Vortigern Studies Index

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SCENE V. - THE CAMP OF HENGIST.

Enter HENGIST and Officer.

Heng. Hath Horsus yet been found ?

Off. Thrice has the field,with greatest care, been search'd;
But all in vain.

Heng. Then, have I lost my first, my dearest friend:
If he be slain, by the great gods I swear,
I will revenge him on these Scottish-men.
But, whither are the princes now retir'd ?

Off. Towards Badon Hill.
The day was bloody, and it cost us dear:
The Scots were firm, and fought us, man to man:
Four thousand souls have perish'd.

Heng. Good heav'ns!

Enter another Officer.

What's thy business ?

2nd Off. Fourteen thousand troops have join'd our army,
And with them your fair daughter; - look, she comes!

Enter Rowena.

Row. (Kneeling.) 0! joy once more to see my father's
face.

Heng. Rise, rise, my child!

Row. First with my kisses let me dew this hand,
And round a father's neck these arms entwine.

Enter Soldier.

Sold. From London, Vortigern is on his march;
And comes, in haste, to greet your late success.

Heng. 'Tis well ! go straight, put all in readiness.
Retire! I would be private with my daughter.

Off. We obey, my lord. [Exeunt Officers.

Heng. Daughter, thou heard'st but now o'th' King's
approach.

Row. Your officer so express'd it!

Heng. True! and dost hear, much rests with thee to act.

Row. If aught, dear father, my poor services
Can aid thee, but command, and I'll obey.

Heng. Thus then it is:I shall prepare a feast,
And greet the King with joy and merriment.
Women, I know, have very many ways,
And subtle traps, to catch the hearts of men.
So practice all your wiles to win Ins love.

Row. But should I fail?

Heng. Nay, fear it not; his nature well I know.
Come to my tent, and there we'll weigh this business.

[Exeunt.

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