Page:Passions 2.pdf/162

Alwy. They do indeed full hard advantage take
Of his captivity, and put upon him
Conditions suited to his hapless state,
More than his princely will.

Ethw. 'Tis basely done: would that some friendly hand
His prison would unbar and free the thrall!
But no, no, no! I to the king resign'd him;
'Twere an unworthy deed.

Alwy. It were most difficult;
For now they keep him in a closer hold,
And bind his hands with iron,

Ethw. Have they done this? I'm glad on't! O I'm glad on't!
They promised nought unworthy of a prince
To put upon him—Now my hands are free!
And, were it made of living adamant,
I will unbar his door. Difficult say'st thou!
No, this hath made it easy.

Alwy. Well softly then; we may devise a way
By which the Seneschal himself will seem
The secret culprit in this act.

Ethw. No, no!
I like it not: tho' I must work i' the dark,
I'll not in cunningly devised light
Put on my neighbour's cloak to work his ruin.
But let's to work a-pace! the storm shall rise!
My sound shall yet be heard!

Alwy. Fear not, thou shalt ere long be heard again;
A dark'ning storm which shall not soon be lay'd.