Page:Passions 2.pdf/344

332

Cheerful, collected, sanguine, for all turns Of fate prepar'd, like a fair ample lake, Whose breast receives the azure hue of heaven, And sparkles gaily in the breezy noon; But now, like a swoln flood whose course has been O'er dark opposing rocks and rugged shelves; Whose turbid waters wear the sullen shade Of dark o'erhanging banks, and all enchaf'd Round ev'ry little pebble fiercely roars, Boiling in foamy circles, his chaf'd spirit Can bear th' encounter of no adverse thing To his stern will oppos'd. I may not tell him.

Hex. Be not so fearful! art thou not a man Us'd to the sudden turns of great men's humours? Thou best can do it, Alwy.(soothingly.)

Alwy. Nay, father, better will it suit your age And rev'rend state. And he has need, I ween, Of ghostly counsel too: night after night He rises from his tossing sleepless couch, Oft wildly staring round the vacant chamber, As if his fancy peopled the dark void With horrid shapes. The queen hath told me this. Come, look to it, for something must be done.

Hex. I will accompany your homeward steps, Whilst we consider of it.(Exeunt.