Seraphs that wave your swords about my head, That givest me this gracious admonition ? A VOICE FROM THE CRUCIFIX. ABSIT HOC UT FIAT ! ABSIT HOC UT FIAT! Most of the Assembly fall prostrate. There is a pause of some moments. Then DUNSTAN, who had remained erect, with his hands stretched towards the Crucifix, resumes. DUNSTAN. Oh precious guidance! Oh ineffable grace! That dost from disobedience deliver The hearts of even the faithless! We obey, We cast her forth, and with her we cast forth Those three that have been foremost to uphold her, Earl Athulf, and Earl Leolf, and Earl Sidroc. Accursed be they in the city and field, Accursed be their waking and their rest— We curse the hand that feeds them when they hunger, We shut the gates of Heaven against their souls, N MORCAR and other monks. Amen! So be it! Be it so ! Amen! SIDROC (aside to WULFSTAN). The day is lost-away-skip-scud-begone. [SIDROC and WULFSTAN, with others of the Secular party, retire amidst the shouts and execrations of the Regulars. DUNSTAN. Publish the miracle without the gates; Declare the sentence of the Pope. ODO. Fly hence! Ye that are Secular! They will rouse the people! [The scene closes. ACT IV. SCENE I. TONBRIDGE CASTLE. ATHULF and GRIMBALD. ATHULF. There-take my truncheon-Thou couldst rule my force With more acceptance in the general mind Than I. By Heaven, I am ashamed to see GRIMBALD. There-take my cap and bells-I'll rule your force, And wisely too; but when I look for love Give me again my good old cap and bells. ATHULF. Ah, Fool, you 're right—and that man is not wise I must be patient. Yet it frets my heart, By their own hands upon their heads, God help them ! Well, I'll be patient. Fetch me the muster-roll. 'Tis ill to bear though. [Exit GRIMBALD. Enter SIDROC and WULFSTAN THE WISE. Ha! my friends in this At least has Fortune favoured me. I feared The tidings of our misadventurous Synod Augured but ill for both of you. Well met ! Bonfires shall blaze for this. What! 'twas your heels, I think, that brought you hither? SIDROC. As for myself, When I am frightened I can run with wings, Fast as an ostrich; but preserve me, From flying with Philosophy in hand! ATHULF. Heaven! What! was our philosophic friend so slow ? |