And you have set at large this Royal hostage, The very aim and purport of the war, It shall be then no question nor surmise What shall befall you. RUOLD. If there were not danger, Where were the service that could claim reward? Keep you my counsel for my father's sake, You hear a rumour of the Queen escaped, Call it a misadventure and mischance. SIGERIC. Save what shall reach me when I'm gone from hence RUOLD. I thank you, worthy Sigeric. Farewell. Elgiva! Royal Mistress! Beautiful Queen! I would the danger to my head were more, Lest thou shouldst deem it but a politic cast, And not a loyal venture. Re-enter ELGIVA. ELGIVA. My good Ruold, [Exit. 'Twas Sigeric went from you, was it not? What tidings brought he? RUOLD. Our yesterday's intelligence. Is rescued by Earl Athulf. Madam, he confirms The King And there is this additional,-Ethilda Is to Earl Athulf solemnly betrothed, Though yet the nuptials are not; for the Pope The sentence which he uttered to revoke ; And whilst the Earl is excommunicate, The Princess to the marriage doth demur. ELGIVA. Her heart was ever scrupulous, and splits The letters from Earl Leolf that were brought And pass the interspace of hostile ground Ere break of day. No more of doubtful looks, These cobwebs from thy brow-Ah, now 'tis clear, Free, frank, and noble !—Well, what answer, Ruold? RUOLD. My Royal Mistress, doubts if I have had, They were not craven nor disloyal doubts ; ELGIVA. Oh! I am sick of safety in a prison. Give me that dangerous liberty I seek, And through the tossings of one turbulent night With waving hands and welcomings of friends, |