To it, and let their mountain matrons howl,
For these will soon be silent.
Give me the standard.
Voice. They have taken it.
Ethw. Taken! no, by the spirits of the brave!
Standard of ours on Snowdon winds to float!
No! this shall fetch it back! (taking off his helmet and throwing it into the midst of the enemy, then rushing upon them bare headed and sword in hand. The Mercians clash their arms and raise a great shout: the Britons are driven off the stage; whilst many of the dying Mercians clap their hands and raise a feeble shout after their comrades. The scene closes.)
SCENE III. An open space before a royal tent; the curtains of which are tucked up, and shew a company of warriours and dames within it. On either side of the open stage soldiers are drawn up in order. Enter two petty Thanes on the front of the stage.
1st Thane. Here let us stand and see the ceremony.
Without the tent, 'tis said the king will crown
The gallant Ethling with a wreath of honour,
As the chief agent in this victory
O'r stern Carwallen and his Britons gain'd.
2d Thane. Thou sayest well. Within the royal tent
They wait, as I am told, the Ethling's coming,
