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Sec. Th. No, most noble Ethling; From the Lord Regent Ethelbert we come.

Ed. Mine uncle, then, is dead.

Sec. Th. E'en so, my Lord.

Ed. Ah! good and gentle, and to me most kind!(weeps, hiding his face.) Died he peacefully?

First Th. He is at peace.

Ed. Ye are reserv'd with me. But ye are wise, perhaps; time will declare it. Give me your hands; ye are my loving friends. And you, good guardian of this castle, too, You have not been to me a surly keeper.

(A second horn sounds without very loud.) First Th. Ha! at our heels another messenger So quickly sent.(Exit Keep.

Sec. Th. What may this mean?

Ed. Nay, wait not for him here. Let us go forth from these inclosing walls, And meet him in the light and open day.

First Th. 'Tis one, I hope, sent to confirm our errand, How came he on so quickly?

Ed. Thou hopest, Thane? Oh! then thou doubtest too. (pauses and looks earnestly in their faces.)

''First Th. (to'' Ongar.) Thine errand?