Britain ... - Blue-Lite

330 THE VARANGIAN. [Act II.
WALTHEOF.
Taunt me not with the patriot deeds Fve done :
It chafes my blood. For my loved country's peace
I to King William bowed, and sheathed my sword.
Free did he grant me
OSMOND.
Pardon. Yes, I know
'Twas granted thee, and honours too, as proud
As any faithful Norman Earl hath won.
Northumberland beware ! Thou art the last
Great chief of Saxon line, and soon thy light,
Son of the morn, exalted high to lead
A starry host, may be in blood put out.
Clouds of mistrust will ever darkly hang
On a king-pardoned rebel's brightest deeds. [Exit.
WALTHEOF.
I am the last, the more sad for my country.
Suspected, haughty Norman ? called a rebel ?
Thou liest ! I was no rebel, for I had riot sworn
Allegiance to King William, am no rebel,
In act, or word, or thought,
And yet mistrusted I Well, if doomed to perish
Like all my gallant friends, O grant, kind Heaven !
My country by my death may rise to glory.
Sweet England ! if my blood could yield thee peace,
This heart would gladly all its veins outpour,
And the last sigh these lips breathed forth should be,
God bless thee, noble England !
END OF THE SECOND ACT.