Britain ... - Blue-Lite

Scene I.] THE VARANGIAN. 371
Are privileged of speech, and oft do they
Abuse their freedom. But when goest thou hence
To join the army gathered by the King
To conquer Ely's isle ?
Wild rumours are afloat of some new plot.
Some threatened insurrection. These rude wars
Must part us now. O, safe be thy return !
For thee alone I live.
OSMOND.
Still loath to part,
I linger gazing on thy matchless charms
Like summer twilight o'er the weeping flowers,
Till sullen night commands it to retire.
Enter Matilda.
MATILDA.
This pleasing interview I grieve to mar ;
But from St. Alban's shrine Northumberland
Is speeding hither.
JUDITH.
Night and darkness come
Too hastily to hide thee from my sight.
I would not have Northumberland should learn
I saw thee in his absence.
OSMOND.
But this cloud
Long shall not intervene, from me to hide
The heaven -bright glances of those sunny eyes.
These stolen visitations heighten all
Our mutual joys, as moonbeams sweetly break
On the night- wearied pilgrim from the storm. [Exit.
JUDITH.
Have any tidings reached the palace yet
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