Page:Ruddigore.djvu/66

ACT II

Scene—Picture Gallery in Ruddigore Castle. The walls are covered with full-length portraits of the Baronets of Ruddigore from the time of James I—the first being that of Sir Rupert, alluded to in the legend; the last, that of the last deceased Baronet, Sir Roderic.

Enter Robin and Adam melodramatically. They are greatly altered in appearance, Robin wearing the haggard aspect of a guilty roué; Adam, that of the wicked steward to such a man.

Duet—Robin and Adam

Rob.





Adam.





Both.

⁠I once was as meek as a new-born lamb,
⁠I'm now Sir Murgatroyd—ha! ha!
⁠With greater precision,
⁠(Without the elision)
⁠Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd—ha! ha!

⁠And I, who was once his valley-de-sham,
⁠As steward I'm now employed—ha! ha!
⁠The dickens may take him—
⁠I'll never forsake him!
⁠As steward I'm now employed—ha! ha!

How dreadful when an innocent heart
Becomes, perforce, a bad young Bart.,
And still more hard on old Adam
His former faithful valley-de-sham!

Rob. This is a painful state of things, Old Adam!

Adam. Painful, indeed! Ah, my poor master, when I swore that, come what would, I would serve you in all things for ever, I little thought to what a pass it would bring me! The confidential adviser to the greatest villain unhung! Now, Sir, to business. What crime do you propose to commit to-day?