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SCENE I.
A grove, by Thyra's Tent.Egbert, Goodwin.
Goodwin.
Behold the Path, which leads to Thyra's Tent:
This Grove, thro' which the Moon scarce throws her Beam,
Well suits thy purpos'd Privacy.—The Guards,
Which late clos'd round the Tent, by Harold's Order
Have left this Entrance free.
Egbert.
The Path is dark: Nor can I aught descry,
Save the faint Glimm'ring of a distant Lamp,
That lights the inner Tent. Is this dark Path
The sole Approach?
Goodwin.
It is.—But if thy Purpose
Be undivulged Secresy of Converse,
Call forth thy Thyra to this ample Round,
Where neither Ear can hear, nor Tongue betray thee:
The distant Guard here circles round the Wood:
But on yon opposite Side, the Centinels
Hemm in the Tent, a close compacted Body:
No Whisper can escape their watchful Ear.—
Egbert.
'Tis well: I'll call her hither. Leave me, Goodwin:
So Harold gave Command. Her Weal and mine
Hang on the Purport of my Thought; which asks
Her private Ear.
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I leave thee to thy Wishes.
[Exit Goodwin.
Egbert.
Where is my Wife!—Come forth, thou innocent Lamb,
To Slaughter doom'd!—Oh speed thee; for ev'n now
The bloody Tiger, eyes thee in the Fold!
Wilt thou not hear the Shepherd's friendly Voice,
That warns thee from thy Foe?—Thyra—dear Thyra!—
It is thy Egbert calls!—
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