Page:Passions 2.pdf/259

First Th. He did succeed your uncle.

Ed. And by his orders am I here detain'd?

First Th. Even so, my Lord.

Ed. It cannot be. (turning to Sec. Th.) Sayest thou so, good Thane?

Sec. Th. I do believe it.

Ed. Nay, nay; ye are deceiv'd, (turning to Ongar.)
What sayest thou?
Was I by Ethwald's orders here imprison'd?

Ongar. Yes, yes: who else had power or will to do it?

Ed. (holding his clasp'd hands.) Then hope, farewel!
My gleam is dark; my rest is in the dust!
O that an enemy had done this wrong!
But Ethwald, thou who to my heart wert press'd
As dearest brother never was by him
Who shar'd his mother's breast! Thou in whose fame
I gloried—who spoke not of my own!—
When shouting crowds proclaim'd thy honour'd name,
I ever join'd with an ungrudging heart:
Yea, such true kindred feeling bore I to him,
E'en at his praise I wept.(bursting into tears.)
I pray you, sirs! this hath o'ercome me.

Ongar. (to Thanes.) Why do you tarry here? You've seen my warrant.
Depart with me and leave the prisoner.