But all his rescue were my act and deed; Was it so late then, when the Duke dismissed you? GORDON. Your hand bound up and in a scarf? BUTLER. That Illo fought as he was frantic, till At last we threw him on the ground. BUTLER. Is he in bed? GORDON. Ah, Butler! BUTLER. Both dead? Is he? speak. GORDON. He shall not perish! Not through you! The Heaven Refuses your arm, See 'tis wounded !— BUTLER. す There is no need of my arm. GORDON. The most guilty Have perished, and enough is given to justice. (The Groom of the Chamber advances from the gallery with his finger on his mouth, commanding silence.) GORDON. He sleeps! O murder not the holy sleep! BUTLER. No! he shall die awake. (is going.) GORDON. His heart still cleaves To earthly things: he's not prepared to step Into the presence of his God! BUTLER (going). God's merciful! GORDON (holds him). Grant him but this night's respite. BUTLER (hurrying off). May ruin all. The next moment GORDON (holds him still). One hour! BUTLER. Can that short respite profit him? GORDON. Unhold me! What O-Time Works miracles. In one hour many thousands May fall from Heaven and rescue him. O what BUTLER. You but remind me, How precious every minute is! (he stamps on the floor.) SCENE V. To these enter MACDONALD, and DEVEREUX, with the HALBERDIERS. GORDON (throwing himself between him and them). No, monster! First over my dead body thou shalt tread. BUTLER (forcing him out of the way). Weak-hearted dotard! (trumpets are heard in the distance.) DEVEREUX and MACDONALD. Hark! The Swedish trumpets! The Swedes before the ramparts! Let us hasten ! O, God of Mercy! BUTLER (calling after him). Governor, to your post! GROOM OF THE CHAMBER (hurries in). Who dares make larum here? Hush! The Duke sleeps. DEVEREUX (with loud harsh voice). Friend, it is time now to make larum. GROOM OF THE CHAMBER. Murder! BUTLER. Help! Down with him! GROOM OF THE CHAMBER (run through the body by Devereux, falls at the entrance of the gallery). VOL. III. Jesus Maria! EE [they rush over the body into the gallery—two doors are heard to crash one after the other-Voices deadened by the distance-Clash of arms—then all at once a profound silence. SCENE VI. COUNTESS TERTSKY (with a light). Her bed-chamber is empty; she herself Home from the banquet: Hark! I wonder whether Voices and tread of feet here! I will go And listen at the door. Hark! What is that? 'Tis hastening up the steps! |