University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

A Hall, discovers Vortigern, Edmunda, Wortimer, &c. at Supper.
Vor.
Seek, Wortimer, thy brother and thy sister:
Tell them it suits but ill their present years,
To tarry thus, when summon'd to our presence.

Wort.
My gracious father, I obey.

Edm.
O! dearest husband, calm thy ruffled soul,
They mean not to offend your grace; perchance
They know not of your wish for their attendance.

Vor.
Peace then, and with thy words, whet not I pray
That wrath, which kindles sore within my breast!
Again, dost hear me, bid thy tongue be silent,
'Twere better else thou did'st retire.

Edm.
I go, and though a vulture gnaw my heart,
I'd bear it all with meekness and with patience,
Rather than this my voice shou'd e'er offend thee.

[Exit.
Wort.
My gracious Sir, I've search'd the chambers through,
And call'd aloud, but answer had I none,
Save but my own words, return'd upon mine ear,
In airy sound.

Vor.
What! scorn'd and thus defied, I will not bear it,
Send for my prating wife, and shou'd I find
That she in any wise did aid their flight,
Let her beware of my revenge.—What ho!

Enter Servant.
Vor.
Quick to my wife, and say I'd speak with her.
As yet from those dull sluggards sent to Rome,
No tidings have I heard. But here she comes.

Enter Edmunda.
Edm.
What is your pleasure, Sir?

Vor.
Where are my recreant son and daughter gone;
Nay, think not with those eye drops to deceive me,
Tell me I say, thou know'st full well their flight!

Edm.
If in these veins doth run the blood of life,
Or there be truth on earth, I know not of them.

Vor.
Deceive me not I say, thou speak'st most false,
I know the quality of women's eyes,
That in a breath can weep, can laugh, or frown,
Say not these waters flow for loss o'them;
I know thee well, thou hast conspir'd with them;
'Twere better thou mak'st known their hiding place.

Edm.
O! Sir, these tears do stop my pow'r o'speech,
Which wou'd again vouch that I uttered.

Vor.
It is most false, but look to't, and dost hear me,
Come not athwart me and my purposes,
Lest thou shoud'st add to that fierce hate I bear thee.
[Exit Vor.

Edm.
And can this be? these ears were sure deceiv'd,
Yet I sleep not, nor is my brain distemper'd,
It was not so, he said not he did hate me;
O! heav'ns, in your great mercy aid me now,
And if your pleasure be not to torment
Man's poor existence in this span of life,
Aid me to bear my weight o'miseries!
Oh! yet again! my son and daughter gone,
And tell not me the cause o'this their flight.
My brain grows hot, I can no longer bear it;
Forbid his presence too! O! I am distracted!
And sleep will quiet me, I'll to the poppy
And with its juices drench these feverous lips!
O! I ha' need of med'cine and of comfort;
Again my wits do wander, I'll retire,
And lest the bleak winds battle with my head,
I'll to my couch and lay me on its pillow.

[Exit.