Page:Passions 2.pdf/365

Rh

Qu. Has it come again?

Ethw. No, but I felt upon my pausing soul The sure and horrid sense of its approach. Hadst thou not quickly come, it had ere now Been frowning by my side. The cup, the cup. (drinks eagerly.)

Qu. Heaven grant thee peace! Wilt thou not send unto the holy priest, To give thee ghostly comfort?

I have, alas! lent too much heed already.

Qu. Let not your noble spirit be thus shent! Still bear good heart! these charmed drugs full soon Will make you strong and vig'rous as before; And in the rough sport of your northern war You will forget these dreadful fantasies.

In the embattled field, 'midst circling hosts, Could do the high deeds of a warlike king; And what a glorious field now opens to me! But oh this cursed bar! this ill-timed sickness! It keeps me back ev'n like a bitted steed. But it was ever thus! What have avail'd My crimes, and cares, and blood, and iron toil?

Qu. What have avail'd! art thou not king of Mercia?