University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Scene changes to the Hermit's Cell.
Enter EDITHA from within; the FALCONER at some distance laid on the ground asleep.
EDITHA.
This is a painful pause; and joy and fear
Rule it by turns in my distracted bosom!
Perhaps, ev'n now the Princess, steep'd in tears,
Laments me lost: Perhaps my late-found love,
Now lost to me again, in civil broils
Hazards his dearest life. O Patience, Patience!
Grac'd, as I am, with Heav'n's unhop'd for favours,
Let me not drive thee hence, who still from heav'n
Call'st down fresh favours on the trusting wretch,
That hugs thee in her bosom. Whence that noise!
'Tis but the sleeping falconer's noisy drone.
Sleep on, thou meddling knave. I need not fear thee.

Enter OSWALD.
Osw.
Health to thee, Virgin, and a length of days
Prosperous as this beginning! I return
To lead you to our queen.

Ed.
Dread Earl, your son
Did say—

Osw.
He did, that with me he'd return;
But business more important, (thanks to Heav'n)
Detains him for a while. Thy lover, lady,
Is now the Danish general.

Ed.
O my fears!

Osw.
Say, dost thou fear? trust me, I too should fear,
If I could call his mother's truth in question;
But he is mine, legitimately mine,
And cannot play the coward. Yes, my Edwin,
Thou'lt lop the tyrant's head; I nothing doubt it.
Come on, and in our way to Argentile
Thou shalt hear more. But first I'll give this spy
His liberty. [Unties the Falconer.

Rise, Falconer, get thee hence!
Go tell thy master thou hast found i'the forest
A nest of traitors. Tell him where they're hid,
And gain a traitor's guerdon for thy tidings.
Haste on, dear Editha.

[Exit, pushing out the Falconer.
Ed.
I do, Sir, tremblingly.