No, no, I cannot go! do thou go in,
And give thy strength. Let him be still'd i'the instant!
(a noise heard within of one falling.)
Alwy. There's no need now. Did you not hear him fall?
(A groan heard within.) And that groan too? List, list! The deed is done.
(They both retire from the door, and Ethw. leaning his back against the wall, looks stedfastly towards it, in silent expectation, whilst it is seen to open slowly a little way, then shut, then open again, without any one appearing.)
Ethw. What may this mean? This pause is horrible:
Will they or enter quickly or forbear!
(Enter First Ruffian with his hands and clothes bloody, and all his hair and dress in disorder, like one who has been struggling hard. Enter soon after him Sec. Ruffian in a similar plight.)
Alwy. (eagerly.) Ye've done it? is he dead?
First Ruf. He is still'd now, but with such horrid strength
He grappled with us! we have had fell work.
Alwy. Then let us see the body.
First Ruf. Yes, enter if it please ye.
Alwy. Be pleas'd, my Lord—(to Ethw.)
Ethw. Pray thee be satisfied! I cannot go.
Alwy. (to the Ruffians.) Bring ye the body hither. (Exeunt Ruffians.
