The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth - novelonlinefull.com
You’re read light novel The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth Volume I Part 59 online at NovelOnlineFull.com. Please use the follow button to get notification about the latest chapter next time when you visit NovelOnlineFull.com. Use F11 button to read novel in full-screen(PC only). Drop by anytime you want to read free – fast – latest novel. It’s great if you could leave a comment, share your opinion about the new chapters, new novel with others on the internet. We’ll do our best to bring you the finest, latest novel everyday. Enjoy
BEGGAR Daughter! truly-- But how's the day?--I fear, my little Boy, We've overslept ourselves.--Sirs, have you seen him?
[Offers to go.]
MARMADUKE I must have more of this;--you shall not stir An inch, till I am answered. Know you aught That doth concern this Herbert?
BEGGAR You are provoked, And will misuse me, Sir!
MARMADUKE No trifling, Woman!--
OSWALD You are as safe as in a sanctuary; Speak.
MARMADUKE Speak!
BEGGAR He is a most hard-hearted Man.
MARMADUKE Your life is at my mercy.
BEGGAR Do not harm me, And I will tell you all!--You know not, Sir, What strong temptations press upon the Poor.
OSWALD Speak out.
BEGGAR O Sir, I've been a wicked Woman.
OSWALD Nay, but speak out!
BEGGAR He flattered me, and said What harvest it would bring us both; and so, I parted with the Child.
MARMADUKE Parted with whom? [3]
BEGGAR Idonea, as he calls her; but the Girl Is mine.
MARMADUKE Yours, Woman! are you Herbert's wife?
BEGGAR Wife, Sir! his wife--not I; my husband, Sir, Was of Kirkoswald--many a snowy winter We've weathered out together. My poor Gilfred!
He has been two years in his grave.
MARMADUKE Enough.
OSWALD We've solved the riddle--Miscreant!
MARMADUKE Do you, Good Dame, repair to Liddesdale and wait For my return; be sure you shall have justice.
OSWALD A lucky woman!--go, you have done good service.
[Aside.]
MARMADUKE (to himself) Eternal praises on the power that saved her!--
OSWALD (gives her money) Here's for your little boy--and when you christen him I'll be his G.o.dfather.
BEGGAR O Sir, you are merry with me.
In grange or farm this Hundred scarcely owns A dog that does not know me.--These good Folks, For love of G.o.d, I must not pa.s.s their doors; But I'll be back with my best speed: for you-- G.o.d bless and thank you both, my gentle Masters.
[Exit Beggar.]
MARMADUKE (to himself) The cruel Viper!--Poor devoted Maid, Now I _do_ love thee.
OSWALD I am thunderstruck.
MARMADUKE Where is she--holla!
[Calling to the Beggar, who returns; he looks at her stedfastly.]
You are Idonea's Mother?-- Nay, be not terrified--it does me good To look upon you.
OSWALD (interrupting) In a peasant's dress You saw, who was it?
BEGGAR Nay, I dare not speak; He is a man, if it should come to his ears I never shall be heard of more.
OSWALD Lord Clifford?
BEGGAR What can I do? believe me, gentle Sirs, I love her, though I dare not call her daughter.
