Page:Representative American plays.pdf/155

138 Rav. Perhaps it is the wealviiess of the father Prompts the suggestion — But I have be- thought me, It were most tit this youth should first be

dealt with, 'Gainst whom there are a host of wit- nesses Ready to testify — unless his actions, Obvious and known, are proof enough —

his life Which is a course of crime and profli-

g'aey, Ending, with contemplated rape and mur- der. ISA. What do I hear? Judge. How say you? rape and murder ! Rav. The victim of his bloody purpose lingers Upon the verge of death — Here are the

proofs That point out the assassin! (Showing the sword and handkerchief, which are held hi/ a Villager who is stand- ing near him.) For the violence — Myself, my daughter here — Mary. father, father!

Judge. These things are terrible. But you forget. They are not now the charge. Rav. What matters it,

Whether by hellish arts of sorceiy He wrought upon the maiden, — or with

force Attempted violation — Let him answer — Denying one, he but admits the other. Judge. Bid him stand forth. We wait

your answer, youth. Charles. You wait in vain — I shall not

plead. Judge. Not plead!

Rav. [Aside.) This is beyond my hopes. ISA. Charles, my son !

Judge. What do you mean ? Charles. Simply, sir, that I will not

Place myself on my trial here. Judge. Your reason?

Do you question then the justice of the court? Rav. He does, no doubt he does. Charles. However strong

Might be the ground for question — 't is

not that Determines me to silence. Judge. If you hope

To purchase safety by this contumacy; 'T is fit you be aware that clinging there. You may pull ruin on your head. Charles. I know

The danger I incur, but dare to meet it. ISA. Charles, reflect — Charles. Mother my soul is fixed;

They shall not call yon maiden to the bar. Tremble not, weep not, pure and timid

soul, They shall not question thee. Rav. Hence with thy spells —

Take thine eyes off my child, ere her weak

frame Yield to the charm she shakes with — hence I say ! (Mary attempts to speak, hut is pre- vented hy her Father.) Judge. Prisoner, attend: at once inform the court Of all you know concerning the strange

being. Who, like a supernatural visitant, Appear'd this day among us. What con- nexion Subsists between you? Charles. None. I know him not.

Rav. And yet this morning, ere the dawn had broken. They were both seen together in the for- est. Holding mysterious converse. Here's a

witness Who will avouch the fact; and that the

stranger With the first day-beam, vanished from his sight. Isa. {Aside.) He never told me this.

Can he have met him? Judge. Look on these things. They are mark'd with your name. And stain'd with blood. They were

found near the spot

Where a poor wretch lay bleeding. Can

you explain it? ^

Charles. They are mine — I do confess it.

I encountered

A person near that spot, and wounded

him In honourable duel. Nothing more Can I explain. Mary. {Struggling.) father, let me

speak. Rav. Silence! Now answer me, and let the powers Of darkness, that sustain you in your

pride. Yield and abandon you unto your fate. Did you not robber like, this night break

in My unguarded house, and there, with

ruffian force Attempt the honour of this maiden?