Hex. Saint Alban will protect yon, gracious queen.
Trust me, his love for pious Oswal's daughter
Will guard you in the hour of danger. Hark!
The king approaches.(flourish of trumpets.)
Qu. Yes, at this hour he will receive in state
The bold address of those seditious Thanes,
Clam'ring for peace, when fair occasion smiles,
And beckons him to arm and follow her.
Hex. We know it well; of whom Thane Ethelbert,
In secret is the chief, although young Hereulf
Is by him tutor'd in the spokesman's office.
Enter Ethwald, attended by Thanes and Officers of the Court, &c.
Qu. (presenting Alwy to Ethw.) My Lord, a humble culprit at your feet,
Supported by my favour, craves forgiveness.
(Alwy kneels, and Ethw. raises him graciously.)
Ethw. I grant his suit, supported by the favour
Of that warm sense I wear within my breast
Of his well meaning zeal. (looking contemptuously at the Queen, who turns haughtily away.)
But wherefore Alwy
Didst thou not boldly come to me at first
And tell thy fault? Might not thy former services
Out-balance well a greater crime than this?
Alwy. I so, indeed, had done, but a shrewd Thane,
Of mind revengeful and most penetrating,
Teaches us caution in whate'er regards
His dealings with the state. I fear the man.
