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Sec. Th. Ay, so I would, but it o'ercometh me.
E'en this same night, in my far distant home
Fires shall blaze on my towers, to guide my steps
Thro' woody dells which I shall pass no more.
E'en on this night I promis'd to return.

First Th. Yet bear it up, and do not dash us thus;
We have all pleasant homes as well as thou,
To which I fear we shall no more return.

Sec. (to Third Thane, who advances from the bottom of the stage.)

What didst thou look at yonder? Where is Ethelbert?

Third Th. Within yon deep recess, upon his knees;
Just now I saw him, and I turn'd aside,
Knowing the modest nature of his worship.

(Enter Ethelbert from the recess, slowly advancing from the bottom of the stage.)

But see he comes, and on his noble front

A smiling calmness rests, like one whose mind
Hath high communion held with blessed souls.

Her. (to Eth.) Where hast thou been, brave Ethelbert? Ah! now
Full well I see! thy countenance declares.
Didst thou remember us? A good man's prayers
Will from the deepest dungeon climb heaven's height,
And bring a blessing down.

Eth. Ye are all men, who with undaunted hearts.
Most nobly have contended for the right;