SCENE X. AN ORATORY. Two DUNSTAN, in a shirt of sackcloth stained with blood, reclines on a pallet of straw. ODO stands near him. Choristers are closing their books. How farest thou, Brother? ODO. DUNSTAN. Brother, weak in flesh But strong of spirit. Choristers, retire. [Exeunt Choristers. Brother, behoves us to compel our thoughts Turn them, so long averted. Say, in brief, ODO. Still a gathering round Of the King's forces, trooping to the call DUNSTAN. Son of perdition, he affronts his fate! But there are more than he? ODO. At Hastings still Earl Leolf stands aloof; but holds his power In present preparation. DUNSTAN. Brother, lo! With blasting and with mildew shall they perish! With madness, blindness, and astonishment Shall they be smitten, the young man and the virgin, Terror within them and a sword without ! One way against us shall their host come forth, -What is this? And seven ways flee before us. ATHULF is heard without, singing: Sinks the sun with a smile, Though his heart's in his mouth, And night comes the while Like them, Love, are you, In your coming and flying ; And you welcome me sighing. DUNSTAN. What mumming knave is here ?-Brother, I say, Shall smoke against them.-Nay, again! What, ho! GRIMBALD is heard without, singing: There was a maid that was a jade, Four lovers true had she ; One did so dote, that he cut his own throat, DUNSTAN. What, ho are we attended? Are there none To keep the precincts? GRIMBALD'S song continued. From this we learn to see and discern, Nor hotly to desire A maid whose store of lovers is more Than her just needs require. Enter BRIDFERTH (DUNSTAN'S Chaplain). DUNSTAN. What vile noise is this Of juggling mountebanks that bellow and sing? BRIDFERTH. My lord, Earl Athulf, from his Majesty, 9 Attended by his Majesty's chief jester, Expects the end of your observances, And entertains his patience. ODO. Insolent scoffer! DUNSTAN. The King hath sent him? Nay then, bring him here. ODO. [Exit BRIDFERTH. Attended by a jester! Is 't not monstrous? DUNSTAN. Brother, not so. A grave occasion this, Far looks the present hour, and sees beyond Enter ATHULf. Welcome, sir, to Sheen! ATHULF. My Lord Archbishop, and my good Lord Abbot, I crave your blessing. Summons from the King Each your fit function then and there, Lord Primate, You shall anoint him King, and you, my Lord, As is your right, shall with the golden spurs Adorn and illustrate the royal heels. DUNSTAN. Sir Earl, all rights that in the Church reside, ATHULF. I will so say. Will punctually upon St. Austin's eve Be otherwise attended. Fare you well! DUNSTAN. Ho, ho! Sir Earl; say'st thou St. Austin's eve? Look to thy sister! F [Exit. |