Page:Keats - Poetical Works, DeWolfe, 1884.djvu/361

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OTHO THE GREAT.
345

Though I did hold you high in my esteem
For your self's sake, I do not personate
The stage-play emperor to entrap applause,
To set the silly sort o' the world agape,
And make the politic smile; no, I have heard
How in the Council you condemn'd this war,
Urging the perfidy of broken faith,—
For that I am your friend.

Gersa.If ever, sire,
You are my enemy, I dare here swear
'Twill not be Gersa's fault. Otho, farewell!

Otho. Will you return, Prince, to our banqueting?

Gersa. As to my father's board I will return.

Otho. Conrad, with all due ceremony, give
The prince a regal escort to his camp;
Albert, go thou and bear him company.
Gersa, farewell!

Gersa.All happiness attend you!

Otho. Return with what good speed you may; for soon
We must consult upon our terms of peace.
[Exeunt Gersa and Albert with others. 
And thus a marble column do I build
To prop my empire's dome. Conrad, in thee
I have another steadfast one to uphold
The portals of my state; and, for my own
Pre-eminence and safety, I will strive
To keep thy strength upon its pedestal.
For, without thee, this day I might have been
A show-monster about the streets of Prague,
In chains, as just now stood that noble prince:
And then to me no mercy had been shown,