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Show 468 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. to his degrading punishment. Sinking upon a seat, he meditates on the wretchedness of his fate. He is aroused from his abstraction by a certain noise, like the clash of arms ; a momentary terror seizes Warwick for the first time; the noise approaches, he suspects assassins, and prepares himself to meet the mortal blow. S C E N E VI.-Warriors bearing torches enter; Dudley is astonished ; Sommers advances at the head of his men, and informs Dudley that he is the bearer of liberty, and then presents him with a suit of armour ; the Earl, in an ecstacy of joy, seizes first the sword, and then arms himself from head to foot; he embraces his faithful friend, and returns thanks for his zeal in serving him. A U his wonted valour and intrepidity appear now to have returned, and he burns for combat. Sommers informs him that the people have revolted againstEdward, and^that the latteris already a prisoner in his own palace ; and that Margaret, the warrior-queen, at the head of her party, is making gigantic strides towards the throne. The pleasure and surprise of Warwick upon this are unbounded; Sommers counsels that not a moment may be lost, and commands all to depart instantly. As they are on the point of leaving the prison, Warwick suddenly stops; every one appears astonished, while the Earl seems reflecting on some new thought that has seized him. The warriors gaze on each other, as if inquiring what has caused this extraordinary pause. Warwickhas conceived a new project, that of a seasonable visit to the King, and he decides on pursuing this measure. H e exhibits marks of self-satisfaction at this new plan of conduct, and requires of his chiefs an oath of fidelity in pursuing his measures; they readily consent. " Well then," says Warwick, "let us act like heroes; and to wage war against a defenceless King, confined as a prisoner, is an action unworthy of heroism. Let us |