Richard.—Fear not, my father. I will be their hostage, For Scotland's sake, and for my father's honour—
Sir Alex.—My boy, my boy, and shall I lose you thus?
What surety does cruel Edward give,
That, keeping faith, he will restore my sons
Back to my arms in safety? Tell me, Percy;
Gives he his honour as a man or king?
Percy.—As both, I hold it.
Sir Alex.—And wilt thou pledge thine?
Percy.—This is my master's business, and not mine.
Sir Alex.—'Tis an evasion, and I like it not.
Richard.—Farewell! farewell, my father! be the first
To teach these men the virtue of self-sacrifice.
Commend me to my mother. I will bear
Both of your best loves to our Henry.
Farewell! Lead on, Lord Percy. [Exeunt.
SCENE VII.—Apartment in SETON'S House.
Enter SIR ALEXANDER, PROVOST RAMSAY, HUGH ELLIOT, and others.
Sir Alex.—Would Heaven that all go well with my dear boys!
But there's that within me that does tear
My bosom with misgivings. The very sun
To me hangs out a sign of ominous gloom!
A spirit seems to haunt me, and the weight
Of evil undefined, and yet unknown,
Doth, like a death's-hand, press upon my heart.