Page:Passions 2.pdf/265

Rh

''Sel. (laying his hand affectionately on Ethwald's breast.)'' My dearest brother, do not let such thoughts Again possess your mind!

Ethw. Go to! go to! (to Sel.) But, Ethelbert, thou'rt mad. (turning angrily to Eth.)

Eth. Not mad, my royal friend, but something griev'd To see your restless mind still bent on that Which will to you no real glory bring, And to your hapless people many woes.

Ethw. Thou greatly errest from my meaning, friend. As truly as thyself I do regard My people's weal, and will employ the power Heaven trusts me with, for that important end. But were it not ignoble to confine In narrow bounds the blessed power of blessing, Lest, for a little space, the face of war Should frown upon us? He who will not give Some portion of his ease, his blood, his wealth, For other's good, is a poor frozen churl.

Eth. Then be again a simple warriour, And thine own ease, and blood, and treasure give: But whilst thou art a king, and would'st bestow On people not thine own, the blessed gift Of gentle rule, earn'd by the public force Of thine own subjects, thou dost give away That o'er the which thou hast no right. Frown not: I will assert it, crown'd and royal Lord, Tho' to your ears full rude the sound may be.