University of Virginia Library

SCENE changes to a Wood.
Enter Canterbury.
Canterbury.
Thro' these lone woods I singly take my way;
Nor dare I at yon distant village rest—
So much I fear the fierce plebeian throng:
Their threats have pierc'd my ear—But gaudy pow'r
Secur'd me long from vengeance; that I've lost—
All pow'r disowns me now, save what this arm,
And this poor dagger can afford. May war,
Loud uproar, and wild anarchy, conspire
With ev'ry dreadful engine to destroy
The peace of Goodwin.—Who comes here?—His face,
Who comes in furious sort, I've somewhere seen.
I'll hide me in the covert of this wood.

Enter Tostie and Soldiers.
Tostie.
Curse on your dastard souls! you want my wrongs
To nerve your arms. Did I not see you shrink
From furious Harold?—Sound a swift retreat,
And with your terrors aid the blast. My troops,
Placed on the summit of yon hill, remain
Unbroken. Bid them quickly fill my ships,
Whose helms are turn'd for France—Away!
Exit Soldiers.
This land
Shall on her breast feel iron-footed war,
Till with the horrid pressure she atone
For Tostie's injuries. Triumphant Harold,
Most bitter art thou to my soul. Revenge
For my insulted honour shall bring back
Thy foe to England; if I conquer, then
My only meed shall be the crown of Edward.

[Exit.
[Tostie goes off near the Place of Canterbury's Concealment.