Page:Passions 2.pdf/343

I would that one swift stroke had slain them all
Rather than this had been. But Ethelbert
And Selred are secur'd. Was it not Selred
Who on the second night our victim fell?

Alwy. It was, but better had it been for us
Had they been left alive: had they been still
In their own castles unmolested left.
For like a wounded serpent, who, aloft,
The surgy volumes of his mangled length
In agony the more terrific rears
Against his enemy, this maimed compact
Will from thy stroke but the more fiercely rise,
Now fiery Hereulf is their daring leader.
And what have we to look for?

Hex. Dire bloody vengeance.—O some damned traitor
Hath done this work! it could not else have been!

Alwy. Well, do thou find him out then, if thou canst,
And let thy vengeance fall where lies the sin.

Hex. Doth the king know of this?

Alwy. He doth not yet.

Hex. Then must he be inform'd without delay.

Alwy. As quickly as you please, if that you please
To take that office on yourself, good father;
But as for me, I must right plainly say
I will not venture it; no faith! of late
The frame and temper of king Ethwald's mind
Is chang'd. He ever was in former times