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Rh For lie had been a patriot, as be deemed

it, Or, as his destiny decreed, a traitor. — He tied to this new world. Charles. Does be yet livef

ISA. Alas! I know not, rumours came to England That be survived. It was to find my

father. And on my knees implore his benedic- tion ; — Haply, sbould be forgive, to minister Unto his age's comfort — I came bitber. Charles. 'T is strange, if living, be sbould seek concealment, After the general amnesty. ISA. 0! Charles;

He was excepted in that act of mercy ; He bad done that, the king might never pardon. Charles. Unhappy man ! ISA. Most true, — But let me haste

To close my dark recital. I was plac'd In charge of a kinsman — a perfidious

villain Whose avarice sold, betray'd me. — my

son. It is not fit thy ears sbould bear the tale, And from my lips. I wept, implor'd, re- sisted — Riches and pleasure tempted me in vain Coupled with shame. But hellish craft

at length Triumph'd over credulous vanity — The

altar Was made the scene of sacrilegious mock- ery, Tbe holy vestments of the priest, became A profane masking habit — Charles. Power of Justice !

Could you behold this and forbear to strike ! ISA. The illusion vanisb'd, and I fled, I fled

In horror and in madness. Charles. Dreadful, dreadful!

ISA. It was thy birth that sav'd me from destruction — I had thee to live for, and I liv'd; deep

bid In solitude, under an assum'd name, Thou wer't rear'd, Charles, amidst thy mother's tears. Charles. An assum'd name — in solitude — Shame, shame! Why not unmask the villain to the world, And boldly challenge what was yours"? ISA. His rank —

Charles. No rank sbould shield injustice. Quick, inform me

Who was the wretch? Give me the vil- lain's name. ISA. He was thy father, Charles. Charles. In the sight of Heaven

I here disclaim and curse — IsA. Forbear, forbear —

Or curse me too — Charles. His name, his name —

ISA. You will destroy me!

{She falls into his arms.) Charles. What have I done? I will be calm — forgive me.

{Enter Lucy.)

Lucy. A person from the village, madam, asks

To be admitted to your presence. IsA. How !

Does be declare his business? Lucy. He declines it,

Until he see yourself. ISA. Admit him, Lucy.

{Exit Lucy.)

Charles. Madam, you tremble still, let

me support you. IsA. No; I must learn to overcome this

weakness.

{Enter Messenger.)

Now, Sir, I 'm she you ask for — to your business. ]\Iess. My business is with both. ' You, Isabella And Charles, surnam'd Fitzroy, are cited

both. By a commission of the government. To attend them at their session on the

morrow At nine in the morning. Charles. And to what purpose?

Mess. That

You'll learn from them, farewell.

{Exit Messenger.)

Charles. Why farewell, gravity.

IsA. What can this mean? Charles. They do not know themselves. IsA. I fear I 've been too tardy. Charles. Nay, 'tis nothing.

To question us, perhaps, upon our means.

And pack us from the parish, nothing more.

But, madam, you were interrupted, ere

I learn'd the name — ISA. Not at this moment, Charles.

Charles. Well then, enough of sorrow for to-day —

I will return anon, and laugh with you