Page:Passions 2.pdf/266

Ethw. Chaf'd Thane, be more restrained. Thou knowest well,
That, as a warlike chieftain, never yet
The meanest of my soldiers grasp'd his spear
To follow me constrain'd, and as a king
Think'st thou I'll be less noble?

Sel. Indeed, good Ethelbert, thou art too warm:
Thou dealest hardly with him.

Eth. I know, tho' peace dilates the heart of man,
And makes his stores increase, his countenance smile,
He is by nature form'd, like savage beasts,
To take delight in war.
'Tis a strong passion in his bosom lodged,
For ends most wise, curb'd and restrain'd to be:
And they who for their own designs do take
Advantage of his nature, act, in truth,
Like cruel hinds who spirit the poor cock
To rend and tear his fellow.
O thou! whom I so often in my arms,
A bold and gen'rous boy have fondly press'd,
And now do proudly call my sov'reign lord,
Be not a cruel master! O be gentle!
Spare Mercian blood! Goodness and power do make
Most meet companions. The great Lord of all,
Before whose awful presence, short-while since,
Thou did'st expect to stand, almighty is,
Also most merciful:
And the bless'd Being he to earth did send
To teach our soften'd hearts to call him Father,