Page:Passions 2.pdf/137

And then we shall behold a goodly shew!

First Serv. Who brought the tidings?

Second Serv. A soldier sent on horseback all express:
E'en now I heard him tell it to the Thane,
Who caution'd me to tell it unto none,
That Ethwald might not hear it.

First Serv. And thou in sooth obey'st his caution well.
Now hear thou this from me: thou art a lout;
And over and besides a babbling fool;
Ay, and moreover all, I'll break thy head
If thou dost tell again, in any wise,
The smallest tittle of it.

Second Serv. Marry! I can be secret as thyself!
I tell not those who blab.

First Serv. Yes, yes, thy caution is most scrupulous;
Thou'lt whisper it in Ethwald's hither ear,
And bid the other not to know of it.
Give me those trusses.

Second Serv. Yes, this is made for my old master's seat,
And this, so soft, for gentle lady Bertha. (giving the mats.)
And this, and this, and this for Ethelbert.
But see thou put a sprig of mountain-ash
Beneath it snugly. Dost thou understand?

First Serv. What is thy meaning?