Ethwald, my father is a valiant man. (Sea. embraces Ethw. but not so eagerly as Edw.)
King. (to Ethw.) Brave youth, with you, and with your noble friends,
I shall, ere long, have farther conference. (retires to the bottom of the stage with Hexulf.)
(Edward, after gazing with admiration upon Ethw. puts his hand upon his head, as if to measure his height; then upon both his shoulders, as if he were considering the breadth of his chest; then steps some paces back and gazes at him again.)
Edw. How tall and strong thou art! broad is thy chest:
Stretch forth, I pray, that arm of mighty deeds.
(Ethw. smiles and stretches out his arm; Edw. looks at it, and then at his own.)
(Taking Ethw.'s sword.) It is of weight to suit no vulgar arm.
(Returning it.) There hero; graceful is the sword of war
In its bold master's grasp.
Ethw. Nay good, my Lord, if you will honour me,
It does too well your noble hand become
To be return'd to mine.
Edw. Ha! say'st thou so? Yes, I will keep thy pledge.
Perhaps my arm—Ah no! it will not be!
But what returning token can I give?
