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Alwy. It is, my Lord. Nor is he so forgotten in the land, But that he still serves their dark purpose well. An easy gentle prince—so brave yet peaceful— With such impressions clogg'd your soldiers fight, And therefore 'tis that with a feeble foe Ethwald fights doubtful battles.

Ethw. Thou art convinced of this?

Alwy. Most perfectly.

Ethw. I too have had such thoughts, and have repress'd them.

Alwy. Did not those base petitioners for peace Withhold their gather'd forces, till beset On ev'ry side they saw your little army, Already much diminish'd? then came they, Like heaven commission'd saviours, to your aid, And drew unto themselves the praise of all. This plainly speaks, your glory with disgrace They fain would dash to set their idol up; For well they think, beneath the gentle Edward To lord it proudly, and his gen'rous nature Has won their love and pity. Ethelbert, Now that such fair occasion offers to them, May well the prisoner's escape effect: He lacks not means.

''Ethw. (after a thoughtful pause.)'' Didst thou not say that castle's foggy air, And walls with dampness coated, to young blood Are hostile and creative of disease? In close confinement he has been full long; Is there no change upon him?