Alfred An Heroic Poem, in Twenty-Four Books. By Joseph Cottle: 4th ed. |
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 | Alfred |  |
Oddune, low bending, cried,
‘Once more, Oh, hear me; once, I ask no more!
‘I know that thou wilt pardon me, Oh, king,
‘Nor doubt the motive which to these my words
‘Gives such new energy. To serve the cause
‘We fight for, and promote thy subjects' weal,
‘In this design, doubtless hath govern'd thee;
‘This is most clear. But may not all the good
‘Thou hop'st to gain, some one, on easier terms
‘Secure for Britain? May not one of us—
‘Nay, even I, go forth to calculate
‘On all I see and hear—bringing thee word
‘Most faithfully? If wise to thee it seem
‘Thus to assume another's character,
‘And wander 'mid the enemy, unknown,
‘The bold adventure doth so suit my mind,
‘And mode of thought, that I would earnestly
‘This one fresh proof of confidence implore!
‘Spurn not my earnest prayer! If in th' attempt
‘Oddune should fall, hundreds around their king
‘Would better serve him, but if thou should'st die!
‘If Britain's vengeful foe should lay thee low!
‘There is an end of hope! O, hear me, prince!
‘I must not, cannot be denied!’
‘Once more, Oh, hear me; once, I ask no more!
‘I know that thou wilt pardon me, Oh, king,
‘Nor doubt the motive which to these my words
‘Gives such new energy. To serve the cause
‘We fight for, and promote thy subjects' weal,
‘In this design, doubtless hath govern'd thee;
‘This is most clear. But may not all the good
‘Thou hop'st to gain, some one, on easier terms
‘Secure for Britain? May not one of us—
‘Nay, even I, go forth to calculate
‘On all I see and hear—bringing thee word
‘Most faithfully? If wise to thee it seem
‘Thus to assume another's character,
‘And wander 'mid the enemy, unknown,
‘The bold adventure doth so suit my mind,
‘And mode of thought, that I would earnestly
‘This one fresh proof of confidence implore!
‘Spurn not my earnest prayer! If in th' attempt
‘Oddune should fall, hundreds around their king
‘Would better serve him, but if thou should'st die!
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‘There is an end of hope! O, hear me, prince!
‘I must not, cannot be denied!’
| Alfred | |