ses, and then adds in a low, hollow voice._
Pierre had a friend to save him from such shame--
And so hast thou.

ANDRE.

No more, as thou dost love me.

BLAND.

I have a sword, and arm, that never fail'd me.

ANDRE.

Bland, such an act would justly thee involve,
And leave that helpless one thou sworest to guard,
Expos'd to every ill. Oh! think not of it.

BLAND.

If thou wilt not my aid--take it thyself.
[_Draws and offers his sword._

ANDRE.

No, men will say that cowardice did urge me.
In my mind's weakness, I did wish to shun
That mode of death which error represented
Infamous: Now let me rise superior;
And with a fortitude too true to start
From mere appearances, shew your country,
That she, in me, destroys a man who might
Have liv'd to virtue.

BLAND [_sheathing his sword_].

I will not think more of it;
I was again the sport of erring passion.

ANDRE.

Go thou and guide Honora from this spot.

HONORA [_entering_].

Who shall oppose his wife? I will have way!
They, cruel, would have kept me from thee, Andre.
Say, am I not thy wife? _Wilt_ thou deny me?
Indeed I am not dress'd in bridal trim.
But I have travel'd far:--rough was the road--
Rugged and rough--that must excuse my dress.
[_Seeing ANDRE'S distress._] Thou art not glad to see me.

ANDRE.

Break my heart!

HONORA.

Indeed, I feel not much in spirits. I wept but now.

_Enter MELVILLE and GUARD._

BLAND [_to MELVILLE_].

Say nothing.

ANDRE.

I am ready.

HONORA [_seeing the GUARD_].

Are _they_ here?
_Here_ again!--The _same_--but they shall not harm me--
I am with _thee_, my Andre--I am safe--
And _thou_ art safe with me. Is it not so?
[_Clinging to him._

_Enter MRS. BLAND._

MRS. BLAND.

Where is this lovely victim?

BLAND.

Thanks, my mother.

MRS. BLAND.

M'Donald sent me hither. My woes are past.
Thy father, by the foe releas'd, already
Is in safety. This be forgotten now;
And every thought be turn'd to this sad scene.
Come, lady, home with me.

HONORA.

Go home with thee?
Art thou my Andre's mother? We will home
And rest, for thou art weary--very weary.
[_Leans on MRS. BLAND._

[_ANDRE retires to the GU