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OTHO THE GREAT.
For when the conquer'd lion is once dungeoned,
Who lets him forth again? or dares to give
An old lion sugar-cakes of mild reprieve?
Not to thine ear alone I make confession,
But to all here, as, by experience,
I know how the great basement of all power
Is frankness, and a true tongue to the world;
And how intriguing secresy is proof
Of fear and weakness, and a hollow state,
Conrad, I owe thee much.
Who lets him forth again? or dares to give
An old lion sugar-cakes of mild reprieve?
Not to thine ear alone I make confession,
But to all here, as, by experience,
I know how the great basement of all power
Is frankness, and a true tongue to the world;
And how intriguing secresy is proof
Of fear and weakness, and a hollow state,
Conrad, I owe thee much.
Conrad.To kiss that hand,
My emperor, is ample recompense,
For a mere act of duty.
My emperor, is ample recompense,
For a mere act of duty.
Otho.Thou art wrong;
For what can any man on earth do more?
We will make trial of your house's welcome,
My bright Auranthe!
For what can any man on earth do more?
We will make trial of your house's welcome,
My bright Auranthe!
Conrad. How is Friedburg honored!
Enter Ethelbert and six Monks.
Ethelbert. The benison of heaven on your head,
Imperial Otho!
Ethelbert. The benison of heaven on your head,
Imperial Otho!
Otho.Who stays me? Speak! Quick!
Ethelbert. Pause but one moment, mighty conqueror!
Upon the threshold of this house of joy.
Upon the threshold of this house of joy.
Otho. Pray, do not prose, good Ethelbert, but speak
What is your purpose.
What is your purpose.
Ethelbert. The restoration of some captive maids,
Devoted to Heaven's pious ministries,
Who, driven forth from their religious cells,
And kept in thraldom by our enemy,
When late this province was a lawless spoil,
Devoted to Heaven's pious ministries,
Who, driven forth from their religious cells,
And kept in thraldom by our enemy,
When late this province was a lawless spoil,
