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Rh Were gravely listened to, when mere sus- picion, Could, with a hint destroy, and coward

malice, With whispers, reach'd at life; when

frenzy's flame. Like fire in tow, ran thro' the minds of

men, Fann'd by the breath of those in highest

places, E'en from the bench, yea, from the sacred

desk. Rav. Hold, Walford, I have held thee as

my friend. For many years, beware — Walf. I know thy power

Over the multitude, but fear it not. I have discharged my duty, fare thee

well. Rav. Stay, Walford, thou art honest, but

mistaken. We will dispute no more. But tell me,

friend. Have the commissioners enquired for me"? Walf. They have. Before they enter on

their duties. They 'd have thy counsel. Rav. They shall have it straight,

I '11 go to them at once. 'T is almost

night — There is no hour to lose, I pray thee,

Walford, As I may haply, be detain'd abroad. Let thy good Alice stay here with my

daughter Till my return. Walf. Most willingly. I '11 haste.

And bring her hither. Rav. Nay, we '11 go together.

(Exeunt.)

Scene 2. An Apartment at Isabella's.

{Enter Isabella and Chaeles.)

IsA. Ungrateful people ! Charles. Had they not presum'd

To cloud your clear name with their

viperous breath, I could forgive them. 'T was not for the

herd I drew my sword. ISA. Unthankful wretches; what!

Upon the very act that saved their lives, To found a charge that might endanger thine ! Charles. 'T is even so : I am in league, it seemS;

With fiends, so say their worships; and

the sti'anger. Is no less, than the prince of fiends him- self. Nothing is too ridiculous for those Whom bigotry has brutaliz'd, I laugh At their most monstrous folly. ISA. But such folly,

When it infects the crowd, is dangerous. Already we 've had proof what dreadful

acts Their madness may commit, and each

new day The frenzy spreads. We are suspected

too — Then your imprudent duel — my son. We must remove from hence. Charles. Remove, from hence'?

ISA. Yes ; ere the monsters catch us in the

toils They are preparing. Charles. Mother, you w^ere wont

To bear a mind whose firmness could

resist Your sex's common weaknesses! ISA. I know not

How it is, Charles, but dark and sad

forebodings Hang o'er my subdued spirit; and I

tremble E'en for thy life. Charles. Banish those thoughts, my

mother. ISA. I try, but cannot. — Yes; we will

hence; my son. Tho' on the verge, perhaps, of that dis- covery The hope of which has held me here so

long. We will begone to-morrow. Charles. So soon, mother?

IsA. You do not wish it. Charles, a

mother's eye Can penetrate the heart. The gentle

Mary — She will be left behind — is it not so? But this is boyish, you are yet too young To entertain such fantasies — and then You know her father — sadder still my

son; Well, we '11 not cross the ocean — we '11

but seek The nearest spot that is inhabited By rational beings. And besides, your

youth Will wear a j^ear or two. How say you.

Charles, Are you contented? Charles. You 're the best of mothers.