Page:Passions 2.pdf/359

Seems to conceal behind its awful shade
Some dread commotion of the heavenly powers,
Soon to break forth—some grand and unknown thing.

Second Off. It is awful sight! what may it mean?
Doth it not woes and bloody strife foretel?
I've heard my father talk of things like this.—
When the king's passing sickness shall be gone,
Which has detain'd him from his purpos'd march
Against the rebel chiefs, doubt not, my friend,
We shall have bloody work.

First Off. Ay, but ere that, mayhap, the man of blood
May bleed; and Mercia from the tyrant's grasp—

Second Off. Hush, hush! thou art unwise? some list'ning ear——

First Off. And if there should, what danger? all men now
Harbour such secret thoughts; and those who once
His youthful valour lov'd and warlike feats,
Now loath his cruelty. I'll tell thee something—
(drawing nearer him mysteriously.)

Second Off. (frightened.) Hush, hush! I will not hear thee! hold thy tongue!
What will't avail, when on the bloody stake
Thy head is fix'd, that all men think as thou dost,
And he who fix'd thy cruel doom to-day
Shall die to-morrow?