Who spins a coat from it.
And then his wardrobe, too, of costly geer,
Which from the wallets of a hundred thieves,
Has been transferring for a score of years,
In endless change, it will be noble spoil!
(A trumpet is heard without, and Ethw. starts from his seat.)
What royal leader this way shapes his route?
(a silent pause.)
Ye answer not, and yet ye seem to know.
Enter Servants in haste.
First Serv. The king! the king! and with five thousand men!
Second Serv. I saw his banners from the battlements
Waving between the woods.
Third Serv.And so did I.
His spear-men onward move in dusky lines,
Like the brown reeds that skirt the winter pool.
Sel. Well, well, there needs not all this wond'ring din;
He passes on, and we shall do our part.
First Serv. The foe is three leagues off.
Sel. Hold thy fool's tongue! I want no information.
(Ethwald remains for a while thoughtful, then, running eagerly to the end of the hall, climbs up, and snatches from the walls a sword and shield, with which he is about to run out.)
