We o'er his mind shall hold the surer sway.
A restless penitent will docile prove
To priestly counsel: this will be our gain.
But in your closet we'll discourse of this.
Heaven's will be done in ail things!(Exeunt.
SCENE IV. The kings chamber. Enter Ethwald with a thoughtful miserable look, and stands silently muttering to himself, when Alwy enters in haste, followed by an Officer.
Alwy. Pardon, my Lord! we bring you pressing tidings.
Ethw. (angrily.) Shall I ne'er rest in peace in mine own chamber?
Ha! would that peace were there! You bring me tidings?
And from what quarter come they?
Alwy. From Utherbald, who holds your western fortress.
Ethw. He doth not yield, I hope, unto the foe?
It is, my strongest hold, and may defy
The strength of Wessex and of Briton join'd.
Of. True, king, but famine all things will subdue.
Ethw. He has surrender'd then—by heaven and hell.
I'll have his head for this!
Alwy. No, royal Ethwald!
It is not yet so bad. But this brave man,
Commission'd by himself, will tell you all.
