The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth Volume I Part 59

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.