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Ethw. Thou dost prevent my boon: heaven bless thee for it! I give thee power to do whatever thou think'st I, living, should have done. 'Tis all I can, And gracious heaven accept it at my hands!

Eth. Amen, my friend! I'll faithfully fulfil Th' important trustHa! thy visage changes, Thy mind's exertion has outrun thy strength. He faints away. Help! who attends without? Support the king: whether a sudden faint Or death be now upon him, trow I not, But quickly call the queen.

Sel. Alas, my brother! (assisting Eth. to raise Ethw.'s head,)

Eth. Raise him gently, Selred. For, if that life within him still remain, It may revive him.

Sel. Ah, see how changed he is! Alas, my brother! Pride of my father's house, is this thy end?

Elb. Let me approach unto my royal Lord. Good Ethelbert, thou long hast known thy king, Look'd he e'er thus before. (looking on Ethw.)

Eth. No, royal dame; and yet 'tis but a faint; See, he revives again.

''Ethw. (opening his eyes.)'' Who are about me, now?

Eth. The queen and nobles.