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Rh

Is, to the daring climber who hath reach'd it, Only a breathing place, from whence he sees Its real summit, bright and heaven illum'd. Towering majestic, grand, above him far As is the lofty spot on which he stands To the dull plain below. The British once subdued, Northumberland, Thou seest well, could not withstand our arms. It too must fall; and with such added strength, What might not be achiev'd? Ay, by this arm! All that the mind suggests, even England's crown, United and entire. Thou gazest on me. I know full well the state is much exhausted Of men and means; and those curs'd Mercian women To cross my purposes, with hag-like spite, Do nought but females bear. But I will onward. Still, conscious of its lofty destination, My spirit swells and will not be subdued.

Alwy. I, chidden, bow, and yield with admiration Unto the noble grandeur of your thoughts. But lowering clouds arise; events are adverse; Crush thy leagued secret enemies at home, And reign securely o'er the ample realm You have so bravely won.

Ethw. What, have I thro' the iron fields of war, Proudly before th' admiring gaze of men, Unto this point with giant steps held on, Now to become a dwarf? Have I this crown In bloody battles won, mocking at death,