Page:Dramas 2.pdf/68

56

Has been to good affections form'd and bent; But then it was not so.—My hapless youth In bloody, savage, predatory war Was rear'd. It was no shock to my rude childhood To see whole bands of drunk or sleeping men In cold blood butcher'd. Could I tell to thee The things that I have seen: things, too, in which My young hand took its part; thou would'st not wonder, That, seeing thus my enemy in my power, Love, fortune, honours, all within the purchase Of one fell stroke, I raised my arm and gave it.

Fearful temptation!

After a fearful pause, I softly enter'd. The deed was done; and, hastening from the chamber With breathless speed back to the spot where Baldwin Held my brave steed, I mounted, favour'd now By a new-risen moon and waning storm; And to the fleetness of that noble creature I owe it, that though heir to him I slew, No whisper of suspicion upon me E'er breath'd as perpetrator of the deed.