University of Virginia Library

SCENE II

[Nicor's Thorn.]
ALFRED
(addressing EDWARD).
Hold fast by that. Bring but the best to front,
And keep the unsteady well in hand behind.
'Tis not the biggest udder gives most milk;
And with a trusty handful one may deal
A deadlier stroke than with a land in arms.
Husband these likewise, and ferment their hearts
With eagerness themselves to rise to best,
By showing them what manhood ripe can do.
Our Saxon spearmen you may trust to stand,
Though falls their lord. Yourself must lead the Celts,
And they will then make merry mock of death.
But, on the way, be lord of their loose wills,
And keep them silent as the disciplined stars:
Nor let them thunder till you've lightened, lest
The foe, forewarned, find shelter from the bolt.
Be mindful, too, to leave no tell-tale trail.
Learn wisdom from the blind and witless mole,
That self-discovering burrower that upheaves
The ground wherethrough he travels, and for that
Is easy trapped. Guthrum and Oskytel
Yet lie at Ethandune, keeping no watch,
But waste the weeks in rest and rioting,
Deeming I still am fast in Athelney.
Edgiva knows each winding of the ways
That creep unto their camp. Fear not for us,
But do my bidding to the uttermost.
Hear you nought more, be sure that, when the sun
Hath thrice upon the heathen Army set,
We twain shall be within. So, when the night
Throbs unto dawn, and the May moon turns pale
Because her lord is coming, then shrill loud
With noise of battle, and strike straight where waves
The unclean Raven over Guthrum's tent.
Till then, farewell! Remember Who you are,
And Who you will be! Mereward wend you now
Unto Edgiva. Dally not, but bend
Hither her feet. Then swift unto your oars,
And speed where all that's best in England waits you.
God edge your sword!