Act II

Before the curtain rises, there is sung:-

My father! all is here, the altar set,

The fire, the wood, the knife of Abraham!

Yet where the sacrifice? Doth God forget? " My Son, God gives the Lamb."

My father! all is ready; Judas waits;

The purse is passed; the sop! and all in place! The night is come! the men are at the gates!

" My Son, he comes apace."

Ill

My father! see arrayed the host of heaven!

All saints and martyrs that this earth have trod! Yet still one palm unclaimed — one crown ungiven!

" My Son, leave all to God."

Curtain rises.

COove -Axam iW stnoUe can escape iixrovgh -that cVtintnci), sir.

Time — Evening of September ijth, 1593 {twelve years later).

Scene. — The Waterhouse near Durham. The Hall. Discovered Thomas Robinson, standing at parlour door, listening to one inside. Long pauses between sentences.

Thomas.

Yes, mistress.... Yes, mistress, it is all ready....

Yes, mistress.... No, madam, his reverence must leave early in the morning.... Yes, mistress; I will explain all, and send his reverence to see you as soon as he has supped.... Yes, mistress; I will tell him; the altar linen in the cupboard with the rest of the furniture.... Yes, mistress.

\He comes to front and begins to arrange table with supper. He puts another log on the fire. Then he pauses and listens. Then he goes across quickly to door (L.). As he comes to it, there is knocking.

Thomas. Who is there?

[Pauses for answer, then unbolts door eagerly.

Enter John Bost and Francis Eglesfield, both booted and cloaked; Eglesfield carrying a bag. Thomas drops on one knee to receive blessing, then bolts door and follows other two towards fire. John Bost is in while jerkin and blue lace, rat-coloured cloak, buff leather hose.

Thomas. Good day, sir. Thank God you are come safe again.

Bost.

Why, yes, Thomas; all was quiet enough. Mr. Eglesfield met me as was arranged, and carried me here. And your mistress?

Thomas.

Mrs. Claxton is with my lady. My lady is not well tonight,

Not well? She was well enough last month when I was here. [Jle undoes his cloak.

Thomas.

My lady has had no news from my Lord of Westmoreland. She is very heavy, sir, and she has taken a little chill. It is nothing grave, but she keeps her room. She begs your reverence will speak with her after supper. She lies in the parlour.

BosT. And Mrs. Claxton?

Thomas.

Mrs. Claxton and Mrs. Adylyn are both with my lady. Will Mr. Eglesfield sup with your reverence?

Eglesfield.

No, no, Thomas; I must be away again. I came but to bring Mr. Bost

Mr. Hartley, sir, if you please. \Siniling.

Eglesfield.

Why, yes; confound it — Mr. Hartley, I meant; and my lad is without with the horses, I must begone again.

BosT.

I will speak with my lady at once, if she will see me. Will you enquire for me?

[Jife throws off his cloak and arranges his dress. Thomas goes to door (L.), and raps on it. After a pause he speaks.

Thomas.

His reverence is come, madam.... He will speak with my lady now, if she will see him.... Mr. Eglesfield is here.... No, madam; he says he must go again.... {To BosT:) Mr. Hartley, will you come in, my lady says.

\He opetis door. Bost exit.

Eglesfield.

What time will his reverence say Mass to-morrow?

[Thomas comes back; continues arranging supper, iS-r.

Thomas.

Why, sir, I should think at six o'clock. He said he must be away again at seven.

Eglesfield.

That is very well. I will be here then at that time. I am for confession and communion to-morrow. Will my lady be there?

Thomas.

I think not, sir. My lady has not left her room for two days.

[Eglesfield stands eyeing the house, warming himself. Presently he turns and strikes the chimney breast.

Eglesfield. You have a fine solid house here, Thomas.

Thomas. Yes, sir; and that chimney

Eglksfield. Yes?

Thomas. More than the smoke can escape through that chimney, sir.

Eglesfield. More than the smoke! Why, what do you mean by that?

[Thomas during this last sentence has gone out, front entrance (L.), to fetch food, and does not hear. Eglesfield continues eyeing the chimney, puts his head up. Re-enter

Thomas.

Eglesfield. What priests have you had here lately, Thomas?

Thomas (stopping to reckon).

Well, Mr. Bost Hartley hath been here two or three times; Mr. Vernon, chaplain to Mr. Joseph Constable;

Mr. Medcalf was here in July Ah, yes; you were here at that time, Mr. Eglesfield.

Eglesfield. I was.

Thomas.

Then my Lady Gray came here in August with two priests and I with them. You were here then again, were you not, sir?

Eglesfield. Yes, I was here then too.

Thomas.

Then Mr. Dudley has been once or twice, and Mr. Lee and Mr. Medcalf again. We have been very well served with priests, sir, as well as any place in the north, I should think. The house stands very lonely, you see, sir.

Eglesfield. Mr. Hartley came here once for safety, did he not?

Thomas. Yes, sir; with Mr. Dudley. Mr. John Carr, of Newcastle, smuggled them away.

Eglesfield.

Eh! Who is that?

Thomas.

Mr. John Carr, sir. A very fervent Catholic. He is postmaster at Newcastle.

Eglesfield.

Carr — John Carr. I will remember that name.... And where is Mr. Claxton? Do you know that?

Thomas. I think he is travelling in the north, sir. He often speaks of you.

Eglesfield. Why, what has he to say of me?

Thomas. He speaks of your goodness to him, sir.

Eglesfield. Oh, yes — that.... And you do not know where he is?

Thomas. No, sir.

Enter Bost. He pauses at the door.

BosT {speaking off).

Fear nothing, madam. All is safe here.... I have Thomas here.... Yes, yes; I can manage very well for myself.... Good-night, madam. God keep you.

\He shuts door.

Eglesfield. How is my lady?

Bost.

She is just a little overwrought and anxious. She will be well enough to-morrow, but I have bidden her to keep her bed in the morning.

[//« comes round to the fire. Thomas undoes bag and draws out a long dark gown and shoes. Bost sits down and draws off his boots, putting on shoes and gown and black cap while conversation proceeds.

Eglesfield.

Well, Mr. Hartley, I must be riding. My lad and the horses will be cold. And you say Mass at six o'clock?

Bost. At six.

Eglesfield.

I will be here a little before that time then. I will come to confession, sir, if you please, and to communion.

Very well, Mr. Eglesfield.

Eglesfield. And you ride at seven?

BosT.

If God will. Why do you ask? Will you ride with me a little way?

Eglesfield {confused).

Why, no, sir, I did not think of that.... {Hastily] Your blessing, sir. \He kneels.

BosT {standing).

Benedictio Dei omnipotentis, Patris et Filii et Spiritus sancti, descendat super te et maneat semper. Good-night, sir. {He comes with him across to door (L.); unbolts it. To Thomas) Strong bolts, Thomas.

Thomas. Why, yes, sir. There is good reason for them.

BosT {as Eglesfield exit).

Good-night, sir; good-night.

^He stands looking out for a moment, holding the lantern he has taken off its peg. Then he replaces lantern, bolts door, and comes back slowly and thoughtfully. He sits down in silence. Thomas begins to serve him, and continues during conversation, which is slow and broken.

Thomas (after a pause). That is a good man, sir....

BosT. Eh? A good man, you say?

Thomas.

A very good man, sir, is Mr. Eglesfield. He has done Mr. Claxton many a good service....

BoST. Indeed?

Thomas.

Yes, sir; he lent him money when he was in great straits once on a time. And he is a devout man, sir, too; he has been here to Mass many a time. He seems to fear nothing....

Did he ask any questions when I was with my lady?

Thomas.

Why, yes, sir; he seemed very curious about what priests had been here.

BosT. He did? And did you tell him?

Thomas. Yes, sir; I told him

BosT.

He asked me many questions, too.... Has he always been a Catholic?

Thomas.

I think so, sir.... [^Long pause.

BosT.

And a devout man, you say?

Thomas. Very devout, sir.

BosT.

Then that is very good. [He eats in silence. Then suddenly] And he asked you about this house?

Thomas. He said it was a fine solid house, sir.

And you said...?

Thomas.

I said he was right, sir; and that more could escape through the chimney than the smoke.

Bo ST {starts). You said that, Thomas? Did he understand you?

Thomas (imconscious).

Why, no, sir. I think he did not. I was out of the room after saying that....

BosT. And he said no more?

Thomas. I think not, sir.

BosT (after a pause; meditatively).

And he is a devout man... and he comes to Mass... and he hath lent Mr. Claxton a sum of money... and he seems to fear nothing.

Thomas. Yes, sir.

[A lo7ig silence. Bost finishes supper, says grace, and comes to the fire and sits.

Thomas begins to clear away food.

Bost. Thomas!

Thomas {pauses with dishes). Yes, sir.

Bost.

Who will be at Mass to-morrow?

Thomas.

There will be Mrs. Claxton, Mrs. Adylyn, Mr. Eglesfield, and myself, sir.

Bost. No one else?

Thomas.

No, sir; unless a stranger or two come in.

[Silence again. Bost stares at the fire. When Thomas has moved a few things, he comes back.

Thomas.

You are to lie in the priest's room, Mr. Hartley. The altar furniture and the linen are in the press.... Is there anything I can do for you, sir?

BosT {abruptly). Yes; sit down and talk to me, Thomas.

Thomas.

Thank you, sir. Mrs. Claxton bade me make all safe for the night. May I do that and return, sir?

^0%r nods. ^arzV Thomas. Sounds of bolting heard. He comes downstairs again, puts up chain at door (L.). Lifts down the lantern, blows it out; returns. While he is gone, BosT leans forward, elbows on knees, staring at fire. Thomas stands, BoST motions him to a seat.

Thomas. All is safe, sir.

BoST (starting from muse). Eh?

Thomas. All is safe, sir.

BosT.

Why, yes, in Jesu's keeping. At nisi Dominus... Unless the Lord keep the house, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it.... Eh, Thomas?

Thomas (softly). Yes, sir.

Vigilate et orate itaque.... Watch ye and pray therefore, lest coming suddenly, He find you sleeping.

Thomas. Yes, sir.

BosT.

Oh, Thomas, I am getting an old man. I am nearly fifty years old. Would you think that?

Thomas. Why, Mr. Hartley

BosT. And near thirteen years a priest in England. And they ave never yet laid me by the heels.

Thomas.

God grant they never do that, sir. You will die in your bed.

BosT (smiling).

You would rob me of my crown? Well, it may be so. Domine, non sum dignus.... I know that. But I had thought otherwise. He hath done so much for me that I had hoped even that. He took me and left others. There is poor Henry Ewbank — the Knave of Clubs he was named at Oxford. You know where Oxford is, Thomas? It is where the young men who should be priests learn to be ministers.

Thomas. Yes, sir.

Well, there is poor Henry Ewbank. He is a minister, Thomas, with a fat living, and very hot against us Papists. Ah, poor Henry, I wonder when I shall set eyes on him again! He was my chamber-mate.... {Muses.) And then of those He chose like me! See what great things He hath done for them — quam mirabilia fecit! There was Everard Hanse, Thomas. He met me at my first coming to Rheims. I dearly loved that man! He had been a minister, too, like myself. He was made priest three weeks after me and a martyr six months later. There was John Pibush, who came with me to Rheims. Well, he is at large yet; but I am sure he will not be so long. He is bold and indiscreet, as he always was. There is Samuel Conyers. He has been taken, why, six years ago, and sent into banishment. There is Antony Mayor. He was taken and put to the question. Well, the less said of him the better. God help him! Then there was Mr. Davies, the schoolmaster, who won his crown two months ago. — And many a one more! And I am here still. The Lord hath no need of me, it seems, though I am but an ass.

Thomas. Sir, He needs you here, maybe.

It may be so, Thomas. I pray it be so.

Thomas. Why, sir, you do so much for us.

'&o?,i {suddenly; half seriously).

Retro Sathanas I Do you think the devil has not told me that an hundred times, and all to rob me of my crown? And you would help him!

Thomas. I ask your pardon, sir

BosT.

And when I think what our Lord has done for me! Did you know I was a minister, Thomas — a persecuting Saul, with a fat living from my college and the good will of all men? And He has been gracious enough to take me from that and to bring me to a better mind. Is that not enough? And He will give me heaven, too, if His justice will let Him!

Thomas (uneasily).

Yes, sir.

BosT {emphatically).

I tell you, Thomas, that to be a priest is joy enough for any man. But to be a priest in England at this time — why, it near breaks my heart for joy!

Thomas. Yes, sir.

We should be merry, then. Our Lord would have us merry. I have been telling my lady so. Why, see how Father Campion went to heaven! He was merry to the end. Then there was Henry Oldfield. He was with me at Rheims, and was made priest with me; and Nicholas Wheeler — all merry and courageous.

Thomas. Yes, sir.

BosT. Then do you be merry, too, whatever befalls.... Hark! [ Wind moans and dies.

Thomas. It is but the wind, sir.

BosT.

It is but the wind — one of God's ministers like all the rest. Did you think it sounded sorrowful?

Thomas. Why, yes, sir.

BosT.

I tell you it is not sorrowful; it is rejoicing, as should all God's ministers. I tell you it seemed to me to be a voice of all the sons of God shouting for joy.

Thomas. Why should they shout for joy, sir?

BosT.

Why, since God is in travail again with His new creation, bringing order from chaos and life from death. Is not that enough to shout for? And so in darkness He builds again His fallen towers in England! (A silence follows. The wind rises again and sinks. Bost shifts his positioti.) You will be merry, then?

Thomas. I will try to be meny, sir.

Bost.

Then that is very well....

[ Wind rises again; and in the wind, voices singing, very faint and indistinct, with closed lips, the air of'Deus Tuorum."

Bost. There, Thomas, did you hear that?

Thomas. I hear but the wind, sir.

Bost {sitting up with parted lips).

There, Thomas! {Air grows clearer.) Why, listen, man! ( Wind sinks to silence.) Only the wind then?

Thomas. Only the wind, sir.

Then that is very well. [A silence follows.

Thomas. Will you not go to bed, sir?

BoST.

I must pray before I sleep, Thomas. I have yet Compline to say. Qui habitat — " He that dwelleth in the aid of the Most High," and the rest. But do you go to bed. All is safe, you say?

Thomas. The house is barred. \He rises.

BosT. A very good answer. You have learned one lesson, then?

Thomas. Yes, sir.

BosT. Good-night, then, my son.

Thomas. Good-night, sir. {He kneels, Bost rises.

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Benedicat te, &c. \He sits.

\TnouASgoes up staircase; he pauses on platform to listen to wind, which rises once more with the voices: then lie turns and stares at Bosx, who is motionless.

Thomas. Good-night, sir. \Pauses; then exit.

[BosT makes no answer: he listens; then suddenly he rises., throws himself on his knees., and stretches out his arms. Voices rise clearer,

Scene as before. Before scene opens, bell rings once. Long silence. Daylight increases slowly through the scene.

Enter hurriedly through staircase door Francis EglesFiELD. He comes down steps, fastening his cloak, pauses at foot and listens: goes to front door, opens it, makes a sign. Then he suddenly turns, half closing door, as enters Thomas.

Thomas.

Sir, Mr. Eglesfield, will you take some food before you ride?

Eglesfield {confused). I — I was but speaking to my lad.

Thomas {coming downstairs).

You are in a mighty hurry, sir. Mrs. Claxton bade me ask you to breakfast with the priest.

Eglesfield. Why, I fear I have not time for that.

Thomas. Sir, he will be down presently, he has begun his thanksgiving.

Eglesfield (hesitating).

Well, well, I will but speak to my lad, and be back.

\Exit door (L.).

[Thomas looks after him doubtfully. Then he appears to hear a sound., and goes quickly to the door (R.).

Thomas.

Yes, my lady.... Yes, my lady, the Mass is over. That was Mr. Eglesfield who went out.... Yes, my lady, he said he would be back.... No, my lady, Mrs. Claxton and Mrs. Adylyn are still upstairs.... Yes, my lady, they will bestow the altar furniture — they told me so. Yes, my lady, the breakfast is ready. Yes, my lady, I will speak to the groom. (He comes across to door (L.), opens it, stands.) Why! where is Mr. Eglesfield running so fast? Ah! he goes to see if all be clear, no doubt. (Calls.) John, John, get the priest's horse ready presently, he will ride at seven o'clock. (He shuts the door, and comes across to door (R.). It is done, my lady, John has set about the saddhng.... Yes, my lady, I will fetch the dishes in immediately.... No, my lady, the priest is not down yet; he is at his thanksgiving.... Yes, my lady, Mr. Eglesfidd was at confession and communion. I will tell Mrs. Claxton, my lady, as soon as she comes. i^He listens a moment, nodding in assent.) Yes, my lady.

[£xit, upstairs and through door. The stage is empty; then the door (L.) is pushed open. Eglesfield appears, looks round, and listens; exit again. Re-enter Thomas, carrying dishes; he sets them down; exit again; returns with cloak, hat, and boots; he sets them by the hearth. Enter Bost.

BosT.

Why, where is Mr. Eglesfield?

\He comes down steps in riding-dress.

Thomas.

He is gone out, sir; he will be back immediately, he told me.

Bost (sharply). Where is he gone?

Thomas.

I saw him running just now. He said he would speak to his lad and come back.

Bost (^ith studied ease).

Thomas, my son, look out for me, and see if he is coming.

Thomas.

Yes, sir. {He goes to door, opens and looks; BosT, drawing on his boots, eyes him.) No, sir, there is no one in sight.

BosT.

Ah! very well. Is the horse ready?

[He finishes boots and puts on cloak.

Thomas {coming back). Yes, sir, immediately; John is saddling him.

BosT.

Fetch my bag down, Thomas, and see if all be put away safe. {Exit TuoM.ks upstairs. 'Bost goes quickly across to door, opens it, looks out, comes back.) No, there is no one. {He sits dowti and begins to eat.)

[Enter Thomas with bag.

Thomas.

All is bestowed safely. Mrs. Claxton bade me tell you she would be down immediately, sir.

BosT {nodding). Yes, yes. So Mr. Eglesfield is coming back?

Thomas. Yes, sir. When shall you come again, sir?

BosT (steadily).

That is in God's hands. How is my lady this morning?

Thomas. She spoke to me just now. She asked whether you were down yet.

BosT. I will speak to her before I go. She is in bed?

Thomas.

Yes, sir.

BosT.

I think she will rise presently.

Thomas. Is she better, then, sir?

BoST (steadily).

She will rise presently, I think — lest when He come suddenly —

Thomas. Your pardon, sir?

BosT. It was nothing, Thomas. (He stands, says grace, takes up his hat. He stands facing audience; he has strange

6o THE COST OF A CROWN expression.) {Softly) Rise, let us go; behold, he is at hand

_A knocking at the door. Bost does not turn;

he smiles. Thomas goes across floor;

Bost turns and goes after him. As door opens, enter Eglesfield on to threshold.

He is agitated and breathless.

Eglesfield. Mr. Hartley, sir, you are going?

Bost. Immediately, Mr. Eglesfield. You come with me?

Eglesfield.

No, sir; no, sir. I must ride. Your blessing, sir.

[//« kneels.

Bost {very slowly).

Benedictio Dei, &c.

_llc looks hard at Eglesfield. Eglesfield stands, boivs, and exit. Door is left partly open. Bost turns.

Bost. Thomas, bid Mrs. Claxton make haste. I must ride.

Yes, sir.

Thomas.

[Exit Thomas. Bost takes a step or two forward, stands waiting and listening: his lips move. Then he goes to the door

"Itibas.

again, and looks out. He starts a little, half turns, and again stands watching. Enter Thomas.

Thomas.

The mistress is coming immediately. Why, Mr.

Hartley! —

\He stops dead, staring out, half crouching.

Yes, my son. {He faces him, smiling.

Thomas. Look, sir, look! [Jle creeps a step nearer the door.

BoST. Yes, my son. Unless the Lord keep the house

Thomas. Sir, sir! For Jesu's sake! i^He dashes past him, bangs the door, bolts it furiously — turns.) Sir, upstairs! upstairs 1 There is not an instant. They are upon us.

BosT [still smiling). Where is the use?

Thomas [throwing hii7iself on knees). Sir, I entreat you, for Jesu's sake. Upstairs with you and in.

BosT.

Stand up, Thomas. Let us be merry to the end. This is but play-acting.

Thomas. Sir, upstairs I [rises and begins to drag him). For all our sakes — you would not bring ruin- — —

^A loud banging at the door. A voice: " Open, open in the Queen's name."

Thomas. Sir, for all our sakes — the ladies

You think there is hope? {banging, voices).

Thomas. Yes, yes. Come, sir, come!

BosT.

Well, then, let us play it to the end. We will crown all with a game of hide-and-seek. Let go, my son; I will go peaceably in Jesu's name.

[^Exit upstairs. A voice at door: " Open, open in the Queen's name." Banging. Thomas stands irresolute. Then he dashes to door (R.).

Thomas.

Hush, my lady, hush! It is the pursuivants. Go back to bed, my lady! lie there — feign to be asleep!

Voice. Open, open.

\Battering breaks out. Thomas stands staring; then he seems to catch sight of some one at stairs-door. He waves furiously, running upstairs.

Thomas. Back, mistress, back. I will open presently. Back! Do not show yourselves.

[He closes door and comes downstairs; goes to (L.) door.

Voice. Open, open in the Queen's name.

Thomas. Who is there?

Voice. In the Queen's name, I tell you.

Thomas.

Nay; but how do I know you come in the Queen's name? \His eyes roll round.

Voice.

Nay, then, if you will not

\A splintering crash. Thomas stands back against wall, staring. The door is wrenched open, and there enter in confusion Outlaw, Mr. Ralph Bowes, Mr. Ewbank, and four men.

Thomas. By what warrant

Outlaw.

Bah! Warrant enough! Seize him, men. Search! {Sees bag.) Aha! his bag!

[Places it aside. Two seize Thomas; the three stagger to and fro. Then Thomas is bound round arms and feet, thrust into chair. Meamvhile Bowes and Ewbank come forward to hearth. Outlaw, during this, with other two, looks round walls, tapping here and there. At end he catches sight of staircase-door opening, and darts upstairs.

Outlaw.

Stand back, mistress! stand back! I tell you, stand back, or you will be in trouble. {He shuts door and fastens it. Comes down.) Search, men!

\The two begin to skirt round walls, looking, tapping, lifting hangings. Outlaw goes to door (R.), tries door, fastened, shakes it angrily.

Outlaw.

Who is there?... Why, it is a woman. Tell us, fellow, who is there?

Thomas {sullenly). It is my lady!

Outlaw {mocking Mm). My lady! my lady! is it? What " my lady," you fool?

Thomas {angrily). It is my Lady Margaret Neville.

Outlaw.

Oho! Another of the Popish brood! '[Sliouts through door.] Make haste, my lady, if you be in bed. We shall be in presently. _Turns away; ascends stairs.

Bowes. Where to, Outlaw?

Outlaw.

To my ladies in here. I'll be bound the priest's behind their skirts.

There is no window he can escape by?

Outlaw.

No, sir, all the ways are guarded. {Unlocks door.) Stand back there. _Ex:t, shuttitig door behind him.

Bowes. Down with the panels, men, lose no time!

Outlaw (looking through stairs door).

Here, two of you!

\He beckons; two leave walls, and go upstairs. Exeunt all three. A noise of trampling and banging heard overhead. On stage the two left begin to wrench off panels, tear doivn hangings.

EwBANK {to Thomas).

Now, my man, if you were loyal to her Grace you would tell us where the priest is. (Thomas is silent.) You Popish traitor! See here! we will have the fellow, if we have to pull down the house for him.

Thomas. Are you a minister, sir?

I am, blessed be God!

Thomas. Then God have mercy on your flock!

EwBANK.

You insolent knave! How dare you speak so to me?

Thomas.

A minister! God should have mercy on Himself, if He should be driven to use such fellows as you!

[EwBANK makes furious gesture.

Bowes. Let him alone, Mr. Ewbank.

Thomas. Ewbank! Ewbank! Then you are the man

_Stops, confounded.

Ewbank.

Well, knave — I am the man — Eh! What do you mean?

[Thomas stares at him.

Bowes.

Leave him alone, sir. You get nothing but foul words from a Papist.

\Enter, laughing, Outlaw, and one man carrying bundle of vestments and altar furniture. Outlaw stops on threshold.

Outlaw.

Now then, mistress, it's no use crying out. We've got them, and we'll have the priest, too. {To man within.) Keep them quiet in there — we'll come back for them presently. {Comes downstairs.) See here! we have their

Popish trinkets. The wolf will not be far from the sheep's clothing.

Bowes.

Say rather the ass's skin.

Outlaw.

Why, that would make him a lion, and he is no lion to skulk like this. [Laughter.

Thomas.

Ah! you foul villains! God strike you!

\Jie struggles in rope as the vestments, &=€., are tossed down. Ewbank picks up a chasuble and holds it out derisively.

Ewbank.

See this red rag! And they call themselves ministers of Christ His Gospel. (Shakes chasuble before Thomas.) See here, sir! Did Christ or His apostles wear such things?

Thomas.

Christ, too, was stripped of His garments.

Ewbank. Not such garments as these, you fool!

Thomas. And was betrayed by Judas into the hands of sinners. Where is Judas, sir?

EwBANK {^tossing chasuble down). Bah!

Outlaw.

But the man seems vanished altogether.

\He looks round.

Bowes.

You must look in my lady's chamber. Leave those trinkets, Outlaw. We must have him if we hunt all day. {He goes across to door (R.), and raps on it with his whip.) Coming in, my lady, coming in. {Pause. He tries door; it is locked — shakes it.) Do you hear, my lady? {Listens.) What! you swear he is not in there? That is for us to see. What! you will not open? {Turns.) Here, you fellows, break me in this door.

_Two come across and begin to wrench.

Thomas. I swear to you he is not there.

Outlaw.

Then where is he, you knave? (Thomas is silent.) There, enough. Beat it in. Stand by in case he makes a rush for it!

[Door is forced. Exeunt tuinultuously BowES, Outlaw, and two men. Ewbank remains, turning over vestments. A silence follows.

Bowes {without).

By what warrant? Why, warrant enough! Here is a justice, and we have a minister outside. There, search, men. [A sound of tapping and trampling begins.

EwBANK {going to door (R.), and looking through it). There, you fellows, in that dark corner, by the chest.

Outlaw {after a pause). Where, sir?

EwBANK.

There. [^Points,

Outlaw.

Why, yes. Beat it in! Beat it in!... By the mass, we have him! [ Great noise.

BowES {without).

By God! it's empty. The bird's flown!

[ Voices clamouring.

Re-enter (R.) Outlaw, Bowes, and men. Bowes turns on threshold.

Bowes.

Dress yourself, my lady; you will have to ride with us, presently.

Sjle shuts door. All come fonvard to the hearth with EwBANK.

Bowes {furiously).

There is some trick. By the Mass, they shall pay for it! He's flown.

Thomas.

Aha, you cunning wolves! I told you there was no priest there.

Outlaw.

It's one of their cursed oubliettes. He's off, a mile away by now, I dare swear.

Bowes.

I tell you no. He was here half-an-hour ago. Why, he said Mass.

Yes, he did. He must be here, I tell you. Eglesfield said

Thomas. Eglesfield, Eglesfield! Why

EwBANK.

Silence, you hound. Here, gentlemen.

^Tkey confer in whispers.

Thomas. Judas! Judas!

Bowes {steps forward and cuffs him).

Silence, I tell you. {He turns to others.) Yes, yes, it must be so. Here, you fellow.

[Beckons to a man, whispers; man nods assent, and exit (L.).

Outlaw.

He's here, I'll swear to it.

\The three stand in silence, staring about them. Thomas glares, wrenching his head to L.

Enter suddenly (L.), Eglesfield, set and determined, followed by a man.

Thomas (struggling).

Judas! Judas! Ah, Judas!

_Howls at him till he is gagged.

Bowes.

Gag that fellow. {A man does so.) Never mind him, Mr. Eglesfield, you must finish this for us; we have searched everywhere.

Ewbank.

You have done your duty loyally, sir. Now you must help us to make an end.

Eglesfield {nodding towards Thomas). Take that fellow out. I cannot bear

Bowes. Oh! never mind him, sir; we have no time to waste.

Eglesfield {in low voice). Where are the others?

Bowes {impatiently). Oh! they are under guard. My lady is dressing. Now, sir.

Eglesfield {still uneasily). You have searched everywhere?

Bowes and Outlaw. Everywhere.

[Eglesfield looks round slowly; avoiding Thomas, he points to stairs.

Eglesfield. Have you looked there?

Bowes. Yes, yes.

Eglesfield. In my lady's room? There was a hiding-place there.

'Cliie in^bt is come! iHetnen ate ai the grates!

Bowes. Yes, yes, we found it. He was not there.

Eglesfield {looking at chimney breast, then craftily at Thomas). There? \All turn and look.

Outlaw.

There! Why, that would not hold a rat. {He raps o?i it with his whip.) By God, though, it rings hollow.

_The men crowd up. Thomas shifts in agony.

Bowes. Bah! Why, no man could lie there.

[lie steps on hearth, and looks up chimney.

Outlaw {still beating).

Here, men, fetch bars, beat this in.

\They do so and wait.

Why, surely

Bowes. I scarcely know. There seems room.

Outlaw.

Here, men. {They begin to look at chimney. Thomas struggles, loosening ropes. Outlaw urges and directs the men. Suddenly the wall gives.) Quietly, men. {He thrusts in his hand.) Why, there's a great space here!

[ The men work again; a panel falls. Bost appears in opening; makes sign of Cross slowly, smiling. All cry out. Thomas wrenches himself free, and falls on knees, moaning under the gag. One leaps to Thomas and holds him by shoulder.

Bost {smiling).

Why, Thomas! {As men leap to seize him.) Have done then, men. You have me safe. You have made good your boast! Stand clear! {He prepares to jump; suddenly sees Eglesfield.) Why, Eglesfield! have they taken you too? (Eglesfield turns away uneasily.) No? Then what do you do here? (Bost.?«« Ewbank.) A minister, too! Why — Henry Ewbank! Old Knave of Clubs! My friend!! My old friend!!!

Pater rm, si non pote«i hu caltx Itansire ttisi bibam Ulvm.jut voWta*

ScKNE.^T/ie Tower Torture-room. (R.) back, a staircase disappearing. On floor (R.), back, the rack laid on floor. Centre middle, a post. On this hangs 'Qost by wrists in manacles. Round him stand officials, one or two holding candles. One at a table with paper and ink, looking. Antony Mayor, who is apostate, is looking at him with terror. Jailers standing by rack. Instruments of torture on walls. Afire burning (^.\ with bars protruding.

O Father! see the cross on high Thy patient servant hangs upon! Loolc down and see how all is done

By model of the agony

And passion of Thine only Son.

O Lamb of God! Who bled for men, Look down in mercy, look and see; Remember what men did to Thee,

And see how they renew again

The shame and pain of Calvary 78

Come, Holy Ghost! as long ago,

And look on him who surely saith

" My soul is sorrowful to death," And breathe athwart his bitter woe

The sweet refreshment of Thy Breath.

O Angels! who in wilderness

And garden nerved His failing limb,

Whose Heart was sick, Whose Eyes were dim,

Come! succour in his sore distress This child of man and strengthen him.

V O Mary! stand by him, since thou

Another Cross didst stand beside;

And for the sake of Him who died Strengthen and comfort, speed him now

And keep him in his passiontide.

Contimnnaiuni tgi,