--Had my Lord Percy found more fitting
phrase
To couch his haughty mandate, I perhaps
Had found some meet reply. But as it is,
Thou hast thine answer in this people's eyes.
_Hugh Elliot_.--Since we with life and honour may depart,
Send not an answer that must seal our ruin,
Though it be hero-like to talk of death.
[_Enter_ LADY SETON, _listening_.
Bethink thee well, Sir Governor: these men
Have wives with helpless infants at their breasts;
What husband, think ye, would behold a child
Dashed from the bosom where his head had pillowed,
That his fair wife might fill a conqueror's arms!
These men have parents--feeble, helpless, old;
Yea, men have daughters!--they have maids that love them--
Daughters and maidens chaste as the new moon--
Will they behold them screaming on the streets,
And in the broad day be despoiled by violence?
Think of _these things_, my countrymen! [_Aside to_ PERCY,
Now, my Lord Percy, you may read your answer.
_Percy [aside]_.--So thou art disaffected, good Sir Orator:
Well, ply thy wits, and Edward will reward thee--
Though, for my part, I'd knight thee with a halter!
_Sir Alex_.--Is this thy counsel in the hour of peril,
Milk-hearted man? To thee, and all like thee,
_I_ offer terms more _generous_ still than Edward's:
Depart ye by the Scotch or English gate--
Both shall be opened.
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