Page:Passions 2.pdf/245

It was my full intent that, in my power.
My people should have found prosperity:
I would have proved to them a gen'rous Lord,
If I had lived——Ah! think'st thou, Ethelbert,
There is indeed no hope?

Eth. I may not flatter you.

Ethw. (holding up his clasped hands.)
Then heav'n have mercy on a guilty soul!
Good Ethelbert, full well thou know'st that I
No coward am: from power of mortal thing
I never shrunk. O might I still contend
With spear and helm, and shield and brandish'd blade!
But I must go where spear, and helm and shield
Avail not:———
Where the skill'd warriour, cas'd in iron, stands
Defenceless as the poor uncrusted worm.
Some do conceit that disembodied spirits
Have in them more capacity of woe
Than flesh and blood maintain. I feel appall'd;
Yes, Thane of Sexford, I do say appall'd.
For, ah! thou know'st not in how short a space
The soul of man within him may be changed.

Eth. I know it all too well. But be more calm:
Thou hast a task to do, and short perhaps
May be the time allow'd thee. True repentance
With reparation of offences past
Is ever yok'd. Declare it as thy will
That Edward do succeed unto his rights:
And for poor Bertha, she shall be my charge;
I'll tend and cheer her in my quiet home.