Britain ... - Blue-Lite

Scene II.] THE ENGLISH SLAVE. * 3
In thy proud halls of glory.
Ere this Earl
Shall to the altar lead me as his bride,
I'll set my spirit free, and by that act
Obtain a throne among our warrior gods.
BERTHA.
What though Rogvalla, overwhelmed by numbers,
Fled to his ships, doubt not of his return.
EVANDA.
When, my brave sea-king, shall I hear thy horn
Wail out its battle-summons round these towers !
When shall I see thy brand with Saxon blood
Red to the hilt, and in blest freedom roam
With thee again the bright and boundless deep !
[ Martial flourish .
What sounds are those ? "Tis not the Danish horn.
Enter Harold.
HAROLD.
Lady, I come with tidings which, I ween,
Thou with no welcome wilt from me receive.
The Earl of Devon approaches.
EVANDA.
As I feared.
HAROLD.
He and his warmen from their steeds
alight
Without the castle
gates. There also come
The British Duke of Cornwall and his daughter,
With many Danes, the captives of my lord.
EVANDA.
The purple plague come with him, and a curse
To blight his fondest hopes ! But there is peace.
HAROLD.
Lady, I wait to lead you to his presence