Cal. Whoe'er
The culprit be whom I accuse of treason?
Ben. Without doubt, he will be brought up to trial.
Cal. And on this testimony would he perish?
Ben. So your confession be detailed and full,80
He will stand here in peril of his life.
Cal. Then look well to thy proud self, President!
For by the Eternity which yawns before me,
I swear that thou, and only thou, shall be
The traitor I denounce upon that rack,
If I be stretched there for the second time.
One of the Giunta.
Lord President,'twere best proceed to judgment;
There is no more to be drawn from these men.[fc]
Ben. Unhappy men! prepare for instant death.
The nature of your crime—our law—and peril90
The State now stands in, leave not an hour's respite.
Guards! lead them forth, and upon the balcony
Of the red columns, where, on festal Thursday,[450]
The Doge stands to behold the chase of bulls,
Let them be justified: and leave exposed
Their wavering relics, in the place of judgment,
To the full view of the assembled people!
And Heaven have mercy on their souls!
The Giunta. Amen!
I. Ber. Signors, farewell! we shall not all again
Meet in one place.
Ben. And lest they should essay100
To stir up the distracted multitude—
Guards! let their mouths be gagged[451] even in the act
Of execution. Lead them hence!