Page:Passions 2.pdf/267

Most meekly did confine his heavenly power
Unto the task assign'd him. Think of this.
O! dost thou listen to me?

Ethw. (moved and softened.)
Yes, good Ethelbert.
Be thou more calm: we will consider of it.
We should desire our people's good, and peace
Makes them to flourish. We confess all this;
But circumstance oft takes away the power
Of acting on it. Still our Western neighbours
Are turbulent and bold; and, for the time,
Tho' somewhat humbled, they may rise again
And force us to the field.

Sel. No, fear it not! they are inclin'd to peace.
Tidings I've learnt, sent by a trusty messenger,
Who from Caernarvon is with wond'rous speed
But just arriv'd, that their brave prince is dead.
A sudden death has snatch'd him in his prime;
And a weak infant, under tutorage
Of three contending chiefs of little weight,
Now rules the state, whom, thou may'st well perceive,
Can give thee no disturbance.

Ethw. (eagerly, with his eyes lightening up, and his whole frame agitated.)
A trusty messenger has told thee this?
O send him to me quickly! still fair fortune
Offers her favours freely. Send him quickly!
Ere yet aware of my returning health,
Five thousand men might without risk be led
E'en to their castle walls.