Page:Keats - Poetical Works, DeWolfe, 1884.djvu/351

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Fresh hatch'd in my ambition's eagle-nest;
So thrived I as a rebel,—and, behold!
Now I am Otho's favorite, his dear friend,
His right hand, his brave Conrad!

 Auranthe.I confess
You have intrigued with these unsteady times
To admiration. But to be a favorite!

 Conrad. I saw my moment. The Hungarians,
Collected silently in holes and corners,
Appear'd, a sudden host, in the open day.
I should have perish'd in our empire's wreck,
But, calling interest loyalty, swore faith
To most believing Otho; and so help'd
His blood-stain'd ensigns to the victory
In yesterday's hard fight, that it has turned
The edge of his sharp wrath to eager kindness.

 Auranthe. So far yourself. But what is this to me
More than that I am glad? I gratulate you.

 Conrad. Yes, sister, but it does regard you greatly.
Nearly, momentously,—aye, painfully!
Make me this vow—

 Auranthe.Concerning whom or what?

 Conrad. Albert!

 Auranthe.I would inquire somewhat of him:
You had a letter from me touching him?
No treason 'gainst his head in deed or word!
Surely you spared him at my earnest prayer?
Give me the letter—it should not exist!

 Conrad. At one pernicious charge of the enemy,
I, for a moment-whiles, was prisoner ta'en
And rifled,—stuff! the horses' hoofs have minced it!

 Auranthe. He is alive?