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To serve, not to be serv'd. But wave we this. Last night a Lady to the castle came, In thraldom by a villain kept, whom I Ev'n with my life would rescue. Of arm'd force At present destitute, I come to thee Craving thy aid in counsel and in arms.

Frank. When did'st thou learn that Outlaws harbour here, For 'tis but lately we have held these haunts?

Theo. Not till within the precincts of the forest, Following the traces of that villain's course, One of your band I met, and recogniz'd As an old soldier, who, some few years back, Had under my command right bravely serv'd. Seeing himself discover'd, and encouraged By what I told him of my story, freely He offer'd to conduct me to his captain. But in a tangled path some space before me, Alarm'd at sight of spearmen thro' the brake, He started from his way, and so I miss'd him, Making, to gain your cave, my way alone.

Frank. Thou'rt welcome here: and gladly I'll assist thee, Tho' not by arms, the force within the castle So far out-numbering mine. But other means may serve thy purpose better.

Theo. What other means, I pray?

Frank. From these low caves, a passage under ground Leads to the castle—to the very tower