He will be satiate and stay his hand. How are ye minded? Let your Deacons speak. DEACON OF THE MARINERS. We of the mariners' craft approve the counsel. DEACON OF THE CORDWAINERS. There's nothing better can be done. DEACON OF THE FULLERS. Agreed. Our craft was never forward in the war. DEACON OF THE WEAVERS. But, Master Philip, said you not three ways There were to choose of? Tell us what remains. You may ARTEVELDE. have patience and expect the close. If nothing else seem fit, betake yourselves Unto your churches; at the altar's foot Kneel down and pray, and make a Christian end, And God will then have mercy on your souls. This is the second way. DEACON OF THE WEAVERS. And what the third ? ARTEVELDE. If there be found amongst you men whose blood Then there's this third way open-but not else. L That with our little left of food and wine MANY VOICES. Choose for us, Master Philip: You are more wise than we. ARTEVELDE. If by my choice Ye will abide a soldier's death for me! A GREAT MANY VOICES. To Bruges, to Bruges; a venture forth to Bruges. ARTEVELDE. Why yet, then, in our embers there is life! To the West Port. Five thousand will I choose MANY CITIZENS AGAIN. For Bruges! for Bruges! 'tis gallantly resolved. ARTEVELDE. Then fare ye well, ye citizens of Ghent ! Fortune has not been kind to me, good friends; FIRST CITIZEN. Oh, Master Philip, there is none-not one. SECOND CITIZEN. Most justly and most wisely you have ruled us. ARTEVELDE. I thank you, sirs; farewell to you, once more. Such as no city since the olden time -God's will be done! If I return no more- [He descends. The people come round him, seizing his hands, and Nay, press not on me, friends; I see ye weep, SCENE IV.-The Vestibule of the Church of St. Nicholas.-At the extreme end of it, VAN RYK is seen keeping guard over the door which gives access to the church tower.—In front, CLARA appears, followed at a little distance by VAN AESWYN. CLARA. Still he pursues me; but I will not bear it. AESWYN. With your leave, I have an errand for your private ear. CLARA. My private ear! I have no private ear! AESWYN. To pardon my presumption. I beseech you CLARA. Well, what then? It is not past forgiveness; no, no, no, I freely pardon you. AESWYN. I thank you, madam ; And were I but permitted to speak out All that he bade me say— CLARA. That he what he? AESWYN. The Lord of Arlon, madam. CLARA. Lord of what? AESWYN. Sir Walter, Lord of Arlon. CLARA. Oh! Sir Walter, Sir Walter D'Arlon-a good knight, they say: AESWYN. There's here a bench; If you'll be seated: for you look so pale . . . . CLARA. No, I can stand-I think-well then, I'll sit. AESWYN. The Lord of Arlon, madam, Imparted to me that of all the griefs That Fortune had dealt out to him, was none Lay lance in rest or do a feat of arms And each success in which he might have triumph'd |