duke.
Fell hag! thy boding screech
Too surely sped. They come! Protect me, Heaven!
Enter four Assassins, masked. Three of them attack the Duke, ere he can make signals for the Guard; whilst their leader seizes on Hermione.
hermione.
Help!—murderers! Unhand me, wretch. [He stops her mouth.
carlos.
Wretch! 'tis thy Carlos come to woo—not now
To kiss thy very footprints, and the earth
Whereon they fell! I'll bear thee hence, my mistress;
And thou shalt live my menial slave. Rage not—
I'll tame thy spirit, lady. Thou shalt crouch,
My gentle captive, as thy Carlos once,
To lick the dust, and I will spurn thee. Nay,
Content thee, dame, our friends will do thee service.
[The Duke defends himself against his assailants. One of the Assassins falls.
duke.
There, villain! my good brand hath served thee.
[Hermione, whilst struggling with Carlos, frees herself by a sudden effort, and seizes the sword of the dying ruffian.
hermione.
I'll bury this, deep, to thy heart, monster,
If thou approach. Help, guards!
carlos.
Thy tongue I fear
More than thy weapon. [Attempts to cover her mouth.
hermione.
Then to thy doom, hell-destined spirit! [Stabs him.
carlos.
Oh—fly!—save ye, my friends—escape whilst yet—
The guards—this fiend hath summon'd—— [Falls.
hermione (rushes towards the Duke).
Cowards! ye cannot escape. They come!