‘May it please your Highness, the troops are pouring in from all quarters.’
‘‘Tis Asriel.’
‘No, your Highness, ‘tis not the guard. Methinks they are Scherirah’s men.’
‘Hum! What it all is, I know not; but very foul play I do not doubt. Where’s Honain?’
‘With the Queen, Sire.’
‘‘Tis well. What’s that shout?’
‘Here’s the messenger from Asriel. Make way! way!’
‘Well! how is’t, Sir?’
‘Please your Highness, I could not reach the guard.’
‘Could not reach the guard! God of my fathers! who should let thee?’