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And, when a boy, oft on the air-hung bough I've fearless trode, beneath me roaring far The deep swoln floods, with ev'ry erring step Instant destruction. Had I perish'd then Would that I had, since it is come to this! (raising up his hands vehemently to heaven.)

Eth. Be not so vehement: this will endanger The little chance thou still may'st have for life. The God we fear is merciful.

Ethw. Ay, he is merciful; but may it reach— O listen to me!—Oswal I have murder’d, And Edward, brave and gentle—Ay, this bites With a fell tooth! I vilely have enthrall'd; Of all his rights deprived. The loving Bertha; Too will thou know'st what I have been to her— Ah I thinkest thou a thousand robed priests Can pray down mercy on a soul so foul?

Eth. The inward sighs of humble penitence Rise to the ear of heav'n when pealed hymns Are scatter'd with the sounds of commmon air: If I indeed may speak unto a king Of low humility.

Ethw. Thy words bite keenly, friend. O king me not! Grant me but longer life, and thou shalt see What brave amends I'll make for past offences. Thou thinkest hardly of me; ne'ertheless. Rough as my warriour's life has been, good thoughts Have sometimes harbour'd here, (putting his hand on his heart.) If I had lived,