University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Ostan, Berino, a Norwegian Herald.
Ostan.
Thy ensigns
Speak thee an Herald from the King of Norway.
Hast thou no charge to me?

Herald.
My message is
To Ostan and Berino.

Ostan, Berino.
Thou hast sound them.

Herald.
Thus then the King of Norway and the Isles,
The high-born Valdemar, sprung from the race
Of Odin—First to Ostan, chief of Denmark:
As thou hast basely broke the laws of nations,
Each tie of Hospitality and Honour,
And injur'd his best interests—First to thee
Deadly defiance, with high scorn he sends
To try the mortal combat.

Ostan.
By the soul
Of mighty Thor, whose brave blood warms my veins,
Herald I bid the welcome.

Herald.
And thus, the King of Norway and the Isles,
The high-born Valdemar, sprung from the race
Of Odin, to Berino friend of Ostan—
Associate in his crimes, and of his cause
The forward champion, when his trembling helm
Shall yield to the flesh'd sword, thou next enjoy
The privilege of death.

Berino.
Vain menaces!
And impotent as vain—Words ill become
A warrior, Herald; but bear back this message
To thy proud Prince, and tell him from Berino,
That his stunn'd hosts shall hear the dogs of Denmark
Howl at his thin ghost ere to-morrow's sun.