IOLA. I am thy daughter. Pray you, let ME weep. GRIMES. Weep on, my child-weep on; for sighs and tears IOLA. Oh! then dam up the outlet to these tears; GRIMES. Better it break for love, than die from want! Marry a beggar! That were light indeed To wedding a rank villain. IOLA. I knew thou wouldst say so. Oh, my father! GRIMES. No-the trickster Lester. What villany IOLA. Oh! I faint.-(Faints in Grimes's arms.) GRIMES. Go fetch some wine: my daughter's in a swoon. (Exit Annette.) F I (As Grimes is placing Iola on the sofa, Annette enters with wine.) pray you take my place. I will retire awhile. (Retires to window.) IOLA (clinging to Annette). Annette, save me, save me, pray!— For I had rather fold my arms in death Than wed Sir William Stanton! GRIMES (very passionately). Rash girl! must force be used? Nay; look not thus ! Thy brow, on which rebellion holds its throne, My will to thee must ever be a law Till Stanton House shall hold proud Stanton's dame! IOLA. Then fly, affection! duty! homage! All (Exit R.) This way, Annette: you-see-I'm merry-now! (Exit R. U. E.) ANNETTE. Poor lady-yet will I try to save thee! (Exit R. U. E.) SCENE IV. A hall in the Royal Oak. Servants pass and repass. an occasional table. Wine on SIR WILLIAM and GRIMES come forward through door in R. flat. SIR WILLIAM. I do repent me doing of this deed! GRIMES (furiously). Die like a dog:-a halter for thy neck! SIR WILLIAM. It is so heartless-so unnatural! My conscience stamps me villain ! GRIMES. 'Tis pity that thy conscience rears its head After the many years it has seemed dead, And in the easiest path of all thy sin! Remember, then, the young hearts you've destroyed— The noble youth, the portly citizen, The green apprentice, and the blushing dames:- Go, pay thy honourable debts-from empty purse! Heal up the wounds you've made in parents' hearts! Most cruel mocker! SIR WILLIAM. (Enter Annette, led on by the Landlady. She is dressed as Iola.) GRIMES. Why, this is well. Pray lead her to the door. Ha! (Pass.) (Gives chain.) SIR WILLIAM (lifting the veil, discovers Annette). GRIMES. What witchcraft's here? What lying baggage is 't ANNETTE. She's lost, she's lost again! GRIMES. I have no words to waste upon a fool. (Exit in haste.) SIR WILLIAM (laying hold on Annette.) Mistress, stay thou here! Thy pretty plot has failed. ANNETTE. Mock on, mock on!-thy scoffs are idle air! Ha, they have her!-unhand me, sir! (A scream heard.) (Enter Grimes, bearing Iola, fainting in his arms. He advances to centre, and gives her to Sir William Stanton.) GRIMES. Sir William Stanton, she is now your own! (Sir William supports Iola. Grimes looks on in triumph. Annette faints, and is supported by Landlady. Picture formed. Mournful music.) |