DRAMATIC SCENES. 203 



SCENE FROM THE IRON CHEST. 



CHARACTERS. 



SIR EDWARD MORTIMER. 



WlLFORD. 



Sir Edward Mortimer is represented by the dramatist as a man universally 

 respected and loved for his virtues, and particularly for his kindness to 

 the poor and distressed. He had, however, received such extremely cruel 

 and brutal treatment from a neighbouring gentleman, that he openly avowed 

 his determination to send him a challenge. The gentleman was soon after 

 found murdered in the high road. Sir Edward was charged with the murder ; 

 he was tried and acquitted, and generally considered innocent, although he 

 had actually perpetrated the horrid deed. The bloody dagger with which the 

 murder had been effected, together with other proofs, he kept in an iron chest 

 in his library. Conscious of his guilt, he was always apprehensive lest it 

 might be discovered, and consequently led a life of the most horrid anxiety. 

 Wilford, an orphan youth, whom he had taken under his protection, and made 

 his amanuensis, having heard something of the circumstance, takes an oppor- 

 tunity of looking into the chest, and there discovers the dagger. Sir Edward 

 enters the room while he is looking at it, and, in a transport of fury, - 

 pistol with the intention of shooting him, bof, which, after a violent struggle of 

 mind, he throws from him. "Sir Edward was, through the arrival of his brother 

 at that moment, diverted from the affair ; he, however, shortly after desired 

 Wilford to wait his presence in the library, when the following dialogue is 

 supposed to have taken place. 



The above explanation will afford the speaker an idea of the feelings with 

 which both Sir Edward and Wilford may be supposed to be agitated. Sir 

 Edward is racked with mistrust and apprehension, and the most horrid feel- 

 ings that a mind, naturally noble and honourable, may be supposed to possess. 

 Wilford's manner is modest and submissive, evincing an excellent disposition, 

 with a grateful remembrance of Sir Edward's kindness. 



SIR E. Wilford ! Is no one in the picture-gallery : 



WILF. No not a soul, Sir ; not a human soul : 

 None within hearing, if I were to bawl 

 Ever so loud. 



SIR E. Lock* yonder door. 



WILF. The door,f Sir '. 



SIR E. Do as I bid you. 



WILF. What, Sir ? lock} 



[Sir Edward waves with his hand.'j 

 I shall, Sir. [Going to the door, and locking if.] 



* Mysterious manner. { Surprise mingled with alarm. 



\ Hesitating. 



