Page:Passions 2.pdf/217

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Who to the royal standard soon will flock, If summon'd by thy firm and gen'ral orders, Shall these men be our master's? Heaven forfend! Five thousand warriours might disperse the foe, Even with that devil Ethwald at their head; And shall we think of granting to those rebels Their insolent demands?

King. Good Seneschal, if that you think our strength Permits us still in open field to strive With hope of good, I am not yet so old But I can brace these stiffen'd limbs in iron, And do a soldier's service. (to 2d Coun.) Thane of Mordath, Thy visage light'neth not upon these hopes; What are thy thoughts?

Sec. Coun. E'en that these hopes will bring us to a state 'Reft of all hope. The rebel chiefs but seek their own enrichment, Not Ethwald's exaltation, good, my Lord; Bribe them and treat for peace. Lack you the means; The church, for whose enriching you have rais'd This storm, can well supply it; and most surely Will do it cheerfully. (turning to Hexulf.)

Hex. No, by the holy mass! that were to bring The curse of heav'n upon our impious heads. To spoil the holy church is sacrilege: And to advise such spoil in anywise Is sacrilegious and abominable.