Page:Keats - Poetical Works, DeWolfe, 1884.djvu/369

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OTHO THE GREAT.
353

Hearing that his brave son had re-appeared,
Instant dismiss'd the Council from his sight,
As Jove fans off the clouds. Even now they pass.
[Exit. 

[Enter the Nobles from the Council-room. They cross the Stage, bowing
  with respect to Ludolph, he frowning on them. Conrad follows
  Exeunt Nobles.
Ludolph. Not the discolored poisons of a fen,
Which he, who breathes, feels warning of his death.
Could taste so nauseous to the bodily sense,
As these prodigious sycophants disgust
The soul's fine palate

Conrad.Princely Ludolph, hail!
Welcome, thou younger sceptre to the realm!
Strength to thy virgin crownet's golden buds,
That they, against the winter of thy sire,
May burst, and swell, and flourish round thy brows,
Maturing to a weighty diadem!
Yet be that hour far off: and may he live,
Who waits for thee, as the chapp'd earth for rain.
Set my life's star! I have lived long enough,
Since under my glad roof, propitiously,
Father and son each other re-possess.

Ludolph. Fine wording, Duke! but words could never yet
Forestall the fates; have you not learnt that yet?
Let me look well: your features are the same;
Your gait the same; your hair of the same shade;
As one I knew some passed weeks ago,
Who sung far different notes into mine ears.
I have mine own particular comments on't;
You have your own perhaps.