Writhe in the dens of torment; where things be,
Yet never imaged in the thoughts of man,
Dark, horrible, unknown
I'll mantle o'er my head and think no more.
(covers his head with his cloak, and sinks down upon the couch.)
Qu. Nay, rather stretch you on the fleecy bed.
Ethw. Rest if thou canst, I do not hinder thee.
Qu. Then truly I will try to sleep an hour;
I am o'erspent and weary. (leans on the couch.)
Ethw. (hastily uncovering his face.)
Thou must not sleep: watch with me and be silent:
Qu. I hear them too.
Ethw. Ha! dost thou also hear it?
Then it is real. (listening.) I hear the clash of arms.
Ho, guard! come forth.
Re-enter Groom.
Go rouse my faithful dog:
Dark treason is upon us.
Gr. (disappearing and then re-entering.)
He sleeps so sound, my Lord, I cannot rouse him.
Ethw. Then, villain, I'm betray’d! thou hast betray'd me!
But set thy brawny strength against that door,
And bar them out; if thou but seem'st to flinch,
This sword is in thy heart.
