The bands have knit. Yes; I have been too rough.
(calling to her off the stage.)
Elburga! dost thou hear me, gentle wife?
And thou com'st at my bidding: this is kindly.
Enter Elburga humbled.
Elb. You have been stern, my Lord, You think belike
That I have urged you in my zeal too far
To give those rebel chieftains up to Hexulf,
As best agreeing with the former ties
That bound you to those base ungrateful men,
And with the nature of their chiefest crime,
Foul heresy; but, if in this I err,
Zeal for your safety urged me to offend.
Ethw. I've been too stern with thee, but heed it not.
And in that matter thou hast urged so strongly,
But that I much mistrust his cruelty,
I would resign those miserable men
To Hexulf's vengeful arm; for much he does
Public opinion guide, and e'en to us,
If now provok'd, might prove a dang'rous foe.
Elb. Mistrust him not; he will by oath engage
To use no torture.
Ethw. And yet, methinks, Selred might still be saved.
A holy man might well devise the means
To save a brother.
Elb. He will think of it.
Much do the soldiers the bold courage prize,
