mingle rivalship and deeds of wrath
              Even with the sinewy masters of the art[37]! 
              The rough fanatic and blood-practis’d soldiery
              Seeing such hope and virtue in the boy,
              Disclosed their ranks to let him pass unhurt,
              Checking their swords’ uncivil injuries
              As both to mar that curious workmanship
              Of valour’s beauty in his youthful face.

Simon.  Mistress Margaret will have need of some refreshment, etc.

Lamb has drawn his pen through this passage, and marked it “bad or dubious.”

[Footnote 37:  Some lines intervene here in the letter to Southey of January 21, 1799, which are not in the MS.]

At the beginning of the fourth act John Woodvil’s soliloquy is broken in upon by Sandford.  He has just told himself [page 186] that

      Some, the most resolved fools of all,
      Have told their dearest secrets in their cups,

when

Enter Sandford in haste.

Sandford.  O Sir, you have not told them anything?

John.  Told whom, Sandford?

Sandford.  Mr. Lovel or Mr. Gray, anything concerning your father?

John.  Are they not my friends, Sandford?

Sandford.  Your friends!  Lord help you, they your friends!  They were no better than two Court spies set on to get the secret out of you.  I have just discovered in time all their practices.

John.  But I have told one of them.

Sandford.  God forbid, God forbid!

John.  How do you know them to be what you said they were?

Sandford.  Good God!

John.  Tell me, Sandford, my good Sandford, your master begs it of you.

Sandford.  I cannot speak to you. [Goes out, John following him.]

Scene the Second.  The forest.

This forest scene has been greatly altered.  When Gray has said [page 188], “’Tis a brave youth,” etc., there follows:—­

Sir Walter.  Why should I live any longer?  There is my sword (surrendering).  Son John, ’tis thou hast brought this disgrace upon us all.

Simon.  Father, why do you cover your face with your hands?  Why do you draw your breath so hard?  See, villains, his heart is burst!  O villains, he cannot speak!  One of you run for some water; quick, ye musty rogues:  will ye have your throats cut? [They both slink off.] How is it with you, father?  Look up, Sir Walter, the villains are gone.

“He hears” [page 188], down to “Bears in the body” [page 188], of the print is not in the MS., which goes on thus:—­

Sir Walter.  Barely a minute’s breath is left me now,
              Which must be spent in charity by me,
              And, Simon, as you prize my dying words,
              I charge you with your brother live in peace
              And be my messenger,
              To bear my message to the unhappy boy,
              For certain his intent was short of my death.