Page:Passions 2.pdf/187

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Ethw.Thou 'rt beside thyself! Think'st thou that I, with these good arms, will stand And suffer all this wreck?

Eth. Ha! say'st thou so? Alas it is thyself Who rul'st the tempest! (shaking his head solemnly.)

Ethw. If that I bear the spirit of a man, Thou falsely see'st! Think'st thou I am a beast; A fanged wolf, reft of all kindly sense, That I should do such deeds? I am a man aspiring to be great, But loathing cruelty: who wears a sword That will protect and not destroy the feeble. (putting his hand vehemently upon his sword.)

Eth. Ha! art thou roused! blessings on thy wrath! I'll trust thee still. But see, the Ethling comes, And on his face he wears a smile of joy.

Ed. A boon, a boon, great Mairnieth's Thane I crave.

Eth. You come not with a suppliant's face, my Lord.

Ed. Not much cast down for lack of confidence My suit to gain. That envious braggard there, The chief of Bournoth, says, no Mercian arm, Of man now living, can his grandsire's sword In warlike combat wield: and, in good sooth! I forfeit forty of my fattest kine If Ethwald's arm does not the feat achieve.