Pres. Let the lots be prepared; it shall be to-night.
Prince Paul. Ah, this is really interesting! I was getting afraid conspiracies were as dull as courts are.
Prof. Marfa. My forte is more in writing pamphlets than in taking shots. Still a regicide has always a place in history.
Mich. If your pistol is as harmless as your pen, this young tyrant will have a long life.
Prince Paul. You ought to remember, too, Professor, that if you were seized, as you probably would be, and hung, as you certainly would be, there would be nobody left to read your own articles.
Pres. Brothers, are you ready?
Vera (starting up). Not yet! Not yet! I have a word to say.
Mich. (aside). [15]Plague take her! I knew it would come to this.[15]
Vera. This boy has been our brother. Night after night he has perilled his own life to come here. [16]Night after night, when every street was filled with spies, every house with traitors.[16] Delicately nurtured like a king's son, he has dwelt among us.
Pres. Ay! under a false name. [17]He lied to us at the beginning. He lies to us now at the end.[17]