Howell. Lo, here an herald sent from Mordred’s camp:

A froward message, if I read aright.

We mought not stir his wrath; perhaps this may:

Persuasions cannot move a Briton’s mood,

And yet none sooner stung with present wrong.

[Aside.]

Herald. Hail, peerless prince! whiles fortune would, our king,

Though now bereft of crown and former rule.

Vouchsafe me leave my message to impart,

No jot enforc’d, but as your son affords.