Page:Passions 2.pdf/367

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A TRAGEDY.
355

Can surely trust. I'll have more dogs so train'd.
(looking stedfastly at the Groom.)
Thy face is pale: thou hast a haggard look:
Where hast thou been? (seizing him by the neck.)
Answer me quickly! Say, where hast thou been?

Gr. Looking upon the broad and fearful sky.

Qu. What sayest thou?

Gr. The heavens are all a flaming o'er our heads,
And fiery spears are shiv'ring thro' the air.

Ethw. Hast thou seen this?

Gr. Ay, by our holy saint!

Qu. It is some prodigy, dark and portentous.

Gr. A red and bloody mantle seems outstretch'd
O'er the wide welkin, and——

Ethw. Peace, damned fool!
Tell me no more: be to thy post withdrawn.

(Exit Groom by a small side door, leading the dog with him.)


Ethw. (to himself, after musing for some time.)
Heaven warring o'er my head! there is in this
Some fearful thing betoken'd.
If that, in truth, the awful term is come;
The fearful bound'ry of my mortal reach;
O'er which I must into those regions pass
Of horrour and despair, to take my place
With those, who do their blood earn'd crowns exchange
For ruddy circles of devouring fire; where hopeless woe,
And cursing rage, and gnashing agony,