SCENE IV. _The former Prison Scene.

_Enter_ Zedan.

_Zed._ They are coming--I'll stand here in his sight, that, shou'd he miss what I have taken, he'll not suspect me, but suppose it is one who has hid himself.

_Enter_ Keeper _and_ Haswell.

_Keep._ [_To_ Zedan] What makes you here?--still moping by yourself, and lamenting for your family?--[_To_ Haswell] that man, the most ferocious I ever met with--laments, sometimes even with tears, the separation from his wife and children.

_Has._ [_Going to him_] I am sorry for you, friend; [Zedan _looks sullen and morose_.] I pity you.

_Keep._ Yes--he had a pleasant hamlet on the neighbouring island--plenty of fruits--clear springs--and wholesome roots--and now complains bitterly of his repasts--sour rice, and muddy water. [_Exit Keeper._

_Has._ Poor man! bear your sorrows nobly--and as we are alone--no miserable eye to grudge the favour--[_Looking round_] take this trifle--[_Gives money_] it will at least make your meals better for a few short weeks--till Heaven may please to favour you with a less sharp remembrance of the happiness you have lost--Farewell. [_Going._] [Zedan _catches hold of him, and taking the pocket-book from his belt, puts it into_ Haswell'_s hand_.]

_Has._ What's this?

_Zed._ I meant to gain my liberty with it--but I will not vex you.

_Has._ How came you by it?

_Zed._ Stole it--and wou'd have stabb'd you too, had you been alone--but I am glad I did not--Oh! I am glad I did not.

_Has._ You like me then?

_Zed._ [_Shakes his head and holds his heart._] 'Tis something that I never felt before--it makes me like not only you, but all the world besides--the love of my family was confined to them alone; but this makes me feel I could love even my enemies.

_Has._ Oh, nature! grateful! mild! gentle! and forgiving!--worst of tyrants they who, by hard usage, drive you to be cruel!

_Enter_ Keeper.

_Keep._ The lights are ready, Sir, through the dark passage-- [_To_ Zedan.] Go to your fellows.

_Has._ [_To_ Zedan.] Farewell--we will meet again.

[Zedan _exit on one side_, Haswell _and_ Keeper _exeunt on the other_.

END OF THE SECOND ACT.