Crime & punishment > Peveril of the peak, or, The days of Charles II

PEVERIL OF THE PEAK.
Act U.
what it was to love one of the many children you
have lost, or that dear girl who is now left to you, ,
do not pursue your vengeance to the blood of my ;
poor boy—do not involve him in our common ruin. :
Let the destruction of the father and the mother— !
let the ruin of our ancient house, satisfy your resent, j
ment. Believe that, if your ears are shut against the
cry of a despairing mother, those which are open to
the cry of all who sorrow will hear my petition and
your answer.
Major B. Madam, I would I had the means of
relieving your distress; but your husband must to
London, there to be dealt with as the laws decide. '
Your son, for the present, shall remain a prisoner ;
with me.
Jul. I know not if this separation be well or ill <
meant on your part, Master Bridgenorth; but, on
mine, I am only desirous to share the fate of my
dear parents.
Lady P. Do not say so, Julian; abide with Mas- i
ter Bridgenorth. My mind tells me he cannot
mean so ill by us, as his rough conduct would now
lead us to infer.
Sir G. And I know, that, between the doors of '
my father’s house and the gates of Beelzebub, there
steps not such a villain on the ground. And now '
they may do their worst, for I will not utter a word
more while I am in the company of such knaves.
Major B. Perhaps, Sir Geoffry, you would bet¬
ter have consulted your own safety had you adopt-
ed that resolution a little earlier. You, Master Ju¬
lian, will please to follow me, and without remon- L
strance or resistance; for you must be aware that I 1
have the means of compelling.
Jul. Sir, in obedience to a mother’s wishes, I 1
obey you. Yet, ere I go, dearest and beloved father,
grant me your blessing.