The bound'ries of our camp on yonder side, Their course directed to our monarch's tent. What means this, Ribemont?-Thou'rt lost in thought! Rib. Athens!-I am unsoldier'd; I'm unmann'dWonder you may, my noble friend; for see, I shake, I tremble- Ath. Say, at what? Rib. Why-nothing. Ath. Should the vast host that here are rang'd for battle, (Warm with impatience, eager for the fray) What wonder would it cause! For thou, of all, Rib. Believe me, Athens, I am not stricken with a coward's feeling: A sinking; whence I knew not; till, at length, And struck me motionless. Ath. 'Twas only fancy. Rib. Oh, no, my Athens! plainly I beheld My father in the habit that he wore When, with paternal smiles, he hung this weapon Have worn it ever. Wherefore then this visit ? O, soul of him I honour, once again Come from thy heav'n, and tell me what it is, Ath. Nought but a waking dream; a vapour'd brain. Rib. Once his pale visage seem'd to wear a smile, A look of approbation, not reproof; But the next moment, with uplifted hands And heaving bosom, sadly on the earth He turn'd his eyes, and sorely seem'd to weep. "I heard, or fancy'd that I heard a groan, "As from the ground his look was rais'd to me ;" Then, shaking with a mournful glance his head, He melted into air. Ath. Pr'ythee, no more You talk'd of melancholy, that was all; Rib. To-morrow! Oh, that mention of to-morrow! There are opinions, Athens, that our friends To warn us when the hour of death is nigh. Ath. See, thro' yon clouds of dust, with how much speed The Nuncio hastens to the English camp! Perhaps the terms for safety are agreed; Then where's a meaning for thy fancy'd vision? "My nerves and sinews to their wonted tone. Yes, Athens, yes, amid the fierce alarms, Where Edward thunders in vindictive arms, Shalt thou behold me, in my country's cause, [Exeunt. SCENE II. Changes to the PRINCE of WALES's Tent. Enter PRINCE, CHANDOS, and Attendants, meeting AUD LEY. Prince. Well, Audley, are the soldiers all refresh'd? Aud. All: and altho' perchance their last of meals, It seem'd so cheerful as surpass'd my hope; Still joining hands, as off they drain'd the bowl, Success to England's arms, was all the cry. At length a hoary vet'ran rais'd his voice, And thus address'd his fellows: Courage, brothers! Prince. I too could weep-Oh, Audley, Chandos, there, There rest I all my hope!--My honest soldiers, Gent. Royal sir, Enter Gentleman. A person, muffled in a close disguise, An audience of your highness, and alone. Prince. Retire, my lords--Conduct him straight way in. [Exit Gent. Chan. Your highness will not trust yourself un guarded. It may be dangerous. Consider, sir Prince. Caution is now my slave, and fear I scorn: This is no hour for idle apprehensions. [Exeunt Lords, &c. Enter ARNOLD in a disguise, which he throws off. Your business, sir, with-Arnold! -Get thee hence. Arn. Behold a wretch laid prostrate at your feet, His guilty neck ev'n humbled to the earth; Tread on it, sir- -it is most fit you should. I am unworthy life, nor hope compassion-But could not die till here I'd stream'd my tears, In token of contrition, pain and shame. Prince. Up, and this instant from my sight remove, Ere indignation urges me to pay Thy horrid treasons with a traitor's fate. Arn. Death if I'd fear'd, I had not ventur'd hi ther; Conscious I merit all you can inflict: |