University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

The inner room: a humble nursery, Elswitha rocking a cradle. Bertha runs in.
Bertha.
He's gone!—I wot not whither; took his harp
And spake of some disguise.

Elswitha.
Gone? left us, sister?

Bertha.
In charge of yonder gallant gentlemen,—
And he is gone alone to seek the Dane.

Elswitha.
O brave, rash, noble deed!—nay, let me go,
I'll follow him, and guard him with my prayers
His ministering angel under Heav'n,—
Some ill might else befal,—

Bertha.
And leave the children?

Elswitha.
Ah, sister! when a mother and a wife
Hath to elect between her little ones
And him who made them hers, marvel thou not
If in the wrestling anguish of her soul
She choose her husband!—Bertha,—let me go,—

Bertha.
I, I will go: see here, I have my cloak,—
And look, the baby is awake and wants thee!

Elswitha.
My precious!—Bertha,—nay, thou shalt not go,—
Ah me,—my very heart is torn in twain!
Stay with the children!

Bertha.
But the babe, dear sister,—
Think of its asking mouth, its little face
Pining with hunger, if thou wert away;
The path is perilous, and may be long,
And those marauders—

[she runs off.
Elswitha
(calling after her.)
Sister—stay!—Brave girl,
She's gone or e'er I was aware; O heaven,
Shield her, and him, and these!
My precious babe,
Dear Alfred's fairest, last, and best-beloved—

[she sobs broken-heartedly over the cradle, and the Act ends.
(The music between this Act and the Third, may include hints of the tunes, “Home, sweet home,” and “There's a good time coming,” &c.)