 | Edwin the Fair |  |
Scene XI.
—The Walls of Malpas.Dunstan, Harcather, and a Messenger.
Dunstan.
“The Dane! The Dane!” Why pesterest thou mine ears
With that perpetual cry? How face the Dane,
Not knowing yet if Edwin be for peace?
Harcather.
For peace, Lord Abbot! nay, he cannot choose.
Dunstan.
Let me know that, I say; let me know that.
See ye the Herald coming?
Messenger.
Ay, my Lord.
Harcather.
At Herald's pace; these fellows dream and prance
Ever as in a pageant and procession.
Dunstan.
I bade him,—when in sight of Edwin's camp.
Harcather.
If he be now in sight thereof, that camp
Is nearer than we thought. It may be so.
Messenger.
But lo! he pricks his prancing to a gallop;
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Issues a cloud of dust.
Harcather.
By Egbert's bones
It is the dust of Edwin's army. Stay—
A gleam comes through it—run thou to my son,
And bid him lead the vanguard out forthwith.
Send me my horse.
Dunstan.
What think'st thou? Is it war?
Harcather.
Else wherefore this advance? To horse! to horse!
Dunstan.
Stop; be not hasty; now the Herald comes;
Hear we his tale.
Herald enters.
Well, Sir, what saith the King?
Herald.
He saith, my Lord, what I should but blaspheme
Should I recite it.
Dunstan.
What! thine office, Herald!
Speak me the very words.
Herald.
My Lord, he saith
That with a bloody and a barbarous hand
You have torn out the very sweetest life
That ever sanctified humanity.
He saith that should he covenant to make peace
With the revolted Angels, yet with you
He would not; for he deems you more accursed
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Not she that died at Gibeah, whose twelve parts
Sent several through the borders and the coasts
Raised Israel, was avenged more bloodily
Than shall Elgiva be, the murder'd Queen.
Wherefore he bids you come to battle forth,
And add another crime or answer this.
Dunstan.
Harcather, hear'st thou? To the field—away!
The gates of Hell stand wider than their wont
To let this infidel and his army pass!
| Edwin the Fair | |