Page:Passions 2.pdf/270

Qu. I thank you, good lord bishop, with your friend,
And nothing doubt of your respect and duty.

Alwy. Thanks, gracious queen! This good and holy man
Thus far supports me in your royal favour,
Which is the only rock that I would cling to,
Willing to give me friendly countenance.

Qu. You have done well, good Alwy, and have need
Of thanks more than of pardon; nevertheless,
If any trouble light on thee for this,
A royal hand shall be stretched forth to save you,
Whom none in Mercia, whoso'er they be,
Will venture to oppose. I will protect thee,
And have already much inclin'd the king
To favour thee.

Alwy. (kneeling and kissing her hand.)
Receive my humble thanks, most honour'd queen!
My conscience tells me I have merited,
Of you and of the king, no stern rebuke;
But that dark cunning Thane has many wiles
To warp men's minds e'en from their proper good
He has attempted, or report speaks falsely,
To lure king Ethwald to resign his crown.
What may he not attempt! it makes me shrink!
He trusts his treasons to no mortal men:
Fiends meet him in his hall at dead of night,
And are his counsellors.

Queen. (holding up her hands.)
Protect us, heaven!