A TRAGEDY.
265
Her. (laying his hand on his sword.)
Thou lyest, mean boastful hireling of thy Lord,
And shall be punish'd for it.
First Th. (of Ethwald's side.)
And dar'st thou threaten, mouth of bold sedition?
We will maintain his words. (Draws his sword and all the Thanes on the King's side do the same. Hereulf and the Thanes of his side also draw their swords.)
First Th. (of Hereulf's side.)
Come on, base trokers of your country's blood.
First Th. (of Ethwald's side.)
Have at ye, rebel cowards!
Ethw. (rising from his seat and standing between the two parties in a commanding posture.)
I do command you: peace and silence, chiefs! He who with word or threat'ning gesture dares
The presence of his king again outrage,
I put without the covert of the law,
And on the instant punish. (they all put up their swords, and Ethwald after looking round him for some moments with commanding sternness, walks off majestically, followed by his Thanes.)
Ethelbert. (casting up his eyes to heaven as he turns to follow Hereulf and his party.)
Ah Mercia, Mercia! on the fields of war Bleed thy remaining sons, and carrion birds
Tear the cold limbs that should have turn'd thy soil. (Exeunt the two different parties by opposite sides.)
END OF THE FIRST ACT.
