BEGGAR Forgive me, gracious Sir!—­

OSWALD (to her companions)
              Begone, ye Slaves, or I will raise a whirlwind
              And send ye dancing to the clouds, like leaves.
        [They retire affrighted.]

BEGGAR Indeed we meant no harm; we lodge sometimes
              In this deserted Castle—­I repent me.

[OSWALD goes to the dungeon—­listens—­returns to the Beggar.]

OSWALD Woman, thou hast a helpless Infant—­keep
              Thy secret for its sake, or verily
              That wretched life of thine shall be the forfeit.

BEGGAR I do repent me, Sir; I fear the curse
              Of that blind Man.  ’Twas not your money, Sir,—­

OSWALD Begone!

BEGGAR (going)
              There is some wicked deed in hand: 
         [Aside.]
              Would I could find the old Man and his Daughter.

[Exit Beggar.]

[MARMADUKE re-enters from the dungeon]

OSWALD It is all over then;—­your foolish fears
              Are hushed to sleep, by your own act and deed,
              Made quiet as he is.

MARMADUKE Why came you down? 
              And when I felt your hand upon my arm
              And spake to you, why did you give no answer? 
              Feared you to waken him? he must have been
              In a deep sleep.  I whispered to him thrice. 
              There are the strangest echoes in that place!

OSWALD Tut! let them gabble till the day of doom.

MARMADUKE Scarcely, by groping, had I reached the Spot,
              When round my wrist I felt a cord drawn tight,
              As if the blind Man’s dog were pulling at it.

OSWALD But after that?

MARMADUKE The features of Idonea
              Lurked in his face—­

OSWALD Psha!  Never to these eyes
              Will retribution show itself again
              With aspect so inviting.  Why forbid me
              To share your triumph?

MARMADUKE Yes, her very look,
              Smiling in sleep—­

OSWALD A pretty feat of Fancy!

MARMADUKE Though but a glimpse, it sent me to my prayers.

OSWALD Is he alive?

MARMADUKE What mean you? who alive?

OSWALD Herbert! since you will have it, Baron Herbert;
              He who will gain his Seignory when Idonea
              Hath become Clifford’s harlot—­is he living?

MARMADUKE The old Man in that dungeon is alive.

OSWALD Henceforth, then, will I never in camp or field
              Obey you more.  Your weakness, to the Band,
              Shall be proclaimed:  brave Men, they all shall hear it. 
              You a protector of humanity! 
              Avenger you of outraged innocence!