MARMADUKE Her virtues are his instruments.--A Man
Who has so practised on the world's cold sense,
May well deceive his Child--what! leave her thus,
A prey to a deceiver?--no--no--no--
'Tis but a word and then--


OSWALD Something is here
More than we see, or whence this strong aversion?
Marmaduke! I suspect unworthy tales
Have reached his ear--you have had enemies.


MARMADUKE Enemies!--of his own coinage.


OSWALD That may be,
But wherefore slight protection such as you
Have power to yield? perhaps he looks elsewhere.--
I am perplexed.


MARMADUKE What hast thou heard or seen?


OSWALD No--no--the thing stands clear of mystery;
(As you have said) he coins himself the slander
With which he taints her ear;--for a plain reason;
He dreads the presence of a virtuous man
Like you; he knows your eye would search his heart,