MR TENNYSON'S NEW DRAMA.

Bruce Herald, Volume IX, Issue 893, 30 March 1877, Page 3

MR TENNYSON'S NEW DRAMA.

Mr Tennyson haa selected for his new drama the downfall of Harold and the Norman conquest of England. It is a tragedy in five acts. The subject is the overthrow of English freedom, the introduction of a hateful tyranny, and over the whole drama, down to the last moment when William finds the body of Harold on the field of battle, there hangs the shadow of doom. One scene in the garden of the King's house, where Edith, the ward of of Edward, and the affianced of Harold, sings the following little song, which has also its sad meaning in the lovea of the pair j — (Singing.) Love is come with a song and a smile, Welcome Love with a smile and a song : Love can stay but a little while. Why cannot he stay ? They call him away ; Ys do him wrong, ye do him wrong ; Love will stay for a whole life long. fn another scene, Harold having been crowned, has an interview with Edith in the King's garden ;— Edith : Lost to me ! Crowned, crowned and lost crowned king— and (Singing.) Two young loves in winter weather, None to guide them, Walk'd at night on the misty heather ; Night as black as a raven's feather, Both were lost and found together, None beside them. Edith sets Harold free to marry Aldwyth if he chooses, and gives him back the ring which he once, gave her, with the initials "H" and "E" upon it. Edith, when Harold is gone says :— I know nothing — but can pray For Harold — pray, pray, pray— no help but prayer, A breath that fleets beyond this iron world, And touches him that made it.