MARMADUKE
I have been much deceived.


OSWALD But sure he loves the Maiden, and never love
Could find delight to nurse itself so strangely,
Thus to torment her with _inventions!_--death--
There must be truth in this.


MARMADUKE Truth in his story!
He must have felt it then, known what it was,
And in such wise to rack her gentle heart
Had been a tenfold cruelty.


OSWALD Strange pleasures
Do we poor mortals cater for ourselves!
To see him thus provoke her tenderness
With tales of weakness and infirmity!
I'd wager on his life for twenty years.


MARMADUKE We will not waste an hour in such a cause.


OSWALD Why, this is noble! shake her off at once.