_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!
_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.
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