University of Virginia Library

SCENE VIII.

Enter Aurelius, Uter, Pascentius, and Flavia.
Aur.
Though bloody battle calls us forth again,
I'll rather part with life, with all on earth,
Than leave thee, Flavia, unprotected.

Uter.
Hengist hath pitch'd on t'other side of Badon;
The noise of arms, and distant hum of soldiers,
Bespeak their hasty preparation;
'Twere best to attack them early in the morn.

Aur.
Then be it so.

Pas.
And yet I must not 'gainst my father arm!

Fla.
Indeed, thou'dst arm against thy sister too;
Who wou'd protect me then, or calm my fear;
Who sit and tell me tales of hope? O! no one:
It were too much, you cannot, must not leave me.

Enter Officer.
Off.
Two sons of Vortigern do crave admittance.

Enter Wortimerus and Catagrinus.
Wort.
My brother and my sister here!

Cata.
O! joy unthought of! Oh! unlook'd-for bliss!

Fla.
Say! speak! how fares it with my gentle mother?

Wort.
Beseech thee, ask me not of her sad story.

Fla.
Sad, say'st thou? Heav'n forefend; she is not dead?

Wort.
Calm thyself, dearest sister, she lives still.

Fla.
O! where, where, tell me, that with these moist tears
I may rain comfort on her wounded soul.

Wort.
Let us retire.