Britain ... - Blue-Lite

276 THE VARANGIAN. [Act I.
KING.
Much I revere the Apostolic See
Of ancient Rome ; but never, as a king,
An independent sovereign, will I bow
In worldly homage to the proudest head
That wears her 13
diadem, ( ) an earthly sign
Of a dominion not of earth, but Heaven ;
And were the mitre of all Christendom placed
To-morrow in full conclave on thy brows,
With trumpet-sounding peal, and loud acclaim
Of gathered princes and Rome's noisy rabble,
Thou, by the Resurrection ! o'er my realms,
People, nor bishops, shouldst have any rule.
ODO.
That may be tried : and let my foot be placed
Once on the steps which lead to Peter's throne,
That foot shall fearless trample in the dust
The boldest head, though circled with a crown,
Which dares dispute my Heaven-descended ! rights
Thou mayst, too soon perchance, be taught to learn
How weak are carnal weapons, when opposed
To an uplifted arm, empowered to wield
Heaven's own terrific thunder !
KING.
For Europe's peace,
For England's weal, and for thy private good,
I thee arrest. What, ho ! my guards,
Convey the Bishop of Bayeux to prison.
O.DO.
Thou impious King, I am God's minister.
No man on earth dares to arraign or judge
His holy herald, his anointed bishop,
advance !
[The Soldiers hesitate.