Page:The Family Legend.pdf/115

Although unwittingly, assistance lend.
Make now amends for it, and curb thy spirit,
While that the Earl with calmer judgment waits
His time for action.

LORNE.

Beshrew me, but thy counsel strangely smacks

Of cautious timid age! In faith, De Grey,
But that I know thy noble nature well,
I could believe thee———

ARGYLL.

Peace, unruly spirit!

Bold as thou art, methinks, with locks like these,
Thy father still may say to thee, "Be silent!"

LORNE, (checking himself, and bowing very low to Argyll.)

And be obey'd devoutly.—O forgive me!

Those locks are to your brows a kingly fillet
Of strong authority, to which my heart
No rebel is, though rude may be my words.

(Taking Sir Hubert's hand with an assured countenance.)

I ask not thee, De Grey, to pardon me.

Resistance here with gentleness is join'd:
Therefore I've loved thee, and have laid upon thee
The hand of sure possession! claiming still