Ethw.Thou 'rt beside thyself!
Think'st thou that I, with these good arms, will stand
And suffer all this wreck?
Eth. Ha! say'st thou so? Alas it is thyself
Who rul'st the tempest! (shaking his head solemnly.)
Ethw. If that I bear the spirit of a man,
Thou falsely see'st! Think'st thou I am a beast;
A fanged wolf, reft of all kindly sense,
That I should do such deeds?
I am a man aspiring to be great,
But loathing cruelty: who wears a sword
That will protect and not destroy the feeble.
(putting his hand vehemently upon his sword.)
Eth. Ha! art thou roused! blessings on thy wrath!
I'll trust thee still. But see, the Ethling comes,
And on his face he wears a smile of joy.
Enter Edward, advancing gayly to Ethwald.
Ed. A boon, a boon, great Mairnieth's Thane I crave.
Eth. You come not with a suppliant's face, my Lord.
Ed. Not much cast down for lack of confidence
My suit to gain. That envious braggard there,
The chief of Bournoth, says, no Mercian arm,
Of man now living, can his grandsire's sword
In warlike combat wield: and, in good sooth!
I forfeit forty of my fattest kine
If Ethwald's arm does not the feat achieve.
