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Eth. Do not the axe and block born by those slaves Tell thee their errand? But we'll face them bravely. They do not come upon us unawares; We are prepar'd.—Let us take hands, my friends! Let us united stand, a worthy band Of girded trav'llers, ready to depart Unto a land unknown but yet undreaded. First Pr. Why look you on us thus with lowering brows? Can linked hands the keen edg'd steel resist?

Her. No, Priest, but linked hearts can bid defiance To the barb'd lightning, if so arm'd withal Thou didst encounter us. Quick do thine office! Here be six brave heads for thee, who ne'er yet Have meanly bow'd themselves to living wight.

First Pr. You are too forward, youth: less will suffice: One of those guilty heads beneath our axe Must fall, the rest shall live. So wills our chief. Lots shall decide our victim: in this urn Ha! have I then so suddenly unlink'd you? (with a malicious smile.)