Douglas (Home, 1757)/Act 3 Scene 1

Fleuron from 'Douglas, a Tragedy', a play by John Home published in 1757

ACT III. SCENE I.

A Court, &c. as before.

Enter Anna.

Anna.
Thy vassals, Grief! great nature's order break,
And change the noon-tide to the midnight hour.
Whilst Lady Randolph sleeps I will walk forth,
And taste the air that breathes on yonder bank.
Sweet may her slumbers be! Ye ministers
Of gracious heaven who love the human race,
Angels and seraphs who delight in goodness!
Forsake your skies, and to her couch descend!
There from her fancy chase those dismal forms
That haunt her waking; her sad spirit charm
With images celestial, such as please
The blest above upon their golden beds.

Enter Servant.

Servant.
One of the vile assassins is secur'd.
We found the villain lurking in the wood:
With dreadful imprecations he denies
All knowledge of the crime. But this is not
His first essay: these jewels were conceal'd
In the most secret places of his garment;
Belike the spoils of some that he has murder'd.

Anna.
Let me look on them. Ha! here is a heart,
The chosen crest of Douglas' valiant name!
These are no vulgar jewels. Guard the wretch.
[Exit Anna.

Enter servants with a Prisoner.

Prisoner
I know no more than does the child unborn
Of what you charge me with.

First Servant.
But torture soon shall make yoYou say so, sir!
But torture soon shall make you speak the truth.
Behold the Lady of Lord Randolph comes:
Prepare yourself to meet her just revenge.