 | William Rufus |  |
Scene I.
—The New Forest. Beowulf (restlessly pacing to and fro). Enter Purkis.Purkis
[aside].
There's alteration in the face. His brow,
That had the quiet of a leaguered town,
Growing a little stiller day by day,
Is now a blaze of sortie and assault.
[Aloud.]
Why, dad, you're looking busy; what new scheme
Are you hatching? Is your sight come back again?
Beowulf
[pulling down a bough of acorns].
One fell down on my head; they're growing ripe.
Where is the king? Does he have quiet rest?
Purkis.
Don't shake like a conspirator.
Beowulf.
It's come;
It's at the doors, and I must witness it.
I was at Senlac. Look you well about—
I must not miss it; I must see him fall;
I saw King Harold.
Purkis.
Well-a—well-a-day!
We'll to the show and you shall lead me on,
Unfold me how the players gib and mince:
You are the seeing man.
Beowulf.
Let's walk about.
What is the time of day?—The August gules ...
Purkis.
You're mixing things.
Beowulf.
What was it that I wrought?
We must not one be idle. I must help.—
I'm young again: my boy, it's coming back,
204
Purkis.
This is fresh prodigy; he's radiant.
There's very twinkle in the leaden sky
Of his old eyes; but let them out of cell,
He'll be a maniac.—Come, come, to-bed!
Beowulf.
I'll sleep when it is dark; it's shining now,
And I must watch. I am a sentinel;—
Ay, that's the word; all things are pressing back.
A watch; they chose me for my piercing sight
By the hoar apple-tree ... I built the fence.
Where is the place? I can't see clearly yet.
Let's feel the trunk.
Purkis.
It's supernatural.
I'll haul him to the oak: he's riveted
To this one bark.—We will encamp here, dad.
Beowulf.
There's a great prospect, even over sea.
Ay, it stands well.
Purkis.
One looks to Pevensey;
The sea is glist'ring.—Now he's dulled again.
Beowulf.
Another time; that was another day.
It's overspread with leaves—a better light,
And not too dazzling. I will guard the wood.
| William Rufus | |