In him he favours. Hear from whence it came. Beneath a mountain's brow, the most remote In a deep cave dug by no mortal hand, Who was the wonder of our wand'ring swains. Did they report him; the cold earth his bed, For he had been a soldier in his youth; His speech struck from me, the old man would shake Of war's vast art, was to this hermit known. 80 Lord R. Why did this soldier in a desart hide Those qualities, that should have grac'd a camp? Nor. That too at last I learn'd. Unhappy man! . Returning homewards by Messina's port, Loaded with wealth and honours bravely won, A rude and boist'rous captain of the sea Fasten'd a quarrel on him. Fierce they fought; The stranger fell, and with his dying breath Declar'd his name and lineage. Mighty pow'r! The soldier cried, my brother! Oh my brother! Lady R. His brother! Nor. Yes; of the same parents born; His only brother. They exchang'd forgiveness: Or on some nameless stream's untrodden banks, 100 Lady R. To what mysterious woes are mortals born! In this dire tragedy were there no more Unhappy persons? Did the parents live! Nor. No, they were dead; kind Heav'n had clos'd their eyes, Before their son had shed his brother's blood. Lord R. Hard is his fate; for he was not to blame! There is a destiny in this strange world, Which oft decrees an undeserved doom. Let schoolmen tell us why sounds? -From whence these [Trur pets at a distance. Enter an Officer. Offi. My lord, the trumpets of the troops of Lorn: The valiant leader hails the noble Randolph. Lord R. Mine ancient guest! Does he the warriors lead? Has Denmark rous'd the brave old knight to arms? Offi. No; worn with warfare, he resigns the sword. His eldest hope, the valiant John of Lorn, Now leads his kindred bands. Lord R. Glenalvon, go. With hospitality's most strong request Entreat the chief. Offi. My lord, requests are vain. He urges on, impatient of delay, 120 [Exit Glenalvon. Stung with the tidings of the foe's approach. Lord R. May victory sit on the warrior's plume! Bravest of men! his flocks and herds are safe; Remote from war's alarms his pastures lie, I'll [Exit with the Officer. go and press the hero to my breast. Lady R. The soldier's loftiness, the pride and pomp Investing awful war, Norval, I see, Transport thy youthful mind. Nor. Ah! should they not? Bless'd be the hour I left my father's house! 140 Lady R. There is a generous spirit in thy breast, That could have well sustain'd a prouder fortune. This way with me; under yon spreading beech, Unseen, unheard, by human eye or ear, I will amaze thee with a wond'rous tale. Nor. Let there be danger, Lady, with the secret, That I may hug it to my grateful heart, And prove my faith. Command my sword, my life: Nor. Durst I believe mine eyes, I'd say I knew them, and they were my father's. Lady R. Thy father's, say'st thou ? Ah, they were thy father's! 161 Nor. I saw them once, and curiously enquir'd Of both my parents, whence such splendor came? But I was check'd, and more could never learn. Lady R. Then learn of me, thou art not Norval's son. Nor. Not Norval's son ! Lady R. Nor of a shepherd sprung. Nor. Lady, who am I then? Lady R. Noble thou art; For noble was thy sire. Nor. I will believe Oh, tell me farther! Say, who was my father? Lady R. Douglas! Nor. Lord Douglas, whom to-day I saw ? Lady R. His younger brother. Nor. And in yonder camp? Lady R. Alas! Nor. You make me tremble-Sighs and tears! Lives my brave father? Lady R. Ah! too brave, indeed! He fell in battle ere thyself was born. Nor. Ah me, unhappy! Ere I saw the light! But does my mother live? I may conclude, 180 From my own fate, her portion has been sorrow. Lady R. She lives; but wastes her life in constant woe, Weeping her husband slain, her infant lost. Nor. You that are skill'd so well in the sad story Of my unhappy parents, and with tears Bewail their destiny, now have compassion Upon the offspring of the friends you lov'd. Oh, tell me who and where my mother is! Oppress'd by a base world, perhaps she bends Beneath the weight of other ills than grief; And, desolate, implores of Heaven the aid |