Page:Passions 2.pdf/175

Rh

Who is full tardy. Softly, they come forth. Spread to the sun, the haughty princess moves! King. Nay, sweet Elburga, clear thy frowning brow; He who is absent will not long delay His pleasing duty here.
 * How like a ship, with all her goodly sails

Elb. On such a day, my Lord, the brave I honour. As those who have your royal arms maintain'd In war's iron field, such honour meriting. What individual chiefs, or here or absent. Are therein lapt, by me unheeded is; I deign not to regard it.

King. Thou art offended, daughter, but unwisely. Plumed with the fairest honours of the field, Such pious grief for a brave father's death, Bespeaks a heart such as a gentle maid In her faith-plighted Lord should joy to find.

Elb. Who best the royal honours of a prince Maintains, best suits a royal maiden's love.

King. Elburga, thou forget'st that gentleness Which suits thy gentle kind.