LESTER. Percy, pray let him rest. His sword doth lie Defend thyself! LESTER. 'T were pity that your manners with your steel (Fights one set, and disarms Sir William at commencement of second.) Do not agree. Thy life is mine. Sir William, go thy way, (Retires flat.) PERCY (presenting sword to Sir William). Good evening, Sir William Stanton. SIR WILLIAM. We shall meet again-(to Percy). PERCY. (Exit Sir William L. H. In that case, practise well at cunning fence, Percy,-Sir William Stanton is the man My little finger would supplant him there. Ay, less than that. PERCY. 'Tis time you should assume your soft disguise. It is. LESTER. The weary day falls fainting from the heaven; PERCY. But how in the affair wilt thou proceed? LESTER. To-morrow night I throw off my disguise; That she should dress herself in Margaret's clothes, I'll truly play my part. PERCY. LESTER. Then hover o'er me spirits of the air! (Exeunt R. H.) SCENE II-A desolate part of the coast by the Wash. Violent Storm. Enter Three or Four Smugglers, R. and L. Hoy-ye-hoy-hoy! FIRST SMUGGLER. SECOND SMUGGLER. A little more and she 'll be on the beach. THIRD SMUGGLER. The sea runs uncommon high. Ho-hoy there! FIRST SMUGGLER. So does yer tongue;-if thee doant be quiet Pshaw they be always found when their service be not required. There a'nt a man among 'em who would n't send his brother to the deuce for a few angels. SECOND SMUGGLER. Loike enuff: angels are great composers. -I wonder Master Grimes be not landed yet. (Noise outside.) Old Blazeaway's just come ashore! What a lucky man he be! He makes inkimmin clean runs ! Got all the silk, and brandy, and lace, safe as a Briton! He comes. Enter GRIMES (speaks to Smugglers). Here, fellows, see to those barrels-be quick; Roll them gently along the beach. This was (Exit first Smuggler.) Most fearful work! You, sirrah, tell Staggers (Exit second Smuggler.) I shall change my dress at his house! You (Exit third Smuggler.) To Sir William Stanton-say I shall be there anon. If that does not, these smuggled laces will! SCENE III-An old-fashioned sitting-room in the house of Grimes. Iola is seated on a sofa with Margaret-both are working. Sir William Stanton is leaning over the back of a chair-hat in his hand. Thunder, at intervals, throughout this Scene. SIR WILLIAM. 'Tis not that I expect you'd bear that love, Sweeps reason as the lightest down before it! But yet, my sweetest life, you might transfer I see you're obstinate! Some trumpery fool IOLA. Sir William Stanton! what is it you mean? SIR WILLIAM. Madam, 't is well :-by contract thou art mine; IOLA (with most determined eagerness). E (Pause.) (Sobs.) Were near me now! Oh! that he did live! He would defend me, Margaret ! SIR WILLIAM (retiring). Madam, I take my leave; Weigh well my words-for on the morrow morn Were you a child of mine, I could no better ! The gipsy said, last night, I ne'er should wed MARGARET. A little, foolish, prating, funny thing! IOLA. Thou shalt not play me off! Wilt save me? MARGARET. It is your father's will! You must consent! IOLA (starting up-laying one hand on Margaret's shoulder and fastening her eye on her). I never never will! I tell thee, Margaret, |