University of Virginia Library

SCENE X.

Vortigern's Palace.
Enter Vortigern and 1st. Baron.
1st. Bar.
Speed, my most gracious lord, think on your safety,
They course your troops, and dreadful is the carnage.

Vor.
Where are my sons?

1st. Bar.
Let not your tongue curse me when I shall say.

Vor.
Speak quick!

1st. Bar.
With all their troops they join'd the enemy,
And took with them their mother.

Enter Officer.
Vor.
Well, Sir, and what more tidings do you bring?

Off.
To London's lofty walls they follow'd us.

Vor.
I care not an' they follow'd you to hell:
Speak, vassal! coward, speak! where is Rowena?

Off.
Alas, I fear me, Sir, she's ta'en a prisoner.

Vor.
Then all is lost indeed!—Thou sweetest death!
Bury but in this bosom thy fell dart,
And I will bless thee for the gentle deed.

Off.
Shall I go forth, my lord, and man the walls?

Vor.
Do as thou wilt,—
Good friend, I'd speak with thee.

Off.
What, Sir, are your commands?

Vor.
Thou art an old and ever faithful servant.

Off.
My means have not kept pace with my desires.

Vor.
I know thee well! wou'dst thou not serve me, friend?

Off.
Aye, my good lord! put me but to the test,
And you shall see me smile at death himself.

Vor.
I take thee at thy word; hold here my sword,
And but one friendly office render me;
Flinch not, strike deep and home; here lies my heart.

Off.
O! if each drop that were to issue from thee,
Were a most precious jewel, and the whole
Were my reward, by heav'n I wou'd not do't!

Vor.
Thou coward, what, afraid? O! shame, fie on't.

Off.
Consider, Sir, your Queen yet lives.

Vor.
Thou art in the right; to arms then; out,
Bring me my burnished shield, my weighty ax,
And man the northern gate, let every bell
Sound forth each brazen note until it rouse
Our tombed fathers from their silent graves,
To come and aid us at this pinch of time.
Ring till the very steeples totter down.
Mark well my orders, he that flinches, dies.
If ought of murmur's heard, choak it with death.
Away, away, and now for victory.