Classic Poem

Scene V.

Enter C EFRID .

CEFRID.

Where is my King?

CANUTUS.

There, Cefrid, — dead to all his people's prayers.

CEFRID.

Then all my fears are true.

CANUTUS.

What fears?

CEFRID.

Vile Edrick;
Pale, trembling, sore confus'd, — but now attempted,
Unseen, to pass the postern. I observ'd him,
And as we parley'd, with amazement, saw
His vesture stain'd with blood. On further search,
This dagger was discover'd.

CANUTUS.

Drag him hither.
Much injur'd Edmund, if the recompence
Of all thy virtues was but early death,
What punishment shall man assign thy murd'rer,
Proportion'd to his crimes?