SCENE II. An apartment adjoining to the former, with a door leading to it at the bottom of the stage. Enter Alwy with a stern anxious face, and listens at the door; then enter, by the opposite side, Ethwald with a very haggard countenance.
Ethw. Dost thou hear aught?
Alwy. No, nothing.
Ethw. But thou dost!
Is it not done?
Alwy. I hope it is, my Lord,
Ethw. Thou doubtest then.—It is long past the hour
That should have lapp'd it. Hark! I hear a noise.
(a noise heard within of people struggling.)
Alwy. They're dealing with him now. They struggle hard.
(after a pause.)
Is it not done yet? Dost thou hear them still?
Alwy. I hear them still; they struggle harder now.
(The noise within heard more distinctly.)
Ethw. By hell's dark host thy fiends are weak of arm,
And cannot do their task! He will break forth
With all the bloody work half done upon him!
(running furiously to the door, and then shuddering and turning away from it.)
