Gordon. If your heart speak to you,
Follow its impulse. 'Tis the voice of God.
Think you your fortunes will grow prosperous
Bedewed with blood—his blood? Believe it not!
Butler. You know not. Ask not! Wherefore should it happen, 55
That the Swedes gained the victory, and hasten
With such forced marches hitherward? Fain would I
Have given him to the Emperor's mercy.—Gordon!
I do not wish his blood—But I must ransom
The honour of my word—it lies in pledge— [60]
And he must die, or—— [Passionately grasping Gordon's hand.
Listen then, and know!
I am dishonoured if the Duke escape us.
Gordon. O! to save such a man——
Butler. What!
Gordon. It is worth
A sacrifice.—Come, friend! Be noble-minded!
Our own heart, and not other men's opinions, [65]
Forms our true honour.
Butler. He is a great Lord,
This Duke—and I am but of mean importance.
This is what you would say? Wherein concerns it
The world at large, you mean to hint to me,
Whether the man of low extraction keeps 70
Or blemishes his honour—
So that the man of princely rank be saved.
We all do stamp our value on ourselves.
The price we challenge for ourselves is given us.
There does not live on earth the man so stationed, 75
That I despise myself compared with him.
Man is made great or little by his own will;
Because I am true to mine, therefore he dies.
Gordon. I am endeavouring to move a rock.
Thou hadst a mother, yet no human feelings. 80
I cannot hinder you, but may some God
Rescue him from you! [Exit Gordon.
FOOTNOTES:
[777:1] We doubt the propriety of putting so blasphemous a sentiment in the mouth of any character.—T[ranslator]. 1800, 1828, 1829.