Now list the counsel which from Heaven and Earth, Much reading of their signs and characters, I learn, and bid thee follow. If less pure In outward seeming than its sacred source, Who works through human frailties to good ends. Sickens on this side marriage and there an end. THE QUEEN MOTHER. My Lord... but what am I? Oh, my good Lord; weak woman! it is not for me... A poor But yet to give her way . . . Oh, infamous minx! If she should prosper ! . . . DUNSTAN. Fear it not; trust me. In women's breasts the passions that are bred, Of their worst enemies the best allies. With-with a woman's passions, not against them, He takes the field who wisely would pursue Her ultimate overthrow. THE QUEEN MOTHER. Most true, my lord, Most excellently true! Oh, man of God! Of thy intent. DUNSTAN. It is an easy task. Have eyes that see not, ears that hear not, brains That apprehend not. Let their wills run riot. What other furtherance a woman's wit To such an end as this may minister, Be vigilant to use. Hark! hist! a Spirit! THE QUEEN MOTHER. St. Magnus shield us! DUNSTAN. Thou art safe; but go; The wood will soon be populous with Spirits. The path thou cam'st retread. Who laughs i' the air? The Ecce crucem, spargere lucem, Spiritûm Trias, pandite vias! way is open. To St. Elstan's well I will attend thee, and there Gurmo waits. SCENE IV. A CHAMBER IN THE PALACE. Enter ATHULF and ELGIVA. ELGIVA. This is the chamber where the Council sits: ATHULF. To meet at eight, the summons said. By this They are at hand; but ere you go, one word. Elgiva, oh my sister! art thou true? Indeed, I am. ELGIVA. [Exeunt. Sincerely and in truth and honesty Have I dealt with him always, and do now. I verily believed I loved him once. I think I love him still. ATHULF. Alas! alas! But not him only, no, nor yet him most. Beware, my sister, that ambition's weeds Choke not the garden where thy love should grow. In Man, of questionable quality Ambition has been holden; but in Woman Oh! 'tis the veriest beggary of the heart That winter ever witnessed! ELGIVA. Athulf, no; A weaker to a stronger love may yield; But not in me will love, or weak or strong, ATHULF. Oh, this head! So shapely, and by nature so adorned ! Than England's jewelled crown. (An ATTENDANT, who appears at the door, announces Good night, Elgiva. Said'st thou, a stronger love? As came the honey from the lion's carcase, So sweetness comes of strength. Beware, I say; Not so they marry. [Exit ELGIVA. Gone in anger! Well; Reproof that vexed not never yet sank deep, Nor ever of a warning that was welcome Came needful caution. Tush! a woman's wrath. And yet the very day that first we meet |