Britain ... - Blue-Lite

322 THE VARANGIAN. [Act II.
And thou of Saxon line, it had not thus
Overwhelmed me with surprise.
JUDITH.
Trust not to looks.
The base deceiver pardon feigned to crave,
For stirring up contention in the household :
I little weened, when he approached me here,
To find him what he is.
HEREWARD ( 'aside.)
Little, indeed.
Thy lying lips at last have uttered truth,
Though artfully disguised.
WALTHEOF.
I've ever been,
In love and hate, plain spoken, and my aim
Is to be just to all. I have not deemed
Even the most censured guilty, till their crimes
Clear as the sun were proved ;
It seems impossible he could insult
therefore to me
Thy lofty virtue, which above him shines
High as the stars in heaven, did I not know
'Twere more impossible that thou shouldst lie,
And falsely him accuse.
HEREWARD.
My gracious lord,
Thou art by every Englishman adored
That loves his country, and thy spotless name
Not even thy deepest, deadliest foe can taint.
Alas, that such should in thy house be found !
Noble Northumberland, it is in vain
To tell thee wherefore I was hither brought.
I could accuse, but thou couldst not believe.
Armed in my innocence, I am content