Page:Passions 2.pdf/355

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To hold the castle. How shall this be settled? Shall we confine them in the stronger vaults?

''Ethw. (fiercely.)'' No, no! I'll have no more imprisonments! Let them be slain; yea all; even to a man! This is no time for weak uncertain deeds, Saw you not Edmar as you hither came?

Alwy. We saw him with a stranger much engaged, By a faint lamp, near to the eastern tower.

Ethw. Then follow me, and let us find him out.

Hex. We follow you, my Lord.

Bear thou a light. My house is like a faintly mooned cave, And hateful shadows cross each murky aisle. (Exeunt, Alwy bearing a light.

SCENE III. The evening: a wood with a view of Ethwald's ''castle seen thro' the trees. Enter Hereulf, disguised like a country hind: enter to him, by another path, a Thane, disguised also.''

Her. Welcome, my friend! art thou the first to join me? This as I guess should be th' appointed time: For o'er our heads have pass'd on homeward wing Dark flights of rooks and daws and flocking birds, Wheeling aloft with wild dissonant screams; Whilst from each hollow glen and river's bed