Britain ... - Blue-Lite

Scene II.] THE DEVOTED ONE. 145
Plundering on sea and land, while fell Revenge
Crimsons their knives as deeply as of old.
At their proud banquets, night and day they spend
In such debauching riot, as exceeds
All I in heathendom have yet beheld.
Nor are these Saxons, who so long have borne
The Christian name, for better deeds approved :
But much I marvel pious bishops should
Make nobles drunk, to cheat them of their wealth,
Whereby t' enrich themselves. ( 12 )
CANUTE.
I must confess
Their deeds too oft disgrace the name they bear ;
But still the faith is pure, however so ill
The practice of its followers.
ZANDAGAST.
Stranger
still !
A tree so goodly, bitter fruits produce ?
A fount so pure, such turbid waters yield ?
Enter Officer.
OFFICER.
Duke Edric waits without to see your Grace,
And bids me say, he brings important news
To be in secret told.
CANUTE.
My Earls, withdraw.
[Exeunt Chiefs, $c.
What tidings hither brings this Mercian Duke ?
I know him for a villain; but while he
To my ambition ministers, I must
With honours gild
his baseness. Kings may love
Treason to foes : but hate, and watchful fear,