Scene IV. — The Castle.

Enter ELGIVA.

I would entreat for Edmund, could I frame
My scatter'd thoughts to holy offices.
Should the Dane conquer, what remains for me
But to inter the honourable corse,
With pious rites, then close my eyes for ever?
But ah! my Child! could I abandon him
To the stern frown of callous Arrogance,
Grown mighty by his ruin!

Enter EDRICK.

Oh! my Sister!
Death has been busy on yon fatal plain.
The Dane had sworn, by Hell, to glut his hunger
With sacred blood. Treach'ry and murder follow'd,
Shall I proceed?

ELGIVA.

Yes, if thy words can kill me!
Yet come not here, with thy deceitful woe,
To intercept my sanctity of grief.
Go, bid the fraudful Dane remember Ashdown
Began what he has finish'd.

EDRICK.

Do not taunt
The penitent, your noble Lord forgave.
I come to offer thee my truest service,
And all my martial powers. Ne'er will I see
Thy Son berest of Empire, by Canutus.
Intrust him to my care, and I will seat him
On his paternal Throne.

ELGIVA.

Talk not of thrones —
Safety is all my humble hopes aspire to.
The royal tree, that gave it shelter, fall'n,
Can the young nursling hope to brave the storm?
Hark! — 'Tis the cruel murd'rer of my Husband,
Recent from slaughter, — must I meet him too?
Speak, dove-eyed Patience, to my troubled soul,
And still the tumult there.

EDRICK, ( aside )

Ha! both alive?
What curs'd mischance? hath Allwyn then betray'd me?
I must inquire the cause.