(aloud to the Ladies.) Move on fair dames,
(to Elb. who seems unwilling to go.)
The king commands it. (Exeunt Elburga and Ladies.
First Off. (to Ethw. who stands with his eyes fixed on the ground.)
Please you, my Lord, but if you move not also,
The ceremony will, in sooth, appear
As marr'd and cut in twain.
Ethw. What say'st thou, marshal?
First Offi. Please you, my Lord, to move?
Ethw. Ay, thou say'st well: in the soul's agony,
A meaner man might turn aside and weep.
(Exeunt Ethw. with part of his train, the others ranging themselves in order to follow him. A great confusion and noise is then heard without, and a voice calling out the king ts wounded. The crowd presses back again in disorder, and presently re-enter Ethw. supported.)
First Offi. My Lord; how is it with you?
Ethw. I fear but ill, my friend. Where is the man
That gave me this fell stroke?
First Offi. I cannot tell: they have surrounded him.
Enter Second Officer.
Sec. Offi. He is secured.
Ethw. Is it a Mercian hand?
Sec. Offi. It is, my Lord, but of no high degree.
It is the frantic stroke of a poor groom,
