BOOK THE TENTH.
379
Destroyed the fell destroyer? if thy hand 180
Had pierced the Ruffian as he burst thy door
Prepar'd for midnight murder, would'st thou feel
The weight of blood press heavy on thy soul?
I slew the Wolves of State, the Murderers
Of thousands. JOAN! when rusted in its sheath, 185
The sword of Justice hung, blam'st thou the man
That lent his weapon for the virtuous deed?"
Had pierced the Ruffian as he burst thy door
Prepar'd for midnight murder, would'st thou feel
The weight of blood press heavy on thy soul?
I slew the Wolves of State, the Murderers
Of thousands. JOAN! when rusted in its sheath, 185
The sword of Justice hung, blam'st thou the man
That lent his weapon for the virtuous deed?"
Conrade replied. "Nay, Richemont, it were well
To pierce the ruffian as he burst thy doors;
But if he bear the plunder safely thence, 190
And thou should'st meet him on the future day;
Vengeance must not be thine: there is the Law
To punish; and if thy impatient hand,
Unheard and uncondemn'd, should execute
Death on that man, Justice will not allow 195
The Judge in the Accuser!"
"Thou hast said
Right wisely, Warrior!" cried the Constable;
To pierce the ruffian as he burst thy doors;
But if he bear the plunder safely thence, 190
And thou should'st meet him on the future day;
Vengeance must not be thine: there is the Law
To punish; and if thy impatient hand,
Unheard and uncondemn'd, should execute
Death on that man, Justice will not allow 195
The Judge in the Accuser!"
"Thou hast said
Right wisely, Warrior!" cried the Constable;
"But
