SCENE II. A confused noise of a battle is heard. The scene draws up and discovers the British and Mercian armies engaged. Near the front of the stage they are seen in close fight, and the ground strew'd with several wounded and dead soldiers, as if they had been fighting for some time. Farther off, missile weapons and showers of arrows darken the air, and the view of the more distant battle is concealed in thick clouds of dust. The Mercians gain ground upon the Britons; and loud cries are raised by them to encourage one another. An active Mercian falls, and their progress is stopped whilst they endeavour to hear him off.
Fallen Mercian. I'm slain, I'm slain! tread o'er me and push forward.
Mer. Chief. O stop not thus! to it again, brave Mercians!
(The Mercians push on, encouraging one another with cries and clashing of arms: one of their bravest soldiers is wounded on the front of the stage and staggers backwards.)
Wounded Mer. Ay, this is death: O that my life had held
To see the end of this most noble game! (falls down, but seeing the Mercians about to push the Britons off the stage, raises himself half from the ground and claps his hands exultingly.)
