Eth. Yes: such an one, at mention of whose name
The brave descendants of two hundred years
Have stately rose with more majestic step,
And proudly smiled.
Ed.Who was this lordly chieftain?
Eth. A swabian shepherd's son, who, in dark times,
When ruin dire menaced his native land,
With all his native lordship in his grasp,
A simple maple spear and osier shield,
Making of keen and deep sagacity,
With daring courage and exalted thoughts,
A plain and native warrant of command,
Around him gather'd all the valiant youth;
And, after many a gallant enterprize,
Repell'd the foe and gave his country peace.
His grateful country bless'd him for the gift,
And offer'd to his worth the regal crown.
Sel. (bowing respectfully.) I yield me to thy claim.
(Ethwald, who has raised himself up by degrees upon hearing the story, and listen'd eagerly, now starts up, impatient of the pause, and catches Eth. by the arm.)
Ethw. And did they crown him then?
Eth. No; with a mind above all selfish wrong,
He gen'rously the splendid gift refused:
And drawing from his distant low retreat
The only remnant of the royal race,
Fixed him firmly on his father's seat;
Proving until his very latest breath
A true and loyal subject.
