e?--

MARMADUKE But what's your business
With Herbert or his Daughter?

BEGGAR Daughter! truly--
But how's the day?--I fear, my little Boy,
We've overslept ourselves.--Sirs, have you seen him?
[Offers to go.]

MARMADUKE I must have more of this;--you shall not stir
An inch, till I am answered. Know you aught
That doth concern this Herbert?

BEGGAR You are provoked,
And will misuse me, Sir!

MARMADUKE No trifling, Woman!--

OSWALD You are as safe as in a sanctuary;
Speak.

MARMADUKE Speak!

BEGGAR He is a most hard-hearted Man.

MARMADUKE Your life is at my mercy.

BEGGAR Do not harm me,
And I will tell you all!--You know not, Sir,
What strong temptations press upon the Poor.

OSWALD Speak out.

BEGGAR O Sir, I've been a wicked Woman.

OSWALD Nay, but speak out!

BEGGAR He flattered me, and said
What harvest it would bring us both; and so,
I parted with the Child.

MARMADUKE Parted with whom? [3]

BEGGAR Idonea, as he calls her; but the Girl
Is mine.

MARMADUKE Yours, Woman! are you Herbert's wife?

BEGGAR Wife, Sir! his wife--not I; my husband, Sir,
Was of Kirkoswald--many a snowy winter
We've weathered out together. My poor Gilfred!
He has been two years in his grave.

MARMADUKE Enough.

OSWALD We've solved the riddle--Miscreant!

MARMADUKE Do you,
Good Dame, repair to Liddesdale and wait
For my return; be sure you shall have justice.

OSWALD A lucky woman!--go, you have done good service.
[Aside.]

MARMADUKE (to himself)
Eternal praises on the power that saved her!--

OSWALD (gives her money)
Here's for your little boy--and when you christen him
I'll be his Godfather.

BEGGAR