Whose heritage doth impose no common task
On him that bears it. One, which to adorn
With brighter blazonry were hard emprize.
My name is Pergola.
Car. And art thou then
That warrior's son?
Per. I am.
Car.Approach! embrace
Thy father's early friend! What thou art now
I was, when first we met. Oh! thou dost bring
Back on my heart remembrance of the days,
The young, and joyous, and adventurous days
Of hope and ardour. And despond not thou!
My dawn, 'tis true, with brighter omens smil'd,
But still fair Fortune's glorious promises
Are for the brave, and though delay'd awhile,
She soon or late fulfils them. Youth! salute
Thy sire for me; and say, though not of thee
I ask'd it, yet my heart is well assured
He counsell'd not this battle.
Per.Oh! he gave
Far other counsels, but his fruitless words
Were spoken to the winds.
Car.Lament thou not.
Upon his chieftain's head the shame will rest
Of this defeat; and he who firmly stood
Fix'd at his post of peril, hath begun
A soldier's race full nobly. Follow me,
I will restore thy sword.
The fourth act is occupied by the machinations of the Count's enemies at Venice; and the jealous and complicated policy of that Republic, and despotic authority of the Council of Ten, are skilfully developed in many of the scenes.
The first scene of the fifth act opens at Venice in the hall of the Council of Ten. Carmagnola is consulted by the Doge on the terms of peace offer ed by the Duke of Milan. His advice is received with disdain, and after various insults, he is accused of treason. His astonishment and indignation at this unexpected charge are expressed with all the warmth and simplicity of innocence.
Car. A traitor! I!—that name of infamy
Reaches not me. Let him the title bear,
Who best deserves such meed—it is not mine.
Call me a dupe, and I may well submit,
For such my part is here; yet would I not
