University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Outside St. John's Church. Ellisif alone, listening at a portal.
Ellisif.
What stays him?—how he crawls, two-footed reptile!—
A step?—hark!—no!—on the blank floor a water-drop
Loud echoes as a footfall:—Hist!—Come!—Come!—

Prior
(entering from the portal).
Here is the key—you know our secret way—

Ellisif.
Ay, all your secret ways!—

Prior.
Slip through the undercroft,—
Down the blind passage,—move the hinge-hung stone—

Ellisif.
Enough!—Is he gone yet?

Prior.
And wish'd me rest
This moment, crossing by me.

Ellisif.
Let him wish
Rest to himself!—Better than his to-night
I wish thee, Prior!—No more whispering—go!—

Prior.
Faith, this shrill wind and we make such a whispering
In these drear nooks, as lion's flesh would crimple at!
I shiver,—so will safe to bed and warm me!

[Exeunt severally.