SCENE 2. _A street in London. Citizens, friars, priests, pass in

devout manner, some bearing crucifixes._

_First Cit._ A day, a day, O, such a day!

_Second Cit._ 'Twill make a new page in our chronicles, the like ne'er read before.

_Third Cit._ Nay, when Saxon Edward came back from conquered Wales----

_Fourth Cit._ Ay, 'twas such a day of holy joy!

_Second Cit._ But not so general.

_First Cit._ And guards with arms kept order in the streets.

_Third Cit._ But now there's no authority abroad save that comes from our hearts. Surely the air is charged with drug of peace, and all men breathe it.

_First Cit._ Where meets the council? In the Tower chamber?

_Third Cit._ Nay, at Westminster palace.

_Second Cit._ That's three miles. We must push on if we would see them enter. [_They move off_]

_First Friar._ How meanly does it speak for this proud world That when the devil lays his weapons by And peace and love for one day reign o'er all, That it should wonder at itself, and cry "A miracle!"

_Second Friar._ In holy Edward's time, The nuns of Beda joined the council in Concerted praise, for 'twas their prayerful fast Kept Heaven with the king and gave us Wales; And 'twas decreed that ever on such days The nuns from this most blest and ancient abbey Should with the great assembly kneel in praise.

_First Friar._ And so they do this day. The legate, Gualo, Sent invitation from the king.

_Second Friar._ The king? This shows most well in him.

_First Friar._ If we haste on, We'll see the sisters passing toward the palace.

_Second friar._ Let's forward then. God save so good a king!

[_Exeunt. Curtain_]