The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge - novelonlinefull.com
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_Butler (appears, but scarcely on the stage)._ A light gleams. .h.i.ther from the corridor.
It leads directly to the Duke's bedchamber.
_Gordon._ But then I break my oath to the Emperor; If he escape and strengthen the enemy, Do I not hereby call down on my head 10 All the dread consequences?
_Butler (stepping forward)._ Hark! Who speaks there?
_Gordon._ 'Tis better, I resign it to the hands Of providence. For what am I, that I Should take upon myself so great a deed?
I have not murdered him, if he be murdered: 15 But all his rescue were my act and deed; Mine--and whatever be the consequences, I must sustain them.
_Butler (advances)._ I should know that voice.
_Gordon._ Butler!
_Butler._ 'Tis Gordon. What do you want here?
Was it so late then, when the Duke dismissed you? 20
_Gordon._ Your hand bound up and in a scarf?
_Butler._ 'Tis wounded.
That Illo fought as he was frantic, till At last we threw him on the ground.
_Gordon._ Both dead?
_Butler._ Is he in bed?
_Gordon._ Ah, Butler!
_Butler._ Is he? speak.
_Gordon._ He shall not perish! Not through you! The Heaven 25 Refuses your arm. See--'tis wounded!--
_Butler._ 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 30 To earthly things: he's not prepared to step Into the presence of his G.o.d!
_Butler (going)._ G.o.d's merciful!
_Gordon (holds him)._ Grant him but this night's respite.
_Butler (hurrying off)._ The next moment May ruin all.
_Gordon (holds him still)._ One hour!----
_Butler._ Unhold me! What Can that short respite profit him?
_Gordon._ O--Time 35 Works miracles. In one hour many thousands Of grains of sand run out; and quick as they, Thought follows thought within the human soul.
Only one hour! Your heart may change its purpose, His heart may change its purpose--some new tidings 40 May come; some fortunate event, decisive, May fall from Heaven and rescue him. O what May not one hour achieve!
_Butler._ You but remind me, How precious every minute is!
(_He stamps on the floor._)
LINENOTES:
[13] that _I_ 1800, 1828, 1829.
[15] _I_ 1800, 1828, 1829.
[16] _my_ 1800, 1828, 1829.
[17] _Mine_ 1800, 1828, 1829.
[19] _you_ 1800, 1828, 1829.
[23] _Gordon (shuddering)._ Both dead? 1800, 1828, 1829.
[25] _not_ 1800, 1828, 1829.
[26] _your_ 1800, 1828.
[27] _my_ 1800, 1828, 1829.
[39] _Your_ 1800, 1828, 1829.
[40] _His_ 1800, 1828, 1829.
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.
I will not live to see the accursed deed!
_Butler (forcing him out of the way)._ Weak-hearted dotard!
[_Trumpets are heard in the distance._
_Devereux and Macdonald._ Hark! The Swedish trumpets!
