Lady Seton monologue (Act 2) — St Baldred of the Bass, a Pictish legend : $b The Siege of Berwick, a tragedy : with other poems and ballads, founded on the local traditions of East Lothian and Berwickshire

Nay, talk not thus; let Heaven’s will be done, Since we must suffer ill that good may follow. God gave us children, and the Lord shall take His own in his good time. The blessed book Tells me of many saints in ancient times, (When faith was nurtured on a richer soil Than in these latter days,) who gave themselves A sacrifice to God; and next to God’s Our native land. “Did not the prophet Daniel “Banquet with lions, and escaped unhurt “From out their hungry maws, while the poor heathen “Lay mangled round? And did not Machobee, “With her seven sons, rather than break the laws “By eating swine’s flesh, suffer dreadful torment? “And did not the three children glad prefer “The seven times heated furnace rather than bow “The knee to idol-worship? and shall we “Grudge God a sacrifice? forbid it, Heaven!”[6] Remember Abram; I will not offend Your ears with samples ta’en from writs profane; But, see! come forth unto the battlements, And view a scene will rouse your drooping spirits, St Cuthbert! joy, their navy is in flames. [_Exeunt._