Page:Felicia Hemans in The Court Magazine Volume IV 1834.pdf/5

DOGE.
They are not nigh.
Soldiers! (Enter armed men.)
Thy guards are these.
CARMAGNOLA.
I am betrayed!
DOGE.
'Twas then a thought of wisdom to disperse
Thy followers. Well and justly was it deemed
That the bold traitor, in his plots surprised,
Might prove a rebel too.
CARMAGNOLA.
E'en as ye list;
Now be it yours to charge me.
DOGE.
Bear him hence,
Before the Secret College.
CARMAGNOLA.
Hear me yet
One moment first. That ye have doomed my death
I well perceive; but with that death ye doom
Your own eternal shame. Far o'er those towers,
Beyond its ancient bounds, majestic floats
The banner of the Lion, in its pride
Of conquering power; and well doth Europe know
I bore it thus to empire. Here, 'tis true,
No voice will speak men's thoughts; but far beyond
The limits of your sway, in other scenes
Where that still, speechless terror hath not reached,
Which is your sceptre's attribute; my deeds,
And your reward, will live in chronicles
For ever to endure. Yet, yet respect
Your annals and the future! Ye will need
A warrior soon, and who will then be yours?
Forget not, though your captive now I stand,
I was not born your subject. No! my birth
Was 'midst a warlike people; one in soul,
And watchful o'er its rights, and used to deem
The honour of each citizen its own.
Think ye this outrage will be there unheard?
—There is some treachery here. Our common foes
Have urged you on to this. Full well ye know
I have been faithful still. There yet is time—
DOGE.
The time is past. When thou didst meditate
Thy guilt, and, in thy pride of heart, defy
Those destined to chastise it, then the hour
Of foresight should have been.
CARMAGNOLA.
O mean in soul!
And dost thou dare to think a warrior's breast
For worthless life can tremble? Thou shalt soon
Learn how to die. Go! when the hour of fate