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I would that one swift stroke had slain them all Rather than this had been. But Ethelbert And Selred are secur'd. Was it not Selred Who on the second night our victim fell?

Alwy. It was, but better had it been for us Had they been left alive: had they been still In their own castles unmolested left. For like a wounded serpent, who, aloft, The surgy volumes of his mangled length In agony the more terrific rears Against his enemy, this maimed compact Will from thy stroke but the more fiercely rise, Now fiery Hereulf is their daring leader. And what have we to look for?

Hex. Dire bloody vengeance.—O some damned traitor Hath done this work! it could not else have been!

Alwy. Well, do thou find him out then, if thou canst, And let thy vengeance fall where lies the sin.

Hex. Doth the king know of this?

Alwy. He doth not yet.

Hex. Then must he be inform'd without delay.

Alwy. As quickly as you please, if that you please To take that office on yourself, good father; But as for me, I must right plainly say I will not venture it; no faith! of late The frame and temper of king Ethwald's mind Is chang'd. He ever was in former times