University of Virginia Library

Scene I.

—Night. A Wood near Bruges.
The Lord of Occo and Followers.
Occo.
No more than half a league to Bruges? then halt,
And let the men-at-arms be drawn together
Where the ground's open. Berckel, ride thou on
And hail the warders on the walls; make known
That for the love which we have shown the Earl
We're driven forth of Ghent, and humbly crave
His hospitality.
[To Van Aeswyn, who enters.
Van Aeswyn! What?
Where is the litter?

Van Aeswyn.
Dropped some mile behind
To rest the bearers.

Occo.
Lazy, loitering rogues!
What of the Lady?

Van Aeswyn.
Still much moved.

Occo.
Go back;
Keep thou beside her, lest she should prevail
To make the varlets speak. Let none approach
After we pass the gates but men of mine,
Nor ever let the litter be unclosed.
Now, if we're all in order, march we on.