Britain ... - Blue-Lite

Scene II.] THE VARANGIAN. 283
KING.
What thine, them tonguesome babbler, never are,
ivo.
Pithy and brief. Why, I am deemed, my lord,
As dexterous at a tale as at a sword,
And am persuaded oft
KING.
Then be so now,
To tell at once the tidings thou hast brought.
ivo.
As a fierce troop of hunger-bitten wolves
Rush on the centre of th 1
unguarded flock,
So, without circumambiency, I dash
Headlong into my story.
KING.
ivo.
Saints, for patience !
I'm never tedious. Hereward de Brunne,
As goes the frightful legend far and near
In secret whispers, is the wizard chief
Of a strange brotherhood, whose dark intrigues
And mysteries none can fathom, save themselves.
Report, in fear, speaks of their unknown rites
At dead of night performed. Some say they offer
Children in sacrifice to spirits and fiends
That haunt the lonely moor and forest wilds,
And pledge each other to eternal friendship
In skulls of human blood.
KING.
Glory
Doth such a curst society exist
of heaven !
Within my kingdom ? By what name are they
Distinguished,
Ivo ?