Classic Poem

Scene VI. — Small distance from the Castle.

Enter E DRICK and A LLWYN .

ALLWYN.

M Y Lord, a rumour spreads throughout your troops,
That stern Canutus and your mightly Brother,
By single combat will, this day, decide
The issue of the war.

EDRICK.

I know it, Allwyn;
And, trust me, Fortune now, with kindest aspect,
Looks on our hopes. Let daring Royalty
Expose its breast to danger's furious shock,
I give them ample leave. Let them sight on,
Till each is satisfied. O that thy bosom
Glow'd with as warm a zeal for enterprize,
As mine now feels.

ALLWYN.

My ever gracious Master!
Disclose to my attentive ear your wishes;
The ready execution of this arm
Attends your will.

EDRICK.

I know thee, and will trust thee.
The armies deem the riyals justly match'd,
And wait, with beating hearts, the chance of war,
But I, who rate them better, can predict,
Success will follow Edmund's agile arm,
Skillful and strong alike. Now mark me, Allwyn;
Thou hast the skill, with surest aim, to wing
The pointed dart. Amongst the troops of Denmark
Choose a fit place, and when the shouts of triumph
Salute the Conqueror, guide th' envenom'd shaft
Even to the breast of Edmund. If he fall,
Amid the tumult drop thy bow, and herd
Amongst the Britons; and the slaughter'd bodies
Of my slain rivals, now no more my fear,
Shall be the steps to mount me to the throne.

ALLWYN.

Where is the Instant Prince?

EDRICK.

In sanctuary,
At Gloucester Priory. But the young serpent
May soon be seiz'd, if all else suits my purpose.
Already, towards the plain, the Danish host
Moves like a sable cloud; and fearless Edmund
Had lac'd the cuirass on his panting breast,
When I came from the Castle.

ALLWYN.

He shall come,
Falsely secure; even as the Lybian lion,
With stately step, walks to the artful snare,
Laid, by avenging shepherds, for his ruin.