First Pr. (coming forward.)
Rebellious Thanes, ye see a deed of justice.
Here rest ye, and another day of life
Enjoy together: at this hour to-morrow
We'll visit you, and then, by lot determin'd.
Another head must fail. So wills the king.
First Th. What words are these?
Sec. Th. Do thine ears catch their sense?
Third Th. I cannot tell thee; mine confus'dly sound.
First Pr. (raising his voise louder.)
To-morrow at this hour we'll visit you,
And here again, selected by the lot,
Another head must fall. Till then, farewel!
Another day of life enjoy securely:
Much happiness be with you,
(An involuntary groan bursts from the Thanes, and Hereulf, starting furiously from the ground, clenches his hands in a menacing posture as the Priests and Spearmen, &c. retire. The scene closes.*[1])
END OF THE FOURTH ACT.
- ↑ * Should this play ever have the honour of being represented upon any stage, a scene of this kind, in which so many inferior actors would be put into situations requiring the expression of strong passion, might be a disadvantage to it; I should, therefore, recommend having the front of the stage on which the Thanes are, during the last part of the scene, thrown into deep shade, and the light only to come across the back-ground at the bottom of the stage: this would give to the whole a greater solemnity; and by this means no expression of countenance, but only that of gesture, would be required of them.
