Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/401

De Mon. A sudden thought has come across my mind;
How came it not before? Unhappy Rezenvelt!
Say'st thou but this?

Jane. What should I say? he was an honest man;
I still have thought him such, as such lament him.
(De Monfort utters a deep groan.)
What means this heavy groan?

De Mon.It hath a meaning.

Enter Abbess and Monks, with two Officers of justice carrying fetters in their hands to put upon De Monfort.

Jane (Starting.) What men are these?

1st Off. Lady, we are the servants of the law,
And bear with us a power, which doth constrain
To bind with fetters this our prisoner.
(Pointing to De Monfort.)

Jane. A stranger uncondemn'd? this cannot be.

1st Off. As yet, indeed, he is by law unjudg'd,
But is so far condemn'd by circumstance,
That law, or custom sacred held as law,
Doth fully warrant us, and it must be.

Jane. Nay, say not so; he has no power to escape;
Distress hath bound him with a heavy chain;
There is no need of yours.

1st Off. We must perform our office.

Jane. O! do not after this indignity!