OSWALD Stoop for a moment; ’tis an act of justice;
              And where’s the triumph if the delegate
              Must fall in the execution of his office? 
              The deed is done—­if you will have it so—­
              Here where we stand—­that tribe of vulgar wretches
              (You saw them gathering for the festival)
              Rush in—­the villains seize us—­

MARMADUKE Seize!

OSWALD Yes, they—­
              Men who are little given to sift and weigh—­
              Would wreak on us the passion of the moment.

MARMADUKE The cloud will soon disperse—­farewell—­but stay,
              Thou wilt relate the story.

OSWALD Am I neither
              To bear a part in this Man’s punishment,
              Nor be its witness?

MARMADUKE I had many hopes
              That were most dear to me, and some will bear
              To be transferred to thee.

OSWALD When I’m dishonoured!

MARMADUKE I would preserve thee.  How may this be done?

OSWALD By showing that you look beyond the instant. 
              A few leagues hence we shall have open ground,
              And nowhere upon earth is place so fit
              To look upon the deed.  Before we enter
              The barren Moor, hangs from a beetling rock
              The shattered Castle in which Clifford oft
              Has held infernal orgies—­with the gloom,
              And very superstition of the place,
              Seasoning his wickedness.  The Debauchee
              Would there perhaps have gathered the first fruits
              Of this mock Father’s guilt.

[Enter Host conducting HERBERT.]

HOST The Baron Herbert
              Attends your pleasure.

OSWALD (to Host)
              We are ready—­
       (to HERBERT) Sir! 
              I hope you are refreshed.—­I have just written
              A notice for your Daughter, that she may know
              What is become of you.—­You’ll sit down and sign it;
              ’Twill glad her heart to see her father’s signature.
       [Gives the letter he had written.]

HERBERT Thanks for your care.

[Sits down and writes.  Exit Host.]

OSWALD (aside to MARMADUKE)
               Perhaps it would be useful
              That you too should subscribe your name.
[MARMADUKE overlooks HERBERT—­then writes—­examines the letter eagerly.]

MARMADUKE I cannot leave this paper.

[He puts it up, agitated.]

OSWALD (aside)
              Dastard!  Come.

[MARMADUKE goes towards HERBERT and supports him—­MARMADUKE
tremblingly beckons OSWALD to take his place.]

MARMADUKE (as he quits HERBERT)
              There is a palsy in his limbs—­he shakes.