Gordon. That 'tis only
A 'has been' washes out no villainy.
And without judgment passed?

Butler. The execution
Is here instead of judgment.

Gordon. This were murder,
Not justice. The most guilty should be heard. 30

Butler. His guilt is clear, the Emperor has passed judgment,
[[773]] And we but execute his will.

Gordon. We should not
Hurry to realize a bloody sentence.
A word may be recalled, a life can never be.

Butler. Dispatch in service pleases sovereigns. 35

Gordon. No honest man's ambitious to press forward
To the hangman's service.

Butler. And no brave man loses
His colour at a daring enterprize.

Gordon. A brave man hazards life, but not his conscience.

Butler. What then? Shall he go forth anew to kindle 40
The unextinguishable flame of war?