84
THE DEATH OF
GORDON.
'Tis even so.
'Tis even so.
BUTLER.
It is not possible with such small force
To hold in custody a man like him.
It is not possible with such small force
To hold in custody a man like him.
GORDON.
I grant it.
I grant it.
BUTLER.
Soon the numbers would disarm us,
And liberate him.
Soon the numbers would disarm us,
And liberate him.
GORDON.
It were to be fear'd.
It were to be fear'd.
BUTLER. (after a pause.)
Know, I am warranty for the event;
With my head have I pledg'd myself for his,
Must make my word good, cost it what it will,
And if alive we cannot hold him prisoner,
Why—death makes all things certain!
Know, I am warranty for the event;
With my head have I pledg'd myself for his,
Must make my word good, cost it what it will,
And if alive we cannot hold him prisoner,
Why—death makes all things certain!
GORDON.
Butler! What?
Do I understand you? Gracious God! You could—
Butler! What?
Do I understand you? Gracious God! You could—
BUTLER.
He must not live.
He must not live.
GORDON.
And you can do the deed!
And you can do the deed!
BUTLER.
Either you or I. This morning was his last.
Either you or I. This morning was his last.
GORDON.
You would assassinate him?
You would assassinate him?
BUTLER.
'Tis my purpose.
'Tis my purpose.
GOR-
