throng A bench and oar for thee. (Exit.) Huon. My lord, come back! My lord! What now my mind, be sure 'twill be At the end of the hour! of the day! of my life! - My lord! Couldst thou look on, And keep pride sitting in thy woman's eye — |