_The Ramparts—The English Ships in the offing appear in flames._

LADY SETON.

Behold yon Fleming Bears down amidst the smoke; and, like King David, Grapples with a Goliath. Ha! he sinks! The English giant drowns!

SETON.

My eyes pursue The well-known pennon, where my William’s prow Bears on the gun-brig. Now, they board, they board! I hear the clash of swords,—I must away And open the battery’s mouth; for yon corvette Lies underneath its jaws. My love, retire.

LADY SETON.

Nay, I will tarry till yon boat approaches The shore with tidings, which I long to hear, Yet dread their import; for methought I saw A gallant youth slip down between the ships! Oh, that the slumbering heavens would rise in wrath And rouse its eastern gales, until their navy Lay anchor’d on our rocks,—but not in safety.

SETON.

My love, it is not safe to linger here, Retire till I return. _Enter_ LIEUTENANT. Make haste and speak; For if the face bears index of the mind You bring no pleasant news.

LIEUTENANT.

I am, indeed, the messenger of wo; In the sea-fight, when the two vessels closed In mortal enmity, your gallant son The first to board, slipt down between the ships, And sunk to rise no more, amidst the cheers Of victory!

SETON.

O woman! earth is reeling, Help, help, oh! [_While the Lady supports_ SIR ALEXANDER _sobbing; the Attendants enter_.

LADY SETON.

O dear-bought victory, at such a price!

SETON (_recovering_.)

Bear me unto my couch. What! do I live? Have they destroy’d my boy; methought even now He call’d me murderer! Do I rave? Hell, hell! Strike your red daggers hilt-deep in the tyrant, Whose frozen heart ne’er melted with compassion! I feel my sickness gone! away, away! For I had need of rest. [_Exit_ SETON, _with Attendants_.

LADY SETON.

Heaven grant I meet affliction as becomes The daughter of a Cheyne, who bears the cross Upon his shield—itself the best of shields! Mary, support me now! [_Exit._