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Ethw. Chaf'd Thane, be more restrained. Thou knowest well, That, as a warlike chieftain, never yet The meanest of my soldiers grasp'd his spear To follow me constrain'd, and as a king Think'st thou I'll be less noble?

Sel. Indeed, good Ethelbert, thou art too warm: Thou dealest hardly with him.

Eth. I know, tho' peace dilates the heart of man, And makes his stores increase, his countenance smile, He is by nature form'd, like savage beasts, To take delight in war. 'Tis a strong passion in his bosom lodged, For ends most wise, curb'd and restrain'd to be: And they who for their own designs do take Advantage of his nature, act, in truth, Like cruel hinds who spirit the poor cock To rend and tear his fellow. O thou! whom I so often in my arms, A bold and gen'rous boy have fondly press'd, And now do proudly call my sov'reign lord, Be not a cruel master! O be gentle! Spare Mercian blood! Goodness and power do make Most meet companions. The great Lord of all, Before whose awful presence, short-while since, Thou did'st expect to stand, almighty is, Also most merciful: And the bless'd Being he to earth did send To teach our soften'd hearts to call him Father,