Mich. Ay, and by the sword not by the goose-quill.
Vera. Where are the letters from Poland?
Prof. Here.
Vera. Unhappy Poland! The eagles of Russia have fed on her heart. We must not forget our brothers there.[22]
Pres. Is this true, Michael?
Mich. Ay, I stake my life on it.
Pres. [23]Let the doors be locked, then.[23] Alexis Ivanacievitch entered on our roll of the brothers as a Student of the School of Medicine at Moscow. Why did you not tell us of this bloody scheme[24] of martial law?
Alex. I, President?
Mich. Ay, you! You knew it, none better. Such weapons as these are not forged in a day. Why did you not tell us of it? A week ago there had been time [25]to lay the mine, to raise the barricade, to strike one blow at least for liberty.[25] But now the hour is past. It is too late, [26]it is too late![26] Why did you keep it a secret from us, I say?
Alex. Now by the hand of freedom, Michael, my brother, you wrong me. I knew nothing of this hideous law. By my soul, my brothers, I knew not of it! How should I know?