[ELLIOT enters with a dagger.
Ah, my sons!
Could anguish rend my heartstrings, I should not
Behold another sun rise on my misery!
Elliot [springing upon him].—By Heavens, mine enemy, I swear thou shalt not!
They struggle. Shouting without. Enter FRIAR and SETON'S SONS, PROVOST RAMSAY. FRIAR springs forward.
Friar.—Down! traitor, down! [Stabs ELLIOT.
Sir Alex.—My sons! my sons! Angels of mercy, do you mock my sight! My boys! my boys!
Provost Ramsay.—Save us a'! save us a'!—callants, come to my arms too! Here's an hour o' joy! This, in my solemn opinion, is what I ca' livin' a lifetime in the twinklin' o' an ee. And what think ye, Sir Alexander! The English camp is a' in a bleeze, and there they are fleeing awa helter-skelter, leaving everything behind them.
Sir Alex.—What! they fly too!—thank Heaven! thank Heaven! My cup of joy o'erflows, and floods my heart More than my griefs!
Richard.—'Tis true, my father—
To this, our unknown saviour, do we owe
Our life and yours!—'twas he, too, seized the torch,
And bid the bonfire blaze to Scotland's freedom.
Sir Alex.—Forgive me, reverend stranger, if that I,
In the delirium of a parent's joy,
O'erlooked the hand that saved me:
Kneel, my sons,
And with your father, at this stranger's feet,
Pour out your thanks, and beg his blessing also.