Britain ... - Blue-Lite

400 THE VARANGIAN. [Act V.
As pass it will, nor ever reach this isle,
Since from the gold I've sown on Scandia's soil
Hath sprung up deadly strife: Soon gallant wars
Shall draw the discontented hence to France,
Bretagne to conquer
With England's diadem shall be enwreathed,
And Philip tremble on his Gallic throne. [Exeunt.
: then the Armoric crown
SCENE II. A Pavilion in the royal Camp.
Enter Judith.
JUDITH.
The sound of yonder battle on the breeze
Comes like the far-off fall of many waters,
Now quick and hoarsely loud, now soft and low
As if in silence till dying anon
;
Rises the
piercing yell, the deep-toned shout
Of wild despair and victory. Where stays Dorset ?
Is he amid that host struggling with Death ?
Joy to my soul, he comes !
Enter Osmond.
OSMOND (aside.}
The Countess ? I
Would fain avoid her presence. She is free,
And freedom, to my gay romantic fancy,
Of all her charms hath robbed her. Questionless
She dreams of bridal vows and wedlock's chains :
O, they
Thou comest
would drive me mad !
JUDITH.
Gentle my lord,
OSMOND.
Ay, lady, to condole with thee