Britain ... - Blue-Lite

Scene I.] THE DEVOTED ONE. 121
Thy nation loathe ; and well is known the fate
Of yesterday's most bloody battle, fought
On the red fields of Skorstein. If the serfs
Meet thee, or any of the Danish host,
They will no mercy show; nor would he find
A milder doom, were it once told who gave
Assistance to their foeman.
ULFMANDO.
Can I doubt
That honour dwells within a form so noble ?
Or think thou wouldst betray a foe who claims
Thy generous pity
in the hour of need ?
Then take this ring, this purse with oras filled ;
They shall be freely thine, if thou wilt guide
My steps in safety
to the Danish host.
GODWIN (after looking at the ring.)
It is a tempting prize : and some there are
Who bravely would protect ay, and betray,
For such a gift, a foeman or a friend.
Receive, lord Dane, again thy proffered wealth.
Scorn fall on him who takes a bribe to act
Deeds of sweet charity ! In my poor thoughts,
More noble 'tis to save a suppliant foe,
Than e'en the sternest in the field to
quell.
Come to my father's cottage ; thou shalt there
Find food and shelter. When the shades of night
Fall on these woods, I will conduct thee hence ;
And should we safely reach thy friends and home,
Reward me as thou wilt. O, how I love,
Till all my spirit seems on fire, to gaze
Thus on the warrior clad in gleaming arms !
Shall such bright plumes o'er my young brows e'er wave ?
Such mail encase these limbs ?