Britain ... - Blue-Lite

372 THE VARANGIAN. [Act IV.
Of that proud slave, who by the faithless Harold
Escaped my vengeance ?
MATILDA.
None. It is believed
He was a Saxon of some note, disguised
For purposes
of treason. Be who he may,
and as he
I owe him my best wishes ;
To us is lost, so may destruction find him.
JUDITH.
I in his freedom am myself made free,
Free of his blood. I would not have my love
Darkened with needless crime, for he can now
Work me no further mischief.
MATILDA.
As for that,
To slay a forest bull or stag is deemed
A weightier crime in law, than spilling blood
Of a base Saxon slave.
JUDITH.
But not in
justice.
Matilda, will the Earl approach me here ?
MATILDA.
I ween so, madam. He more sullen seems
Than is his wonted humour, and he walks
Conversing with the air, or some foul fiend
Who dogs him at the heels.
Enter Waltheof.
WALTHEOF (aside.)
Would I St. Alban's halls had never seen !
That Abbot hath beguiled me to my ruin :
Poison was in his wine-cups. O, they are
Rank traitors all ! And shall I link myself