Page:Passions 2.pdf/178

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King. Nay, lay aside unseemly diffidence; It must be so.

''Edw. (impressively)'' My heart is much depress'd: O do not add The burden of an undeserved honour, To bend me to the earth!

King. These warlike chieftains say it is deserv'd, And nobly earn'd. It is with their concurrence That now I offer thee this warriour's wreath: Yes, Ethling, and command thee to receive it. (Holding up his hand) There, let the trumpets sound. (trumpets sound.)

''Edw. (holding up his hands distractedly)'' Peace, peace! nor put me to this agony! (trumpets cease.) And am I then push'd to this very point? Well, then, away deceit! too long hast thou, Like the incumbent monster of a dream On the stretch'd sleeper's breast, depress'd my soul: I shake thee off, foul mate! O royal sire, And you, ye valiant Mercians, hear the truth! Ye have believ'd, that by a feigned flight, I gain'd the first advantage o'er the foe, And broke their battle's strength: O, would I had! That flight, alas! was real: the sudden impulse Of a weak mind, unprov'd, and strongly struck With new and horrid things, until that hour Unknown and unimagin'd. Nor was it honour's voice that call'd me back: The call of nature saved me. Noble Seagurth! Had I been son of any sire but thee,