Classic Poem

Scene III. Before the Castle.

Enter K ENELM , meeting an Officer.

KENELM.

How fares our royal Mistress Elgiva?

OFFICER.

Oh! if thou bring'st intelligence of Edmund,
Thou art thrice welcome. Since he went to battle,
Soft sleep forsakes her eye, and ev'ry charm
Flies from her fading face. Are we victorious?

KENELM.

Look round the Castle: 'Tis brave Edmund's all.
Our cause is desp'rate. Now no feeble ray
Of glimmering hope, unless the Mercian Cefrid
Should bring his vassals instantly to stop
The Victor's march. But age unnerves his frame,
Will he resume his long neglected arms
To wage unequal war? or wake the fury
Of such a foe as Denmark?

OFFICER.

Gracious Heaven,
Pity our wretched nation!

KENELM.

Doubly man
The outworks. Careful watch, left rude sedition
Should enter here. Treason will now grow common,
And practice villanies our Ancestors
Would blush to think. Oh! Friend, I bring such tidings!
But speedily conduct me to the Queen.

OFFICER.

Behold with eager wildness she appears.