took thee in my arms, and we began
              Our wanderings together.  Providence
              At length conducted us to Rossland,—­there,
              Our melancholy story moved a Stranger
              To take thee to her home—­and for myself,
              Soon after, the good Abbot of St. Cuthbert’s
              Supplied my helplessness with food and raiment,
              And, as thou know’st, gave me that humble Cot
              Where now we dwell.—­For many years I bore
              Thy absence, till old age and fresh infirmities
              Exacted thy return, and our reunion. 
              I did not think that, during that long absence,
              My Child, forgetful of the name of Herbert,
              Had given her love to a wild Freebooter,
              Who here, upon the borders of the Tweed,
              Doth prey alike on two distracted Countries,
              Traitor to both.

IDONEA Oh, could you hear his voice! 
              I will not call on Heaven to vouch for me,
              But let this kiss speak what is in my heart.

[Enter a Peasant]

PEASANT Good morrow, Strangers!  If you want a Guide,
              Let me have leave to serve you!

IDONEA My Companion
              Hath need of rest; the sight of Hut or Hostel
              Would be most welcome.

PEASANT Yon white hawthorn gained,
              You will look down into a dell, and there
              Will see an ash from which a sign-board hangs;
              The house is hidden by the shade.  Old Man,
              You seem worn out with travel—­shall I support you?

HERBERT I thank you; but, a resting-place so near,
              ’Twere wrong to trouble you.

PEASANT God speed you both.

[Exit Peasant.]

HERBERT Idonea, we must part.  Be not alarmed—­
              ’Tis but for a few days—­a thought has struck me.

IDONEA That I should leave you at this house, and thence
              Proceed alone.  It shall be so; for strength
              Would fail you ere our journey’s end be reached.

[Exit HERBERT supported by IDONEA.]

[Re-enter MARMADUKE and OSWALD]

MARMADUKE This instant will we stop him—­

OSWALD Be not hasty,
              For, sometimes, in despite of my conviction,
              He tempted me to think the Story true;
              ’Tis plain he loves the Maid, and what he said
              That savoured of aversion to thy name
              Appeared the genuine colour of his soul—­
              Anxiety lest mischief should befal her
              After his death.