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With all my views of glory op'ning round me—
The Western state ev'n now invites mine arms,
And half Northumberland, in little time,
Had been to Mercia join'd.

Eth. Nay, think not now, I pray thee, of these matters!
They mix uncouthly with the pious thoughts
That do become your state.

Ethw. I know it well;
But they do press so closely on my heart——
O I did think to be remember'd long!
Like those grand visitations of the earth,
That on its alter'd face for ages leave
The traces of their might. Alas, alas!
I am a powerful, but a passing storm,
That soon shall be forgotten!

Eth. I do beseech thee think of better things!

Ethw. Thou see'st I weep.—Before thee I may weep. (dropping his head upon his breast and groaning deeply.)
Long have I toil'd and stain'd my hands in blood
To gain pre-eminence, and now, alas!
Newly arrived at this towering height,
With all my schemes of glory rip'ning round me,
I close mine eyes in darkness and am nothing.

Eth. What, nothing, say'st thou?

Ethw. O no, Ethelbert!
I look beyond this world, and look with dread
Where all for me is fearful and unknown.
Death I have daily braved in fields of fight,