And is your bosom steeled
To pity, as to truth? Hear me—but hear me!
I’ll buy his life.—I’ll pay your price of blood!
Heap vengeance on my head. I’ll bear it all!
But save him! Do an act which shall bring down
The blessings of a broken heart upon you!
Which shall unlock the treasures of Heaven’s mercy,
And bid you draw from its deep fount at will!
Contarini.
These prayers are idle. Could they aught avail,