lame, the hungry, will be welcome there.
No more shall he complain of wasted strength,
Of thoughts that fail, and a decaying heart;
His good works will be balm and life to him.

MARMADUKE This is most strange!--I know not what it was,
But there was something which most plainly said,
That thou wert innocent.

IDONEA How innocent!--
Oh heavens! you've been deceived.

MARMADUKE Thou art a Woman
To bring perdition on the universe.

IDONEA Already I've been punished to the height
Of my offence.
[Smiling affectionately.]
I see you love me still,
The labours of my hand are still your joy;
Bethink you of the hour when on your shoulder
I hung this belt.
[Pointing to the belt on which was suspended HERBERT'S scrip.]

MARMADUKE Mercy of Heaven! [Sinks.]

IDONEA What ails you? [Distractedly.]

MARMADUKE The scrip that held his food, and I forgot
To give it back again!

IDONEA What mean your words?

MARMADUKE I know not what I said--all may be well.

IDONEA That smile hath life in it!

MARMADUKE This road is perilous;
I will attend you to a Hut that stands
Near the wood's edge--rest there to-night, I pray you:
For me, I have business, as you heard, with Oswald,
But will return to you by break of day.

[Exeunt.]

ACT IV

SCENE--A desolate prospect--a ridge of rocks--a Chapel on the summit of
one--Moon behind the rocks--night stormy--irregular sound of a
bell--HERBERT enters exhausted.

HERBERT That Chapel-bell in mercy seemed to guide me,
But now it mocks my steps; its fitful stroke
Can scarcely be the work of human hands.
Hear me, ye Men, upon the cliffs, if such
There be who pray nightly before the Altar.
Oh that I had but strength to reach the place!
My Child--my Child--dark--dark--I faint--this wind--
These stifling blasts--God help me!

[Enter ELDRED.]

ELDRED Better this bare rock,