Britain ... - Blue-Lite

Scene II.] THE VARANGIAN. 377
Northumberland hath done
In idle speech.
A daring act of treason, and as I
Shall shape in words before the angry King
The doing of that deed, it shall bring down
The gleaming axe upon his prostrate neck.
MATILDA.
Far better, lady, than to put our trust
In ruffian hirelings.
JUDITH.
Ay, and better still,
I shall be clear of blood. He hath himself
Brought
on his head destruction. Who waits there ?
Enter Attendant.
Go, bid my grooms they harness with despatch
My fleetest steeds, and make my chariot ready.
[Exit Attendant.
Come thou, and for my journey to the camp
Prepare me speedily.
And as the captive eagle, to some rock
Long fettered, breaks her chain and towers aloft
To meet the noontide sun, so I, set free
From the dull chains which bind me to this Saxon,
Shall bask in Love's bright heaven without a cloud.
\Eooeunt.
SCENE II. The Royal Pavilion in the camp on the
borders of Ely,
The King, Lanfranc, Osmond, Fitz-Rollo, BaronSj
and Guards.
KING.
Yon wave-locked island is the last strong-hold