Ethw. A Thane, my Lord, forgotten and retired;
I am the youngest son of aged Mollo,
And Ethwald is my name.
King. Youngest in years, tho' not in honour, youth,
E'en tho' the valiant Selred is thy brother. (turning to Selred.)
And now be thou the first and noble root,
From which a noble race shall take its growth,
Wearing thy honours proudly!
Of Marnieth's earldom be thou the Lord!
For well I know the council of the states
Will refuse to ratify my grant.
And thou, brave Ethelbert, and Selred, too,
Ye well have earn'd a noble recompense,
And shall not be forgot. Come hither, Edward;
Take thou this hero's hand; and, noble Ethwald,
Thus let the kingdom's ethling join with me
In honouring thy worth.
(Edward, who has gazed at some distance upon Ethwald, springing forward eagerly)
That I should fold him to my burning heart?
(Embraces Ethw.) Most valiant Ethwald,
Fain would I speak the thoughts I bear to thee,
But they do choke and flutter in my throat,
And make me like a child. (passing his hand across his eyes.)
Ethw. (kissing Edward's hand.) I am repaid beyond a kingdom's worth.
Edw. (to Sea. bounding joyfully) Father, have you embraced him?
