 | Fair Rosamund |  |
Scene III.
—Winchester: An ante-room to the Queen's chamber. Curtain before the door. Enter maidens.1st Maid.
Since Lammas-tide
Autumn hath lain about the doomèd woods.
To-night she storms them, battering the leaves
From many a stricken oak.
2nd Maid.
And the wind waves
The curtain to and fro.
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Is death behind? I know not which to fear,
The ruffling night or the dead quietness
Within.
2nd Maid.
I'd like to peep.
3rd Maid.
Thou dar'st not; none
Enter save Beatrix.
2nd Maid.
A cunning leech!
3rd Maid.
Yet she
Is colourless, and whimpers, “Pray for us!”
[Thunder.
2nd Maid.
Hear you that?
Should the king be afloat?
1st Maid.
Impossible!
His stoutest vessel cannot climb such waves,
As must make mountain-country of the sea
Betwixt his lands.
2nd Maid.
'Twas pity that the tales
From Holy Land should keep him in the town
After farewell.
3rd Maid.
They say it fretted him.
2nd Maid.
Peace, peace! The curtain moves.
[Enter Beatrix.]
All.
How fares the Queen?
Beat.
She cannot sleep. Is the King still detained?
1st Maid.
He left five hours ago.
Beat.
A fearful night!
I cannot calm the Queen. Fetch me Sir Jose,
He'll aid me; then to bed!
1st Maid.
God lay the storm!
[Exeunt.
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