Provost Ramsay.—Ay, here comes mair proposals—the sorry proposal them! I wish them and proposals an' a' were in the middle o' the Tweed.
Enter EARL PERCY and Attendants.
Percy.—Save ye, my band of heroes; by St. Cuthbert,
Your valorous deeds have wrought a miracle,
And turned my master's hatred into mercy;
For, deeming it a sin that such brave fellows
Should die a beggar's vulgar death from want,
He doth propose to drop hostilities,
And for two weeks you may command our friendship:
If in that time you gain no aid from Scotland,
Renounce the country, and be Edward master;
But, should you gain assistance—why, then, we
Will raise the siege, and wish you all good-bye.
Elliot [to the people].—Urge the acceptance, friends, of these conditions.
Omnes.—We all accept these terms.
Sir Alex.—It is the people's wish; and I agree.
Percy.—And you, in pledge of due performance, sir, Do give up this your son into our hands, In surety for your honour———
Sir Alex.—What! my son!
Give him up too—yield him into your power?
Have ye not one already?—No! no! no!
I cannot, my Lord Percy; no, I cannot
Part with him too, and leave their mother childless!
Provost Ramsay.—Wad ye no tak me as a substitute, Lord Percy? I'm a man o' property, and chief magistrate beside; now, I should think, I'm the maist likely person.
Percy.—Good master magistrate and man of property, I like thy heart, but cannot take thy person. Give up the youth, or here must end my truce!