Ah, could we hide us here in a cleft of the night,
And never be found!
Ah, could we hide us in the night,
And never be found!
They tell each other their names, and Aethelwold horror-stricken learns who she is. As Aelfrida leaves him, to return in a moment, the henchman is left alone to make his decision. The orchestra tells us of his inner strife, we hear reminders of the King’s motive, and the pledge; he tries to flee, but her voice detains him, and as Maccus appears seeking him, he gives way to his temptation and dispatches his harper to the King, with this message:
“Maccus, go back unto the King,
And say to him:
That I have seen the maiden,
And found her nothing fair.
A comely maid enough, and friendly spoken,
But nothing for the King.
Further say: