Its cares, its kingdoms, and unbank the hours To that soft overflow which bids the heart From yonder sycamore, whose thousand leaves With lavish play to one soft music moved Tremble and sigh together. ELGIVA. What a charm The neighbouring grove to this lone chamber lends ! The while the rooks, a spotty multitude, Far distant crept across the amber sky. But hark! what strain is this? No blackbird's song, Nor sighing of the sycamore! EDWIN. Some friend, As if the key-note of our hearts divining, Accordant music ministers. Hist! Hist! (A Song from without.) God speed thee, false day, With thy gauds and thy splendour; Thy glare frights away All that's truthful and tender. Give place then above To the star that of old Lit the glances of Love When his secret was told. ELGIVA. It dies away. EDWIN. It is but distant more. (Song resumed.) On the bosom of Night Lie the tresses of Truth, But its moments take flight With the light steps of Youth. Make the most of the least, For too soon comes the warning, Is the grey-headed Morning. EDWIN. Come, follow it; but, stop-let me leap down. You ought like her to give your Love the start. [Exeunt. Enter the QUEEN MOTHER and DUNSTAN from opposite sides. THE QUEEN MOTHER. So, well-so, well-what more? 'Tis even so! But, ah! my good Lord Abbot... What remains? DUNSTAN. Madam, to bed; and let no light be seen, [Exeunt. SCENE VI. A COURT IN FRONT OF THE PALACE. Enter the CHIEF HUNTSMAN followed by other Huntsmen, a BUGLEMAN, and Hounds. CHIEF HUNTSMAN. What! none astir? By the Lord! the King lies long : What! down, sir, down! Oh, flatteries of dogs! BUGLEMAN. I wheeze to-day as who cries, By the mass! Bellows to mend ! ' I'm out of breath with snoring. But no matter; SECOND HUNTSMAN. Prithee, wake not the moon; 'Tis but a half hour gone since she turned pale And went to bed. THIRD HUNTSMAN. This dog is full of fleas. SECOND HUNTSMAN. Excuse him; he has been amongst the monks. Who's here? (Horn winds.) CHIEF HUNTSMAN. Earl Sidroc. You are first, my lord. Enter EARL SIDROC. SIDROC. I'm risen this hour; a snuff of the dawn for me! My nose doth love it better than a nosegay. Right, my good lord. Oh, the best bitch! CHIEF HUNTSMAN. You see her there, sir—Elf ; Relay or vauntlay 'tis the same to her; SIDROC. She is a good one. Sound another call. To keep the King's dogs waiting is unmannerly. |