Page:Passions 2.pdf/261

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SCENE II. ''An apartment in the royal castle. Enter Ethelbert meeting with Selred, who enters at the same time from a door at the bottom of the stage.''

Eth. How did'st thou leave the king?

Sel. Recov'ring strength with ev'ry passing hour. His spirits too, that were so weak and gloomy, From frequent fainting and the loss of blood, Now buoyant rise, and much assist the cure Which all regard as wonderful.

Eth. It has deceiv'd us, yet I've heard of such.

Sel. Thou lookest sadly on it: how is this? With little cost of thought I could explain In any man but thee that cloudy brow; But well I know thou didst not prize the power With which thou wert invested.

Eth. Selred, this hasty gloom will prove too short To work in Ethwald's mind the change we look'd for. And yet he promis'd well.

Sel. Ay, and will well perform; mistrust him not. I must confess, nature has form'd his mind Too restless and aspiring; and of late, Having such mighty objects in his grasp, He has too reckless been of others' rights. But, now that all is gain'd, distrust him not: He'll prove a noble king; a good one too.

Eth. Thou art his brother.