Page:Passions 2.pdf/329

Sec. Th. If that no more within my op'ning gates
My children and my wife shall e'er again
Greet my return, or this chill'd frame again
E'er feel the kindly warmth of home, so be it!
His blessed will be done who ruleth all!

Her. If these nerv'd arms, full in the strength of youth,
Must rot i' the earth, and all my glorious hopes
To free this land, with which high beat this heart,
Must be cut off i' th' midst, I bow my spirit
To its Almighty Lord; I murmur not.
Yet, O that it had been permitted me
To have contended in that noble cause!
Low must I sleep in an unnoted grave,
Whilst the oppressor of my native country
Riots in brave men's blood!

Eth. Peace, noble boy! he will not riot long.
They shall arise, who for that noble cause,
With better fortune, not with firmer hearts
Than we to th' work have yoked, will bravely strive.
To future heroes shall our names be known;
And in our graves of turf we shall be bless'd.

Her. Well then, I'm satisfied: I'll smile in death;
Yea, proudly will I smile! it wounds me not.

Eth. How, Selred? thou alone art silent here:
To heaven's high wall what off'ring makest thou?

Sel. Nothing, good Ethelbert. What can a man,
Little enriched with the mind's rare treasure,
And of th' unrighteous turmoil of this world