Britain ... - Blue-Lite

408 THE VARANGIAN. [Act V.
Have pity on us both, whose bridal vows
At early morn were registered in heaven.
O, make me not a wretched, hopeless widow,
Amid a land of strangers and of foes !
I am the daughter of a princely house,
From home and friends a hapless exile driven ;
Where can I look for pity but to him
Who reigns as God's vicegerent, and should be
The fountain of all mercy as of honour ?
O, deign to hear a weeping suppliant's prayer :
Forgive, and spare my
husband !
KING.
Yes, on one,
And only one condition will I
spare
The daring rebel. Hereward,
'tis said
Thou art the chief of a mysterious Order,
Whose midnight deeds of guilt appal mankind ;
Whose influence, like strong poison in the veins,
Spreads through our kingdom. Now to us reveal
The names of those who are its potent chiefs,
Unveil its mysteries and its rites disclose,
And we here swear to pardon thy misdeeds,
Restore the lordships of thine ancient house,
And rank thee with our Earls.
HEREWARD.
Reveal, betray
My trust ? No ; honour and my God forbid !
Though here the assembled world were round me
gathered,
And its terrific yells of scorn and rage
Rang deafening in my ears,
Unmoved and faithful to that glorious trust
Of honour by my brotherhood placed here,
still would I stand