University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

—A ROYAL TENT.
KING EDWARD, (Sleeping on a Couch with his armour by the side of it.)
CLYFFORD,
(entering.)
Why shakes my frame, in this tempestuous conflict
Of warring thoughts? The minute past I seemed
Led hither by an angel's hand, to rescue
Virtue from wrongs, and nature from oppression.
Now, clouds of horror blot my heavenly vision
And I feel dragged by demons to this spot,
To execute the task of hell.—Avaunt!
Ye tempters of my soul! ye shall not force me
To stab the royal patron of my youth:
No! I will kneel, beside his quiet pillow,
Invoking Heaven to quicken, in his mind,
The only virtue, his high spirit wants,
Heart-winning clemency! sleep on, secure!
Majestic, glorious Edward! only wake
To mercy, and munificence!

KING EDWARD,
(in troubled sleep starting.)
Away!
And lead him to his death!

CLYFFORD.
Inhuman sounds!
Implacable oppressor! Cruelty
Infects thy dreams: thy sanguinary soul
Glares thro' the trembling veil of ruffled sleep,
Betraying thy resolves!—Barbarity
So absolute must cancel every bond:
Humanity inspires me: injured nature
Bids me destroy the merciless destroyer.