When once enclasp'd, will make me fair as she;
So thou wilt turn to me.
Ethw. O Ethelbert! I pray thee pity me!
This sight doth move me, e'en to agony.
Remove her hence; but O deal gently with her!
(Ethelbert endeavours again to lead her off, and the Ladies crowd about her. She is then carried out, and is heard to scream as they are carrying her.)
Ethw. (in great disorder.) Come, come away! we do but linger here.
(Elburga, who, since Ethwald's entering, has remained on the back ground, but agitated with passions, now advances angrily to him.)
Elb. So thou hast known this maid?
Ethw. Fie! speak not to me now.
Elb. Away, away!
Thou hast lodged softer passions in thy breast
Than I have reckon'd on.
Ethw. (shaking her off.) Fie! turn thy face aside and shade thine eyes!
That no soft passion in thy bosom lives,
Is thy opprobrium, woman, and thy shame.
Elb. There are within my breast such thoughts, I trust.
As suit my lofty state.
Ethw. (aside to Elb.) Go, heartless pageant, go!
Lead on thy senseless shew, and move me not
To do thee some despite.
