Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/155

Rh

Yes, thou may'st wonder! for some unknown friend Had sawn across the main prop of the scaffold, So that the headsman mounting first, the platform Fell with a crash; and he, all maim'd and bruis'd, Unfit to do his office, was perforce

Ay, ay, 'tis plain, thou need'st not tell me more.— But he the unknown friend

'Twas I that did it! Beat me and scourge me as ye list: I did it! He offer'd me his cloak: he pitied me; And I have paid him back.

Ha! well done and well said, my brave black thing! Art thou a prince? in faith I think thou art. I'll take thee home, and make a man of thee. All that I have is his: he will reward thee. Thou hast a gen'rous mind, altho' debas'd With vile oppression and unmanly scorn.