SIGISMUND. I'm a despot, and 'tis vain
You strive to move me, or my will restrain.
CLOTALDO [aside]. Oh, what a moment! what an agony!
I will go forth and stop him though I die.
[He advances.]
My lord, consider, stay . . . .
SIGISMUND. A second time you dare to cross my way.
Old dotard: do you hold
My rage in such slight awe you are so bold?
What brought you hither? Speak!
CLOTALDO. The accents of this voice, however weak,
To tell you to restrain
Your passions, if as King you wish to reign,—
Not to be cruel, though you deem
Yourself the lord of all, for all may be a dream.
SIGISMUND. You but provoke my rage
By these old saws, the unwelcome light of age,
In killing you, at least I'll see
If 'tis a dream or truth.
[As he is about to draw his dagger CLOTALDO detains it, and throws himself on his knees.]
CLOTALDO. Sole hope for me
To save my life is thus to humbly kneel.
SIGISMUND. Take your audacious hand from off my steel.
CLOTALDO. Till some kind aid be sent,
Till some one come who may your rage prevent,
I will not loose my hold.