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Ethw. And wherefore dost thou fear him?

''Alwy. (mysteriously.)'' He has a cloudy brow, a stubborn gait; His dark soul is shut up from mortal man, And deeply broods upon its own conceits Of right and wrong.

Hex. He has a soul black with foul atheism And heresies abominable. Nay, He has a tongue of such persuasive art That all men listen to him.

''Qu. (eagerly.)'' More than men: Dark spirits meet him at the midnight hour, And horrid converse hold.

Ethw. No more, I pray you! Ethelbert I know.

Qu. Indeed, indeed, my Lord, you know him not!

Ethw. Be silent, wife, (turning to Hex, and Al.) My tried and faithful Alwy, And pious Hexulf, in my private closet We further will discourse on things of moment, At more convenient time. The leagued Thanes advance. Retire, Elburga: Thou hast my leave. I give thee no command To join thy presence to this stern solemnity. Soft female grace adorns the festive hall, And sheds a brighter lustre on high days Of pageant state; but in an hour like this, D estin'd for gravest audience, 'tis unmeet.

Qu. What, is the queen an empty bauble, then, To gild thy state withal?