Page:Passions 2.pdf/125

Rh

Sel. I will assail him now. (in a louder voice.) Ho! foxes heads our huntsman's belt adorn, Who have, thro' tangled woods and ferny moors With many wiles shaped out their mazy flight; Have swam deep floods, and from the rocky brows Of frightful precipices boldly leap'd Into the gulph below. Nay, e'en our lesser game hath nobly done: Across his shoulders hang four furred feet, That have full twenty miles before us run In little space. O, it was glorious!

''Ethw. (raising his head carelessly.)'' Well, well, I know that hares will swiftly run When dogs pursue them. (stretches himself and goes to rest again.)

Eth. Leave him to rest, he is not to be rous'd.

Sel. Well, be it so. By heaven my fretted soul Did something of this easy stupor lack, When near the eastern limits of our chace I pass'd the frowning tower of Ruthergeld! He hangs a helmet o'er his battlements, As tho' he were the chief protecting Thane Of all the country round. I'll teach th' ennobled Coerl, within these bounds, None may pretend in noble birth to vie With Mollo's honour'd line!

''Eth. (proudly.)''Hast thou forgot? Or did'st thou never hear whose blood it is That fills these swelling veins?

Sel. I cry you mercy, Thane: I little doubt Some brave man was the founder of your house.