V. The suburbs. Politian alone. Politian. This weakness grows upon me. I am faint, And much I fear me ill-it will not do To die ere I have lived!-Stay-stay thy hand, O Azrael, yet awhile!-Prince of the Powers Enter Baldazzar. Baldazzar. That knowing no cause of quarrel or of feud Between the Earl Politian and himself, He doth decline your cartel. Pol. What didst thou say ? What answer was it you brought me, good Baldazzar? With what excessive fragrance the zephyr comes No mortal eyes have seen!—what said the Count? Of any feud existing, or any cause Of quarrel between your lordship and himself Pol. It is most true All this is very true. When saw you, sir, When saw you now, Baldazzar, in the frigid Having no cause for quarrel. Pol. Now this is true All very true. you, Thou art my friend, Baldazzar, And I have not forgotten it-thou❜lt do me A piece of service; wilt thou go back and say Unto the Count-it is exceeding just He should have cause for quarrel. Bal. My lord!—my friend! sir: Pol. (aside.) 'Tis he he comes himself! (aloud.) thou reasonest well. I know what thou wouldst say-not send the message Well!-I will think of it-I will not send it. Cas. The Earl of Leicester here! Pol. I am the Earl of Leicester, and thou seest, Dost thou not? that I am here. Cas. My lord, some strange, Some singular mistake-misunderstanding Hath without doubt arisen: thou hast been urged (exit Bal.) Thereby, in heat of anger, to address Of nothing which might warrant thee in this thing, Do err at times. Pol. Draw, villain, and prate no more! Cas. Ha!-draw ?-and villain? have at thee then at once, Proud Earl! (draws.) Pol. (drawing.) Thus to the expiatory tomb, Untimely sepulchre, I do devote thee In the name of Lalage! Cas. (letting fall his sword and recoiling to the extremity of the stage.) Of Lalage! Hold off-thy sacred hand!—avaunt I say! Avaunt-I will not fight thee-indeed I dare not. Pol. Thou wilt not fight with me didst say, Sir Count? Shall I be baffled thus ?-now this is well; Didst say thou darest not? Ha! Cas. I dare not-dare not Hold off thy hand-with that beloved name Pol. Now by my halidom I do believe thee !-coward, I do believe thee! Cas. Ha!-coward !—this may not be ! (clutches his sword and staggers towards Politian, but his purpose is changed before reaching him, and he falls upon his knee at the feet of the Earl.) Alas! my lord, It is it is-most true. In such a cause I am the veriest coward. O pity me! Pol. (greatly softened.) Alas!—I do—indeed I pity thee Cas. And Lalage Pol. Scoundrel!—arise and die! Cas. It needeth not be-thus--thus-O let me die Thus on my bended knee. It were most fitting That in this deep humiliation I perish. For in the fight I will not raise a hand Strike thou home (baring his bosom.) Here is no let or hindrance to thy weapon- Pol. Now s'Death and Hell! Am I not-am I not sorely-grievously tempted The eyes of the citizens. I'll follow theeLike an avenging spirit I'll follow thee Even unto death. Before those whom thou lovest- Cas. Now this indeed is just! (exit.) Most righteous, and most just, avenging Heaven! |