University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Asmond, Lother.
Asmond.
Looks of joy!
Then, Lother, is the fierce invader fled?
Has he, more wise, withdrawn his hostile fleet,
And sought the rocks of Norway?

Lother.
Swift as winds,
His gleamy cars dart o'er the trembling plain,
And his dark squadrons hide an hundred hills.
From shield to shield the scatter'd sun beams dance,
Trembling in dreadful glory—O my father!
A conquest here is worthy the ambition
Even of those valiant breasts that oft have conquer'd,
E'en of the sons of Denmark—Let me share
In the rich honours of that glorious day,
Which drowns yon host in blood, and at your feet
Thus gratitude shall fall.

Asmond.
Lother, no more!
If Denmark's king shall doom that unbrac'd arm
Again to ache beneath the ponderous shield,
And tempt the rage of war, we know our duty;
Yet name it not, I charge thee, nor sollicit,
What well thou know'st, too prodigal of life,
Thy prince would scarce refuse; but hast thou learnt
The real cause that brings these ravagers
On Denmark's war-worn coasts?

Lother.
Report for once
Has brought a tale of truth. The brave Berino
(For Lemor's blood-stain'd heath has known him brave)
Wand'ring I met along the midway hills,
Pensive, as one that courted solitude
To cherish painful thought. A manly sorrow
Sate on his noble aspect—when he rais'd
His drooping eye to me, like one he seem'd,
Whom generous shame could wound, unknown to fear.
With friendly words I hail'd him, and assur'd
His valour and his virtues still were dear
To Denmark's princes, though his rash revolt
Might rouse their just resentment—

Asmond.
Still remember
To treat distress with such humanity;
For oft it is the lot of noble natures,
Tho' rashness were it's cause. What did he tell thee
Concerning this invasion?

Lother.
“Mark,” he cried,
“The waving ensigns of yon hostile camp!
“There read Berino's anguish and disgrace.
“For Norway's Queen, a fugitive of love,
“With my too daring Ostan, those dark hosts
“Invade my country; prince, I blush to seem
“Associate in a cause like this, but friendship
“Still holds my heart to Ostan, nor in death
“Will I desert him.”

Asmond.
O distinguish'd honour!
Exalted sentiments, whate'er their object!
Lother, we must not suffer this brave youth
To fall devoted in the threaten'd ruin,
A sacrifice to friendship—But the king
Expects each moment thy return; inform him
Of what thou know'st minutely, nor forget
One circumstance in favour of Berino—
[Exit Lother.
Avilda! ah! another grief! But love,—