Page:Passions 2.pdf/353

Rh

Of dire distraction! Speak Ethelbert! O speak, if voice thou hast! Tell me what sacrifice can soothe your spirits; Can still the unquiet sleepers of the grave: For this most horrid visitation is Beyond endurance of the boldest mind, In flesh and blood enrob'd.— It takes no heed, But fix'dly glares upon me as before. I speak to empty air: it can be nothing. Is it not some delusion of the eyes? Ah! still the hideous semblance is before me, Plain as at first. I cannot suffer this! They are all gone! Before the searching light Resolv'd to nothing!

Ha! is it you? Most happily you come! Welcome you are, most welcome!

Alwy. Thanks to you, good my Lord! but on my life This holy bishop and myself are come Unwillingly, with most untoward tidings.

Ethw. Well, use not many words; what now befals?