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Show 464 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. prisoner, still menaces Edward with revenge. The distress of Elizabeth is now extreme. Tears and prayers find no attention from Edward, who reproaches her with having concealed her real sentiments. She again supplicates, and is again disregarded. Edward appears by turns tormented with the remembrance of the insults he has endured by jealousy and by love, and is on the point of devoting Dudley to destruction in his rage, but some remaining sense of gratitude restrains him, and he curbs his fury. Elizabeth intercedes for the offender, and begs the King to do an action worthy of his rank ; but he declares that his resolution is unchangeable. S C E N E V.-Suffolk enters, and informs the King that his orders are strictly obeyed with regard to Warwick, but that the people murmur at his arrest; that the hero is greatly beloved in London, and that Edward may have just cause shortly to fear the consequences of this measure. H e appears surprised at this news, but after a moment's reflection, he resumes all the haughtiness peculiar to his station, and, like an absolute prince, tells his confident that it will be a very easy matter to tame and keep down the people. He commands him to make preparations for quelling the tumult, and, approaching Suffolk, whispers him, and seems to communicate a secret of importance. The Duke shows a ready submission to the wishes of the King, and departs. Edward now accuses Elizabeth of all that has happened, and reproaches her with indifference, at the same time allowing some marks of affection to escape him ; he then retires, threatening all who shall dare to oppose his authority. S C E N E VI.-The situation of Elizabeth still appears deplorable ; hope itself has abandoned her. Her attendants having entered, employ every means of consoling |
