Sec. Wom. On, sisters, on!
The fiery welkin rages o'er our heads,
And we are sinful souls: O quickly move!
(Exeunt Women and Children.)
Sec. Offi. I also am, alack! a sinful soul:
I'll follow them and pray for mercy too.
First Offi. I'll to the northern wall, from whence the heavens
In full expanse are seen.(Exeunt severally.
SCENE V. Ethwald's apartment: he is discovered sitting by his couch, with his elbows resting upon his knees, and supporting his head hetween both his hands; the Queen standing by him.
Qu. Why sit you thus, my Lord? it is not well:
It wears your strength; will you not go to bed?
(a pause, and he makes no answer.)
These nightly watchings much retard your cure:
Be then advis'd!(a pause, and he still takes no notice.)
Why are you thus unwilling?
The tower is barr'd, and all things are secure.
Ethw. How goes the hour? is it the second watch?
Qu. No; near the window now, I heard the guard
Exchange the word; the first is but half spent.
Ethw. And does the fearful night still lie before me
In all its hideous length? (rising up with emotion.)
