Page:Passions 2.pdf/309

Thou shudd'rest and art pale: O thou hast seen it!
Thou hast, indeed, the haggard face of one
Who has seen fearful things.

Ethw. Thou'rt wild and fanciful: I have seen nothing:
I am forspent and faint: rest will restore me.
Much good be to you all!(going.

Eth. (preventing him.) Nay, on your royal patience, gracious king,
We must a moment's trespass make, to plead
For one, upon whose brave but gentle soul
The night of thraldom hangs——

Ethw. (shrinking back.)
I know—I know thy meaning—speak it not.
It cannot be—There was a time—'tis past.

Sel. O say not so! the time for blessed mercy
Is ever present. For the gentle Edward
We'll pledge our lives, and give such hostages
As shall secure your peace.

Eth. Turn not away !
We plead for one whose meek and gen'rous soul
Most unaspiring is, and full of ruth;
For one who loved you, Ethwald; one by nature
Form'd for the placid love of all his kind;
One who did ever in your growing fame
Take most unenvious joy. Such is our thrall.
Yea, and the boon that we do crave for him
Is but the free use of his cramped limbs,
And leave to breathe, beneath the cope of heaven,