SCENE IV. A forest. Enter Ethwald with a bow in his hand, and a Boy carrying his arrows.
Ethw. (looking off the stage) Ha! Alwy, soon return'd! and with him comes
My faithful Ongar.
(Enter Alwy and Ongar with bows also, as if in quest of sport, by the opposite side.)
Go, Boy; I shot mine arrow o'er those elms,
Thou'lt find it far beyond.(Exit Boy.)
Now, friend, what tidings?
Alwy. Within the tufted centre of the wood
The friendly chiefs are met, thus, like ourselves,
As careless ramblers guised, all to a man
Fix'd in your cause. Their followers too are firm;
For, much disgusted with the monkish face
Their feeble monarch wears, a warlike leader,
Far, far inferior to the noble Ethwald,
May move them as he lists.
Ethw. That time and circumstances on me call
Imperiously, I am well assured.
Good Ongar, what say'st thou? how thrives thy part
Of this important task?
Ong. Well as your heart could wish. At the next council
Held in the royal chamber, my good kinsman
Commands the guard, and will not bar our way.
