SWEYN.

I will, my lord.

[Exit.

GUTHRUM.

Ubbo! what captives did you take last night?

Ubbo!-why, look! he stares on vacant air,

Did you not hear me speak? I called you thrice.

UBBO.

My thoughts were wand'ring... much against my will.

GUTHRUM.

[Aside.

No doubt they crossed the fight, and if 'twere so,

I wish with all my heart I were with them;

This life's exceeding dull-you're all asleep.

What prisoners have you brought? no doubt but few.

Why this is wonderful, my lords!

"Ubbo the Thunderer," who laughed at men When they made mention of a woman's name, Who thought no more of women than of toys

Given to infants, to be tossed aside

GUTHRUM.

Of Alfred, ha? then I will see her straight.
They say he is a man, a worthy foe.

Send the girl hither, I will question her.

Enter an Attendant.

ATTENDANT.

My lord, the Queen entreats a word with you.

GUTHRUM.

My friends, go use your

We meet again this afternoon to feast.

UBBO.

time ;

[Exeunt all except UBво.

I know not why 'tis so- I'm always jeered
To make them pastime,-I, who in war
Am first in every strife, in peace become
A sort of butt for witty marksmen's shots,
A kind of bugbear for young wits to bait.
I will not bear it! I will spite the blood
Of him who next begins. And for this girl-
Ye Gods! that I should love a Saxon maid!

Repeat me o'er this dream, -'tis very strange.

EDUNA.

As I told you a drowsy lethargy

Crept o'er my frame, my blood seemed clotted ice,

My limbs were in a vice, and wearily

My pulses beat,—

Time showed a blank, for light had fled my sight:

Whilst thus entranced I lay

GUTHRUM.

What hour was this?

EDUNA.

The bell had then told one

Methought I stood on Hecla's icy top,

The northern winds swept by, and roared as loud

As doth the Maelstrom, struggling to get free

From some gigantic frost; upon the winds

Came scattered past, spirits that shrieked and moaned,

Huddled together, or alone in woe,

"Who's that?" quoth I, "who rides the whirlwind there?"

For I beheld a spirit all in arms,

Who madly seemed to strive against the blast;
Upon his helm there streamed a meteor wild,
And in his hand he reared a blasted pine;

A moment, and no more, they seemed to fight

With equal force "I'm Odin!" shouted he

-

Then driven backwards by the storm, he fell.

--