Alfred A Patriotic Play, In Five Acts |
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| 5. | LAST SCENE. |
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LAST SCENE.
The interior of Glastonbury Abbey, very splendid: just after Guthrom has been baptized by the name of Athelstan. A magnificent spectacle, with Alfred, Elswitha, and all the court on one side, several being pardoned English lords and Danish Jarls; and on the other Guthrom habited in white and silver, with Bertha near him and others grouped about the Archbishop. Crowds of Danes and English, as in amicable union of the two nations, their flags and emblems mixed. After a pause, Alfred in royal robes speaks from the throne.Alfred.
This blessed chrism, brother Athelstan,
(For thy new nature claimeth a new name
That Guthrom may forget his former self,)
Hath made the consecrate henceforth to Heaven,
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Live as will best become that holy state.
And, for I know how well she loves her convert
Even as thou rejoicest in her teaching,
That our dear sister Bertha still may teach thee,
We give her to thee, Athelstan, to wife.
[he joins their hands, the Archbishop blessing.
Guthrom-Athelstan
(with astonished delight.)
Gift beyond price! O bright and blessed day!
Thou wondrous harper, that hast thrilled my heart,
Touch'd with rare skill its every trembling string,
Tuned all its discords to melodious love,
And made me all athrob with ecstasy,—
And thou, so beauteous,—yet more good than beauteous,
More loved than either,—my high noon of bliss,
O Princess, O great King,—what shall I say?
My evil is so overcome of good
And all my happiest hope more than fulfill'd
I scarce can think it other than a dream,—
All new and strange, yet all so gladly true!
Praises to God,—and to his servant Alfred,
And sweetest thanks to thee, most dear, most noble,—
My martyr!—I will be confessor now
And stand the witness for thy God, and thee!
[he takes her hand, she smiling on him.
Alfred.
So shall we heal all woes, uniting nations.
As for these English lords, sometime beguiled,
But now themselves again, a little ashamed,
I have forgiven them,—England shall forgive,
If thus, O ye my noble People round me,
You will take pattern by your English King;
And, while you battle down invading foes,
Can welcome a converted enemy.
As for these English lords, sometime beguiled,
But now themselves again, a little ashamed,
I have forgiven them,—England shall forgive,
If thus, O ye my noble People round me,
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And, while you battle down invading foes,
Can welcome a converted enemy.
Rise, Queen! tomorrow will we set these nuptials.
[as the royal procession goes out, the curtain falls slowly to the National Anthem.
| Alfred | |