406
OTHO THE GREAT.
Join a loud voice to mine, and so denounce
What I alone will execute!
What I alone will execute!
Otho.Dear son,
What is it? By your father's love, I sue
That it be nothing merciless!
What is it? By your father's love, I sue
That it be nothing merciless!
Ludolph.To that demon?
Not so! No! She is in temple-stall
Being garnish'd for the sacrifice, and I,
The Priest of Justice, will immolate her
Upon the altar of wrath! She stings me through!—
Even as the worm doth feed upon the nut,
So she, a scorpion, preys upon my brain!
I feel her gnawing here! Let her but vanish,
Then, father, I will lead your legions forth,
Compact in steeled squares, and speared files,
And bid our trumpets speak a fell rebuke
To nations drowsed in peace!
Not so! No! She is in temple-stall
Being garnish'd for the sacrifice, and I,
The Priest of Justice, will immolate her
Upon the altar of wrath! She stings me through!—
Even as the worm doth feed upon the nut,
So she, a scorpion, preys upon my brain!
I feel her gnawing here! Let her but vanish,
Then, father, I will lead your legions forth,
Compact in steeled squares, and speared files,
And bid our trumpets speak a fell rebuke
To nations drowsed in peace!
Otho.To-morrow, son,
Be your word law; forget to-day—
Be your word law; forget to-day—
Ludolph.I will
When I have finished it! Now,—now, I'm pight,
Tight-footed for the deed!
When I have finished it! Now,—now, I'm pight,
Tight-footed for the deed!
Erminia.Alas! Alas!
Ludolph. What angel's voice is that? Erminia!
Ah! gentlest creature, whose sweet innocence
Was almost murder'd; I am penitent,
Wilt thou forgive me? And thou, holy man,
Good Ethelbert, shall I die in peace with you?
Ah! gentlest creature, whose sweet innocence
Was almost murder'd; I am penitent,
Wilt thou forgive me? And thou, holy man,
Good Ethelbert, shall I die in peace with you?
Erminia. Die, my lord!
Ludolph.I feel it possible.
Otho.Physician?
Physician. I fear me he is past my skill.
