Page:The Family Legend.pdf/87

Owning the child, thy son, of bastard birth;
And this made sure, Lochtarish bade me say
Thy life shall yet be spared.

HELEN. (pushing him away with indignation as he offers her the scroll.)

Off, off, vile agent of a wretch so devilish!

Now do I see from whence my ruin comes:
I and my infant foil his wicked hopes.
O harmless babe! will heaven abandon thee!
It will not!—No; it will not!
(Assuming firmness and dignity.)
Depart and leave me. In my rising breast
I feel returning strength. Heaven aids my weakness:
I'll meet its awful will.
(Waving them off with her hand.)

FIRST VASSAL.

Well, in its keeping rest thee: fare thee well,

Helen the Campbell.

SECOND VASSAL.

Be thy suff'rings short!

(Aside to the other.)
Come, quickly let us go, nor look behind.
Fell is the service we are put upon: