Of dire distraction!
Speak Ethelbert! O speak, if voice thou hast!
Tell me what sacrifice can soothe your spirits;
Can still the unquiet sleepers of the grave:
For this most horrid visitation is
Beyond endurance of the boldest mind,
In flesh and blood enrob'd.— It takes no heed,
But fix'dly glares upon me as before.
I speak to empty air: it can be nothing.
Is it not some delusion of the eyes?
(rubbing his eyes very hard, and rousing himself.)
Plain as at first. I cannot suffer this!
(runs to the lamps, and, taking one in each hand, rushes forward in despair to the doorway.)
Resolv'd to nothing!
Enter Hexulf and Alwy.
Welcome you are, most welcome!
Alwy. Thanks to you, good my Lord! but on my life
This holy bishop and myself are come
Unwillingly, with most untoward tidings.
Ethw. Well, use not many words; what now befals?
