Page:Passions 2.pdf/339

Rh

Eth. Doth this offend you?—O it makes me feel A spirit for this awful hour unmeet, When I do think on you, ye hypocrites!

First Pr. Come, come! we waste our time, the heads-man waits. (to Eth.) Prepare thee for the block.

Eth. And will you in the sight of these my friends Your bloody task perform? Let them retire.

First Pr. Nay, nay, that may not be: our pious Hexulf Has given his orders.

Sec. Pr. O be not so cruel! Tho' he has order'd so, yet, ne'ertheless, We may suspend this veil, and from their eyes The horrid sight conceal.

First Pr. Then be it so; I grant it.

''First Pr. (to the men behind the curtain, after a pause.)'' Are ye ready?

(Voices behind.) Yes, we are ready now. (to Eth.) And thou?

Eth. God be my strength! I'm ready also. (As the Priest is leading Ethelbert behind the curtain he turns about to give a last look to his friends; and they, laying their hands devoutly upon their breasts, bow to him very