Page:Passions 2.pdf/351

Groom. No, nothing. (looking round fearfully.)

Ethw. Thou need'st not look; 'tis nothing; fancy oft
Deceives the eye with strange and flitting things.
Regard it not but, quickly bring more lamps.

Groom. Nay, good my Lord, shall I remain with you,
And call my fellow?

Ethw. (angrily.) Do as thou art commanded.
(Exit Groom.
This man perceives the weakness of my mind.
Am I, indeed, the warlike king of Mercia?

(Re-enter two Grooms with lamps which they place in the recess. Ethwald, not venturing to look on it again till the lights are placed, now turns round to it, and seems relieved.)

Ye have done well. (after a pause, in which he walks several times across the stage, stopping short, and seeing the Grooms still there.)

Why do ye linger here? I want ye not.

Begone. (Exeunt Grooms
But that I would not to those fools
Betray the shameful secret of my mind,
I fain would call them back.
What are these horrours?
A fearful visitation of a time,
That will o'erpass? O might I so believe it!
Edmar, methinks, ere this might be return'd:
I'll wait for him no more: I'll go myself

And meet him. (going towards the large arched door by which he entered, he starts back from it with horrour.)