312
CONSTANTINE PALEOLOGUS;
FOURTH CROWD.
(Several together.) There is no harm in that; peace all of you!
CONSTANTINE.
Was it the voice of children or of foes
That call'd me forth?
THIRD CROWD.
CONSTANTINE.
Support, and honour, and obey their sire:
They put their aiding hand to every burden
That presses on him: ever gather round him
When dark misfortune lowers; and, strong in them,
He lifts his honour'd head amidst the storm
Blessing and bless'd.
But I have stood in the dark pass alone,
Facing its fiercest onset. In your homes,
Ye've stretch'd your easy limbs and fann'd your brows,
Whilst I in parching toil have spent the day,
Aided by strangers. Ye too truly say
"Are we thy children?"When my sky was clear,
