Act 1 — Scene IV.

Wanda, Leszek.

The clang of arms is heard in the distance.

Leszek (entering hurriedly.)

My queen! I bring this strange intelligence:

The German army, with a vast array,

Have cross’d the weakly guarded frontier;

Havoc and sacrilege their march attend.

Wanda.

Let all the dukes their varied corps assemble,

Wanda herself will lead them to the field;

25The bravest people that the world can boast,

Shall never murmur at their timid queen,

But rather say, she burns to be our guide;

To combat for our country, and our gods;

Dread powers! be this, our rightful cause, your care,

’Tis yours to award us victory, or death!

[Exeunt omnes.

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