University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

Scene on the Sea-Shore, at the Entrance of the Ambassador's Tent, with the Danish Fleet lying at anchor.
Enter SEWOLD with an OFFICER.
SEWOLD.
Say'st thou, not yet return'd? Away with hope!
It cannot be but some untoward chance
Has foil'd his cunning; haply the poor Prince,
Fetter'd and famish'd in some loathsome dungeon,
Calls me to succour him. He shall not call
In vain. Haste, Gothmund; disembark the troops,
I'll lead them to the Castle.
[Exit Officer.
Coming thus
In menacing guise, with such an armament,
Suddenly on the king, he must, thro' fear,
Give up my royal charge. Yet must I still
Conceal his lineage, lest the tyrant prove
Unwilling to give up a prize so precious.
Meanwhile, if Oswald brings the princess here,
Who shall receive her?—Hark! the sound of steps,
Haply the Prince—No 'tis the youthful hermit.

Enter OSWALD and EDWIN.
Ed.
Heav'n and its peace protect thee, noble Dane!
Behold a Saxon, who, tho' mean in garb,
Is rich in blood and honour. He comes fraught
With tidings, that import thee much to know.
Admit him quickly to thy tent.

Sew.
As friends,
I pray ye, enter both.

Ed.
Not so, my Lord
I'll wait without. His private business told,
If it then seem thee meet to use my service,
Ev'n to its best that service shall be your's.

Sew.
I thank thee, and retire.

[Exeunt Sewold and Oswald.
Ed.
Indulgent stars!
Thus far beyond all hopes your fav'ring aspect
Has crown'd my wish. The mistress of my soul,
My Editha is mine! A father's smile
Gives sanction to our loves. What now remains,
But that, obsequious to the call of justice,
We spirit up the Dane to quell the tyrant?
And see, full well I deem to aid our purpose,
Forth from the swelling sides of yon proud vessel
An armed band is pour'd; another yet,
And yet a third yields up her martial burthen!
Enter OFFICER and SOLDIERS.
I'll hail their leader—Benedicite,
Brave Warrior! may a peaceful anchorite,
Unus'd to sights like these, ask with due deference
Wherefore ye quit your anchor'd ships, and why,
Your bright helms glittering to the golden sun,
Ye march in shew of dread hostility?

Offi.
Lord Sewold, Envoy of illustrious Denmark,
So wills.

Ed.
And may I crave your numbers, valiant Dane?

Offi.
Five thousand strong: Men whose try'd hardihood
Full oft have cop'd with twice that number, Father,
Unfoil'd; for never yet on hostile shore
Did they descend, but Victory sat and smil'd
Cresting their sable raven. Trust me, Seer,
This is no wordy vaunt.

Ed.
I will not think it;
For, to my judgment, never march'd a train,
Whose noble bearings more bespoke their prowess.
Each common bowman treads with that firm step,
Might fit a spearman.

Offi.
Hermit, thou say'st well;
For these be men cull'd from our veteran troops
To honour what was meant an embassage
Of peace and amity; but now, it seems,
We must to our old trade, to blows and bloodshed.
We know our craft. You, Captain, to the right;
You to the left, and wedge in closer file.
Now mount the raven, bid the trumpet speak.

Ed.
Transporting sound! the glorious clangor thrills
Thro' every nerve. Off with these weeds of sloth!
I am, I feel myself once more a soldier!

[Throws off his disguise and appears in armour.
Offi.
Hah! what is this my hoary beadsman chang'd
To a stout well-arm'd champion? by your leave,
Young butterfly just broke from wint'ry slough,
I mean to pinch your wings. Guards, seize the spy!

Ed.
Off, Sirs, and know me for the friend of Denmark!

Offi.
A foe might say as much; but where's the Dane
Would take him at his word? Art not a Saxon?

Ed.
I am.

Offi.
And therefore, stubborn Sir, my prisoner—

Ed.
I cannot blame thy caution, plain-tongu'd soldier;
Therefore, till noble Sewold quits his tent,
I yield me patiently.

Offi.
Patience on choice,
Or force, it matters not; thou must be patient:
Yet, if Lord Sewold owns thee for his friend,
Thy durance will be short, for see he comes!

Enter OSWALD and SEWOLD.
Osw.
This is a gallant sight, it glads my soul—
But where is Edwin?

Ed.
Here, Sir, and, if freed,
Ready to serve the Dane, and in that duty
My father, queen, and country.

Sew.
What is this?
[Seeing Edwin detained by the Guards.
Release him, guards, and let me clasp his valour.
Know, Earl, while yet this son was lost to thee,
He was my courteous host, and in his prudence,
Join'd with his heritage of thy known honour,
I so confide, that, let him give the word,
And I, and all these veterans will obey
His brave behests. Behold, ye men of Denmark,
Into the valiant grasp of this young Lord
I place my staff of office! Denmark's weal
Prompts me to this: as second in command,
Be it my pride to join him. Sound the clarion,
And hail brave Edwin general.

[Flourish and shout.
Ed.
Noble Dane!
Thou shalt not find this weighty trust repos'd
In idle hands. My deeds shall speak my thanks.
My Father—need I to remind your care
Of absent Editha?

Osw.
I'll go, my Son,
And lodge her safely with her royal mistress:
Yet, ere I go, thus let me clasp thee to me,
And call down blessings with a father's favour
On thy dear head, thy troops, and their just cause.
Yet mark me, Son, when secret thou hast brought
These veterans near the walls, I deem it best
Thou should'st dismiss some trusty spy to Aldred,
Our honour'd kinsman, captain of the guards;
So, on the instant when thy valour spreads
Th' assault without, he, by revolt within,
May seize the citadel: this, if thou dost,
(And to this end my letters have prepar'd him)
Success is certain.

Ed.
I will lay the council
Close to my heart. Thy blessing, Father! Now,
Envoy, I'm thine. Come on, ye Danish lions,
I'll lead you to your prey! A wily tyrant
Shall fall beneath the fangs of your just vengeance,
Tame as the coward stag!

[Exeunt severally.