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ODO.

Nay, it shall not be.

DUNSTAN.

The wedding shall not; for the rest compound.

If, as their wanton bearing seems to boast,

It cannot be withstood, lo! give it way.
This weakling, Edwin, from the arms escaped
Of Ethbaal's daughter, the Zidonian quean,

As amiably shall answer to our call

As a tame culver.

ODO.

Were he but escaped!

DUNSTAN.

As with gross appetite he now enjoys

(If insight fail me not) the all of folly,

So shall we see him soon agape for change,
Loathing his love foregone. Yield, brother, yield.
Yet hold your force the while not less alert

To answer each event. Be armed within,

Be gowned without. Good Brother, yield, but stand.

[Exeunt.

ACT II.

SCENE I.

LEOLF'S CASTLE, IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF HASTINGS.

EMMA, alone.

EMMA.

He walks upon the beach. A mind perturbed

Shall find the sea companionable. His

Is sorely troubled or my comment errs,
That is not uninspired. Oh, dearest Leolf!
You see not me with love-discerning eyes,
As I see you, or you would pity me.

When last I saw you, stately was your strength,
And you are now a very noble ruin.

Might I but be the wild flower on the wall
Of that war-wasted tower! A weed, alas!
But with a perfume.-Were I but at Court

Soon should I see what currents cross him there.

The King? And if it be . . . Here's my soft slave.

Now to your work, my plotting scheming brains,

And I shall thrive.

I thank

Enter ERNWAY.

Well, Ernway, friend, what cheer?

ERNWAY.

you, I am well in health. My heart

Is heavy, as you know.

EMMA.

'Tis a good heart;

But pitch me overboard this sand and gravel.
With a light heart a meagre wit may pass ;
Or with a copious wit a heavy heart;

But when the ship that 's vacant of a freight
Labours with nothing but the dead-weight...

ERNWAY.

Hush!

Although you love me not, you should not scorn me,
Lest some day you be scorned yourself.

EMMA.

'Tis true;

I should be gentle; and, good faith! I love you,

Not amorously, I own, but amicably.

You are a kind and most affectionate fool,

And beautiful besides. I love your eyes,

Your hair, your mouth, your chin. I love you piece-meal;
I love your softness, gracefulness, and warmth ;

And putting you together, on the whole
I like to see you at my heart's gate sit,
Upon a winter's day, and toss you crumbs.
Such is my friendship, and this many a day
I have not taxed you for returns. But now.

What can I do?

ERNWAY.

EMMA.

What will you?

ERNWAY.

Nay, what not?

If

my

weak wit, that you despise so much,

Can compass it, I'll do it.

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'Tis better than to be a lying lover;

And yet not good-and would you not be good?

ERNWAY.

As good as you-no better.

EMMA.

I your conscience!

'Tis much to have one soul to answer for !

Yet will I make you sin.

As good as I ?

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I am content to lie and cheat for that.

EMMA.

You come from Court.

There's much of service there

Is of that kind and in that coin requited.

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