Page:Passions 2.pdf/207

Rh

SCENE IV. ''A forest. Enter Ethwald with a bow in his hand, and a Boy carrying his arrows.''

''Ethw. (looking off the stage)'' Ha! Alwy, soon return'd! and with him comes My faithful Ongar. Thou comest, Alwy, with a busy face. (to Boy.) Go, Boy; I shot mine arrow o'er those elms, Thou'lt find it far beyond.(Exit Boy.) Now, friend, what tidings?

Alwy. Within the tufted centre of the wood The friendly chiefs are met, thus, like ourselves, As careless ramblers guised, all to a man Fix'd in your cause. Their followers too are firm; For, much disgusted with the monkish face Their feeble monarch wears, a warlike leader, Far, far inferior to the noble Ethwald, May move them as he lists.

Ethw. That time and circumstances on me call Imperiously, I am well assured. Good Ongar, what say'st thou? how thrives thy part Of this important task?

Ong. Well as your heart could wish. At the next council Held in the royal chamber, my good kinsman Commands the guard, and will not bar our way.