94
THE DEATH OF
In vain the human being meditates
Free action. He is but the wire-work'd[1] puppet
Of the blind power, which out of his own choice
Creates for him a dread necessity.
What too would it avail him, if there were
A something pleading for him in my heart—
Still I must kill him.
Free action. He is but the wire-work'd[1] puppet
Of the blind power, which out of his own choice
Creates for him a dread necessity.
What too would it avail him, if there were
A something pleading for him in my heart—
Still I must kill him.
GORDON.
If your heart speak to you,
Follow its impulse. 'Tis the voice of God.
Think you your fortunes will grow prosperous
Bedew'd with blood, his blood? Believe it not!
If your heart speak to you,
Follow its impulse. 'Tis the voice of God.
Think you your fortunes will grow prosperous
Bedew'd with blood, his blood? Believe it not!
BUTLER.
You know not. Ask not! Wherefore should it happen,
That the Swedes gain'd the victory, and hasten
With such forc'd marches hitherward? Fain would I
Have given him to the Emperor's mercy.—Gordon!
I do not wish his blood—But I must ransom
The honour of my word—it lies in pledge—
And he must die, or———
(passionately grasping Gordon's hand.)
Listen then, and know!
I am dishonour'd if the Duke escape us.
You know not. Ask not! Wherefore should it happen,
That the Swedes gain'd the victory, and hasten
With such forc'd marches hitherward? Fain would I
Have given him to the Emperor's mercy.—Gordon!
I do not wish his blood—But I must ransom
The honour of my word—it lies in pledge—
And he must die, or———
(passionately grasping Gordon's hand.)
Listen then, and know!
I am dishonour'd if the Duke escape us.
GORDON.
O! to save such a man———
O! to save such a man———
- ↑ We doubt the propriety of putting so blasphemous a sentiment in the mouth of any character. T.
BUTLER.
