Britain ... - Blue-Lite

Scene I.] THE VARANGIAN. 301
Zalmira from pollution, or the tomb.
Who art thyself a bondman ?
HEREWARD.
Be at peace.
I hither came in this attire to seek
My dear-loved brother, Morcar, Earl of Mercia,
Whom the stern Norman bastard, with false wiles,
Allured into his power. I sold myself
A slave, that under such disguise I might
Discover in the tyrant's court where now,
A chain-bound captive, in some dungeon lies
That foe to Norman rule. But fear thou not,
For there are those in Waltheofs household who
Are friends to our good cause ;
Awaits my signal-horn in yonder woods.
But, till we quit this city, let my name
Escape not thy sweet lips.
and a stout band
Enter Almaric, with armed Slaves.
ALMARIC.
There stands the dog,
The saucy bond-slave, who dared lift his hand
Against his master. Drag him to a dungeon.
At eventide he hangs.
[ The slaves seize Hereward.
Shall perish first in flames !
He uttereth treason !
HEREWARD.
ALMARIC.
ZALMIRA.
City and court
Thafs treason. Mark,
I will with thee go