Page:Passions 2.pdf/205

Rh

Arch Sist. The varied voice of woe, of Mercia's woe: Of those who shall, beneath thine iron hand, The cup of mis'ry drink. There dost thou hear The dungeon'd captives sighs, the shrilly shrieks Of childless mothers and distracted maids; Mix'd with the heavy groans of dying men: The widow's wailings, too; and infant's cries— (Ethw. stops his ears in horrour.) Ay, stop thine ears; it is a horrid sound.

Ethw. Forfend that e'er again I hear the like! What didst thou say? O, thou didst foully say! Do I not know my nature? heav'n and earth As soon shall change (A voice above.) Swear not! (A voice beneath.) Swear not! (A voice on the same level but distant.) Swear not!

Arch Sist. Now, once again and our commission ends. Look yonder, and behold that shadowy form. What dost thou see?

Ethw. A miserable man: his breast is pierced With many wounds, and yet his gestures seem The agony of a distracted mind More than of pain.

Arch Sist. But wears he not a crown?